Off the Beaten Path to the Twelve Apostles
When you hear the name Twelve Apostles, your curiosity will be piqued enough to go ahead and find out if the trail is as interesting as the name. Are you one of those people who enjoy standing a little too close to the edge of a cliff just to feel that rush of excitement? Are you exhilarated by the possibility of pushing yourself a little too far? So much that your sweat glands complain but only far enough that you can bounce back? The Twelve Apostles is where you want to be.
Key Attractions
- The Twelve Apostles is very little known. Very few people walk the trail. This means that it is virtually undisturbed. Remember when you were a child and you went on little exploration walks to find things you have not seen before or grounds you have never played before? Walking up to the Twelve Apostles is exactly like this. It is a little like walking around in the dark in a strange house and you have to feel your way around with your hands. There is no path to follow, just a destination to arrive to. There might be some bushwhacking involved as you find your way to the destination. If there was ever a hiking trail in Kenya that challenged you, this one will put that one to shame.
- Once you get to the top, you will be within ‘touching’ distance with Mt Kinangop but unable to walk over. But, you will be treated to as stunning a view as you can ever get from 3950m above sea level in the Aberdares.
Challenge Level
Trekking up to the Twelve Apostles peak of the Aberdare Ranges is going to be more challenging than most hiking trails in Kenya. The distance is approximately 30km and will take about 12 hours to complete. If you crave adventure and you enjoy pushing your limits, this is the hike for you.
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. This particular trip is an overnight event. The cost of accommodation is approximately Kshs 1000.
The trail is also self-drive friendly in case you don’t want to take public transport.
What do you need for the trail?
Upper body:
- Head: Fleece Marvin/ hat
- Hiking buff/ scarf
- Sports bra
- Thermal T-shirt (polyester)
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket
- Shell jacket
- Raincoat/poncho
- Water-resistant Gloves
Lower body:
- Thermal sleeves
- Hiking pants/Summit pants with fleece/Waterproof pants.
- Cotton socks (+ an extra pair or two in your backpack)
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Gaiters
Backpack:
- 3Ltrs water (bring a reusable bottle or a hydration pack)
- Snacks: fruit salad, energy drink, warm beverage, biscuits, sandwich, trail mix (nuts), etc.
- Personal items (ID, pocket money, hand sanitizer, facemask, phone, and camera, Lighter, Pocket Knife, and First-aid Kit)
- Trekking pole
- Headlamp
- A change of clothes and shoes in case you get wet or muddy.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, sun protection
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 definitely not a hike for children. Even adults are subjected to a criteria before they are allowed on this hike.
Now that you know about the Twelve Apostles, we hope to see you on the trails!
Similar trails
If you crave adventure and pushing your limits, similar trails to Twelve Apostles are:
Elephant Hill and Rurimeria
