ELEPHANT HILLS HIKE

Located in the southern Aberdare Ranges, the Elephant Hills hike offers a thrilling day trek through diverse terrain—from forested trails to bamboo thickets and expansive moorland. Just a few hours from Nairobi, it’s an ideal escape for hikers seeking both physical challenge and scenic immersion.

This popular hiking destination is perfect for fit beginners training for tougher summits like Mt. Kenya or anyone craving a high-altitude adventure. The trail stretches across an 18 km round-trip, with steep ascents and rewarding views that make every step worthwhile.

Elephant Hills Hike Starting Point – Njabini Gate to Forest Trail

The hike begins near Njabini, at the southern edge of the Aberdare National Park. After registration at the gate, the trail immediately immerses you in indigenous forest. Giant trees tower overhead, and if you start early, you may hear birds calling and catch sight of playful monkeys darting through the canopy.

This section of the trail is relatively shaded and gently sloped, making it an excellent warm-up for the steeper sections ahead.

The Bamboo Zone – A True Test of Stamina

After the forest, the trail becomes steeper and more demanding as it cuts through a thick bamboo zone. Here, the path can get muddy, especially after rains, and footing becomes trickier. Hikers often rely on trekking poles and teamwork to navigate this stretch.

This section is the most physically intense, but the shaded cover and cooler temperatures help make the climb more bearable.

The Moorland – Wide Open Views

Once you emerge from the bamboo forest, you’re greeted by open moorland and expansive skies. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and the terrain levels out, allowing for smoother progress toward the summit.

At approximately 3,658 meters above sea level, the summit offers breathtaking views of the Aberdare Ranges, Kinangop Peak, and even Mount Kenya on a clear day. It’s the perfect place to rest, rehydrate, and take in the landscape.

Reaching the Elephant Hills Summit

As you approach the summit of Elephant Hills, the terrain opens up to dramatic views and a sense of vast elevation. The final stretch, known as the “tail,” offers a narrow trail surrounded by towering heathers and rocky outcrops. The altitude is noticeable here, but the reward is unmatched. Standing at the summit, hikers are greeted with panoramic views of the Aberdare ranges, the Great Rift Valley in the distance, and on clear days, even Mount Kenya. It’s a moment of triumph—one that makes every steep climb and bamboo scramble entirely worth it.

Elephant Hills Hike Essentials

• Trail distance: 18 km round trip
• Max elevation: 3,658 m
• Elevation gain: ~1,400 m
• Hiking time: 6–9 hours
• Trail difficulty: Hard
• Kid-friendly: Not recommended for children under 12
• Fitness level: High
• Trailhead location: Njabini, Nyandarua County
• Accessibility: 3-hour drive from Nairobi

𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘

• 4:15 a.m Assemble and board the bus at CBD opposite international House
• 4:30 a.m Departure CBD opposite international House
• 7:30 a.m Arrival at Starting point
• 08:00 a.m Hike Starts
• 2:00 p.m. Turn back time
• 06:00 p.m Departure for Nairobi