The Elephant Hill & Mount Kinangop Traverse is an immersive hike into the vast wilderness from the Southern to the Nothern Aberdare Ranges. Before climbing the pinnacle of Elephant Hill Summit, there is a diversion to the right that descends through the steep wall (Punisher) to Kinangop Valley.
Elephant Hill & Mount Kinangop Traverse is for hikers who are preparing for tougher climbs, uch as Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro, or even our ultra series of hikes that challenge everyone’s potential. The Nyandarua Ranges are known for a rough terrain and this trail is no exception. It has a boggy section from the base of the punisher towards Mount Kinangop. Please carry a well-cushioned boot. This 7km stretch through moderate hills in the valley will take us to the rear peaks and the summit of Mount Kinangop in the company of the team braving the 12 Apostles.
Mount Kinangop summit is a rock that can be scary to climb sometimes. The climb is for those who want to conquer their fear. After a few summit moments, we will descend via Mutarakwa route to catch our ride.
Elephant Hill & Mount Kinangop Traverse Stats
Approximate Distance | 30 Km |
Approximate Time | 12 Hours |
Maximum Elevation | 12,815 ft (at Mount Kinangop Summit) |
Difficulty | This hike needs someone who is either a gym bird or has done several over 25km hikes with at least two high-altitude hikes before. This must be supported by good physical health. |
Hike Essentials
What to Wear | What to Carry |
A hat or a baseball cap | At least 2L water (Use a refillable can. Disposable plastics are not allowed inside parks) |
Well-treaded hiking boot | Electrolyte replenisher (Hydration mix, smoothies, crisps, nuts) |
Hiking pants or shorts with tights | Rain poncho/raincoat |
A windproof down jacket | Hiking stick |
Sunscreen/petroleum jelly | Identification document |
A light backpack with essentials | A set of clothes to change into after the hike (sometimes, the good hiking gear also fails, and weather changes are unexpected) |
A head torch/lamp |
Ticket & Booking Elephant Hill & Mount Kinangop Traverse
Residents (KES) | Non-Residents (USD) | |
---|---|---|
Shared Transport | 4,850 | 95 |
Self-Drive | N/A | N/A |
Booking | 3,000 | 60 |
How to Pay: Use the booking panel below this event description for tickets (recommended). We allow a booking fee as described in the table above, and clear the balance the day before departure. Pay your booking fee using these payment details.
Non-Residents: If the payment details above are unavailable to you, contact us for an alternative payment method.
Note:
If you book with a partial payment, you shall clear the balance the day before departure.
Hikers Arena Refund Policy applies.
By participating, you consent to Hikers Arena participation terms & the Website terms.
Click here to see the ticket inclusions & definitions.
Trip Route
Nairobi-(via Waiyaki Way)-Njabini
Inquiries and Updates
For inquiries and updates, contact us.
Departure, Hike & Return: Meeting point: City Hall Way (Kencom) opposite International House Entrance, CBD.
- 2.30 am: Boarding opens
- 2:45 am: Departure for South Kinangop Forest Station (The departure time is strict)
- 4.45 am: Arrival at South Kinangop Forest Station and registration
- 5.00 am: Hike starts
- 12.30 pm: Mandatory easiest-exit time for everyone
- 6.00 pm: Departure for Nairobi
N/B: The departure time back to Nairobi is subject to the day’s tidings and could be earlier or later than estimated.