In the Mouth of the Dragon
Have you ever watched one of those vampire shows and wondered if the sets are built or if such places actually exist? Dragon’s Teeth Trail is the kind of place that makes you feel like you could be on a movie set. You walk the Dragon’s Teeth Trail, you half expect werewolves to jump out of a rock and talk to you then transform into a muscly young adult. This is one of the most interesting hiking trails in Kenya as well as one of the most challenging as well. It is also aptly named.
Key Attractions
- Starting at the Shamata Gate, the trek leads you the highest peak in the Aberdares. You will walk through a field of grass and assorted vegetation.
- There is a beautiful backdrop of the Central Kenya landscape.
- Though, your eyes might be more attracted to the jagged mounds of rock scattered all across the land. They are shaped like the teeth of a predator. You kind of feel like you are walking on the tongue of a bull shark. This is where the name Dragon’s Teeth comes from.
- If you are lucky, you will plan your trek on a nice day and be treated to blue skies. You might also see some wild animals so it is kind of a ‘game trek’, so to speak.
Challenge Level
The In the Mouth of the Dragon trail is a step up from the Wandare Trail. On the list of unique hiking trails in Kenya, this one ranks pretty high as well as in terms of difficulty level. If you are a beginner, this is not the place to start even if you enjoy unique hiking trails in Kenya. Wandare leads to Oldoinyo Lesatima as well and is more beginner friendly.
Logistics
The central meeting point is on the benches near Bata Hilton Nairobi CBD. From there, we head out to the Shamata Gate. The journey to the starting point is about five hours long.
The trail is also self-drive friendly in case you don’t want to ride with the rest of the group.
What do you need for the trail?
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Hiking Backpack
- Leg gaiters
- Hiking pants
- 3L water (bring a reusable water bottle or a hydration pack)
- T-shirt (long sleeve polyester or/and thermal T-shirt)
- Fleece Jacket and a shell jacket (or a poncho for the Shell)
- Gloves (warm and waterproof)
- Hiking buff or scarf
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, sun protection
- Hat; Marvin, fleece hat, a wide-brimmed hat, etc
- Polyester socks (+ an extra pair or two in your backpack)
- Trekking pole
- Snacks (sandwich, trail mix (nuts), fruit salad, energy drink, warm beverage, biscuits, etc.)
- Personal items (ID, pocket money, hand sanitizer, facemask, phone, camera, Lighter, Pocket Knife, First aid Kit)
- Headlamp
- Change of clothes and shoes in case you get wet or muddy
Here’s a list of resources for hiking gear you can check out.
Hiking Gear Vendors – Lets Drift
Can you bring your kids with you?
No. This is not the kind of hike where you bond with your kids much as you may want to show them one of the most unique hiking trails in Kenya.
Now that you know about In the Mouth of the Dragon, we hope to see you on the trails!
Similar trails
For lovers of unique hiking trails in Kenya and challenging trekking experiences, similar trails to Dragon’s Teeth are:
Rurimeria and Mt Kinangop
