Best hikes on a Kenya safari
Best hikes on a Kenya safari : Kenya offers outdoor enthusiasts a plethora of exciting walking trails, whether they’re planning a leisurely day hike, multi-day trek or rock climbing. We suggest combining several days of hiking with a vehicle-based safari for an exciting and varied Kenya travel itinerary. Often, the hike places in Kenya see fewer tourists and allow for an off-the-beaten-track experience.
Ready to explore some of the most beautiful trails in Africa? This is our list of Kenya’s best hikes.
Kenya’s Mount.
Tourists are never disappointed by a number one positioning, be it the highest, biggest, or oldest. As such, Mount Kenya, being the second-highest mountain in Africa at 5199 metres, frequently gets lost by Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. As Kilimanjaro is yep, the highest mountain in Africa. Yet, summiting Mount Kenya is more technical. And there you have it the top spot. 🙂 Because fewer people ascend Mount Kenya, doing so is more economical and provides an even more genuine experience than climbing Kili.
The most popular route to the summit, which approaches the mountain via the Chogoria route, is the South East Face. This climb requires a total of five to six days. Needless to say, don’t try to save a buck, but choose a reputable company to hike with to the top. Climbing season at Mount Kenya spans from July to early October.
If you do not have five days set aside to climb Mount Kenya, then enjoy an idyllic hike to the Met Station instead, at an altitude of 3,050 m. A few hikers decide to go an additional hour to reach the alpine zone.
Hells Gate.
The Rift Valley cliff surrounding Hells Gate attracts climbers of all skill levels, with Fischer’s Tower being a popular stand-alone rock for experienced athletes. Not a big climber? Then give abseiling a go! For both activities, there is equipment and knowledgeable guides available at the Elsa Park gate.
Mount Elgon.
The border between Kenya and Uganda divides the extinct volcano Mount Elgon. The summit climb takes four days or longer. There are many lovely and peaceful hiking trails in the lower forest, providing day hikers with plenty of hiking enjoyment in this area. Rock climbing is also excellent on the cliffs of Sudek and Lower Elgon.
To hike Mount Elgon, trekkers should prepare effectively. Despite the mountain’s equatorial location, it can be cold once you reach the top and it rains often. Want to read more about Mount Elgon and other hidden gems in Kenya?
Kakamega Forest.
Kakamega is especially famous among specialist birders and naturalists. The area offers a range of trails with varying lengths, and the wide variety of unique plants and animals makes for truly intriguing hikes. The local guides of Kakamega Park are well-trained and trekking conditions are quite easy here, although you should be prepared for the occasional rain.
Mount Longonot.
Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano and a fairly easily accessible peak to climb. You can get to the top at 2276 meters in about two hours, on a well-marked trail. It’s a steep climb though, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over the plains. Going around the crater at the summit takes an additional two hours.
Mount Longonot is an excellent selection if you feel like stretching your legs after a few days of vehicle-based safaris. The trail is a well-liked day trip destination from Nairobi because it is just an hour’s drive away. This implies that planning ahead can be beneficial because weekends tend to be a little busier.
