Located just 45 minutes from Nairobi's central business district, the Ngong Hills 7-Peaks Traverse is the city’s favorite weekend playground. Whether you are conditioning for bigger mountain expeditions or just looking for fresh air, traversing all seven knolls offers a solid workout with sweeping views of both Nairobi city and the Great Rift Valley floors.
Route Options: Traverse vs. Return
Option A: The Full Traverse (Recommended)
Start at Kona Baridi and hike north across all 7 peaks to finish at the main KWS Northern Gate near Ngong Town (or vice versa). This option covers approximately 12km and avoids back-tracking.
Option B: Out-and-Back
Start at the main gate, hike to the 4th or 7th peak, and turn around. This adds steep downhill and uphill legs back across the peaks you've already conquered.
What Makes Ngong Hills Unique?
- Rift Valley Drop-offs: To your left, the hills drop steeply into the Maasai plains toward Lake Magadi.
- Wind Farm Ridge: Walking past the giant white wind turbines on the first three peaks is surreal up close.
- Safety & Accessibility: The trail is managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and armed ranger escorts are available at the gates for groups.
Beginner Advice
- Wind & Sun: The ridge is exposed with virtually no tree shade. Bring a windbreaker and reapply sunscreen frequently.
- Footwear: The descents between peaks 4, 5, and 6 can be gravelly and slick. Wear shoes with good tread or bring trekking poles to protect your knees.
- Ngong Hills
- Nairobi
- Day Hike
- Beginner Guide
- Kenya
