Ngong Hills Walking Hiking Climbing Running Day Tour

Our 1-day Ngong Hills hiking tour is a popular outdoor experience located roughly 30km southwest of Nairobi. The excursion typically features a hike across seven undulating peaks (the “Seven Knuckles”), reaching a maximum elevation of 2,460 meters (8,071 feet).

It is highly regarded for its panoramic views, with the Great Rift Valley to the west and the Nairobi city skyline to the east. 

1-Day Ngong Hills Hiking Tour Overview & Itinerary

0700 Hours – 0800 Hours: Morning pick-up from your Nairobi residence or hotel
 0900 Hours: Arrival at the northern foot of Ngong Town. The trail begins near the Ngong Police Station or the KFS Gate. The Ridge Walk: You will pass by a wind farm and radio repeater masts before tackling the steep rolling hills. The first peak can be raised for those who want a shorter walk. Wildlife Sightings: It is common to encounter buffaloes (often near the fourth hill), wild pigs, and baboons.

1500 Hours – 1700 Hours: Descent to Kona Baridi. The full ridge hike usually concludes at the southern end known as Kona Baridi (Cold Corner), where vehicles meet the hikers for the return trip. 1800 Hours: Arrival back in Nairobi. 

1-Day Ngong Hills Hiking Tour Activities

Ziplining: Available at Kompass in the hills 
Hiking & Running: The 11.5km –12 km trail is used for casual hiking and high-altitude training by seasoned runners
Picnicking: There are numerous open grassy areas with city views, though visitors are advised to take all litter with them
Historical Exploration: Visit the burial site of Denys Finch Hatton, famously associated with Karen Blixen’s “Out of Africa.”

1-Day Ngong Hills Hiking Tour Practical Tips 

Sustainability: Single-use plastic bottles are strictly not allowed in the forest reserve
Opening Hours: Open daily from 0600 Hours. Arrive before 1000 Hours to avoid the midday heat
Security: To avoid wildlife and the remote terrain, African Spice Safaris provides hikers with an armed ranger and professional guides 
Attire: Wear sturdy hiking boots with a good grip. The hills are famously windy and chilly, so a windbreaker or light jacket is essential regardless of the season

Ngong Hills Walking Hiking Climbing Running Day Tour: Enjoy wonderful views of the city of Nairobi and the Great Rift Valley while hiking the Ngong Hills on our Nairobi day Tour.

The hike or climb starts at Ngong Police Station, and the ending point is Kona Baridi. The walking duration takes about 4 to 5 hours. The terrain initially is a dirt road till the radio masts, then trails over the rolling hills for the rest of the way.

The hike is of moderate difficulty and can get very windy. The Ngong Hills, about 22 km southwest of Nairobi, are a very popular weekend destination for visitors from all over the country. Some come for walks while others picnic or worship on the hills. Professional and amateur runners will also be found in the morning, jogging up and down the steep slopes.

The whole mountain range is a gazetted forest reserve covering over 21,000 square kilometers, with the highest peak on the knuckle-shaped Ngong Hills at 2460 meters above sea level.

The Ngong Hills walking, hiking, climbing, and running day tour starts in Ngong town, at the northern foot of the hills, 1,961 meters above sea level, and traverses the entire range to the southern end at Kona Baridi. This takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete, depending on fitness levels.

The first 2 km from Ngong Police Station is a gradual ascent through human settlements, until you reach a Kenya Forest Service (KFS) barrier marking the start of the Ngong Hills forest reserve. From here on, you go past a wind farm, before climbing the first steep hill leading to an area populated with radio repeater station masts.

The trail thins out and descends into a trough before you climb the next steep hill. Just when you think the worst is over, the rolling hills seem to keep popping up, with each taking its toll on you. Thankfully, the views all around are magnificent, making the effort worthwhile.

On a lucky day, you are likely to encounter buffalo around the fourth hill, on account of the abundant bushes at these higher altitudes on the range. To your right is a fantastic view of the Great Rift Valley, while the far left shows the city of Nairobi.

Ngong Hills Walking Hiking Climbing Running Day Tour Rates Includes:

✓Bottled water 
✓ Park Entrance Fees
✓ Armed escort from the Kenya Wildlife Service Ranger
✓ Round-trip transportation from Nairobi to Ngong Hills

Notes

* Please bring along; Drink ing water, picnic items, binoculars, a camera, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and guidebooks
* This tour departs daily from Nairobi Hotels, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or any point within Nairobi

Ngong Hills Walking Hiking Climbing Running Day Tour Rates Do Not Include:

* Drinks
* Travelers Insurance
* Communication charges
* Tips or gratuity to your guide
* Minimum of 1 person required
* Visas, international airfares, and airport taxes; meals
* Personal expenses such as transfers to/ from the airport (supplement airport transfer cost applies for tours starting from the airport)

1. Are there wild animals in Ngong Hills?

The short answer is yes! Some animals roam around freely depending on drought and forage availability. The animals include, are buffaloes, wild pigs, porcupines, and Dik Dik.

2. Are Dogs allowed in Ngong Hills?

Yes, dogs are allowed, but they should be on a leash. Generally, Pets are allowed.

3. How long does it take to finish the 7 Hills?

Depending on your fitness level, anything between 3 and 5 hours

4. How high are the Ngong Hills?

The highest point is 2,460 meters (8,071 ft) above sea level

5. Is Ngong Hills Volcanic?

It is an extinct volcano in the Great Rift Valley. It was formed from basalt lava between six and a half million years ago

6. What is the Ngong Hills Hike Distance?

The distance is around 12 Kilometers from the KFS barrier to Corner Baridi

7. How Many Hills are there at Ngong Hills?

There are 7 Hills that make up Ngong Hills Forest Reserve

Mobile: +254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com