2 DAYS & 1 NIGHT: ABERDARES TREK – ELEPHANT HILL VIA NJABINI TO KINANGOP PEAK

2 DAYS & 1 NIGHT:ABERDARES TREK – ELEPHANT HILL VIA NJABINI TO KINANGOP PEAK

The Elephant Hill on the southern end of the Aberdares Ranges, about 90km north of Nairobi, is an ideal location for a day hike especially if you’re preparing for the more challenging Mt. Kenya or Mt. Kilimanjaro climbs.

DAY 1: ELEPHANT HILL – ELEPHANT’S RUMP CAMPSITE
Leave Nairobi at 8am in the morning for the 2 hour drive to the Njabini Forest Gate that marks the beginning of the Elephant Hill climb. Although the hill can be ascended from various starting points, the best approach is the Njabini Forest Station (former Kinangop South Forest Station), about 4km from Njabini shopping centre. The hike up the hill takes 4 to 5 hours after starting at an altitude of 2500m at the forest station. The first few kilometres are over relatively flat forest covered terrain, with occasional herd of cattle grazing in the forest glades, a testament to the growing push by human settlements into the receding forest boundary. On ascending further up, the forest gives way to the bamboo zone. The narrow trail, punctuated every few steps by treacherous mud, at this point is covered by a canopy of towering bamboo with only filtered light getting through, as you continue trudging up the now steeper path. The occasional elephant footprint and droppings from various animal species are a constant reminder that you are in a game reserve teeming with wildlife, with the armed escort as your only shield from possible danger

After what seems like hours of plodding though the muck and fighting the urge to just throw in the towel and turn around, the trail finally levels off and the bamboo thins out as you get to the alpine zone, characterized by the stunning array of outlandish flora like giant lobelia, senecio, tussock grass, and giant heather among others; a real feast for botany enthusiasts. Amazing views of the surrounding countryside including the nearby Sasumua dam down below to your right, and the distant Ndakaini dam to your left, awaits those who make it this far. You are now at the Elephant’s Rump, also known as the point of despair. This where we will put up the tents for dinner and overnight.

Walking – 5 hours
Accommodation – Camping in a basic camp site inside the Aberdare National Park
Meals – Lunch and dinner prepared by our chef

DAY 2:ELEPHANT’S RUMP – KINAGOP PEAK (3,600m) – NAIROBI

After a chilly and probably wet night, breakfast is served in the morning. Later continue with the hike that goes over slightly rocky terrain at an altitude of over 3,400m, with the temperature dropping significantly, as you pick your way across the Elephant’s Back. The trail first descends into a clamp of trees before turning back upwards out of the small valley. It then gets pretty steep as it meanders past gnarled giant heather trees adorned with spanish moss offering handholds when you need to pull yourself up the slope. After what seems like another endless climb, the trail mercifully levels off to give you your first view of the summit. You’ll recognize it by the saddle between two knolls. Once you traverse the Elephant’s Back to reach this saddle, the summit at 3600m above sea level is to your left, a short 5 minute climb. The distinctive Kinangop peak, the second highest point on the Aberdares can be seen to the north.
Avoid regretting later for turning back after getting so close. You will be at the summit as long as you can bear the cold. The descent is just as trying as the ascent, taking a big toll on the knees, and another 3 to 4 hours to the Forest station. Depart after Lunch for Nairobi.

Walking – 6 hours