The 12 Apostles Traverse is an immersive hike into the vast wilderness between the Southern and Nothern Aberdare Ranges. If you have heard of the Mount Kinangop hike or Mount Kinangop-Elephant Hill Traverse, the 12 Apostles traverse follows the same trail to the last climb to the pinnacle of Mount Kinangop and goes straight as you head to Elephant Hill.
Past the last rear peak of Mount Kinangop, there is a left diversion as you descend Kinangop Valley. After the diversion, the trail has a gradual, then notoriously steep descent across rivers, hills, and valleys toward the 12 Apostles. This region is usually wet, except for a few times when you are lucky. This section to the base of the 12 Apostles has the richest and most beautiful remaining moorlands alive.
The 12 Apostles Summit is a series of peaks. You get to the summit by climbing a steeper rock than Mount Kinangop, and feeling like you are done, there is one other peak you must go through to reach the Eye of the 12 Apostles (A hole under the summit of the 12 Apostles). The 12 Apostles summit push is the steepest in the Aberdares and demands your energy and willpower to complete.
After a summit moment, We will head back to the diversion 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.
The 12 Apostles Traverse Stats
Approximate Distance: 34km
Approximate Time: 14 hrs
Max Elevation: 3996m (Mount Kinangop Summit)
Difficulty: Extreme. We have not been everywhere, but this is the toughest day hike we have seen. To hack this, you must have completed the 12 Apostles or Mount Kenya summit in less than 14 hours or several similar hikes before.
What to Wear During the 12 Apostles Traverse
- Fleece Marvin/hat or a baseball cap.
- Proper hiking clothes (polyester t-shirt, wind jacket, hiking pants, fleece jacket).
- Comfortable & Waterproof hiking boots (should be one size bigger than your standard shoe size).
- Sunscreen
In the 12 Apostles Traverse Backpack, Have
- Snacks such as biscuits, nuts, fruits, crisps, etc.
- At least 2 liters of water (use a water bladder or a reusable bottle). Disposable plastic bottles are not allowed inside parks.
- Raincoat/poncho.
- Leg gaiters.
- Hand gloves.
- Valid identification document.
- A head torch.
- Hiking pole.
It is Also Advisable to Have
- A set of clothes to change into after the hike (sometimes, the good hiking gear also fails, and weather changes are unexpected).
Ticket & Booking the 12 Apostles 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 Route
Nairobi- <Waiyaki Way> -Engineer.
Trip Itinerary
Meeting point: Kencom (Opposite International House Entrance, CBD).
- 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
- 12.00 pm: 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.
