The Elephant Hill & Mount Kinangop Traverse is an immersive hike into the vast wilderness from the Southern to the Nothern Aberdare Ranges. Before climbing the pinnacle of Elephant Hill Summit, there is a diversion to the right that descends through the steep wall (Punisher) to Kinangop Valley.

The trek has a boggy section from the 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. This 7km stretch through moderate hills in the valley will take us to the rear peaks and the summit of Mount Kinangop in the company of the team braving the 12 Apostles.

Mount Kinangop summit is a rock that can be scary to climb sometimes. The climb is for those who want to conquer their fear. After a few summit moments, we will descend via Mutarakwa route to catch our ride.

Elephant Hill & Mount Kinangop Traverse Stats

Approximate Distance: 30km

Approximate time: 12 hrs

Elevation: 3996m (Mount Kinangop Summit)

Difficulty: Tough (Advanced Hikers Only)

What to Wear During the Elephant Hill & Mount Kinangop Traverse

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

In the Elephant Hill & Mount Kinangop Traverse Backpack, 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).

See more details on how to prepare for this hike and the steps to take after the hike to ease the after-hike effects here.

Ticket

• East Africa Community Citizens/Kenyan Residents (EA)- Kes. 4500
• Rest of Africa Citizens (RA)- Kes. 8170
• International Visitors (IV)- Kes.12370

See what the tickets mean and what they include here.

Booking the Elephant Hill & Mount Kinangop Traverse

Reserve a slot by paying at least Kes.2000 using Mpesa and clear the balance before departure. Hikers Arena ticket Cancellation and refund policy applies.

• Paybill No: 522533
• Account No: 7848929

Trip Itinerary

Meeting point: Kencom, Nairobi CBD (Opposite the city clock).

• 3.00 am: Boarding opens
• 3.15 am: Departure for South Kinangop Forest Station Gate (The departure time is strict)
• 5.10 am: Arrival at South Kinangop Forest Station Gate
• 5.20 am: Hike starts
• 2.00 pm: Lunch/snacks at Mount Kinangop
• 8.00 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.