Hiking Destinations in Kenya.
There are a variety of hiking options in Kenya, ranging from tops of steep peaks and rugged mountains to paths that wind through lovely wide savanna plains.
You may go hiking in Kenya at any time of the year because of the country’s diversified topography and its location near the equator. You will be surrounded by breathtaking and one-of-a-kind landscapes.
Mount Kenya, which is located in the shadow of the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, is the second-highest peak in Africa, with a height of 5,199 meters. It is an unmissable destination for anybody who enjoys mountain mountaineering.
There is a wide variety of hiking paths in Kenya that cater to hikers of varying abilities, ranging from easy strolls in the forest to more difficult ascents up rocky hills. In addition, the wide range of creatures that you will see while trekking through the expansive valleys will, without a doubt, leave you in awe.
In order to pique your interest in going on a hiking safari in Kenya, we have collected a list of hiking sites in Kenya that you may explore.
Hills of Ngong, close to Nairobi
The most easily accessible location for hiking in Kenya is Ngong Hills, which is located in the Ngong Hills Trails, which are located in Nairobi. The hiking path starts at an elevation of 1,961 meters (6,400 feet) to the north of Ngong Hills and continues all the way down to the south.
The track, which is around four to five hours long and passes through communities, farmland, and rolling hills, is one of the most straightforward hiking locations in Kenya.
Everyone who does not have excellent hiking abilities is able to complete the trek since it is easy to do. It is possible to meet marathon runners who are training on this path, which is also the location where the movie “Out of Africa” was filmed. This is one of the most popular sights along the trail.
Hiking path across the Karura forest
Located only a short distance away from Nairobi, the Karura forest is the closest hiking route in Kenya, making it an ideal destination for family outings. The area is home to a multitude of hiking routes that span over fifty kilometers and pass through a variety of natural characteristics, such as wetlands and an abundance of tree types.
The primary path starts with a steady walk of two kilometers, then descends steeply down the hill to the river, and then gradually ascends to the caverns. Caves had a vital role in shaping Kenya’s political history since they served as a hiding spot for rebels throughout the country’s fight for independence.
There is a breathtaking waterfall that is sixty feet tall that is located at the end of the hiking route. It will force you to take a moment to rest and collect your breath.
The Karura woodland path, which is well signposted, is a moderately difficult hiking track that everyone can follow. This is something that we can state with confidence.
Mt. Longonot was the
An ideal location for a day trek, Mount Longonot is situated around two hours’ drive northeast of Nairobi, making it one of the most popular hiking locations in Kenya. The hiking track begins in close proximity to the main gate and progressively ascends through the forest until it reaches the high peak point, which is 2,276 meters in height.
A journey that goes in both directions might take up to four hours.
Exploring Hells Gate National Park on foot
A national park known as Hell’s Gate may be found only a few minutes to the northwest of Mount Longonot. It is often considered to be among the most remarkable hiking locations in Kenya’s Rift Valley area. Hell’s Gate is located to the south of Lake Naivasha and has breathtaking hiking routes that are ideal for anyone who like being outdoors.
This national park is well-known for the tremendous geothermal activity that occurs there as well as the breathtaking beauty that can be seen on the bottom of the Great Rift Valley.
The harsh rock towers, towering cliffs, scrub-clad mountains, water-gouged gorges, and spewing plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the spots in the area that is suitable for trekking.
In addition to winding through savanna grassland, hiking routes also pass through flowing gorges, red-colored rock cliffs, and distinctive rock formations that are appealing for rock climbing sports.
If you want to climb up to rock cliffs, you may make use of the expert rock climbers that are located at Fisher’s or Elsa’s gate. Hikers will be able to locate breathtaking vantage spots from which they can see the park’s treasures below them.
Wandering up Mount Kenya
After Mount Kilimanjaro, the climb to Point Lenana, which is the second highest point in Africa at 4985 meters, is the most difficult of all the mountains in Africa.
Even though Mount Kenya has steep terrain and sometimes strong downpours, experienced climbers are not deterred by these factors. In order to walk Mount Kenya, hikers must have a fitness level that is above average.
On the other hand, the most satisfying experience for nature walkers is hiking through the unique flora that grows at the foot of the mountain, which is covered in forest, and then gradually climbing into the rocky terrains.
As you make your way up the enormous mountain, the trees transform into stony passages, and as you get closer to the peak, you will see glacial pockets.
If you are unable to complete the five-day climb to the summit, then you will need to trek for six to eight hours to reach the Met Station, which is located at an elevation of 3,050-meters.
The journey begins at the Naro Moru entrance of the park and continues through the bamboo zone and the woodland. It is possible to come see elephants, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys when walking along this path.
Some hikers, some of whom are considered to be easy hikers, are able to reach the alpine zone by traveling through spectacular flora such as huge heather, lobelia, and tussock grass during the additional hour. Incredible is the view from that vantage point.
There is little question that Mount Kenya is at the top of the list of recommended hiking sites in Kenya. It need to be a part of your safari expedition in Kenya.
Elegon Mountain
Approximately 400 kilometers to the west of Nairobi, Mount Elgon is located on the boundary between Kenya and Uganda. Despite the fact that the majority of Mount Elgon is located on the Ugandan side, the Kenyan side of the mountain has some of the most breathtaking hiking routes.
The Elgon hiking track begins with a steep ascent from the Rongai gate of Mount Elgon National Park, which is characterized by a rocky terrain.
A park ranger will be waiting for you here, and you will then travel past the well-known Kitum Caves, which are where elephants dig salt. You may camp overnight on the highest summit of Koitoboss summit, which is 4,187 meters in height. The ascent and descent of this mountain takes around six to eight hours.
Elementaita Lake (Lake)
When it comes to trekking in Kenya, Lake Elementaita, which is situated in the Rift Valley, is among the most stunning sites.
It is a trek that should not be missed because of its stunning scenery, which includes acacia trees and wild animals. While wandering the paths, you could come across a variety of species, including warthogs, antelopes, deer, zebras, and other interesting creatures.
Those who are interested in birds and who wander around the region in search of unique bird sightings will find that watching the pink flamingos on Lake Elementia is quite an amazing experience.
Both of the hiking paths in this area are very gratifying. One of them takes hikers via the hot springs in the north, while the other takes hikers on a lengthy journey through Mlima Ugali to the wonderful plains and valleys.
crater of Menengai’s
It is the biggest caldera in Kenya, with towering crater walls and hills creating a circular ring around the lake that is formed by volcanic activity. You have the opportunity to hike to the highest point, which is located at an elevation of 2,288 meters, and take in the breathtaking view of Lake Nakuru, which is visible on the horizon to the immediate west of Nakuru town.
The hiking route that begins at the Viewpoint descends to the bottom of the caldera, where one may take in breathtaking views of the 700-meter height of the crater wall.
The Menengai Crater Trail does not need any specific hiking abilities; as long as the hiker is in a decently fit state, they will be able to enjoy the delights for around seven hours. It is one of the most remarkable places to go trekking in Kenya due to the abundance of natural resources in the region.
The National Park of Samburu
In Kenya, Samburu National Park is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging wilderness hiking paths. The paths wind their way through the breathtaking Samburu highlands, revealing breathtaking views of the rift valley as they go through the densely wooded terrain.
from the beginning of the climb, you begin from the base and gradually advance to the Lesiolo escarpment, which is located at an elevation of 2,580 meters.
As you make your way through villages that are still practicing their old culture, the Samburu people provide you with a colorful hiking route by dressing you in distinctive traditional garments.
It is possible to have a Samburu serve as your guide so that you may get a comprehensive understanding of the local culture, cuisine, and language as they relate their experiences while you are hiking. At their Manyatta homes, you also have the option of spending the night.
Exciting Hiking Safari in Kenya
As a result of its tropical environment at the equator and reasonably mild temperatures during the most of the year, Kenya is an ideal destination for a vacation that involves trekking. Due to the fact that the majority of Kenya’s hiking sites provide unguided routes, you will be able to discreetly explore magnificent areas without being interrupted.
In particular, Kenya is well-known all over the world as a pioneering safari destination that offers the most fantastic wildlife watching vacations. You have the option of combining your hiking vacation with a safari to see wildlife, or you can just leave the route and hope to come across some incredible animal sightings along the way.
With the help of our local advisors, Katland Safaris Ltd. is able to organize a safari for you in Kenya. If you would like to speak with one of our experts.
