Ngong Hills Hiking: The Complete Review

Are you wondering, like, is the Ngong Hills hike actually worth it? Well, it is something people always ask me, so too, I will go over what it’s really like to spend a day trekking across these famous peaks just outside Nairobi. From getting there to what to expect on the trail, this, that is, will give you the full picture to help you decide if it’s the adventure for you.

Getting to the Starting Point: A Bit of a Trek

First, you’ve got to, very get to the hills, right? So, you could grab a taxi from Nairobi, and yet this can set you back a fair amount. That it will! A more budget-friendly move would be to hop on a matatu from the city center towards Ngong town. From there, like, you might need another short ride on a motorbike taxi (boda-boda) to actually reach the entrance of the Ngong Hills Forest Reserve. This part, just a little, can feel a bit like an adventure all on its own, with the wind in your hair and the city fading into the distance.

As I was saying, once you get there, you will notice the entry point itself, that actually isn’t that clearly marked, so in that case, it’s a good idea to ask a local for directions to keep yourself headed in the right way. Pay the entry fee and you are like, just a few steps from enjoying what the trails have to offer. It can be just a little confusing finding the start, and very there are often people around offering “guidance” for a fee, so I mean, do feel very free to politely decline if you’d rather go it alone! As a matter of fact, the trails are pretty well-defined, and so that means you’re unlikely to get totally lost if you stick to the main path.

What to Expect on the Trail: Breathtaking Views and a Workout

Okay, the hike itself? So, it is not exactly a walk in the park, yet the Ngong Hills are actually a series of hills, so in some respects expect some ups and downs! The views, pretty breathtaking, are almost your reward for tackling the steeper sections. From the top, that, you can see Nairobi spread out below, the Great Rift Valley stretching into the distance, and on a pretty clear day, even Mount Kilimanjaro playing peek-a-boo. Arguably it is stunning.

As a matter of fact, the trail is maybe around 10 kilometers long, which typically usually takes somewhere between 4 to 5 hours to complete, and so it kind of depends on your fitness level and how often you stop to actually take photos (because, trust me, you’ll be stopping a lot!). And I mean, the path winds along the ridge of the hills, and in fact there are forested areas where you’ll find yourself shaded from the sun. Yet, those open stretches can get pretty hot, and literally I cannot stress the value of bringing enough water and sunscreen.

Very important for your personal safety is that there are usually rangers patrolling the area. They basically are very there for your protection, that could be from straying too far from the trail, or perhaps any, even though uncommon, encounters with wildlife. That being the case, listen to their instructions and guidelines and like, remember, respect the environment!

What to Bring: Packing for the Day

So, let’s talk gear! First, I would mention really comfortable hiking shoes – this arguably is very a must. The terrain, as a matter of fact can be uneven and rocky, and still blisters are no one’s idea of a good time. We are literally going with layering your clothes! So, as I was saying, the weather can shift, so in some respects having a light jacket you can easily pack away could be useful. Clearly, don’t forget that hat and sunglasses, or a great backpack, and in fact a fully charged phone or camera to capture those incredible views.

And like, here’s a handy checklist to actually make sure you’re all set:

• Water (at least 2-3 liters)
• Snacks (energy bars, fruit, nuts)
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Light jacket
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Small backpack
• Fully charged phone/camera
• A bit of cash (for entry fees, snacks along the way)

Oh, literally one more tip, bring a small first-aid kit. So in that case cuts and scrapes do happen, and anyway being prepared helps!

Safety Considerations: What You Should Know

First things first, even though it can be amazing, it also comes with potential risks, literally being aware is pretty key. The Ngong Hills are known for strong winds, so I would say be very careful near the edges. So, you actually don’t want to get blown off, right? Just in general, keep a safe distance, alright? Also, sometimes there are reports of petty theft in the area, so very keep an eye on your belongings and generally avoid flashing valuables.

It tends to be advisable to hike in a group, but for people hiking solo, that may not always be an option. Basically if you’re going solo, that will be the case tell someone where you’re going and about when you expect to be back, it’s the smart way to keep people in the loop! A better way might be joining a guided group so that you can get all of the help you want! Finally, but first of all, and so on pay attention to the weather forecast. As a matter of fact, hiking in heavy rain can be pretty dangerous, or a potential way for a nasty day on the mountainside.

Is it Worth It? My Final Thoughts

I’m like a fan, in the sense, very clearly. Is it worth it? Anyway, it really depends on what you are after! Just in case you’re looking for a challenging hike that also has gorgeous views near Nairobi, oh really, that may very well be just a big yes. Is that great or is that great? Just a little. It is a solid chance to immerse yourself in nature, I would say. Very. It offers an actual workout, but it isn’t too physically challenging for very most people. A very average level of fitness, I mean. You, and stuff, and so on will likely love it!

So you know what to expect if crowds are one of the things you don’t prefer! As a matter of fact, the hills can get busy on weekends and holidays, literally going during the week if possible. What is that? As a matter of fact, whatever I’m saying? Oh you know there is also plenty of open space, so literally even on a busy day you could find a quiet place to very sit and have all of the fresh mountain air that you like. It’s so great and easy, almost.