Ngong Hills Circuit Hike

• Distance: Approximately 22km from Nairobi
• Starting Point: Ngong Police Station
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Terrain: Initially a dirt road leading to the radio masts, followed by trails over rolling hills for the remainder of the journey. Can be quite windy.
• Difficulty: Suitable for beginners, with a moderate level of difficulty. Also, child-friendly.

The Ngong Hills, located approximately 22km southwest of Nairobi, are a popular weekend destination for people across Kenya. Some visitors come for leisurely walks, picnics, or religious gatherings, while others, both professionals and amateurs, enjoy jogging along the steep slopes in the mornings. The entire mountain range is a protected forest reserve spanning over 21,000 sq km, with the highest peak reaching 2460m.

The hiking trail begins in Ngong town at the northern base of the hills, situated at 1961m above sea level, and extends along the ridge to Kona Baridi at the southern end. This trek typically takes 4 to 5 hours to complete, depending on individual fitness levels. The initial 2 kilometers from Ngong Police Station involve a gradual ascent through residential areas until reaching the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) barrier, marking the entrance to the Ngong Hills forest reserve. Along the route, hikers pass by a wind farm before ascending the first steep hill, marked by radio repeater station masts. The trail then descends into a trough before ascending another steep hill. Despite the challenging terrain, the breathtaking panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley to the right and Nairobi City to the far left make the journey rewarding.

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐄

• Get moving with active cardio exercises like aerobics, walking, running, cycling, and swimming during the week leading up to the event.
• Designate the day before the hike for some well-deserved rest—give your body a break from intense exercises.
• Amp up your hydration game at least two days before hitting the trail.
• Make sure to prioritize a good night’s sleep before the hike.
• Boost your energy reserves by upping your carbohydrate intake two days prior. If you’re into intermittent fasting or on a diet, take a one-day break around the hike.
• Trim those toenails—your feet will thank you later!
• Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at least three hours before the event. This ensures your body has time to digest, providing the energy you need without making your stomach feel too full.
• Take a pre-hike bathroom break at home to minimize pit stops during your journey.
• Prepare your mindset for self-conquest. Remember, hiking is 90% mental, 10% physical prep. Once you conquer your mind, the rest is a breeze. You’ve got this!