Remote Hiking in Kenya
Photo By: Vishva Patel
In Kenya, hiking is popular with tourists and locals. Some trails are within Nairobi, the capital city, while others are further away from Nairobi. The best thing is that the amazing scenery is worth your effort, whichever trail you decide to take.
Within Nairobi
Despite Nairobi being a city, there are fantastic hiking destinations on the outskirts. Most of the places are easily accessible by car before you proceed with your walk. Below are three popular hiking places within Nairobi.
Karura Forest
Karura forest is commonly called a haven of lovers having several tree species, birdlife, and marshland. The forest has fantastic hiking trails for families covering up to 50 kilometers. Most of the trails lead to caves and a waterfall.
At the initial stages of the trail, about 2 kilometers, there is not much to see. Afterward, the trail turns right and then down a steep hill where you will find a river. From that point, it steadies to the caves again. From the caves, the trail further leads to a waterfall.
Ngong Hills
Ngong hills are a few kilometers from Nairobi city. The hiking starts typically from the northern part, which is about 6400 ft above sea level. From Nairobi CBD, the area is easily accessible by car or any other small vehicle.
At the initial parts of the trail, you will go through a village, then to a wind farm before finally getting to some radio repeater stations. After the stations, it is a series of hills where you go up and down. The trail ends at Kona Baridi, which is the last hill to the southern part. The northern part where the trail begins to where it ends will take you about 4 hours, depending on your fitness.
Nairobi Safari Walk
The Nairobi Safari Walk is a natural trail found in Nairobi national park. Depending on your fitness, it will take you about 2 hours to complete it. The trail covers three major parts with a fantastic experience.
The first part that you will cover is a wetland, where you can find crocodiles idling. After that, you will get into the second part: the savannah grassland, where you will see some rare wildlife like albino Zebras and Bongos. The last habitat is the woodland area, where you will see indigenous plants, each with a tag showing its traditional uses.
Outside Nairobi
Photo By: BJ Pearce
Away from the capital city, you can also find fantastic hiking destinations. Let's have a look at a few.
Mt Longonot
Mt Longonot is a mountain that is only an hour away from Nairobi if you use personal means of transport. Its last eruption was around the 1800s, and since then, it has turned out to be a favorite hiking place for many local and international visitors.
The trip begins at the main gate and gradually ascends to the forest area. From that point, the climb continues to ascend the way to the highest point, approximately 7500 ft above sea level. The journey up and down can take you about 4 hours, and if you decide to go around the crater in the summit, that will take an additional 2 hours.
Chyulu Hills
The Chyulu Hills are unexplored and underrated hills located between Tsavo West and Amboseli national parks. The hills cover 150 kilometers, and the highest point stands at 7200 ft above sea level. The first 15km is rugged terrain filled with beautiful fauna and wildlife, especially after a rainy season. There are caves in these hills, and it will take you about 3 hours to get to the mouth of the first.
In these hills lies the world's longest lava tube. About 35 kilometers from the hills, there is another hiking trail called Satellite, with a peak standing 6200 ft above sea level. The trails used to be the US army's training base in the 1900s. To avoid confusion between trails and wildlife tracks, go with a park ranger.