Ngong Hills Hiking & Zipline Adventure Day Trip from Nairobi
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for someone who does regular aerobic activity and can handle continuous uphill walking for 1–2 hours.
Overview
A compact day trip from Nairobi that pairs a steady ridge hike with multiple ziplines and optional archery or biking. Expect sweeping views, grassy climbs, and one of the easiest ways to go high above Nairobi without a long drive.
Ngong Hills Hiking & Zipline Adventure Day Trip from Nairobi
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You step off the minivan and the wind finds you first — a steady, cool push that runs the length of the ridge and seems to dare you up the trail. The Ngong Hills rise like a low, serrated backbone to Nairobi’s southwest: seven distinct humps broken by grassy saddles, scrubby acacia, and the occasional shepherd’s path. On a clear morning the city’s haze thins and the skyline becomes a distant, folded postcard; from the ridge the horizon pulls you into long views across tea farms and the Rift Valley escarpment.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early
Mornings offer calmer winds and clearer views—departing early also avoids the busiest picnic groups.
Footwear matters
Choose hiking shoes with good grip—sections are rocky and can get slippery after rain.
Bring cash for extras
Bike rental and archery are optional and paid locally; small change speeds things up.
Respect wildlife
Keep distance from monkeys and report any buffalo sightings to guides—do not feed animals.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Vervet monkeys
- Various raptors and songbirds
History
The Ngong Hills have been used by Maasai and Kikuyu communities for grazing and as landscape markers; the ridge later framed travel routes during colonial settlement.
Conservation
Local groups work on reforestation and erosion control; stick to established trails to avoid accelerating soil loss on the slopes.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nairobi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Tread and ankle support help on rocky, sometimes slippery ridge sections.
2–3L water reservoir or bottles
Hydration is key on exposed ridge segments; guides supply a bottle but bring extras for hot days.
summer specific
Light windproof jacket
The ridge can be gusty; a packable shell keeps you comfortable on exposed sections.
fall specific
Camera with wide-angle lens
Wide views from the summit and zipline platforms reward landscape shots.
spring specific