THE SLEEPING WARRIOR HIKE
When you say Rift Valley is blessed with beautiful natural scenery and a lot of places to explore, you are right. The list is a long list of places you can visit in the Rift Valley region. When you think you are done, you discover another place you have not yet heard of.
The Soysambu Conservancy has 3 hills. The Sleeping Warriors and the two Ugali Hills. The people call the two ugali hills one the main ugali and the other ugali saucer. Ugali is a traditional meal in Kenya made of maize flour and boiling water. It is the staple food here in Kenya. The hill is shaped like the ugali when it’s ready. Ugali sauce is the additional ugali that we are given to finish the stew, which we eat together with ugali. So interesting.
The Sleeping warrior are found in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya. They are found along the shores of Lake Elementaita, Naivasha.
History of the Sleeping Warrior Hills
The sleeping Warriors are volcanic hills formed after a volcanic eruption many years ago. When you reach the summit, you will realize the hills are formed like a crater with a depression in the middle.
The shape of the sleeping warrior hills is shaped like a man lying on his back. The various features of the hill are the forehead, the nose, the neck, the chest, and the knees. These parts symbolically represent the different features of the hills.
The shape of the hills was formed due to soil erosion over time and wearing out rocks forming the hill into soil. The ugali Hills are symbolically like the Kenyan staple food made of flour after preparation. These are features you ought to look up for. You need to visit the place and see the features yourself for you to believe.
The hills have cultural significance among the Maasais. The shape of the hill represents their warriors. The size of the hill generally represents how big their warriors are and symbolically their power.
DIRECTIONS TO THE SLEEPING WARRIORS HILL
If you are coming from Nairobi, you will use the Nairobi-Nakuru highway via A104, which is approximately 129km and takes approximately 2 hours and 32 mins.
If you are using public means, you can take a matatu at Nyamakima or tea room to Nakuru or to Naivasha. You will alight near the View Point Hotel or the Epashikino Resort and Spar which is in the opposite side of the road. From there you can take a motorbike to the entrance which the Lake Elementaita gate.
If you are coming from Nakuru, you will use the Old Nairobi Road as if going to Nairobi, but you will alight the place near the View Point Hotel.
HIKING THE SLEEPING WARRIOR HILLS
There are three types of hikes that you can choose from depending on your ability. The short hike; is a 2-3 hours hike which starts from the park gate, then you ascend the Sleeping Warrior hill and descend to the finishing point. It is suitable for children and those hiking for the first time. It is not an easy one it will require resilience, persistence, and patience.
The second hike is the medium hike which is approximately 4-5 hours and approximately 12 km. The hike start from the park’s gate up the Sleeping Warrior Hill, then descends and proceeds to climbing one of the Ugali hills then descends to the finishing point. This is more difficult than the first one and needs more stamina.
The third hike is the long hike, which is approximately 6-7 hours, and it is 19 km. The hike starts at the park’s gate up the Sleeping Warrior and then down, proceed to the Ugali Hills, and hike both of them. After the Ugali Hills, you will go around the horseshoe crater back to the finishing point. This is the most difficult and will send you panting as you finish. It will give you a chance to see wildlife, and birds, and the beautiful view of Lake Elementaita.
The trail will start you off along the Elementaita shores. A very encouraging trail with a beautiful view. As you climb the hills, they are steep and rocky. Some of the rocks are loose; be careful as you step on them not to miss a step and fall.
The hike is not an easy one, so be ready to get out of your comfort zone. The second hill of the Ugali Hill is windy, and the trails are not visible. This is because it is a virgin hill and has not been hiked by many people. Very few people reach this hill. Do not forget to warm up before starting your hike; this will prepare you well for the challenge ahead.
The view from up the hills is just amazing. Rift Valley region is just blessed with scenic views and landscapes. At some point, they look unreal. Descending the hills is not easy; it also needs a lot of care and not to roll down and hurt yourself.
WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES IN THE SLEEPING WARRIOR HILLS
The Conservancy is not home to many animals. The landscape has a combination of short acacia trees and thorny bushed and tuft grass. Some of the wildlife you will see here are buffalos, zebras, and antelopes. The grazers are the dominant wildlife here. The monkeys are mostly seen along the highway. They prefer there because they get food from people.
Bird watching
As you plan to visit The Sleeping Warrior Hills, come prepared with a good camera for bird watching. Take photos and add to your collection. Some of the bird species you will find here are Flamingoes; you will see them from afar in Lake Nakuru. Other species are pilican’s kingfisher, Mrabou storks, and crested grebes.
Related: Hiking Mount Kilimambogo: Distance, Trails, Location
CAMPING AT SLEEPING WARRIOR HILLS AND SOYSAMBU CONSERVANCY
Before you plan on coming here to camp, make sure you consult with the conservancy about camping. Confirm the camping rules are regulations and what you will need to bring along as you come to camp.
As you plan to come camping here, equip yourself with a tent if none is offered, a sleeping bag, cooking equipment, enough food, and personal items. Do not forget to pack a mosquito repellent or a net because, near the shores, mosquitoes are many.
Plans you the days you will stay here prior to making good use of them. You can come camping here any season; the weather conditions here are not extreme. The weather here is mostly warm and dry.
There are also resorts around that offer camping, and along the Lake Naivasha shore there are campsites like Fisherman’s Camp along the shores of Lake Naivasha, Camp Carnellys also along Lake Naivasha, and the Cresent Camp.
Related: Exploring the Seven Ponds Hike: Difficulty, Directions, and Activities
THINGS TO DO AT THE SLEEPING WARRIOR HILLS
- HILL CLIMBING
This is the main activity here and what everyone looks up to. The main goal is always to conquer the three hills. The best part is you can come with the children and enjoy the hike together.
Wear flexible clothes and carry a lot of water and snacks. Do not forget sunscreen and sunglasses.
- picnic
You can plan a picnic at the summit of the hills and enjoy your meal with a great view of the landscape. This is also a form of reward after climbing up to get the energy to continue hiking or descending.
Come prepared with enough snacks and enjoy as you enjoy the breeze.
- Photography
How can you visit such a scenic place and fail to have a photoshoot session? This is always the main agenda and the reason most of us travel. Add those cute photos inspired by nature and add to your timeline and social handles.
- A hot bath at the Elementaita Hot spring
Make sure you create time to visit Lake Elementaita and enjoy the view and a bath at their hot spring. This will help you rejuvenate after a long day. Come and take off the sweat and go home fresh.
Related: Conquer Mount Kinangop: Ultimate Hike Guide 2025
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SLEEPING WARRIOR HILLS
You can visit Sleeping Warriors Hills any time, any season. The weather here is fair and friendly. Many prefer during the dry season so that they can easily access the trail and the road here. The dry period here is from the end of December to March. Then from July to October.
The long rains are from April to June. During this time, the hills have a very beautiful green cover that looks like a carpet. The only problem is that some parts of the road as you head to the park are not accessible. But according to me, this is the season I would prefer visiting since the sun is not too hot, hence hiking is easier.
As you prepare to come, you need the following:
- Light clothes with long sleeves for the top and tights covering the legs to prevent sunburn.
- Enough water, 3 liters and above; water is everything when hiking.
- Enough snacks and also eat well a few days before the hike.
- Carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Do not forget to put on flexible shoes with a firm grip.
Entry fee to Sleeping Warrior hills
The entry fee to the Sleeping Warrior Hills is Ksh 200 and Ksh 300 for the car if you have one.
TRAVEL INFORMATION WHILE VISITING SLEEPING WARRIORS HILLS
You can access the place by personal care and public transport. The entry fee to the Sleeping Warrior Hills is Ksh 200 and Ksh 300 for the car if you have one.
The most favorable mean is through a traveling company. You will hike as a group, have fun, and encourage each other to reach the target. The cost will also be flexible and affordable. Book with us as we take this adventure together easier and better.
ACCOMMODATION AROUND SLEEPING WARRIOR HILLS
- Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge, located at Kasaramba, Elementaita Soysambu.
- Pelican Lodge and Golf Resort, located around Lake Elementaita, has easier access to Elemtaita and its surroundings.
- Cactus Eco Camp and Lodge, located along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway shorelines of Lake Elementaita.
- View Point Hotel is located along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway near the highway.
THE SLEEPING WARRIOR HILLS MAP