The Ngong Hills Trail consists of a series of seven rolling hills. Although it is in Kajiado County, it is very near Nairobi and so suitable for a day trip from Nairobi. The name “Ngong” comes from the Maasai word enkong’u, meaning “knuckles”. Its description fits because, from a distance, the hills resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist.

Each peak rises slightly higher than the last, with the highest reaching 2,460 metres above sea level. The hike is beginner-friendly, as you can turn back anywhere along the route.

Location	Ngong
Starting Point	Ngong town
Ending point	Option one 1: Ngong town Option two: Kona Baridi
Walking Duration	5 hours
Prevalent Weather	Windy
Terrain	Motorable road, human footpaths on grass
Elevation Difference	500m
Difficulty	Moderate

Objective

The goal of this hike is to traverse the iconic Ngong Hills ridge—either climbing all seven peaks and returning to the starting point or crossing over to the opposite side. Because the trail allows for easy turnaround at any point, it is ideal for hikers of varying fitness levels.

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Route Options

Option 1: Ngong Hills Return Trail

The hike begins in Ngong Town at an elevation of about 1,960 metres. From town, head east along the road toward the government offices, continuing to the Oloolaiser Secondary School turnoff. Take a right just after the police station.

The first 2 km stretch leads to the forest gate along a motorable road, passing through local settlements. At the gate, register with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), take a short break, and continue.

Beyond the gate, the trail ascends gently through a mix of light forest, open grassland, and sections of the wind farm. You’ll pass the pilot beacon, a marker used for aircraft approaching JKIA, before joining a footpath into the rolling hills.

From here, the terrain alternates between climbs and dips over several “false peaks”. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley on one side and Nairobi’s skyline on the other.

After a few peaks, the trail briefly enters a quiet, forested section—beautiful but worth traversing with caution, as wildlife such as buffalo may be present.

At the summit, take time to rest, snack, and enjoy the views before retracing your steps back to Ngong Town.

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Option 2: Ngong Hills Traverse Trail

This option is a different experience, ending on the opposite side of the hills. The traverse hike follows the same trail as option 1 up to the peak. Instead of turning back at the peak, you descend to the other side.

While descending, the trail opens into expansive grasslands with stunning views of Ole Sekut Hills, Ole Polos, and the Magadi plains below. Follow the cattle tracks up to Kona Baridi.

 

Getting There

By Public Transport

Take bus number 111 from the Railways Terminus in Nairobi to Ngong Town.

• If starting from town, you can begin the hike directly.
• If starting from the forest gate, hire a boda boda, taxi, or tuk-tuk.

For the traverse route, take a matatu from Kona Baridi to Kiserian, then connect back to Nairobi via Rongai or Ngong.

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By Car

Drive to Ngong Town and park in designated parking areas (fees apply on weekdays). Alternatively, drive to the forest gate and park there.

For the traverse hike, consider arranging for your vehicle to be driven to Kona Baridi. Allow 4–5 hours for the hike.

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Other Activities Near Ngong Hills

You can easily combine the hike with:

• Picnicking at Ngong Hills
• Nyama Choma and Ole Polos
• Swimming at Ole Tepesi
• Swimming at Ole Polos
• Swimming at Jordan Breeze

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Entry Fee

Payable at the gate to Kenya Forest Service (KFS):

• Adults: Ksh 200

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Safety Tips

There have been occasional reports of theft targeting small groups or solo hikers. For safety:

• Avoid hiking alone
• Consider hiring an armed escort from KFS rangers or Administration Police
• Stay aware of your surroundings throughout the hike

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Final Thoughts on Ngong Hills

Ngong Hills is one of those hikes that delivers big rewards with relatively low commitment. The trail combines contrasting but spectacular views. To the east is the built Nairobi environment, and to the west are the sprawling lowlands of the Great Rift Valley. This, combined with its proximity to Nairobi, makes it perfect for a day adventure. In the end, it won’t matter whether you conquer all seven hills because the experience is always worth it.