Discover Ngong Hills:Location, Hikes, Price, Activities

DISCOVER NGONG HILLS

Looking for a place to run away from your day-to-day routines? A place that will get you out of your comfort zone, with body fitness and fun activities in an environment with a nice breeze. Ngong Hills is the place.

The coming-to-be of the Ngong  Hills has a lot of stories behind it. From analogies to fantasies to bring out a relatable picture. There is a story in the form of a movie, written, directed, and produced by Kwame Nyong’o. It brings out a picture of the coming of Ngong Hills from a story of an ogre who was a menace to the community. From the story, it came to be out of the knuckles of the ogre when it fell after being killed by the Maasai Warriors.

The Maasai community also relates the coming to be of the Ngong Hills from God’s creation. They claim it was where God placed his hand after creating everything.  Away from the stories of the Maasai community; Ngong Hills are a peak in a ridge along the Rift Valley. The hills are the remains of a volcano that happened millions of years ago.

SCENIC VIEWS AND LANDSCAPES

The hills of Ngong Hills offer a beautiful view of The Nairobi National Park from the eastern slopes and, from the north slopes, the magnificent view of Nairobi City. From the west of the slopes, one can have a great view of the Great Rift Valley and, at its foot, the view of the Maasai community.

One can also have a view of the Suswa Hill and SGR railway transport, especially from the view of Hill 7.

Related: Karura Forest, Location, Caves, Trails

NGONG HILLS HIKING TRAILS

On a personal decision, some prefer to start their hike from Ngong town to the actual Ngong Hills location. If one takes a motorbike or an Uber to Ngong Hills Reserve, one can start by walking from the Kengen generator site, through the residents, up the dusty road.

You will pass through the turbines or the windmills. The 3^rd hill trail is always steep, rocky, and slippery. This hill needs a lot of stamina and fitness. It also needs good shoes with a firm grip and tight shoe laces.

The 4^th hill is characterized by a lot of wind. It is very windy even during summer. The wind makes the place chilly, therefore a light jacket is recommended. From this hill, there is a sitting area, which is also very scenic, where one can take some rest.

After passing the windy area, one can see some of the Indigenous trees like Cyprus and, lucky enough, some animals like buffalos and squirrels. After this trail, you will come across people herding animals like cows and goats.

Hill 5 is always tough for most people and it is also the peak hill. There are even people who do massage at the foot of the hill, for those who feel worn out and unable to continue.

At Hill 7, be prepared for the scenic view of Suswa Hill, SGR railway transport, and the Great Rift Valley. At the foot of the Rift Valley, there is the Maasi community settlement.

One can go back through Kona Baridi which takes one to Kiserian or Ngong town through the 7 hills.

The whole trail can take approximately 4-5 hours, depending on one’s flexibility, stamina, and fitness.

NGONG HILLS PRICING AND ENTRY FEE

  SPORTING ACTIVITIES IN NGONG HILLS  

LOCATION AND HOW TO GET TO NGONG HILLS

Ngong Hills is located in Ngong, approximately 25 kilometers from Nairobi town. One can get there through Uber, which is approximately KES1000-2000, to Ngong Hills Reserve. One can take public transport; there are buses located at Agro House  Tom Mboya Street to Ngong town, which vary from KES 80-100 Depending on the pick hour. One can also pick a matatu number 111 at Railways opposite Memorial.

From Ngong town, one can walk or take a motorbike to Ngong Hills reserves.

NEARBY ACCOMMODATION AND EATERY

Going for a hike in Ngong Hills does not mean one has to starve while there. Those who plan to explore Ngong hills for a few days or come from far from Nairobi are also catered for. In the trails of Ngong Hills, there is the Kompass Bar and Bistro, which serves people delicious dishes and other recreational activities like zip line, archery, paintball, and bike riding.

There are other accommodation points like Pole Hapa located in Ngong, Ngong Hills 10kilimeters from Ngong Hills nature reserves, and 10 kilometers from Oloolua.

Kajik home accommodation is located in Ngong, 22 kilometers from the Kenyatta International Conference Centre and 24 kilometers from the Nairobi National Museum. Ole Tamu is located in Kiserian, Ngong Hills National Reserves.

NGONG HILLS ACTIVITIES

• Hiking

Ngong Hills has 7 hills that are knuckle-shaped. To go hiking here, one must be mentally prepared and physically fit to complete all 7 hills. Some of the walking trails are steep, rocky, and slippery, which needs a good shoe with a good trip to conquer.

There are massage services in between the hills offered by people from the Maasai Community at the rate of KES 50-100. This is normally done to anyone who feels like they can’t continue but is willing to achieve their goal. Especially to be able to conquer hill 5 which is the peak hill among the 7 hills.

• Picnics

For date picnics, bonding with family dates, and friends dates, this is an ideal place. The view will make the date even more memorable. People are encouraged to bring packed snacks to avoid plastic pollution, and alcohol is not allowed.

For camping, one is required to make a special reservation with the guides and the management. The Scouts Association are the ones who do camping there regularly; they also have their camping sites in the forest. There is a camping site around Kona Baridi, which offers a good place for camping and enjoying the scenery.

• Cycling

There are cycling activities and also motorcycle racing in the forest. These are popular activities in Ngong Hills.  Kompass Bar and Restaurant also offer cycling activities at a  few among other activities in their list. One can also carry their bicycles while visiting the area.

People visit the area for jogging, morning runs, team-building activities, and walks.

Kompass Bar and Restaurant offers activities like zipline, which range from approximately 1000 and above. They also offer archery, paintball, and bike riding, all at a fee.

• Tree planting

Kenya Wildlife Service, in collaboration with partners like family banks and family groups, coordinates a tree-planting activity in the forest. This is an effort to plant more trees in our forests to replace the ones being cut down and also to develop our forests.

This is an effort to fight against weather change and prolonged drought seasons this being a semi-arid area.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A NGONG HILL VISIT.

The first preparation here, before anything else, is mental and fitness preparation. This is essential for an easy time going up and down the hill. Apart from that, one needs to invest in good shoes with a good grip and laces that are firm. This is essential to climb the steep, rocky, and slippery trails.

Other essentials are a walking aid stick, enough water, a light jacket for the windy parts of the hill, some snacks, and your gadgets for communication and taking cute pictures and videos. Not to forget enough money in the form of cash and on your phone.

Those going for the first time be very prepared physically for long hikes and do enough research on the area before embarking on the journey. It is also advisable to take a guide with you, to show you around the forest. Bring some friends along, if possible, for a wonderful adventure. Nonetheless, there are a lot of people there, especially on holidays and weekends, therefore, it’s safe.

FAQ

How long is the hike to Ngong Hills?

The hike to Ngong is approximately 28km covering the 7 hills and going back through Kona Baridi.

How much is the entry fee at Ngong Hills?

What is your excuse? Book Ngong Hill Hike with us as we go on this and more adventures together. It is safe, affordable, fun, and convenient.