The 12 Apostles Ultra Upsweep is an immersive hike into the vast wilderness in the southern Aberdare Ranges. If you are familiar with Elephant Hill Hike, the 12 Apostles follow the same trail to the last climb to the pinnacle of Elephant Hill and branches to the right as you head to Mount Kinangop. When the trail branches close to Elephant Hill summit, it follows a steep descent to the base of the other side of Elephant Hill down the Kinangop Valley.

The trek has boggy sections from this base towards Mount Kinangop. If it rains, some trails turn into rivulets or rivers based on the rain intensity. Please take rain gear seriously on this trek. Close to the base of the far rear peak of Mount Kinangop, the trail diverts to the 12 Apostles, and the adventure begins. This section to the base of the 12 Apostles has the richest and most beautiful remaining moorlands and is alive, getting you through rivers and valleys across the 2.5 km to the summit of the 12 Apostles.

The 12 Apostles Summit is a series and a staircase of peaks. Getting to the summit is through climbing a steeper rock than that of Kinangop, and feeling like you are done, there is one other peak you have to go through to reach the Eye of the 12 Apostles (A hole under the summit of the 12 apostles). The 12 Apostles summit push is the steepest in the Aberdares and demands your energy and willpower to complete. We have done this before, and it is very manageable for non-beginners.

The 12 Apostles Stats

Approximate Distance: 33km

Approximate Time: 13 hrs

Max Elevation: 3691m

Difficulty: Extreme. This is best for someone who has attempted a 25km+ in less than 12 hrs before.

What to Wear During the 12 Apostles

1. Fleece Marvin/hat or a baseball cap.
2. Proper hiking clothes (polyester t-shirt, wind jacket, hiking pants, fleece jacket).
3. Comfortable & Waterproof hiking boots (should be one size bigger than your standard shoe size).
4. Sunscreen

In the 12 Apostles Day Pack, Have

1. Snacks such as biscuits, nuts, fruits, crisps, etc.
2. At least 2 liters of water (use a water bladder or a reusable bottle). Disposable plastic bottles are not allowed inside parks.
3. Raincoat/poncho.
4. Leg gaiters.
5. Hand gloves.
6. Valid identification document.
7. A head torch.
8. Hiking pole.

It is Also Advisable to Have

1. A set of clothes to change into after the hike (sometimes, the good hiking gear also fails, and weather changes are unexpected).

Click here for more details on preparing for this hike and the steps to take to ease the after-hike effects.

Ticket & Booking the 12 Apostles Traverse

Citizens/Residents: KES 4500 (Scroll to the “Book Event” section for tickets)

Non-Residents: USD 90 (Click Here to Pay in USD)

Residents can alternatively reserve a slot by paying at least KES 2500 using these instructions and clearing the balance before departure.

Hikers Arena Refund Policy applies.

Click here to see the ticket inclusions & definitions.

Trip Route

Nairobi- <Waiyaki Way> -Njabini.

Trip Itinerary

Meeting point: Kencom (Opposite International House Entrance, CBD).

• 2.00 am: Boarding opens
• 2.15 am: Departure for South Kinangop Forest Station Gate (The departure time is strict)
• 4.45 am: Arrival at South Kinangop Forest Station Gate
• 5.00 am: Hike starts
• 11.00 am: The latest time at the diversion to 12 Apostles. If Late, revert to Elephant Hill Summit & Descend
• 6.00 pm: Departure for Nairobi

N/B: The departure time back to Nairobi is subject to the day’s team and could be earlier or later than estimated.

Inquiries and Updates

For inquiries and updates, click here. We also recommend you join the Hikers Arena Community Whatsapp group (Click here to join) to keep up to date with our activities and upcoming events.