Hiking Trails in Nyandarua
Elephant Hill: Proper Hiking County
The taper, symmetrical and steep scarp on the south tag-end of Aberdare Range spectacularly named the Elephant Hill, both for its shape and for the abounding elephant herds in these forests, is proper hiking country. Widely considered a precursor hike to climbing Mount Kenya, Elephant Hill, classified as moderate to difficult, is for all the difficulties, full of heartwarming sights in conformation to the epic beauty of the elephant. Hiking here earn you credits in the hiking circles.
Situated along the boundary of Muranga and Nyandarua counties, it is visible for miles out from both these regions. Although it can be hiked from either direction, east and west, the latter, in Nyadarua County, is the traditional launch. Along the trail, Sasumua and Ndakaini Dams, Mount Kipipiri, Honi, Wanjohi and Rift Valley Valleys are sighted. Geologically, Elephant Hill is a part of Aberdare Simbara: A series of hills that form the mountainous part of the Aberdares. The Simbara is uninhabited, with unnamed streams, grassy slopes, deep valleys, bogs, and dykes.
As we now know, hiking Elephant Hill requires both mental and physical fitness. It is an 18 km out-and-back trail from near Njabini that takes an average of 8 hours to complete. Many a sad hiker have regretted not adequately planning for the hike especially on the second push up the rump of Elephant Hill. This has tested the resolve of many, who, taking a chance on the ever impeding cloud, discovered it was really not much fun. Stories of the wardens high consternation over an down pour that appeared hours away, only to drench hikers in minutes, are not rare.
It always rains here and a hike should be planned in good weather – that is not in April, May and October. Obvious perhaps is to take snacks and water, and wear sturdy shoes. It takes on average 8 hours (round-trip) to hike Elephant Hill. The trail starts at Njabini Forest Station, near Njabini town. Generally speaking, the fees for engaging a ranger are USD 25 for local residents, and USD 40 for non locals.
Hiking in Kenya offers a diverse range of landscapes and trails, from lush forests to arid deserts, and from high-altitude mountains to scenic coastal paths. The apex hiking trail in Kenya is Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak. There are eight hiking routes about it, the most popular of these being Sirimon and Chogoria.
Index of Hiking Trails Around Kenya
Elgeyo Marakwet - Kessup Falls, Torok Falls, Embu County - Kirimiri Forest & Nthenge Njeru Falls, Irangi Trail (Mount Kenya), Homa Bay County - Homa Hills, Mount Kwitutu, Kajiado County - Ngong Hills, Mount Olorgesailie, Mount Suswa, Nguruman-Entasopia Falls, Ol Doinyo Orok, Mount Kilimanjaro, Kakamega County - Kambiri Hill, Kiambu County - Gatamaiyu Camp, Kirinyaga County - Kamuruana Hill, Kamweti Route, Kisii County - Sameta Hill, Machakos County - Ol Donyo Sabuk, Kanzalu Range, Lukenya Hills, Kiima Kimwe, Makueni County - Nzaui Range, Mbooni Hills, The Kenze Gorges, Meru County - Kaithandu Hill, Sirimon Route, Chogoria Route, Themwe Route, Marania Route, Nairobi County - Ololua Forest Trail, Karura Forest, Nakuru County - Mount Longonot, Eburru, Table Mountain, The Sleeping Warrior, Nandi County - Ngabunat Cave, Nyandarua County - Kijabe Hills, Ragia Forest Trail, Elephant Hill, Rurimeria Hill Trail, Satima Trail Aberdare Range, The Table Mountain, Kinangop Hill, Nyeri County - Njigari Forest Trail, Samburu County - Mount Ololokwe, Mount Poi, Taita Taveta County - Vuria Hill, Trans Nzoia County - Wagagai Peak, Koitoboss Peak - Mount Elgon Park
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Greatly positioned as an agrarian hub, with increased investment in infrastructure, Nyandarua County is also famous for its scenic landscapes and montane climate. Named after the Aberdare Ranges, with an extensive presence, Nyandarua grew as an agribusiness locale but is well making a name for itself as an alpine escape.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Elephant Hill
A Guide to Nyandarua County
A Summa Digest of Nyandarua
About Nyandarua Way Back When
45 Destinations in Nyandarua County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north then west - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Matches Dam, Gitwe Viewpoint, Mawingu Camp Kenya, Heni Viewpoint, Kijabe Hills, Kinangop Step, Ragia Forest Trail, Sasumua Dam, Sharpe's Longclaw Nature Reserve, Elmer Resort & Spa, Cheese House, Njabini, Elephant Hill, Aberdare Range, Kinangop Plateau, Mount Kipipiri, Mount Kipipiri Golf & Resort, Wanjohi Valley (Happy Valley), Davida Getaway, Wanjohi Falls, Kenungu Falls, Buxton House, Rurimeria Forest Trail, Mount Satima, Table Mountain, Dragon’s Teeth, Cedar Retreat (Log Cabin), Ndaragwa Falls, Ndaragwa Forest, Maverick Camp Rondavels & Farmstay, Malewa Bundu Camp, Plovers Eco Camp, Dundori Forest, Lake Ol Bolossat, Samawati Conservancy, Olrok Farm House, Laikipia Plateau, Tafaria Castle & Center for Arts, The Fairway Residence, Carnegie House (Ngobit Girls School), Knessiah Jewish Synagogue, Thompson Falls
Know More About Nyandarua County: Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Thanks to its high altitude, all of Nyandarua experiences pleasant low temperatures. Highest temperatures are in the month of December that bears an average temperature of 25oC: Lowest in July, 14oC.
In the east, the Aberdare Range traverses its border with Nyeri County. End to end, the Range, with vast presence in Nyandarua ,is a whooping great 565 km.