Breaking your Back to the Top of Elephant Hill
As intimidating as Elephant Hill is, it is important that one approach it with the same kind of attitude. You should pick challenging hiking trails every once in a while just to push yourself a little bit. It builds character not to mention, it is quite the adventure. Elephant Hill is a gem. It is loud and impossible to ignore. It is like eating peanuts. Chewing them is tedious but they are delicious so you do it anyway.
Key Attractions
- Elephant Hill is a mammoth mound of earth that sits elegantly in the thick of the Aberdare Ranges.
- Getting to the top of Elephant Hill is a wonderful achievement. There should be a medal at the top, instead you get something better for surviving the climb. You get a spectacular view of the highest point of the Aberdares, Sasumua Dam and Ndakaini.
- On your way to the top, you will walk through a thick forest with a widely varied collection of tree species including bamboo. Every once in a while when you are thinking that maybe you should quit, you will look up as the sun peeks through the trees and catch your second wind.
Challenge Level
Trekking through the forest and up Elephant Hill is very difficult. To say it will be trying is an understatement. It will shred your will to nothing, be slippery and wet, muddy and will feel like you have been walking for days. Your muscles might spasm at some point. You might have to crawl up the hill at some point. However, when you go past the point of despair and complete the hike. It will have been well worth it. Because, you will be ready for far more challenging hiking trails up bigger mountains.
Logistics
The central meeting point is on the benches near Bata Hilton Nairobi CBD. From there, we head out to take public transport to Njabini town. The journey to the starting point is about an hour long. The cost of transportation is approximately Ksh 800.
The trail is also self-drive friendly.
What do you need for the trail?
- Hiking boots
- Trekking pole
- Rain gear
- Backpack
- Snacks such as nuts, granola bars, fruits, fresh juice,
- 3 Litres of water (bring a reusable water bottle or a hydration pack)
Here’s a list of resources for hiking gear you can check out.
Hiking Gear Vendors – Lets Drift
Now that you know about Elephant Hill, we hope to see you on the trails!
Similar trails
For lovers of mountain climbing and challenging hiking trails, similar trails to Elephant Hill are:
Mt Longonot and Mt Kilimanjaro
