No Monkey Business in Kianugu, Only Appreciation of Nature
In a world where you barely have time to go to the gym or do your favorite things to unwind, weekend hiking trips are the perfect way to incorporate both into a fun package. You do not need to spend your entire month’s mutura budget either. The Kianugu trail is a good example of that. Loosely translating to the ‘place of many monkeys’, you will likely have your banana snatched playfully out of your hands.
Key Attractions
- As civilization peels away behind you, you will be ushered into a barely disturbed wilderness with trees, shrubbery and the ominous melody of adventure.
- At some point, you will be required to hold your heart in your hands and enter dark tunnels under the rails. Who knows what will be lurking in there? But then again, that is the whole point of weekend hiking trips. To venture into the unknown.
- As you wander on your journey of wonder in nature, your mettle will be tested when you encounter a log meant to carry you across a ravine.
- You will encounter a waterfall nestled shyly among the trees.
- As a reward, you will have the chance to sit and enjoy a snack as you marvel at the view of a mountainous horizon.
Challenge Level
Walking the Kianugu trail will only be moderately challenging. This is despite the urge to simply sit and slide down the decline. Your calves, should they make it to the end of the trail, will scream at you for at least a day after this wonderful weekend hiking trip experience.
Logistics
The central meeting point is on the benches near Bata Hilton Nairobi CBD. From there, we head out to take public transport to Maingi Shopping Center. The journey to the starting point is about one and a half hours long.
The trail is not self-drive friendly therefore simply sit back and enjoy the camaraderie of strangers about to be physically challenged and thoroughly awed.
What do you need for the trail?
- Head: Fleece Marvin/ hat
- Hiking buff/ scarf
- Sports bra
- Thermal T-shirt (polyester)
- Waterproof hiking boots
- 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
- 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?
The Kianugu trail is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Therefore, te kids should probably sit this one out.
Similar trails
The fun does not have to stop at Kianugu, you can check out other options for weekend hiking trips. Book now, be notified when tickets become available. Similar trails to Kianugu are:
Kariminu and Maparasha Hill
