Kijabe Hills

Natural Landmarks in Nyandarua

Kijabe Hills: Trail, Hot Springs, Dark Tunnel

Although the bulk of the Kijabe Hills squarely lie in Kiambu County, their northern reach beyond the Kijabe Hot Springs touch on the border with Nyandarua County. Reaching 2,915 ms asl and 400 ms above the surrounding landscape at the south edge of the Kinangop Step, Kijabe Hills are considered a precursor to the heaps of Nyandarua’s hiking trails; notably of Elephant Hill and Mount Satima. Moreover, owing to their proximity to Nairobi and their achievable difficuty rating as easy-to-moderate, Kijabe Hills are popular with many hikers. Spatially, the northern limits of Kijabe Hill mark the steep sloped corner of Kinangop Step, that peculiar lightly inhabited 16 km step on the side of the escarpment below the A104 Road.

Based on their difficulty rating, Kijabe Hills are oft-times eke named the miniature Mount Longonot, which stands sentinel just a few kilometres north. Geologically these hills are thought to be an old eruption that burst out following the faulting of the Great Rift Valley. It takes on average 5-6 hours (round-trip) to hike Kijabe Hills. Make sure to carry plenty of drinking water and snacks, then attempt to start as early as possible. Considering its light vegetation and clear lines of sight, it is not be necessary to arrange for a local guide, but hikers should elicit some cordial tips from the locals. From the summit hikers can relish fine views of Mount Longonot, Great Rift Valley, and Lake Naivasha. Kijabe Hills lie 55 km from Nairobi, and Mai Mahiu is a popular start point with the hike terminating at Flyover-Njabini Bridge.


Kenya is blessed with a diverse range of natural landmarks, showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. These natural landmarks represent Kenya’s breathtaking beauty and ecological diversity, making it a top destination for safari adventures, outdoor, and wilderness exploration.


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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Thanks to its high altitude, all of Nyandarua experiences pleasant to low temperatures. Highest temperatures are in the month of December that bears an average temperature of 25oC: Lowest in July, 14oC.

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