William Hill Soft
A scenic, child-friendly day hike in Mai Mahiu
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A gentle hike up the Kikuyu Escarpment
We believe everyone — even our little ones — should get a chance to experience the peace, freedom, and healing of the great outdoors; that’s why we restructured the William Hill hike to make it more child-friendly. Our William Hill hike starts at the base of the Kikuyu escarpment, 7.5 km off the Mai Mahiu highway. The hike starts with a gentle 1.5 km trek before a 2 km ascent up the Kikuyu escarpment. The hike ends back at the starting point, covering approximately 7 km.Â
This is a moderate, beginner-friendly, child-friendly hike. The weather here is hot year-round, and the terrain features short shrubs and a few rocky stretches. As you climb the escarpment, you get to enjoy striking views of some features of the rift valley, such as Mt. Longonot, Kijabe Hills and Forest, Mt. Margaret, and Mt. Suswa.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Mai Mahiu is hot most of the year. Sun protection will go a long way, and a sun hat or cap will be especially useful.
- The footpaths up and down have some steep, rocky sections. A trekking pole is useful but not mandatory. Some of the sections are also slippery in wet weather, so please ensure your shoes have a good grip.
- There are lots of shrubs along the trail. Please wear a long-sleeved top or a light jacket to protect yourself from scratches.
William Hill Hike Distance and Stats
Distance: 7Â km
Maximum Elevation: 2,272m ASL
Maximum Elevation Gain: 622m
Duration: 3–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate ​​
Beginner-friendly: Yes
Child-friendly: Yes, 5 years and above
William Hill Hike Itinerary
6:15 a.m Meet up at International House Parking, City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
6:30 a.m Departure for Mai Mahiu.
08:15 a.m Arrival at the trail head
08:30 a.m Hike starts.
EST 02:30 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Charges
Ticket | By Bus | Self-Drive |
Kenyan Citizens | KES 3,100 | KES 2,000 |
Foreign Kenyan Residents | KES 3,350 | KES 2,200 |
Non-Resident Foreigners | KES 3,650 | NA |
Mpesa Till 989985
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 5, 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!