Mount Kinangop-Elephant Hill Traverse is the ultimate test for immersing yourself in hiking challenges. At the heart of Aberdares, this hike traverses the Southern and Nothern Aberdare Ranges.

The hike starts at Mutarakwa Gate and swiftly goes through a planted pine forest and into the real forest. The trail goes through a deep bamboo forest where you navigate safari ants and bogs towards the moorlands. The moorlands are a hub of landscapes as you head to Mount Kinangop Summit. The summit is a steep rock for those who want to conquer their fear (you do not have to climb it).

After a summit moment, we will head to the last rear peak of Mount Kinangop and proceed to Kinangop Valley on our way to Elephant Hill. The final tough climb will be the Punisher (the steep wall down the plane crash as you head to Kinangop Valley), and finally, drop through Elephant Hill Trail to Njabini Gate, where our hike ends.

Mount Kinangop-Elephant Hill Traverse Stats

Approximate Distance: 30km

Approximate Time: 14 hrs

Max Elevation: 3996m (Mount Kinangop Summit)

Difficulty: To hack this, you must have completed the likes of Mount Kinangop or at least 3 summits in Northern Aberdares or several 25km+ hikes recently.

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 & Waterproof hiking boots (should be one size bigger than your standard shoe size).
4. Sunscreen

In your 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).

Click here for more details on preparing for this hike and the steps to take to ease the after-hike effects.

Ticket & Booking Mount Kinangop-Elephant Hill Traverse

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 Itinerary

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

• 2.00 am: Boarding opens
• 2.15 am: Departure for North Kinangop Forest Station Gate (The departure time is strict)
• 4.45 am: Arrival at South Kinangop Forest Station Gate
• 5.00 am: Hike starts
• Noon: The latest time at the diversion to 12 Apostles. If Late, proceed to Elephant Hill Summit
• 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.