7 Best Hiking Spots in Kenya : Hiking is one of the most adventurous activities to do on a Kenya safari both for locals and tourists, hiking has become a more popular Kenya safari activities to do due the need for people to embrace healthy living and the need to discover newer places every other day.

In Nairobi City, there are a number of hiking trails and others are located further away from the capital city.

 some of the best hiking spots in Kenya you can visit if you are looking for a hiking experience include Karura Forest, Ngong Hills, Nairobi Arboretum, Hell’s Gate, Mount Longonot, Mount Kenya – Naro Moru Hike and Menengai Crater

Karura Forest

 Karura Forest is a popular hiking trail in Kenya due to thousands of tree species found in the forest thus making it the best hiking spot among others. The hiking trails in Karurua Forest cover approximately 50 kilometers that leads to a waterfall and caves, the first 2 kilometers are steady lane followed by a step hill that leads to a river.

The trail steadies again until you get to the caves which are believed to have been a hide out for the Mau Mau during the colonial period then you get to the waterfall after a while.

This hiking trail is very suitable for family hiking adventures and even solo adventures because you are likely to meet other passionate hikers along the trails.

Ngong Hills

Ngong Hills is the most accessible hiking spot in Nairobi thanks to its location at a short distance from the city centre, the initial part of the hiking trail cuts through a village past a wind farm then you get to a radio repeater station.

Ngong Hills boasts amazing views at this point, then climb and go down a series of hills leading to a place called Kona Baridi located in the Southern part of the hills. The whole hiking experience on Ngong Hills is likely to take 4-5 hours depending on your hiking pace.

Nairobi Arboretum

This spectacular hiking spot is located on a 70-acre piece of land adjacent to the State House, there are fast – growing exotic trees planted by the Kenyan government to be used in the construction of Mombasa – Kampala railway.

They consist of over 350 types of different trees and the paved footpaths in between the trees are the spaces that serve as the hiking trails.

Hell’s Gate

Located in Naivasha, Hell’s Gate is one of the best hiking landscapes among the other hiking spots in Kenya. Hells Gate comprises of the Rift Valley Cliff which is the exterior part and the Ol Njorowa Gorge which meanders a distance of 24 kilometers. They both offer space for rock climbing and hiking trails respectively.

Hell’s Gate National Park is also filled with hot water springs and wildlife including giraffes, also the scenery is breathtaking.

Mount Longonot

Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano located just an hour away from Nairobi, this volcano is listed among the most recommended hiking spots in Kenya.

The hiking trails on Mount Longonot start from the main gate then pasted the forested area, the hike up and down the mountain takes approximately 4 hours while going around the crater and extra 2 hours. During the hike you are likely to see wildlife like giraffes and buffaloes from a safe distance.

7 Best Hiking Spots in Kenya
Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya is one of the most popular hiking/climbing destinations in Africa, the hike on this mountain starts from Naro Moru Gate at Mount Kenya National Park via the forest. It takes approximately 2 hours and during the hike you are likely to see colobus monkeys, buffaloes and elephants from a distance.

Alternatively, you can hike through the alpine zone which will take you a couple of extra hours and the view is worth the additional trek. This zone is covered with vegetation like the giant heather, tussock grass and senecio.

Menengai Crater

The Menegai Crater is the largest caldera in Kenya and the second largest in Africa, the caldera is located 8 kilometers from Nakuru Town and the boasts the view of Lake Nakuru from the top of the crater is breathtaking.

The highest point of the caldera wall is approximately 500 m from the bottom of the caldera and the entire view of the horizon is worth the hiking experience.

Menegai Crater provides an avenue for hiking, the trails are clearly marked and you won’t get much trouble navigating your way.

 Apart from hiking, Kenya offers many fascinating African safari activities to do.

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