Mt Kinangop X Elephant hill

Mt Kinangop is the 2nd highest peak in the Nyandarua Ranges and is known as the toughest hiking trail among the hiking community. On this hike, you will experience two significant summits in one day.  With this hike’s 10+ hour length and its challenging terrain, it’s no wonder that it’s often referred to as “the best trail in Africa.” If this sounds like an adventure you’re looking for—if it sounds like something fun and challenging—then sign up today!

Highlights  

• Indigenous Forests
• Moorland
• Panoramic views
• High altitude experience
• Bamboo forest
• Elephant Hill Summit
• Mt Kinangop Summit
• Mutarakwa forest

What’s Included

• Professional, knowledgeable, friendly guide.
• A commitment to make the tour as exciting, challenging, informative, and full as you’d like, and as is possible in a day
• Transportation to the trailhead and back
• Park entry fee for citizens and residents
• Achievement badge

What’s Not Included

• Meals
• Park entry fee for non-residents ($56)

Itinerary

0430h: Depart Nairobi

0730h: Hike brief and stretching

1130h: Summit Elephant Hill

1430h: Summit Kinangop

1800h: Exit from Mutarakwa Forest Gate and depart for Nairobi

2200h: Arrival at Nairobi

Meet-up Location: Outside Bata Shop, Hilton(opposite Kencom)

About this activity

Difficulty: Demanding/Challenge

Hiking Distance: 26km

Maximum altitude: 3906m

Elevation gain: 1600m

Duration: 10 hours

Trail Head: Njabini Forest Gate

Trail end: Mutarakwa

Guidelines

Must have done at least 3 hikes in the past two months, including 1 high altitude hike.

What to bring

1. Waterproof hiking shoes
2. Hiking Backpack
3. Leg gaiters
4. Hiking pants
5. 3L water (bring a reusable water bottle or a hydration pack)
6. T-shirt (long sleeve polyester or/and thermal T-shirt)
7. Fleece Jacket and a shell jacket (or a poncho for the Shell)
8. Gloves (warm and waterproof)
9. Hiking buff or scarf
10. Sunglasses, sunscreen, sun protection
11. Hat; Marvin, fleece hat, a wide-brimmed hat, etc
12. Polyester socks (+ an extra pair or two in your backpack)
13. Trekking pole
14. Snacks (sandwich, trail mix (nuts), fruit salad, energy drink, warm beverage, biscuits, etc.)
15. Personal items (ID, pocket money, hand sanitizer, facemask, phone, camera, Lighter, Pocket Knife, First aid Kit)
16. Headlamp
17. Change of clothes and shoes in case you get wet or muddy.

Where Do We Meet?

For group travel, we will meet up at Bata shop Hilton (opposite Kencom). The guide will be at the meet-up point.

This trip is NOT self-drive-friendly.

Our Safety Pledge

Your safety is our top priority. Our experiences are led by professional hiking guides, and well-known local guides who are well versed with the trails they are guiding. All our guides carry a First-aid Kit and have an emergency contact. If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us for more information.

Know before you go

• The guide’s contact is available at the bottom of this page. Feel free to get in touch with any queries regarding this hike.
• Kindly note that we do not do pickups along the way.
• The trail is NOT suitable for kids and beginner hikers.
• Kindly observe the COVID-19 health safety regulations.
• You will get an email confirmation of your booking once you purchase your ticket. 

Cancellation Policy

Hikers will receive a 50% refund if they cancel more than 48 hours before the hike. Cancellations made 48 hours or less before the hike date, including no-shows, will not be refunded. Rescheduling is allowed up to 48 hours before the hike, subject to availability.

Resources

1. Hiking Gear Guide
2. Hiking Gear Vendors
3. Trail Difficulty Guide
4. Trail Gallery
5. Strava Routes
6. Guide Bios
7. Participation Badges
8. Whatsapp Text Helpline
9. Drift Shop
10. Book a Private Drift
11. Rate Lets Drift on Google

What Drifters say about this trail

• Instagram – Kinetic Kinoti

Resources

Strava Recording

Hiking Essentials 

Hiking Gear Shops.