Adrenaline Rush

If you’re into hiking, cycling, rock climbing and sightseeing, you don’t need to venture too far from home. In fact, the best places to get your adrenaline going is right here, in Kenya.

- Cate Odera

HIKING

Mt Longonot – This extinct volcano is home to a thick forest that lies within the crater of the mountain. The crater rim provides great scenic views across the beautiful Rift Valley all the way to Lake Naivasha. The mountain is also awash with buffalo, eland, lion, leopard, bushbuck, zebra, giraffe and Grant’s gazelles. It makes for a truly scenic hiking trail and day out. 

Ngong Hills – Five things you will need to take with you on a hike up Ngong Hills are: your time, lots of water, a guide, a group of friends and a camera. If you manage to trek all seven hills, you will have a chance to enjoy the view over the Great Rift Valley as well as the nearby majestic Mount Suswa.

Oloolua Nature Trail – Part of the 662 hectares of Oloolua Forest in Karen. It is a little-known paradise of rich vegetation and with plenty to offer. Away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi yet close enough to spontaneously get up and go. While there, make sure you visit the natural caves and the waterfall on Mbagathi River. Don’t forget to wear good shoes. 

Aberdares Ranges – Nestled in these ranges is the Elephant Hill. Climbing the hill will take up about four hours and another three to come down, so make a day of it. The hill is very steep and requires past experience in hiking. Many hikers and mountain climbers use this hill as a preparation for challenges such as Mt Kenya, Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. So if you are fit enough and are looking for a moderate hike not far away from Nairobi, then the Elephant Hill is for you.