THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO KIJABE HILLS
Kijabe Hills is part of the beautiful and scenic Kikuyu escarpment. It presents the beautiful scenery that every hiker looks up to dense forest, beautiful clean streams, steep slopes, attraction sites like caves, and the scenic surrounding landscape.
Location of Kijabe Hills
Kijabe Hills is located northwest of Nairobi and is part of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. Using the A104 route, it is 59.3 km from Nairobi and takes approximately 1 hour 28 minutes. From Nairobi via Southern Bypass and A104, it is 63.6 km and takes 1 hour 28 minutes. You can also use Limuru Road and the A104 route, which is 60.7 km.
Mount Suswa is to the south, Mount Longonot to the west, and the Elephant Hills to the east.
Things to do in Kijabe Hills
Kijabe Hills has a lot of attractions to explore while hiking.
- 1.   Kijabe Hill Dark Tunnel
This is a 1 km manmade dark tunnel. It was made as an underground manmade water tunnel. It is extremely dark; you will need a headlamp to explore it. A clean stream passes through. There are bats inside; to explore this tunnel, you ought to be bold enough. This is an attraction site deep in the forest. To get there, you will pass through steep, slippery slopes that will force you to use your hands to conquer.
- 2.   Kijabe Hill hiking trails
The Kijabe Hill hike has several starting points; you can start at AIC Kijabe Hospital or through the railway line. Using the railway line route, a few kilometers on the railway, you will enter the forest, where the main challenge of the hike is. The forest is dense and green, with clean streams and hot springs. The hike starts 9 km from Mai Mahiu, which is halfway to Longonot town.
During the wet season, the trails are muddy and slippery, especially on the steep slopes heading to the caves and the dark tunnel. If you are not ready to struggle with mud on your hike, you should visit the area during the dry season. The hiking trail allows you to study plant species in the forest and enjoy the forest’s attractions like the caves, dark tunnels, hot springs, and clean streams.
The hike is difficult; therefore, body fitness, patience, resilience, and stamina are key. The starting altitude is 2010 meters above sea level, and the highest altitude is 2688 meters above sea level.
- 3.   Kijabe Hill scenic views and photography
As you hike Kijabe Hills, you can view Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot, and the Kikuyu escarpment. From Kijabe Hills, you can access William Hills, Gatamaiyu River Line Walk, Kijabe or Kiharu Circuit, and Kereita Forest and Waterfalls.
On a clear day, which is during the dry season, you can take photos of the landscape at the summit or at the railway line. The forest has beautiful scenery to take photos of, like the caves, the dark tunnel, the clean streams, and the hot springs. You can also take pictures of the plant species in the forest to study them.
- 4.   Kijabe Town
This is a cold town that is known for its Mahindi choma business and vegetables, which are seen from the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. It is characterized by the cypress and pine trees, which contribute to the scenic views of the town. This town is the entrance to Kereita Forest and Gatamaiyu Forest, which are part of Kijabe Hills.
Nearby attractions at Kijabe Hills
- 1.   Ngong Hills
These are peaks in a ridge along the Great Rift Valley, southwest near Nairobi. It has 7 hills, which every hiker looks forward to conquering. From these hills, you can have a beautiful view of the Great Rift Valley landscape, the SGR railway transport, and the Maasai settlement at the foot of the Great Rift Valley.
This famous hiking destination is for beginners, seasonal, and experienced hikers. You can visit it any season, all year round. Ngong Hills are approximately 68.4 km away from Kiijabe Hills using the A104 route.
- 2.   Mount Longonot
This stratovolcano is located southeast of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. It is visible from the Nakuru-Nairobi highway. It gives a beautiful view of a mountain with a crater at the top, which can raise your curiosity and the desire to explore the area. Kijabe Hills are approximately 24.4 km from Mount Longonot using Old Naivasha Road.
- 3.   Lake Naivasha
This is a freshwater lake in Naivasha. It can be seen from Kinungi town or Flyover, which are located along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway. It is located along the Great Rift Valley. You can visit the lake for boat riding as you enjoy the view of the lake and also eat fresh fish from the lake.
- 4.   Hell’s Gate National Park
This is a national park near Lake Naivasha. It is famous for its beautiful Gorges, the geothermal power station at Olkaria, the Fischer Tower, and the Central Tower. This is another great destination for you to explore and enjoy.
Safety tips for hiking Kijabe Hills
Kijabe Hills is a moderate hike and can be hiked by a beginner who is physically fit and has a hiking spirit. Some parts of the trail are steep to the extent of using your hands to ascend and descend. The hike is through the thick forest with beautiful attraction sites to see and explore. If you are planning to hike here, equip yourself with a nice, flexible shoe with the right grip. A high-rise hiking boot is better.
Carry a trekking pole to help you balance on the slippery trails and also help you to climb steep slopes. Carry enough water if you are going to hike in the dry season.
Weather condition
Before embarking on any hike, research the weather conditions of the place. This will help you to know how you will layer your attire such that you can subtract and add with the change of weather. For you to have a successful hike, you should not sweat or get wet. Wetness can make you cold and sick. Make sure you bring along a raincoat to cater for emergencies of weather change.
Guided tour
It is not advisable to go hiking alone. You should get a tour guide or go hiking with a traveling company. Going hiking as a group helps you to bond with people, make friends, and create memories. A guide is essential to make hiking easier by showing you the trails, learning plant species, and other historical factors of the place. Getting a tour guide or going hiking as a group is also safe, and they come in handy in case of an emergency.
Essentials to bring
While visiting Kijabe Hills, pack 2-3 liters of water, a raincoat, snacks like meat sticks, chocolate, an energy drink and energy bar, hydrated fruits, and crackers for energy. Bring along a good camera to capture the scenic views and a headlamp, which will help you to explore the Dark Tunnel and the caves.
Health precautions
A change in altitude may cause headaches; do not be alarmed unless you have other health conditions. This kind of headache can be treated by drinking enough water.
The best time to visit
You can visit Kijabe Hills any season of the year, but the best season is the dry season. The dry seasons are from January to March. This period is hot; carry sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a lot of water. July to October is also a dry season, but the temperatures are mild. This is the best season to take photos of the landscape views since the sky is clear and the view can be seen clearly.
During the wet season, the forest is beautiful, and the streams in the forest are scenic due to the increase of water. The trails are muddy and slippery, making the hike difficult.
Accommodation at Kijabe Hills
- 1. Kijabe Sunset View Guesthouse in Kijabe
- 2. VIP Nest Lounge in Mai Mahiu
- 3. ECOVALE-KIJABE
- 4. Zambezi Cabin Resort Kamandura-Mai Mahiu-Narok Road
Conclusion
Kijabe Hills is a great getaway destination not far from Nairobi. This is a unique hiking destination that offers more than just hiking. Its scenic caves, dark tunnels, clean streams, hot springs, and dense forest are just therapeutic. A great place to relax, enjoy nature, and rejuvenate.
Book with us as we embark on this fun, safe, and affordable adventure as we explore Kenya’s beauty.
