Kenya’s rugged landscape provides for wonderful hiking opportunities, with multiple forests, mountains and craters dotting the country. You get to encounter stunning flora and fauna on all your hikes.
Here are ten hiking trails in Kenya that you should try:
- Menengai Crater
The Menengai Crater is the biggest caldera in Kenya. The Viewpoint of the crater, which is the name given to the highest point of the crater, provides picturesque views of Lake Nakuru and Nakuru city. Watch the beautiful Lake Nakuru shimmer and give off hues of pink owing to the huge population of flamingoes that line the Lake. Take the hike from the Viewpoint down to the floor of the crater.
- Mt Kenya
Although hiking to the top of the mountain takes about 5-6 days, you can embark on a shorter hike to the Met Station, which takes about 8-9 hours. On your way, you might encounter elephants, Red Colobus monkeys and buffaloes. The views from the top are pretty rewarding.
- Chyulu Hills
The Chyulu Hills hike takes you through beautiful flora and fauna. It can take about hours to reach the caves. There is another hiking trail in the area, the Satellite trail, which was used by the army as a training trail.
- Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the best places for hiking in Kenya. The rock formations allow you to embark on challenging hikes. You should try the Ol Njorowa Gorge hiking trail, which provides you with stunning sceneries on a 6-hour hike.
- Longonot
Mt. Longonot is beautiful dormant volcano with a crater top. You’ll encounter a lot of wildlife on your way up, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras and giraffes. The crater houses a thick forest, and the rim of the crater provides scenic views.
- Karura Forest
Karura Forest is a great place for a nature retreat for the entire family. It contains hiking trails for beginners as well. There are many caves and waterfalls for you to explore in the forest. You’ll also discover majestic birdlife and beautiful trees on your way.
- Elgon
Mt. Elgon is located on the Kenyan-Uganda border. It contains scenic hot springs and gorges, which are mostly on the Ugandan side. You start your hike at Rongai Gate. On your way up, you can check out the Kitum Caves, where elephants actually “mine” the rock for salts. After that, you reach the Koitoboss Peak on the Kenyan side.
The total hike takes about 7-8 hours. You can also camp on your way if you want to take a break in between. The hike is for intermediate-level hikers.
- Ngong Hills
The Ngong Hills trail takes you through a village, a wind farm and a radio repeater station, all of which are interesting sights to see. The hills are located a very short distance away from Nairobi.
- Aberdare Forest
Aberdare Ranges Forest provides you with stunning hiking trails that let you explore East African flora and fauna. The forest also contains many campsites where you can set up your own camp to take a break from your hike!
- Kakamega Forest
Kakamega forest is a birdwatcher’s paradise. There are many hiking trails available here, suitable for varying fitness levels. The unique animals, birds and plants that you encounter on your way make the hike worth it. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Kenya and have a great time hiking on these trails! While you’re in Kenya, don’t forget to check out the 8 things you must know before you visit Masai.
