Hiking Tours in Kenya
Hiking tours in Kenya are left unmentioned when it comes to Kenya holidays. The Big 5 game safaris, the Great Migration, and Beach holidays often overshadow the hiking adventures. For any enthusiastic hiker, Kenya is one destination to consider a must-visit for you to experience extraordinary hiking adventures in East Africa.
Kenya hiking tours involve conquering the different trails from the breathtaking rocky, volcanic to steep and mountainous terrains. Hiking tours take you on an unforgettable outdoor adventure in some of the finest trekking spots in Magical Kenya.
Kenya boasts of its breathtaking sceneries and hiking through the lush rainforest or around a crater ridge guarantees great views of the charming lake, with great sights of some species. The available trails in Kenya are ideal not only for hikers but also for cyclists, birdwatchers, and runners. Kenya generally prides itself on breathtaking landscapes with abundant hiking opportunities.
Top Hiking Trails/Spots in Kenya
Mount Kenya
Mt. Kenya is one of the top places any hiker should consider exploring on guided hiking tours in Kenya. A complete hiking adventure package of 4-7 days can take you on the remarkable challenge to and from the peaks of this natural wonder. Mount Kenya isn’t only Kenya’s highest peak but also Africa’s 2nd highest peak. It is a popular scenic spot of Mount Kenya National Park featuring breathtaking ridges and valleys and as you hike, you navigate via the lush afro-alpine moorland, giant lobelia trees, and groundsel.
Hiking through Mount Kenya comes with jaw-dropping views of the Mackinder Valley. It offers the most challenging treks but can be successfully explored, especially if you plan and book your trip with an expert such as Native Africa Tours.
Mt. Kenya features Lenana at an altitude of 4985 meters making it its highest point. Other two peaks also exist and are ideal for climbers to conquer. They are mainly technical peaks to explore and are the least explored. They include the Batian and Nelion peaks. The main hiking routes to the charming summits of Mount Kenya include Point Lenanna-Naro Moru to the West. The Sirimon along the Northwest and Chogoria is also noted to be the driest route but most popular for its scenic ascent along the Southeast.
A visit to Mount Kenya National Park is the best way to begin your hiking expedition on Mount Kenya. Kenya National Park has well-trained and experienced park rangers and guides. There are also huts and campgrounds for hikers to set up their tents on hiking expeditions on Mount Kenya. A successful hiking expedition on Mount Kenya requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Mount Kenya –Met Station
The Met Station offers a perfect alternative for visitors who may not prefer spending many days hiking to the summits of Mount Kenya. The Met Station campsite is set at an elevation of 3050 and getting there involves, navigating via the lush forest and bamboo. The hikes begin from the Naro Moru gate and you embark on a steep part for about 2 hours to Percival’s Bridge.
At the Percival Bridge, there are plenty of elephants, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys to watch. Fast hikers can proceed up to the alpine habitat beyond the Met Station camp where you will enjoy the best views of the Alpine zone, savannas, and snowcapped peaks.
Karura Forest
Karura Forest is situated on the Northern side of Nairobi and is managed by the Kenya Forest Service and the Friends of Karura Community Forest Association. The forest features among the biggest forests in the urban center and has 5 entrances, all of which are open to the public. The main entry point lies directly across the Belgian Embassy along Limuru Road. The other access routes include Gate C at Kiambu Road which is found across the DCI headquarters.
Karura Forest has an electric fence and covers 564 hectares, consisting of several indigenous trees. At Karura, you can embark on a 9-km hiking trail from Kiambu Road. This is the most popular trail and is close to Nairobi city. Along the 9 km trail, expect to explore attractions like Karura waterfalls, Sykes Monkeys, and Lily Lake.
Visitors with plans to explore Karura Forest can engage in several activities including dog walking, jogging, and bicycle riding in the forest. The normal hikes through Karura Forest can last for 2-3 hours and are perfect for families.
In addition, hikers can also explore the Mau Mau caves formerly the house for freedom fighters who resisted the British colonials between 1953 and 1960. The perfect way to complete your excursion is by having a drink/lunch at the terrace of the Swish River café.
Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Game Park is another best place to visit for hiking in Kenya thanks to its exceptional landscapes. The park lies in the Rift Valley area, South of Lake Naivasha. Its landscape is characterized by surreal and breathtaking landscapes.
Hell’s Gate Game Park features a high cliff perfect for hiking adventures. It is ideal for both beginners and also experienced rock hikers/climbers. Its breathtaking rift valley scenery, formed after molten volcanic lava. The Ol Njorowa Gorge offers the best options for hikers to explore Hell’s Gate’s breathtaking landscapes.
Mount Elgon
On the border between Kenya and Uganda lies a scenic Mount Elgon. Mt Elgon Kenya offers moderate hikes and 4 days are good enough to have a round trip. On a hiking adventure on Mt. Elgon, expect to explore the breathtaking Koitoboss peak (4187m) where you can enjoy great views of both Uganda and Kenya.
Mount Longonot
Mt. Longonot requires 7 hours for you to have a round hiking challenge. Mt. Longonot is a dormant volcano with its last eruption recorded back in the 1800s. This volcano lies at an altitude of 2276 meters. Mount Longonot is found within the Great Rift Valley, Southeastern Lake Naivasha, and accessing it takes about an hour’s drive off from Nairobi city. Longonot volcano features a 3.2 steep trail that connects to the rim of the crater. This is worth exploring on hiking tours in Kenya. There is also a 7.2 km loop known for its breathtaking views of the Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha.
Loop trail
The Loop trail (Nairobi Arboretum) is 3 km away from the heart of Nairobi. The Nairobi Arboretum is 74 acres with over 350 exotic and indigenous trees, plus 100 species of birds. On a guided walking excursion, expect to encounter the vervet and Sykes’ monkeys. Other hiking spots in Kenya include Mount Kinagop (3906m) in Aberdare range, Aberdare mountain ranges, Menegai Crater, Elephant Hill, Rurimeria trail, Ngong Hills and Kilimambogo, and William Hill, etc.
What is the best time to go for hiking tours in Kenya?
The dry months from July to October are the best months of the year to visit Kenya for you to enjoy hiking tours. Other months are known to record prolonged rainfall that is from March, April, to May –these are not favorable for hiking.
What to pack for Kenya hiking safaris?
Essential items to pack for hiking adventures in Kenya include waterproof hiking/trekking boots, long-sleeved shirts. A daypack, a camera, extra camera batteries, high energy giving snacks, insect repellents. A climbing gear, sleeping gear, first-aid kit or medical kit, enough drinking water, plus other protective gear.
Conclusively, Kenya offers a range of hiking tours that are ideal for both beginners and also experienced climbers. Talk to our expert from Native Africa Tours to book for you unforgettable hiking tours in Kenya.
