The Elephant Hill & Mount Kinangop is an immersive hike into the vast wilderness of the Southern 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 turn back and climb the Punisher and descend to Elephant Hill starting point to catch our ride back.

Elephant Hill & Mount Kinangop Stats

Approximate Distance: 31km

Approximate time: 12 hrs

Elevation: 3996m (Mount Kinangop Summit)

Difficulty: Tough (Advanced Hikers Only)

What to Wear During the Elephant Hill & Mount Kinangop

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 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 Elephant Hill & Mount Kinangop

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
• 12.00 pm: The latest time at the summit of Mount Kinangop
• 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.