Between spotting the Big Five on safari and lounging on the white-sand beaches, it’s easy to forget that Kenya has some superb hikes.
This country features spectacular scenery: you could be trekking through lush emerald-green forests or hiking along a crater ridge with views over a shimmering lake, spotting colobus monkeys scampering across the path, and taking in vast valleys, baobabs, and acacia trees as the sun sets. Kenya’s trails aren’t just for hikers; they also attract birders, cyclists, and runners.
From the country’s highest peak of Mt Kenya to the scenic, flat paths through Karura Forest on Nairobi’s outskirts, Kenya has a variety of hikes, paths, and trails to suit every level. None of the trails are so crowded that it’s an issue, and many offer genuine tranquility. Community tourism is an integral part of Kenya’s travel landscape, and local guides offer insights into their culture, traditions, and relationships with the land, adding depth to the exploration of the country’s diverse and fantastic trails. Guides are available at national parks, and recommendations can be sought from local accommodations.
Here are Kenya’s best hiking routes.
1. Mt Kenya
Best Bucket List Hike
70km (43 miles) round trip, 4–7 days, challenging
Mt Kenya’s X factor isn’t just that it’s Kenya’s highest peak (and the second-highest in Africa); the scenery of Mt Kenya National Park is astonishing. Ridges and valleys fan out from the summit as you hike on Afro-Alpine moorland, home to flora such as giant lobelia trees and groundsel, while enjoying views of the massif from the MacKinder Valley.
It’s a challenging but doable hike with the right support and guide. Point Lenana at 4985m (16,355ft) is the main trekking peak (the two highest peaks, Batian and Nelion, are more technical and not climbed as frequently). The three main routes to Point Lenana—Naro Moru to the west, Sirimon on the northwest, and Chogoria (the driest and most scenic ascent) on the southeast—start in Mt Kenya National Park.
The park is well-staffed with rangers and guides, and huts and campgrounds are set up along the trails. Engaging a guide is strongly recommended. Adequate fitness helps, and it’s wise to allow time for altitude acclimatization.
2. Mt Kenya–Met Station
Best One-Day Hike
20km (12.5 miles) round trip, 7 hours, moderate
Instead of spending several days trekking up Mt Kenya, you can hike to the Met Station campsite at 3050m (10,000ft) altitude. This hike traverses lush forest and bamboo habitat, beginning at the Naro Moru gate, with a steeper section starting around two hours into the trek at Percival’s Bridge. Look for buffalo, elephants, and colobus monkeys.
For faster walkers or those with more time, you can continue for another hour into the Alpine habitat beyond the camp. The views over the Alpine zone, across the savanna to the snow-capped peaks ahead, are well worth the effort. Classic flora such as lobelia and giant heather adds splashes of color along the route. Note that while water is available en route, walkers need to bring their own food.
3. Hell’s Gate National Park
Best Hike for Rock Climbers
24km (15 miles) round trip, 7 hours, easy
Don’t be fooled by the name: Hell’s Gate National Park is a place of joy. After two volcanoes erupted, the volcanic rock formed a series of gullies, ridges, and remarkable formations, presenting a surreal and striking landscape in one of Kenya’s smaller national parks.
The cliff face formed by the Rift Valley is popular with both beginner and experienced rock climbers, and you can also engage in abseiling. Fischer’s Tower, a 23m-high (75ft) rock formation, is a climber’s dream. This area showcases classic Rift Valley scenery, arising from molten volcanic lava pushing through the earth’s crust. Expeditions can be booked through local climbing centers.
The trail along Ol Njorowa Gorge provides an outstanding way to explore the landscape of Hell’s Gate, where you will encounter steamy plumes of hot water springs feeding into a stream at the bottom of the gorge.
4. Mt Elgon
Best Hike for Kenya–Uganda Views
56km (38 miles) round trip, 4 days, moderate
As an extinct volcano on the border of Kenya and Uganda, Mt Elgon is renowned for its mist and drizzle, rewarding hikers with scenes of rolling hills, caves formed by ancient lava tubes, two gorges, and hot spring lakes (mostly on the Uganda side). The area remains relatively uncrowded and tranquil. A highlight of Mt Elgon’s trails is the trek up to Koitoboss Peak at 4187m (13,700ft), where views over Uganda and Kenya are stunning.
Park fees include a local guide and ranger (hiking is not permitted without a guide). Contact local authorities before your visit to arrange a guide. The trail to Koitoboss Peak begins at the Rongai gate and steadily ascends into the misty hills, where you might even spot a genet cat.
5. Mt Longonot
Best Day Hike from Nairobi
10km (6 miles) round trip, 7 hours, challenging
A hike up Mt Longonot, a now-dormant volcano, requires a steep but scenic ascent through dense mountain forest before reaching the summit at 2276m (7500ft). Situated in the Great Rift Valley southeast of Lake Naivasha and just an hour from Nairobi, Mt Longonot is among Kenya’s best trekking trails.
It’s a steep 3.2km (2-mile) trail up to the rim of the crater. Longonot derives its name from the Maasai word for “steep ridges.” This hike can be completed in a day if you are in good shape, though additional time is worthwhile for exploring the summit crater. The 7.2km (4.5-mile) loop offers panoramic views over the Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha, with the chance of spotting birds of prey.
6. Menengai Crater
Best Hike for Expansive Views
10km (6 miles) round trip, 6 hours, challenging
An entire natural ecosystem thrives inside the caldera of Menengai Crater, the world’s largest surviving crater. This unique hike immerses you in wildflowers, grasslands, and forests, with geothermal plants flourishing in the landscape marked by geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. You can also visit a cave that served as a hideout for Mau Mau fighters.
A ring of walls and hills encircle the crater, dropping about 600m (1968ft) from the base, while the summit is at 2288m (7506ft). The views from the crater ridge over Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, and the Northern Rift Valley are stunning, particularly as glimmers of water emerge in the distance. From the viewpoint, you can take a steep hike down to the crater floor or venture into the lush forest in search of dik-dik (small antelope), vervet monkeys, reedbuck, and diverse forest birds.
7. Masai Mara National Reserve
Best Hike for Wildlife
Variable distances, 2 hours to a full day, easy to moderate
While walking safaris may not be hikes in the traditional sense, they offer a unique way to experience the terrain of the Masai Mara compared to the classic 4WD expeditions. While you cannot wander freely in such a wild environment—armed rangers ensure safety—being on foot allows for a more intimate view of animals such as zebras, antelopes, and giraffes.
The best way to embark on these walks is with an indigenous Maasai guide, whose intimate knowledge of the land enhances the experience. Many conservancies are based on private Maasai-owned land designated for conservation, thus lodges often form strong ties with local communities. You can discuss your interests with the guide and learn about the diverse wildlife and landscapes. Staying in a Maasai-run camp provides an unforgettable experience.
8. Karura Forest
Best Hike for Families
5–15km (3–9 miles) round trip, 1–3 hours, easy
With waterfalls, a lake, Mau Mau fighter hideout caves, a forest cafe with animal sculptures, and a small children’s playground, Karura Forest is a cherished oasis just on the outskirts of Nairobi. The forest boasts more than 50km (30 miles) of mainly flat hiking trails, making it perfect for families.
The 9km (5.5-mile) trail includes key attractions, such as sections home to Sykes’ monkeys, Karura Waterfall, and Lily Lake. Additionally, the Mau Mau caves housed fighters during Kenya’s push for independence from Britain between 1952 and 1960. Conclude your visit with a drink or lunch on the terrace of the alluring River Cafe, where wildlife sightings while enjoying refreshments are not uncommon.
9. Loop Trail, Nairobi Arboretum
Best Accessible Hike
2.5km (1.5 miles), 1 hour, easy
Nairobi Arboretum lies just 3km (1.8 miles) from the city center, offering short, flat paths that make it an ideal location for accessible walks. The 74-acre arboretum features more than 350 exotic and indigenous trees and over 100 bird species, with high chances of encountering Vervet and Sykes’ monkeys. The pathways are paved, with ample seating and decent facilities, including restrooms.
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This article was first published on September 13, 2022, and updated on March 24, 2023.
