Elephant Hill Hiking and Trekking Safari in Kenya : Elephant Hill is located on the southern end of the Aberdare Ranges, about 90km of Nairobi, the elephant hill is an ideal location for a day hike safari especially if you are preparing for the more challenging Mount Kenya or Mount Kilimanjaro climbs. The Aberdares Ranges are situated west of Mount Kenya in the central highlands between Nyeri and Naivasha, and stretch 70km long from North to South. They are the water catchment area feeding two of the largest dams supplying over 95% of the Nairobi’s water needs, that is the Ndakani Dam in the Thika region and Sasumua Dam near Njabini town. The Aberdares slopes are also one of the major bread baskets for the vegetables suppled to Nairobi groceries, and possibly the most significant source of the second most important staple food consumed in Nairobi is the Irish potato.
Hiking safari and Trekking Elephant Hill in the Aberdare ranges.
Hiking safari and trekking the Elephant hill in the Aberdare ranges, Kenya is the best way to prepare for the big mountains like Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, though the hiking is abit challenging, below is the summary of the hill,
Distance from Nairobi: About 90km
Starting/Ending Point: Njabini Forest Gate
Walking Duration : 7 hours.
Terrain : Dirt road, swampy trail, bamboo zone, rock zones.
Trek Difficulty : Moderate to High. You need to be reasonably fit to do this climb.
The Elephant Hill located about 100km from Nairobi CBD, Elephant Hill is dubbed ‘’ the ultimate hiking destination’’ and rightfully so. The ‘’hill’’ presents the perfect challenge to the novice hiker looking to conquer a tougher terrain and acclimatize to a higher altitudes. The 9km Elephant Hill hike trail starts at the Njabini Forest Station gate, at an elevation of 8,202ft (2500 meters) above sea level and ends at the summit, at an elevation of 12,000 ft. (3658 meters) above sea level. The entire hike up and down takes 7 to 10 hours, hiking at a moderate pace.
The first 3km stretch features a moderately paved path, cutting through a planted forest, with the occasional flock of sheep and a few cattle revealing evidence of the human encroachment. At the end of this path is the official starting point at an elevation of 9,192ft (2,802) above sea level. Afuther 1.5 km trek on the Elephant Hike gives way to the Bamboo Gate (9,622ft/2,933 meters above sea level), welcoming you into the narrow, muddy trail of the bamboo zone. The towering bamboo canopy ensures the trail remains annoyingly wet, slippery, and poorly lit. It is important to be adequate prepared for slips and falls, so wearing comfortable, waterproof, well-treaded hiking boot is a good idea for a hiker.
The occasional mound of the elephant dung and the fresh foot points constantly remind you that you are walking through a wildlife zone. So there is no need to worry through, wild animals naturally keep off the trail, and anyway, you will always be accompanied by an armed guard.
The Never-End Bamboo Forest.
The Bamboo zone suddenly gives way to the lush moorland at an elevation of 1067 ft. (3,255m) above sea leftmost hikers give up at this point, hence its uncanny name, Apoint of Despair. The trail becomes tougher and tougher as you transition from the moorland to the rocky zone, which features scattered shrubs and giant lobelia. Caution is always given while trudging this terrain, as even a minor fall could serious injuries.
The Elephant Hill summit stands tall and mighty a head of you when you get to the trail (11,526ft/3,513 meters above the sea level).The rest of the trail to the summit is extremely steep and equally satisfying when you conquer it, with good weather, you just might catch a glimpse of the ruins at a recent airplane crash site.
The summit gives you an unforgettable 3600 view of the scenic surroundings, including the inviting Kinangop peak, the second highest peak of the Aberdares to the North; the nearby Saumua Dam, and the famous Ndakaini Dam at a distance. The hike down is just as trying as the hike up, testing your knees’ patience against gravity and making you curse your quest for fitness. But you won’t remember the pain when you look back down the memory lane.
Preparation for the Elephant Hill Hiking safari.
Clothing.
The weather in the Aberdares is always high and unpredictable, changing from warm and sunny to foggy with the hailstorms within seconds, therefore, be sure to dress warmly or at least carry on the warm clothes, and waterproof gaiters will also come handy to keep mud and debris off you hiking boots. Wearing a thermal base layer is good way to keep warm without carrying bulky clothes for the outer shell.
Footwear.
The Elephant Hill trail is mostly muddy and slippery, therefore, you are required to wear a pair of proper waterproof hiking boots with a good grip. You will be thankful when you keep your feet warm and save you from countless slips and falls.
Supplies.
Your body will need lots of energy while during the hiking safari, be sure to carry enough of the snacks like the nuts, biscuits, lunch bar, fruits, smoothie, and sandwich. The high altitude may take a toll on you, so be sure to carry enough water, like two or three liters can be enough for your hiking safari that is you can have your water in the hydration pack for easy carrying and sipping. That is make sure you take your water in the small sips throughout, especially when you start feeling dizzy or having a mild headache, as well you can carry painkillers just in case.
Fitness level.
The Elephant Hill is tough, you will need to be reasonably fit to get to the summit, so do not let this discourage you, though most people make it to the Point of Despair and the Tail which are equally good milestone on the Elephant Hill Train, put this in maid you never conquer the mountain, you conquer yourself.
Elephant Hill Charges.
| Citizen/Residents | Non-Residents |
| Adults Ksh 250 | Adults USD 30 |
| Child Ksh 215 | Child USD 20 |
How to get to the Elephant Hill.
Elephant Hill can be accessed in various ways from the Nairobi city to the hill.
By using the public means, you take the Njabini Matatus from the Old Nation House round about. Once in Njabini, the forest gate is a short 4km further on.
If you’re driving, from Nairobi, take the new Nakuru Road on the upper escarpment for about 60km to a place known locally as flyover, here you just go over the flyover across Nakuru Road. A few meters after crossing, turn left at the next junction and drive about 24km to Njabini town. The Njabini Forest Station is 4km further.
Hiking safari at Elephant Hill Aberdares is one of the best experiences that is it might be a stepping stop or decoy kind of a thing, when it comes to Mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro still this Elephant Hill is simply engrossing to Hike. Hiking is one of the best exercises you can ever have, as here you shed calories and it simply feels and gives you a sense of achievement especially if you make it to attain the summit.
