On the Aberdare Ranges Hiking Tour, we shall kick off early from Nairobi. We shall carry our snacks and have a picnic lunch in the park. There are several access gates, and we shall choose the route that will maximize your experience based on the amount of time available, your target sites and locations, as well as the amount of walking you would like to do.
There are routes that allow you to hike a longer stretch to one of the Aberdares Peaks e.g.
1 Day To Elephant Hill Hike
(This is the most famous route on the Aberdare Ranges Hiking Tour). On these routes, you will drive to the base of the mountain range and then hike on foot to one of the peaks, The 9km Elephant Hill hike trail starts at the Njabini Forest Station gate, at an elevation of 8,202ft (2,500m) above sea level and ends at the summit, at an elevation of 12,000ft (3,658m) above sea level.
The entire hike up and down takes 7-10 hours, hiking at a moderate pace. The trip can start early depending on the location of the clients.
Pick-up from either point is as early as 0600am before the sun raise to avoid trekking in the hot sun during the day. The drive offers you beautiful views of the great Rift Valley and at some point, you will have a stopover for a few minutes to witness the early morning sunrise.
On arrival report to the Rangers who will give you an overview of the trek, at this point, you can leave behind anything that you may not require on the trek but water is an essential commodity which is a must as well as rain cloths. the trek starts right at the gate.
The first few kilometers are over relatively flat forest-covered terrain, with the occasional herd of cattle grazing the glades in the forest a testament to the growing push by human settlements into the receding forest boundary.
To be seen here are the best views of the Great rift valley, lake Naivasha, Longonot Ndakaini Dam, and sasumua dam, Wildlife expects to see, elephants/tracks, Antelopes, Columbus monkeys and for Bird watching over 250 species of birds has been recorded here.
On ascending further up, the forest gives way to the Bamboo zone. The narrow trail, punctuated every few steps by treacherous mud, at this point is covered by a canopy of towering bamboo with the filtered light enhancing the jungle feel as you continue trudging up the now steeper path.
The occasional elephant footprint and droppings from various animal species are a constant reminder that you are in a game reserve teeming with wildlife, with the armed escort your only shield from possible danger.
The rest of the hike goes over slightly rocky terrain at an altitude of over 3500m above sea level, with the temperature dropping significantly, as you pick your way across the elephants’ back.
The trail first descends into a clamp of trees before turning back upwards out of the small valley. It then gets pretty steep as it meanders past gnarled giant heather trees adorned with Spanish moss offering handholds when you need to pull yourself up the slope.
Mercifully it soon levels off to give you your first view of the summit. You will recognize it by the saddle between two knolls, with the summit to the right. Kinangop, the second-highest peak on the Aberdares, can easily be accessed from this point.
The descent is just as trying as the ascent, taking a big toll on the knees, and another 3 to 4 hours to the Forest station and drive back to your location
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1 Day Trip Hiking Up Dragon’s Teeth And Satima In The Northern Moorlands Of The Aberdares
Ol Donyo Le Satima popularly known as Mt. Satima is the 3rd largest mountain in Kenya standing at approximately 4000m ASL is the immediate neighbor to a number of sharp volcanic cones called “the Dragon’s Teeth”.
Dragon’s Teeth is a sporadic spread of jagged rocks that rise above the consistently wet moorlands in Northern Aberdares. The hike can be accessed through Rhino or Shamata gate From your location have an early morning departure.
The drive up the mountain is slow but scenic as the tropical rainforest gives way to the moorland vegetation. Ascend 12km in the mountain to reach an altitude of 3450m at the Twin Peaks point. From here you can see the nearby Chebuswa peaks.
The hike starts here with some of the most beautiful rock formations in Kenya. They include the Lost Pyramid, Muirs Massive, Weathering Heights, Devil’s Sword, Theater of Heaven, and finally the Dragons Teeth with stunning rock formations.
After a short rest Bank east towards the high ridges and head towards Satima Peak to arrive late in the afternoon. Descend back to the starting point and drive back to your destination.
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1 Day Trip Hike To The Karuru and Chania Waterfalls
The river is one of those ever-bubbling and never-ending channels. It starts from the slopes of the Aberdare Mountains and travels all the way to the Indian Ocean.
You can decide to watch the river at various places, such as the Karuru and Chania Waterfalls hikes. on these waterfall hikes, in the park, you get the pure energy of life. The tall trees, grass, reeds, and beautiful flowers flourish where no one has tampered.
This power of nature commands birdies to make a melody as your mind soars into a world of imagination you will drive slowly to the starting point as you enjoy wildlife viewing. We shall spend as much time as possible transecting different locations within the park.
In the afternoon, we shall choose the best exit gate, on our way back to your location where our lovely Aberdare Ranges Hiking Tour ends
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