Objective

There is something quietly magical about walking through Karura Forest. You are in the middle of Nairobi, yet it feels worlds away. The goal here is simple. Slow down. Breathe. Walk. Then push yourself just enough to complete the full distance of your chosen trail. It is both a treat and a small personal challenge.

Trail Description

Karura Forest offers over 50 km of well-marked trails. The paths wind through tall trees, open clearings, and cool shaded sections. Some are shared with runners and cyclists, adding a gentle buzz of activity without breaking the calm.

Navigation is refreshingly simple. At every junction, numbered posts quietly point the way. You follow your numbers. The forest takes care of the rest.

There are three main trails:

• Yellow Trail – 5 km, short and easy
• Blue Trail – 10 km, steady and satisfying
• Green Trail – 15 km, for those who want a bit more

None of them is too difficult. But the forest has its own way of testing you. Pick up the pace and your lungs will notice. Lose focus, and you may find yourself wandering longer than planned.

Stay on the marked trails. That is part of the discipline. Dogs are not allowed off-leash, and for good reason. This is a shared space, not just for people.

Route and Highlights

Most journeys begin at the main gate along Limuru Road. The moment you step in, the city fades.

Take a few minutes at the entrance. Study the map. Note the junction numbers that define your route. Or better yet, buy a map and support the Friends of Karura, the quiet guardians of this green sanctuary.

One of the most loved routes leads to the Karura Caves and waterfall. It is about 6 km from the gate. The trail builds gently, drawing you deeper into the forest.

Then you hear it. A soft, steady gurgle. The waterfall is not grand, but it does not need to be. It is the kind of place where you sit, say nothing, and let the forest speak.

But Karura is not just peaceful. It is resilient. Beneath the calm lies a history of resistance. In the final years of the Nyayo era, this forest stood at the centre of fierce battles against land grabbing. There was blood. There was courage. And somehow, the forest survived.

Today, it stretches across 2,570 acres. A quiet victory.

As you walk, you are never truly alone. There are birds calling from above. Leaves rustling just out of sight. Small animals darting across the path when you least expect it. You hear more than you see. And that is part of the thrill.

Getting There

By Car

Drive along Limuru Road toward Gigiri.

If you are coming from Muthaiga, cross the bridge near the Belgian Embassy. Turn right immediately after. The entrance is easy to miss if you are not paying attention.

Traffic here can be fast. Slow down early. Signal clearly.

If you are using GPS, simply search for the Belgian Embassy.

By Public Transport

Matatus heading to Gigiri, Rwaka, or Village Market will get you close. Common routes include 11B, 106, 107, 108, 114, and 116.

Ask to be dropped at the Karura Forest gate or the Belgian Embassy. Be specific. There is another road called Karura Road nearby, and it is not the same place.

On your way back, things can be less convenient. Some matatus will not stop. If that happens, walk about five minutes to Muthaiga North Shopping Centre and catch one there.

Fees

Opening Hours

The forest is open every day from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Early mornings are crisp and quiet. Late afternoons glow with soft light. Both are worth experiencing.

Guiding

If you want a deeper understanding of the forest, hire a guide from Friends of Karura.

Cost: Ksh 300 for 2 hours.

Sometimes, the stories are just as valuable as the walk.

Other Facilities

• Picnicking – Ksh 100 per person
• Lawn tennis courts
• Restaurant
• Open fields for relaxation
• Maps – Ksh 500

Karura is more than a walk. It is a pause. A reminder that even in a fast, noisy city, there are still places where you can hear yourself think.

The objective of the Kijabe Hill – Nathan Hill hike is to traverse the section between Mai Mahiu and Magina.

The hike takes you up Kijabe Hill (2,400 m a.s.l.), across the Old Kijabe saddle, and finally up Nathan Hill. It is a rewarding route that combines elevation gain, scenic views, and varied terrain.

Trail Overview

This hike combines two trails: Kijabe Hill and Nathan Hill.

The starting point is about 9 km from Mai Mahiu, roughly halfway to Longonot town. The trail begins at an altitude of 2,010 m a.s.l.

You start by heading north along a gentle incline. The first hour is quiet and reflective as hikers settle into their pace.

At the railway line, turn right and continue northeast toward the summit of Kijabe Hill at 2,659 m a.s.l.

This section covers about 3.2 km and takes 3 to 4 hours.

Kijabe Hill Summit

At the summit, take a short rest.

Enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. From here, you can also spot the IDP camp below—a reminder of the area’s history.

Descent and Lunch Stop

From the summit, descend eastwards for about an hour.

You will find a good lunch spot under large euphorbia trees. The shade and quiet make it ideal for a break.

Old Kijabe Town

After lunch, continue east. Cross the railway line and head toward Old Kijabe town.

The town feels quiet and almost abandoned today. However, its small shops can still be useful for refilling water.

Forest and Mission Section

Beyond Old Kijabe, the trail flattens for about an hour.

Some sections follow the road, but most of the route passes through forest. You will walk through thick vegetation and open clearings that make great picnic spots.

As you approach Kijabe Mission, the trail gradually climbs again. You enter the mission area through back paths near the hospital.

Wathing’ito Bridge to Nathan Hill

After leaving Kijabe town at Wathing’ito Bridge, the terrain changes.

The eastern escarpment becomes steeper. The trail passes through local settlements, with many sharp turns that can feel confusing.

The final stretch is the toughest. Nathan Hill is a steep climb of about 200 metres. It looks manageable at first, but it feels much longer as you ascend.

Final Stretch and Reward

The climb up Nathan Hill is demanding. Keep a steady pace.

If the weather is clear, you will be rewarded with a spectacular sunset over the escarpment.

From here, descend toward Magina. A well-earned treat awaits—goat soup and mutura.

Fees and Logistics

• Guide fee: Applicable
• Guiding: Recommended
• Local community: Engage respectfully and support local services where possible

Just a short drive from Nairobi, the Ngong Hills in Kajiado County offer one of the most accessible and rewarding hikes in Kenya. The name “Ngong” comes from the Maasai word enkong’u, meaning “knuckles”—a fitting description, as the hills resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist when viewed from a distance.

The trail consists of a series of seven rolling hills, each peak rising slightly higher than the last, with the highest reaching 2,460 metres above sea level. Whether you choose to summit all seven or turn back midway, this hike is beginner-friendly and flexible.

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.

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.

Option 2:  Ngong Hills Traverse Trail

Follow the same route as above up to the main peak. After a short rest, continue along the ridge instead of turning back.

The trail opens into expansive grasslands with stunning views of Ole Sekut Hills, Ole Polos, and the Magadi plains stretching below. From here, the path descends steadily toward Kona Baridi.

This option offers a more dynamic experience, ending on the opposite side of the hills.

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.

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.

Other Activities Near Ngong Hills

You can easily combine the hike with:

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

Entry Fee

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

• Adults: Ksh 200

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

Final Thoughts on Ngong Hills

Ngong Hills is one of those hikes that delivers big rewards with relatively low commitment. The combination of rolling terrain, dramatic views, and proximity to Nairobi makes it perfect for a day adventure. Whether you conquer all seven hills or simply enjoy a few, the experience is always worth it.

If you want, I can match this style to your other guides (Longonot, Menengai, etc.) so they all feel like one consistent blog series.