Hiking Sleeping Warrior Ugali Hills Lake Elementaita Day Trip
The Hiking Sleeping Warrior Ugali Hills Lake Elementaita Day Trip offers a fun hike around Lake Elementaita (near Nakuru) in the Soysambu Conservancy, approximately 140 km (a 3-hour drive) from Nairobi. The trail offers scenic lake views, volcanic terrain, and wildlife sightings.
This hike is perfect for new hikers, families, and anyone looking for a quick, fun hike. The group of hills is known and named by its resemblance. Ugali Hill resembles the traditional Kenyan maize flour meal, Ugali, while the Sleeping Warrior resembles a man lying down on his back.
Starting Point: Lake Elementaita main gate, and the Ending point: On the Nairobi – Nakuru highway
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard. The Sleeping Warrior hike & Ugali Hills hike accommodate hikers of all levels and can be comfortably completed in a day
Short Hike (2-3 hours): approximately 10 km Hike from the park gate to the Sleeping Warrior hill, ascend, and trek to the finishing point. Most beginners and kids choose the Medium Hike (4-5 hours), which is approximately 12 km. Hike from the park gate to the Sleeping Warrior hill, proceed to Ugali Hill, ascend, and then take the steep slope to the finishing point
Long Hike (6-7 hours): approximately 19 km Hike from the park gate to Sleeping Warrior hill, proceed to Ugali Hill, and then go around the horseshoe crater to get back to the finishing point. The walk offers trekkers the opportunity to see wildlife, birds, and scenic views of Lake Elementaita and the surrounding landscape.
Trail Summary
✓ Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging.
✓ Distance: Varies by route; standard long treks are 14–21 km, while short versions are about 10 km
✓ Duration: Typically takes 6 to 8 hours to complete.
✓ Terrain: A mix of dusty lakeside paths, rocky volcanic terrain, and steep, thorny climbs
✓ Peaks:
– Sleeping Warrior: Resembles a reclining man; features a sharp ascent to the “nose” peak
– Ugali Hills: Named for its mound-like shape; higher than Sleeping Warrior, and offers expansive views of the Great Rift Valley
Route Highlights
✓ Wildlife & Birdlife: You may spot flamingos, pelicans, zebras, and gazelles along the trail
✓ Lake Shores & Hot Springs: The trek starts with a relatively flat walk along the shores of the saltwater lake, passing hot springs where visitors often stop for a quick dip
✓ Sleeping Warrior: Named for its resemblance to a reclining Maasai warrior, the ascent to the “nose” peak is sharp but provides 360-degree views of the lake and caldera
✓ Ugali Hill: A steeper climb than Sleeping Warrior, this dome-shaped hill is named after the Kenyan staple food. It offers a panoramic view of the Soysambu Conservancy and the Rift Valley
Hiking Sleeping Warrior Ugali Hills Day Trip Itinerary
05:30 AM: Depart Nairobi (common meet-up point: Nairobi CBD/Hilton).
08:30 AM: Arrive at Lake Elementaita and begin the trek along the lakeshore.
09:30 AM: Visit the hot springs for a quick soak or skin treatment.
10:30 AM: Ascend Sleeping Warrior Hill (2,340m ASL) via a sharp “nose” peak climb.
12:30 PM: Proceed to Ugali Hill for a steeper climb and picnic lunch at the summit.
02:30 PM: Descend towards the Nairobi-Nakuru highway finishing point.
04:00 PM: Depart for Nairobi, arriving back by approximately 1930 Hours
Packing Essentials/Checklist
✓ Hydration: At least 3 liters of water
✓ Documents: Original ID or Passport for gate entry
✓ Protection: Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses (high heat area)
✓ Clothing: Breathable, moisture-wicking top and synthetic trousers
✓ Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip (rocky and loose soil)
Hiking Sleeping Warrior Ugali Hills Lake Elementaita Day Trip is a full-day excursion around Lake Elementaita – a treasured paradise at the heart of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Elementaita is a saltwater lake surrounded by beautiful acacia trees and great wonderful breathtaking scenery.
It is a great place for bird watching, more than 400 species of bird species including flamingos, pelican’s kingfishers, marabou storks, and crested grebes can be seen here. The hills surrounding the lake offer great trails for hiking. The two most frequented hills are the sleeping warrior and the “horseshoe” crater which takes between 5-6 hours.
You could choose to hike along the lakeshore to the hot springs (for the short hike) and the “horseshoe” crater for the long hike. The starting point of our hike is at Lake Elementaita’s main gate. The shorter hike takes 2 to 3 hours and this takes us to the lake and back to the gate.
The longer hike takes 5 to 6 hours and takes us to the lake before embarking on the tough hills of the crater. The long trail is rocky and requires good hiking shoes with good grip. Choose this option only if you are fit. Both trails will take us through the Lord Cole monument, where Lord Cole was buried in 1929 aged 49 years.
The monument site offers a fantastic view of the lake.
Hiking Sleeping Warrior Ugali Hills Lake Elementaita Day Trip Itinerary
0600 Hours: Depart Nairobi and drive through the Great Rift Valley to Elementaita located about 140 km from Nairobi. The Sleeping Warrior and Ugali Hills peaks are on a ridge along the Great Rift Valley at Lake Elementaita. Our day tour includes the following highlights: hiking, swimming, Lake Elementaita, hot springs, amazing scenery, birds, and wildlife among many other features.
0900 Hours: Upon arrival at the gate proceed for a guided trek along the shores of Lake Elementaita to the hot springs where we take a shower as the water is believed to have a healing effect on one’s skin.
From here we proceed towards the base of the Sleeping Warrior before leading to a sharp ascent to the nose (peak) which provides a mesmerizing view of the lake and the caldera. The trail then descends towards the Eastern side for a short trek through rocky volcanic rocks before turning into a steep climb to the Ugali hill.
The top of the hill provides a panoramic view of the lake and the beautiful landscape of the Rift Valley.
1300 Hours: You will have a picnic lunch break then take the trail that descends towards a dirt road to the ending point. The walk allows the trekkers to view wildlife, birds, and a scenic view of lake Elementaita and beautiful landscapes. The hike takes about 6 – 8 hours.
1830 Hours: Arrive back in Nairobi.
Hiking Sleeping Warrior Ugali Hills Lake Elementaita Day Trip Prices
Hiking Sleeping Warrior Ugali Hills Lake Elementaita Day Trip Prices Include:
✓ Bottled water
✓ Guided walk
✓ Picnic Packed Lunch
✓ All park and conservancy fees
✓ Round-trip transportation from Nairobi to Elementaita and back to Nairobi
✓ The trek allows viewing wildlife & magical views of Lake Elementaita, & At the top of the hill, provides a panoramic view of Lake Elementaita and the beautiful landscape of the rift valley
| Dates From | Dates To | Price Per Person | Children Aged 6 to 12 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st January 2026 | 31st December 2026 | Request for rates | Request for rates |
Notes
* Difficulty: Moderate
* Terrain: some hilly areas
* Walking Duration: 8 hours
* Height: 2300 meters above sea level
* What to bring: Identity Card or Passport, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera, hiking boots or a pair of outdoor sneakers, at least 3 liters of bottled water, Snacks – biscuits, cookies, nuts, crisps, and breathable top and synthetic trousers/ pants
Hiking Sleeping Warrior Ugali Hills Lake Elementaita Day Trip Prices Exclude:
* Drinks
* Tips & Gratuities
* Medical, travel & personal insurance cover
* Any other item not mentioned in the included items
Booking & Reservations Sleeping Warrior and Ugali Hills Excursion Contact
Mobile: +254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com