Day Hike To The Aberdares /

The best hiking trails in Kenya are found in Aberdares National Park. Especially if one intends to climb Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro, or Ruwenzori summits, Aberdare trails are fantastic training excursions. They are now included on the list of Kenya's toughest trails due to their high altitude. Aberdare is one of Kenya's most attractive sites due to its natural beauty and the brilliance of its distinctive vegetations, native trees, forest coverage, waterfalls, and rock formations.

The Aberdares and its ranges are covered in waterfalls. They are smashing over the rocks as they shout with power. You'll fall head over heels in love with the surroundings. Major rivers that flow from Aberdares have a significant source in the moorlands and the mountains. Ewaso Nyiro extends to the Lorian Swamp, the Athi and Tana rivers discharge into the Indian Ocean, and the River Malewa empties into Lake Naivasha. The renowned Dragon's Teeth is a fantastic location for rock climbers and offers breathtaking views for movies.

Because of the high height, it takes longer to climb. While time is of the utmost importance when attempting any of the Aberdare trails, early morning travel is advised. Before attempting the Aberdare trails, hikers should have tested various shorter, more accessible hiking routes in order to develop their stamina and acclimatization skills. The trails in the Aberdare ranges listed below should not be missed.

1. Mount Kinangop, Aberdares 3,907 metres (12,815.5 ft)

The second-highest mountain in the Aberdares is called Mount Kinangop. On a clear day, you might possibly view Mt. Longonot and Lake Naivasha in addition to the adjacent Elephant Hill. The trail ascends through a variety of vegetation zones, including forest, bamboo, montane humid forest, and the moorland zone of the Aberdares plateau, like the majority of other trails in the Aberdares.

The North Kinangop Forest Station in Mutarakwa is where the trail begins. Before entering the protected woodland through a gate on your right side, the first 2 km (1.3 miles) from here are run through relatively flat fields and forest. The middle Aberdares ridge is ascension for the next 6 km (3.5 mi), passing through diverse vegetation zones.  In addition to being occasionally inhabited by elephants and buffalos, whose footprints or droppings may be seen along the trail, this section of the trail can occasionally be muddy (especially after rains). The trail can be a little overgrown in spots, but there are trail markers to show you the way. Once on the Aberdare ridge, the trail swings south and climbs gradually toward Kinangop peak for a further 6 km (3.5 miles). The grassy western approach or the rocky southern route can be used to reach the steep final ascent of the mountain. You can continue traveling till you reach Elephant Hill.

2. Oldonyo Lesatima

Oldonyo Lesatima, the highest peak in Kenya and the tallest peak in the Aberdares, rises to a height of 4,001m (13,126ft) above sea level. It can be reached from two points: Mweiga (Wandare Trail) and Rhino and Shamata Gates (Mt. Satima Dragon's Teeth Trek). It is situated on the northern side of the Aberdare range.

Via the Shamata Gate, we embarked on the Dragon's Teeth trail in an effort to summit Mt. Satima Peak by ourselves.

The easy 8 km track will take us through a hiker's paradise, passing innumerable rows of stunning jagged moraines known as "Dragon's Teeth," as well as fields of rich alpine greenery and a few wild animals. Some of the most stunning views may be found along the Dragon's Teeth route.

3. Elephant Hill — The Ultimate Hiking Destination

Elephant Hill is referred to as "the ultimate hiking destination" for good reason; it is situated roughly 100 km from Nairobi's central business district. The "hill" is the ideal test for a first-time hiker trying to navigate difficult terrain and adjust to a higher altitude. The Njabini Forest Station gate is where the 9-kilometer Elephant Hill hiking trail begins, at an altitude of 8,202 feet (2,500 meters), and it concludes at the summit, at a height of 12,000 feet (3,658 meters). At a leisurely pace, the full hike up and down takes 7–10 hours.

A moderately paved trail winds through a planted woodland for the first 3 km, with the occasional herd of sheep and a few cattle serving as indicators of human intrusion. The official starting point is located at the end of this path, 9,192 feet (2,802 meters) above sea level.

The Bamboo Gate, which welcomes you into the winding, muddy trail of the bamboo zone, is reached after a further 1.5 km hike on the Elephant Hill Walk. It is located at 9,622 feet/2,933 meters above sea level. The trail is kept persistently damp, slick, and dimly illuminated by the towering bamboo canopy. It's crucial to be sufficiently equipped to prevent slips and falls, therefore it's a good idea to wear a cozy, water-resistant, well-treaded hiking boot.
Fresh footprints and the occasional mound of elephant dung serve as continuous reminders that you are in a wildlife area. But, there is no need to be concerned because wild creatures will typically stay off the trail and you will always be accompanied by an armed guard.

4. Rurimeria Moorland

Rurimeria is a gorgeous creature. Can you control it? Although though it's the third-highest mountain in the Aberdares, its trail is one of the hardest in the ranges, which is why reaching the top is so satisfying. The Aberdare Mountains have a reputation for having stunning scenery. This is combined with a dramatic trekking experience in the Rurimeria moorland challenge, which leads you past three false summits before reaching the summit at 3,860m (12,664ft) ASL.