Elephant Hill & the Humps Day Hike is in the vast Aberdare Range. If it were not for the drag to comfort among the average hikers, the Gatare Trek from the highlands of Muranga would have given us a trail to the Humps.

This would be among the best resilience checks that hiking in Kenya would have. Mirroring the 12 Apostles, the Humps is the least traversed (by a few curious hikers who dare) among the five walls that form the summit circuit near Elephant Hill.

The hike begins at Aberdares Njabini Gate and follows through the forest to the forest gate. It then follows deep inside the bamboo gate, where the steep trail begins. This trail takes you through the tall bamboo trees to the deceiving point of despair (Desperado). You can see Mount Kenya in the North East and Sasumwa Dam to the South West when clear. 

This is where you have shed your first flow of sweat, and thinking it is the summit, fine-lined vegetation welcomes you to yet another steep ascent to the elephant’s tail. The bamboo region ends after a short stretch past the Desperado, where the rainforest begins, and the exposed rocky region shows.

At the tail, the views begin to be more stunning and satisfying. The trek past the tail is gentler across some valleys and the rocky region towards Elephant Hill summit. Taking advantage of this trek, we will then divert to the Real Elephant Hill Summit, above the plane crash, and later attempt the Humps Summit (The far edge facing the 12 apostles) on our right.

Elephant Hill & the Humps Day Hike Stats

Approximate Distance: 22Km

Approximate Time: 10 Hours

Highest Elevation: 3665m (At the real Elephant Hill Summit)

Difficulty: You need to be a fit hiker or have done at least two hikes of at least 15 km before to hack this.

What to Wear During the 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 your 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 valid identification document.
4. A hiking pole.
5. 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).

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 & the Humps Hike

Citizens/Residents: KES 3700 (Scroll to the “Book Event” section for tickets)

Non-Residents: USD 80 (Click Here to Pay in USD)

Residents can alternatively reserve a slot by paying at least KES 2000 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, Nairobi CBD (Opposite International House Entrance).

• 4.30 am: Boarding opens
• 4.45 am: Departure for South Kinangop Forest Station gate
• 7.00 am: Arrival at South Kinangop forest station gate
• 7.20 am: Hike starts
• 5.00 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.