What is Hike?
Hike is to walk a long distance, especially for pleasure or exercise: to go on a hike
Places To Hike In Kenya
1. Karura Forest
Karura Forest is located in the Northern part of Nairobi, Kenya. The Kenya Forest Service and the Friends of Karura Community Forest Association manage the forest.
It is a large urban forest with five entrances open to the public. The main entrance is Limuru Road, directly across from the Belgian Embassy. It is also accessible via Gate C, located along Kiambu Road, directly across from the DCI headquarters.
2. Oloolua Nature Trail
The Oloolua Forest, located in the leafy suburbs of Karen, was founded by the National Museums of Kenya, which also collaborates with the Institute of Primate Research. The Mbagathi River flows through the Oloolua Forest, which is home to a diverse range of indigenous trees and shrubs.
The Crown-Eagle hide is a popular attraction that provides a bird’s eye view of a section of the forest; here, you may see a few birds. Inside the cave, you might see different bat species and wildlife.
3. Mount Kenya, Naro Moru Hike
Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa, following Mount Kilimanjaro. It is one of the most challenging mountains to summit because it is pretty steep, and the terrain can be slippery when it rains heavily.
However, this does not deter people as many have summited this mountain several times, and they still go back. If you do not have 5 days set aside to climb the mountain, then set aside 6–8 hours to hike to the Met Station at an altitude of 3,050 m (10,000 ft). The hike starts at Naro Moru gate of Mt. Kenya National Park, through the forest and a bamboo zone.
4. Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park, while much smaller in size compared to other national parks in the country, has a unique landscape. The Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the most iconic hiking places in the Rift Valley religion.
The national park is situated in the southern part of Lake Naivasha, and it has numerous hiking trails that you can trek. The location is named so because of the unique rock formation and solid geothermal activity that shapes the features natural environment into something very unique.
5. Ngong Hills
This is one of the most spectacular hiking destinations just a few kilometers from Nairobi. It is approximately 21 kilometers from Nairobi’s CBD, making it one of the best weekend hiking destinations. The Kenya Forest Service manages the hills, with wardens stationed at the main gate.
It is a fantastic fun-filled hiking trail that can be explored by both beginners and advanced hikers. Hiking on the Ngong Hills is much more enjoyable because you get to walk on a hill.
The Ngong hills have seven distinct knuckles that can be hiked up and down as well as through the forest. The Ngong Hills are the Great Rift Valley’s eastern escarpment, closest to Nairobi.
6. Nairobi Arboretum
Nairobi Arboretum is just 3km from Nairobi’s city center, and short, flat paths make it an ideal spot for an accessible walk. Inside the 74-acre arboretum are more than 350 exotic and indigenous trees and more than 100 bird species. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see Vervet and Sykes’ monkeys.
The walkways are paved, the route has plenty of seating and the facilities, including public toilets, are decent. The Arboretum Park also provides an extremely popular venue for a variety of events such as weddings, concerts, team building, and corporate parties; while lovebirds can enjoy spending romantic moments in its secluded spots.
7. Mount Longonot
At an elevation of 2,776 meters, this extinct giant is located southeast of Lake Naivasha, in the Great Rift Valley. Its name, Longonot, derives from the Maasai word that translates to steep ridges. One reason that makes Mount Longonot one of the most popular hiking trails is that it offers a variety of terrain, including forests, grasslands, and rocky outcrops.
The trail is well-marked and there are several rest stops along the way where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery. The hike typically takes about 4-6 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and how long you spend at the summit.
What are the easy hikes in Kenya?
There are many easy hikes in Kenya. The best include Karura Forest, Oloolua Nature Trail, and Menengai Forest. What is the most challenging hike in Kenya? Mount Kenya, Elephant Hill, Kinangop Peak, and Rurimeria Trail are the most challenging hikes in Kenya.