In the vast Aberdares wilderness remains many unexplored hills that are as scenic as the others and appealing if you are looking to challenge your resilience. If you have heard of Wandare Gate, Aberdares, Rhino Hill, and Mount Satima, you might have an idea where the Aberdare Northbound Traverse spans.

At Rhino Hill summit, facing the East is Honi Campsite, and facing the Northeast is a climb that appears to form the highest ridge in the surroundings. Our hike starts at Honi Campsite and proceeds through untamed moorlands up that steep ridge to the summit (which is the extended Mount Satima).

This hike will allow you to stand atop Aberdares (note that the highest point is not where Mount Satima summit board is) if the weather is generous enough to be clear. Being an Apex hike, it could end up not as challenging, and we might meet the golden views as we head down the Dragon’s Teeth to Twin Rocks, where our hike ends.

Aberdare Northbound Traverse Stats

Approximate Distance: 20 km

Approximate Time: 11 Hours

Maximum Elevation: 4001m (At Mount Satima Summit)

Difficulty: This hike requires you to have done challenging hikes/runs/walks (above 20km total) before and familiar walking untamed trails.

What to Wear During the Hike

• • Fleece Marvin/hat or a baseball cap.
  • Proper hiking clothes (polyester t-shirt, wind jacket, hiking pants/summit pants, fleece jacket).
  • Comfortable hiking boots (should be at least one size bigger than your standard shoe size).
  • Sunscreen/good layer of arimis.

In Your Backpack, Have

• • At least 2 liters of water (use a water bladder or a reusable bottle). Disposable plastic bottles are not allowed inside parks.
  • Snacks such as biscuits, nuts, fruits, crisps, etc.
  • A hiking pole.
  • leg gaiters.
  • A balaclava.
  • A raincoat/poncho.
  • Hand gloves.
  • Head torch.

It is Also Advisable to Have

• • 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 Aberdare Northbound Traverse

Citizens/Residents: KES 4,700 (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.3000 using these instructions and clearing the balance before departure. Hikers Arena Refund Policy applies.

Click here to see the ticket inclusions & definitions.

Trip Itinerary

Meeting point: Opposite outside International House Kencom (Nairobi CBD)

• • 2.15 am: Boarding opens
  • 2.30 am: Departure for Aberdares Wandare Gate (The departure time is strict)
  • 6.00 am: Arrival at Aberdares Wandare Gate & registrations
  • 7.30 am: Hike starts
  • 1:00 pm: Summit moment at Mount Satima Peak
  • 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.