Ngong Hills in Kenya

Ngong Hills in Kenya

Ngong Hills: This is one of the best hiking sites while on a Kenya Safari, and the good thing about it is that it is situated within a short distance of Nairobi. The rolling green hills in this series provide an excellent panoramic view, fresh air, and a cool change from city life, coupled with makes it a favourite weekend hiking ground, picnic outing, and team bonding retreat. Whether you are a local traveller or an international tourist, Ngong Hills is a place where nature and culture collide to put together a distinct outdoor rush at the edge of the capital.

Meaning and History of Ngong Hills

It is named Ngong, after the Maasai word enkong u, which means knuckles, and it was named that way because of the four knuckle-like shapes of the hill. Ngong Hills belong to the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, which has peaks as high as 2,460 metres. The hills are historically inhabited by the Maasai people who, till today, graze their cattle along the sides, giving the landscape a cultural twist.

Ngong Hills can also be traced to the book and the movie Out of Africa. Karen Blixen, the Danish writer, lived on a farm at the foot of the hills, and her grave can be viewed there and which means that you will have a little bit of colonial history for the visitors who would like to indulge themselves in the history of Kenya.

The Location of Ngong Hills

Ngong Hills are found approximately 22 kilometres southwest of Nairobi. Ngong Road is the easiest way to reach the hills; the driving direction is towards Ngong town, and the Kenya Forest Service gate is situated at the foot of the hills. The road is tarmacked in many parts of the road and you can access the road by using a private car, a motorbike, or even by using public means.

Trail Walk to Ngong Hills

The key feature of the Ngong Hills is hiking, as people flock to the place to hike as part of their outdoor activity, as well as with fitness groups, and families in search of adventure around Nairobi. The track is along the ridge, which extends roughly 11 kilometres between Ngong Police Station and Kona Baridi. The duration it will take you to the hike is 4-5 hours, depending on your speed and fitness.

The landscape is that of steep slopes up and down the hills, and it is a rewarding but moderately difficult hike. It is a trodden route, and you can make a hike with a guide in case you wish to know more about the place or you want a little more safety about the weather, which may vary very quickly.

Those who would like to have a shorter hike can make up and down the first or second hill, which takes approximately 2 hours. The cool breeze, the moving grasslands and the sight of Nairobi town on one side, the wide reach of the Great Rift Valley on the other make the experience of hiking something memorable.

Scenic views and photography are needed.

Ngong Hills is one of the best places to do photography near Nairobi. At the top of the hills, you experience panoramic views of Nairobi city, the Rift Valley and the Maasai land. On sunny days, you will be able to view Mount Suswa, Mount Longonot and as far as the tip of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Photographers will take pleasure in taking a photograph of the sunrise or the sunset at Ngong Hills, where the lighting that accompanies it portrays the shaping of the valley and the rolling valley sides that are rolling. Other birds that can be found in the trail include the augur buzzard, long-crested eagle, and the different sunbirds, among others, by bird watchers.

Weather and the best time to visit Ngong Hills

The Ngong Hills enjoy a cool, windy atmosphere all year round owing to the altitude of the place. The most beneficial period to reach Ngong Hills to hike and take pictures is in the dry seasons, between January and March and July and October, when the tracks are not wet, and the weather is clear.

The trails may be wet and slippery (due to rainy seasons, which are between April/November), and as such, it may become an uphill task. Nevertheless, the months can be pretty green and are green with lush and green hills. On the other hand, this same period offers the visitor an alternative beauty in that those who are not bothered by the weather are going to enjoy the beauty that the hills present.

How to stay Safe and tips when hiking Ngong Hills

Although Ngong Hills is not a dangerous place to go hiking, there are some hints which may make the trip a comfortable and secure one:

Come early and get some walking or hiking completed before the winds rise in the afternoon.

• Put on tough hiking shoes because the terrain will be steep and at times rocky.

• Bring enough liquids and light snacks during the hike.

• Wear in layers to deal with cool and windy conditions.

• Stay safe with your precious keepsakes and do not decide to carry unnecessary items.

• You should go out to check the weather forecast before you decide to organise a hike.

To be on the safe side and to conserve the forest, people are required to pay a small fee at the Kenya Forest Service gate to help maintain the trail and the surrounding environment.

Things to do beyond hiking at Ngong Hills

Aside from hiking, other activities Ngong Hills is known to do are picnicking, mountain biking, and team building. There are a few openings along the hills and some gorgeous picnic sites where you can rest with your friends and family after a hike.

Cyclists are capable of testing their stamina by cycling on hilly terrain, and the hills are often used by organisations to conduct team-building exercises because of the vast and motivational surroundings.

Other Attractions you can visit around Ngong Hills

You can add a hike to Ngong Hills to your existing nearby attractions so that you can make your stay in Kenya even more rewarding:

Karen Blixen Museum: This museum is on the base of the hills, and it has information on colonial Kenya and the life of Karen Blixen.

• Oloolua Nature Trail: Perfect to take a leisurely nature walk in Karen with the attractions of a waterfall and caves.

• Giraffe Centre: Although not within Nairobi, it is just around Langata and gives chances of seeing and feeding on Rothschild giraffes.

• Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Go to the elephant orphanage and gain information regarding conservation and watch rescued baby elephants.

Book an Adventure in the Ngong Hills

Rising hills, panoramic vistas, and fresh air will make you feel rejuvenated in Ngong Hills, Kenya. If you are an adventurous hiker, photographer or traveller who needs to have a tranquil yet fulfilling experience just near Nairobi, then Ngong Hills is the right outdoor destination to visit.

Want to organise a guided Ngong Hills walk, Nairobi day tour or Kenya hiking tour? Speak with your local operator friends about a seamless trip that would help the local communities and conservation in Kenya.