Sleeping Warrior & Ugali Hills Hike
Sleeping Warrior & Ugali Hills Hike
Come climb past Oloibon's Bust
Located near the shores of Lake Elmentaita, within the Soysambu Conservancy, is a group of hills, prominently known and named by their resemblance. Ugali Hill resembles the traditional Kenyan maize flour meal, Ugali, while the Sleeping Warrior resembles a man lying down on his back. Some locals believe that it is the bust of the late, great Maasai warrior, Oloibon.
The trail begins at the Lake Elementaita Park gate, with an initial 8 km trek on a dusty path along the shores of Lake Elmentaita. The hills and the lake are surrounded by beautiful marshland vegetation, home to buffalo and over 400 species of birds.
The hike accommodates hikers of all levels and can be comfortably completed on a day’s hike.
Short version: approximately 10km
Hike from the park gate to the Sleeping Warrior hill, ascend and trek to the finishing point. Most beginners and kids choose this option.
Medium version: approximately 12km
Hike from the park gate to the Sleeping Warrior hill, proceed to Ugali Hill, ascend and then take the steep slope to the finishing point.
Extended version: approximately 19km
Hike from the park gate to the Sleeping Warrior hill, proceed to Ugali Hill, and then go round the horse-shoe crater to get back to the finishing point.
There’s definitely something for everyone!
Sleeping Warrior Hike Distance And Stats
Distance: 10km, 12km, 19km options
Maximum Elevation Gain: 696m
Duration: 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Beginner-friendly: Yes
Child-friendly: Yes, 7 years and above
Sleeping Warrior Hike Itinerary
4:45 a.m Meet up at International House Parking, City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
5:00 a.m Departure from International House Parking, City Hall Way
08:15 Arrival at Lake Elmentaita
08:45 a.m Hike Starts
03:00 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Charges
Ticket | By Bus | Self-Drive |
Kenyan Citizens | KES 3,650 | KES 2,200* |
Foreign Kenyan Residents | KES 3,850 | KES 2,400* |
Non-Resident Foreigners | US$ 41.00 | NA |
Mpesa Till 989985
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!