Aberdare Mountain Peak Day Trip Treks | Mt Le Satima 4001 m/13,120 f) | Aberdare National Park

Hike the highest peak of the Aberdare Mountain range (Mount Satima) in Aberdare National Park, starting and ending in Nairobi, Kenya.

Mount Satima, also known as Mount Lesatima and often abbreviated to Satima or Lesatima, is the third-highest mountain in Kenya and the highest in the Aberdare Range. It stands at about 4001M above sea level.

This Full-Day Aberdare Mountain Peak Le Satima Hiking Safari starts in Nairobi, where you are collected from your hotel and make your way straight to Aberdare National Park (190km). The hike begins at 3300 meters as you walk through the moorland vegetation and the heather zone vegetation with the aim of getting to the summit.

The estimated hiking time is about 6-7 hours along the most scenic Satima trail, which offers stunning views of the hugging rocks, rolling hills, U-shaped valleys, and vegetation covered with wildlife, including Elephants and buffalo.

By 1500 hours, you arrive at the summit of Mt Satima and have a picnic lunch while enjoying scenic views of Mt Kenya, Mt Kilimanjaro, and Rift Valley lakes such as Nakuru and Naivasha. Later descend back through the national park, watching for wildlife action along the way. We exit the park via the Wandare gate later this afternoon and return to Nairobi.

Fundamental/Essential Elements of Mount Satima

✓ Flora and Fauna: The area features giant lobelia, erica, helichrysum, and tussock grasses. Wildlife such as buffalo are often spotted
✓ Location & Access: Situated in Nyandarua County, the peak is typically accessed via the Wandare Gate or Rhino Gate, about 212 km from Nairobi
✓ Terrain: The range, which runs roughly north-south, features steep, rocky ridges and U-shaped valleys, and is often shrouded in mist, providing a scenic, high-altitude experience.
✓ Hiking Experience: The trek is considered moderately challenging and takes roughly 5–7 hours to complete a 14 km round trip. The trail passes through bamboo forests, moorlands, and the iconic, jagged volcanic, rocky outcrops known as “Dragon’s Teeth.”

Key Features & Attractions

✓ Dragon’s Teeth: A spectacular collection of jagged volcanic rock spires and moraines that rise from the boggy moorland.
✓Cultural Significance: The local Kikuyu people call the range Nyandarua, meaning “pegged hide,” due to its silhouette’s resemblance to a drying animal skin
✓ Scenic Views: On clear days, the summit offers panoramic views of Mount Kenya, the Great Rift Valley lakes (Nakuru and Naivasha), and the Laikipia Plateau
✓ Flora & Fauna: The trail passes through diverse vegetation zones, including bamboo forests and moorlands dotted with giant lobelias (Lobelia keniensis) and groundsels. Hikers may spot wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, zebras, and various bird species

Hik ing Information

There are two primary routes to reach the summit. Both are considered moderate in difficulty, though the high altitude poses a challenge for those not acclimatized.

✓ Dragon’s Teeth Route (via Rhino or Shamata Gate):
• Duration: 6–8 hours total
• Distance: Approximately 16 km (round trip)
• Highlights: Passes directly through the Dragon’s Teeth rock formations

Wandare Trail (via Wandare Gate):
• Duration: Often completed in 3–4 hours
• Distance: Shorter and gentler, approximately 10.5–12 km (round trip)

Note:
– This route is less boggy than the Shamata side but still reaches the high-altitude moorlands
– Best Time to Hike: Early morning starts (around 0500 Hours from Nairobi) are advised to reach the summit before afternoon clouds or rain roll in
– What to Bring: Heavy warm clothing, waterproof hiking boots (the moorland is often swampy), rain gear, at least 2 litres of water, and high-energy snacks

Aberdare Mountain Peak Day Trip Treks is a 1-day Nairobi excursion to the highest peak of the Aberdare Mountain range at Mount Satima in Aberdare National Park. This 1-day Aberdare Mountain peak Le Satima hiking safari starts and ends in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. The hiking intensity is described as moderate to high.

The Aberdare mountain ranges stand between Mount Kenya and the Great Rift Valley. The driving distance from Nairobi to Wandare gate is about 212 km. Climbing the Aberdare to the summit (the Satima peak at 4000 meters takes about 2 to 3 hours).

There are animal trails through marshes on the moorland, with some rocky sections near the summit. You will also see stunning rock formations along the route. The Aberdare Mountain Ranges were named by the explorer Joseph Thomson after Lord Aberdare, who was the President of the Royal Geographic Society at the time (1883).

The local Kikuyu people called the Range Nyandarua, meaning a” pegged hide,” possibly from its resemblance in shape to an animal skin pegged on a mold to dry, as was done traditionally.

The highest peak in the Range is Ol Doinyo Lesatima, which stands at 4001 meters (13,120 feet), making the Aberdare the third highest mountain in Kenya after Mount Kenya (5199 meters) and Mt. Elgon (4321 meters).

Although there is no permanent snow or ice, former glaciations formed large U–shaped valleys.

Aberdare Mountain Peak Day Trip Itinerary

0530 Hours: After an early breakfast at your hotel/ residence, our Aberdare Mountain peak day trip treks start from Nairobi.

The drive to the Aberdares passes through interesting farmlands, crosses the lower slopes, and finally enters the lush Aberdare National Park, famous for its abundance of wildlife. A tea stop on the way if time allows.

0800 Hours: Stopover at the Mweiga park headquarters to clear the park payments and get a ranger for the Alpine Walk. The resident populations of elephants and buffalo warrant bringing along a big gun.

Depart thereafter for the Wandare gate. Once inside Aberdares National Park, we drive about 20 km (30 minutes) to the starting point, where you leave the car and begin the walk. A day trip to Aberdare Mountain Peak and a trek to Satima Peak offer great sightseeing opportunities.

It combines views of the most magnificent section of the Great Rift Valley to the west with the awe-inspiring horizon view of the majestic Mount Kenya, 40 kilometers to the west. The ranges encompass a large area of forest known as the Salient, where larger animals are concentrated, and game viewing is possible.

The area in which trekking is done is above the Salient across the extensive moorland and giant heather zones of the mountain.

0900 Hours: Our trek begins at 3,300 meters, where we walk across lovely afro-alpine moorland. The rolling, open terrain is extremely attractive for walking and for spotting wild animals.

1300 Hours: Hike up Satima Peak (4001 meters) takes about 2 to 3 hours, arriving in time for picnic lunch.

On clear days, there are opportunities to observe Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro on the horizon and even the surrounding vicinity of Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and the Daiga hills. Later descend (taking 45 minutes to an hour) to connect with the vehicle for transfer from the mountain to Nairobi.

1900 Hours: Arrive in Nairobi and transfer you to your hotel/ residence.