Seven Ponds Hike
A scenic, steep high-altitude challenge.
A short and sweet* hike to a breathtaking destination
If steep trails excite you, the Seven Ponds hike will exhilarate you. Located conveniently between the notoriously steep Table Mountain and Rurimeria trails, the Seven Ponds trail combines the dramatic steepness of its two siblings. It delivers a breathtaking trek across the golden moorland leading to the seven ponds. The 5.5km trail starts near Mikeu center and ends at an elevation of 3,831m at the seven natural ponds in the northern Nyandarua moorland.
Things to Keep in Mind
- This is a high-altitude hike, therefore, come prepared to take it very slow from start to finish so you have an enjoyable experience. Stop ascent if you feel unwell.
- The weather in the high altitudes changes fast. Please remember to pack rain clothes and a warm jacket.
- The trail has very steep, slippery, and rocky sections. A trekking pole is useful but not mandatory. However, waterproof boots with good traction are crucial for this hike.
Seven Ponds Hike Distance & Stats
Distance: 11km
Maximum Elevation: 3,831m
Maximum Elevation Gain: 1,048m
Duration: 6-8 hours
Trail Grading: Steep inclines with some rocky sections
Difficulty Rating: Difficult ​​
Beginner-friendly: No
Child-friendly: Fit 12+
Seven Ponds Hike Itinerary
4:15 a.m Meet up on Simba Street, off City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
4:30 a.m Departure for Wanjohi Shopping Center.
08:30 Arrival at Wanjohi Shopping Center
09:00 a.m Hike Starts
02:00 p.m Mandatory turn-back and descent in order to avoid encounters with wild animals after dusk
06:00 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Charges
Ticket | By Bus | Self-Drive |
Kenyan & EAC Citizens | KESÂ 5,200 | KESÂ 3,300 |
Foreign Kenyan Residents | KES 5,500 | KES 3,600 |
Non-Resident Foreigners | US$ 105.00 | NA |
* Non-Resident African Citizen: $30 off the non-resident rate
Mpesa Till 989985
Trip Includes & Cancellation Policy
Included in your ticket
The Outdoorer Promise:
- 7:1 hiker to guide ratio on day hikes and 4:1 hiker to guide ratio on expeditions.
- Additional guidance and support from Outdoorer Champions.Â
- At least one skilled paramedic (up to 5Â depending on the group size).
- A thorough emergency action plan for any emergencies that may arise.
- Other ticket-includes as detailed below.
Day Hike-Includes:
- Transport from Nairobi and back
- Park fees & charges
- Armed ranger fees where applicable
- Guide services
- Paramedic services
- A liter of water, glucose, and fruits
- 5% discount on gear purchases
What to Wear
- Quick-drying tshirt
- Quick-drying pants
- Fleece jacket
- Sun hat or cap
- Well-treaded hiking shoes
What to Carry
- 3L water and suitable snacks
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Trekking pole
- Identification documents
How to Prepare for the Hike
- Engage in active cardio exercises such as aerobics, walking, running, cycling, and swimming among others the week prior to the event.
- Set aside the day before the hike for resting--take a break from exercises.
- Increase your hydration at least two days to the hike.
- Purpose to get enough rest the night before the hike.Â
- If on intermittent fasting or on a diet, take a break in the period one day before and after the hike. This way, you will build up your energy reserves for the arduous task ahead.
- Cut your toe nails!
- Have a generous breakfast at least 3 hours before the start of the hike. This ensures that most of the food has been digested by the time you begin the hike, giving you the much-needed energy while ensuring your stomach is not too full for comfort.
- Use the bathroom before leaving the house to reduce the need for bathroom breaks on the commute.
- Set your mind up for conquering yourself. Hiking is more about your mindset than physical preparation. Once you win the battle in your mind, everything else contributes less than 10%. You can do it!