The Seven Ponds day hike at Aberdares explores the Northern Aberdare moorland region between the steep Table Mountain and Rurimeria. This hike shares a starting point with the Table Mountain Trail. It also shares the same vegetation and terrain in the lower starting region. This trail is gently steep all along until the peak, where the summit is seen. At this point, it’s a horizontal stretch to the tarns.

After the start, there is a viewpoint about 1.5km from the start. After this resting point, the vegetation changes and traverses through beautiful indigenous trees and rich flora in a more gentle trail to the base of the rocky region. The region has no protruding rocks like Table Mountain. It has a beautiful landscape of views below and above. However, you will spot perfect rocks for picture lovers until the base of the moorland. At this base, altitude effects could start creeping, being the perfect place to lower your pace further as you enjoy the moorland view.

This trail has one of the richest moorlands with its sister Trail, Rurimeria, in Aberdares. The moorlands are beautiful, wide, rich shrubs growing in the temperate region. It is one of the solutions that one could reach when they slide, but beware of the shrub. It cuts like a razor blade. Trekking poles serve the best support when ascending and descending. The moorlands are the last vegetation to the summit, covering about 1.2km. The trail traverses seven scenic and sizeable tarns in the moorland zone, and it is from them that the trail derives its name. The hike is the perfect dash for altitude for anyone looking for a challenge or prepping for a climb up Mt Kenya. The notoriously steep ascent tests your endurance, but the breathtaking summit views make the experience unforgettable.

Seven Ponds Day Hike Stats

Approximate Distance: 12Km

Approximate Time: 10 Hours

Maximum Elevation: 3831m (at the ponds)

Difficulty: Tough (Advancing Hikers)

What to Wear During the Seven Ponds Day Hike

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 at least one size bigger than your standard shoe size).
4. Sunscreen.

In the Seven Ponds Day Hike Backpack, Have

1. At least 2 liters of water (use a water bladder or a reusable bottle). Disposable plastic bottles are not allowed inside parks.
2. Snacks such as biscuits, nuts, fruits, crisps, etc.
3. A hiking pole.
4. A raincoat/poncho.

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. 4000
• Rest of Africa Citizens (RA)- Kes. 7900
• International Visitors (IV)- Kes.12100

See what the tickets mean and what they include here.

Booking Seven Ponds Day Hike

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).

• 4.00 am: Boarding opens
• 4.15 am: Departure for Mikeu Shopping Center (The departure time is strict)
• 7.30 am: Arrival at Mikeu Shopping Center
• 8.00 am: Hike starts
• 2.00 pm: Turn-back time
• 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

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