The Oldonyo Eburru Forest Hike – Western Summit Trail is a full-day forest hike that gradually climbs through indigenous woodland to the Western Summit of Oldonyo Eburru. The route offers a balanced mix of shaded trails, steady ascents, and panoramic views over the Great Rift Valley, making it ideal for hikers looking to progress beyond entry-level hikes.
The Oldonyo Eburru Forest Hike – Western Summit Trail starts at the Eburru Forest access point near the Naivasha region in Nakuru County. The initial section follows wide forest tracks under a dense canopy, allowing hikers to warm up comfortably as the trail gently gains altitude. Birdlife is abundant, and the cool forest environment makes the early kilometres enjoyable and unhurried.
As the hike advances, the trail narrows and transitions into longer uphill stretches through rolling forested ridges. The ascent is steady rather than steep, requiring consistent pacing and stamina over distance. Occasional breaks in the forest provide natural viewpoints, revealing glimpses of Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot, and the surrounding Rift Valley floor.
The final approach to the summit involves a sustained climb through higher-altitude forest and open clearings, leading to the Western Summit of Oldonyo Eburru at approximately 2,829 metres above sea level. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with wide, uninterrupted views across the Rift Valley lakes and volcanic landscapes. The summit stop allows time for rest, photography, and appreciation of the terrain before beginning the descent.
The return journey follows the same trail back through the forest, completing a well-rounded hike that combines endurance, scenery, and forest immersion without technical difficulty.
Trail Grade
Well-defined forest trails with sustained uphill sections