- Destination type: Hikes
Mt. Kinangop, affectionately known as “Mother Kinangop” within the hiking community, is
the second-highest peak in the Nyandarua Ranges, standing proudly at an elevation of
3,906m (12,815 ft). Though slightly shorter than Mt. Satima at 4,001m, Kinangop is
considered one of the most challenging summits to conquer. Scaling this peak is not just a
hike—it’s a test of endurance, resilience, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in Kenya’s
breathtaking wilderness.
The Mt. Kinangop hike spans 28 kilometers, with a duration of 7 to 12 hours. Along the trail,
you gain an elevation of 1,261m, making it a strenuous endeavour and an excellent
preparation ground for Mt. Kenya or Kilimanjaro.
The journey begins at the North Kinangop Forest Station in Mutarakwa. The trail follows a
serene pine and cypress forest before entering the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) area,
marked by an electric fence. As you proceed, lush indigenous vegetation greets you, with
narrow paths dotted with fallen branches, trunks and a variety of flora. Along the way, you
may spot traces of wildlife—elephant droppings, gazelle tracks, hyena markings, and
buffalo trails—a constant reminder to respect the environment and pack out your trash
responsibly.
As the trail climbs, you’ll traverse dense bamboo forests, eventually reaching the vast
moorlands. The scenery here is simply awe-inspiring, offering panoramic views of the
Aberdares’ Ranges with peaks like Rurimeria, the 12 Apostles, Elephant Hill, and even Mt.
Longonot and Lake Naivasha in a full display.
The final ascent to Kinangop’s summit is not for the faint-hearted. The steep climb
demands full-body coordination, requiring you to grab onto roots, thick grass, and twigs for
support. The narrow summit offers stunning, yet fleeting, views as the freezing winds and
low temperatures remind you it’s time to descend.
Despite the grueling nature of this trail, the reward is unmatched—a blend of physical
challenge, high-altitude experience, and some of the most scenic views in the region.
It can take about 3 hours to get to the starting point from Nairobi. Due to the long length of the trail, we would be leaving Nairobi at 4am to give everyone enough time to reach the summit and return
The route would be Waiyaki Way – A104 – then branch to C67 – branch at Njabini and finally branch at Engineer
- Hiking level – Difficult. The hike is highly challenging due to the elevation gain, high altitude, long trail length, low temperatures and reduced oxygen levels.
- Main attractions – Bamboo forest, moorland vegetation, Nyandarua ranges, views of Mt. Longonot, L. Naivasha and more
- Type of hike – Mountain hike.
- Atmospheric conditions – Tends to be cold, foggy, wet, cloudy.
- Slipping hazard – Average as there are some sections with steep inclines both up and downhill as well as slippery ground and rock surface.
- Steepness – Total elevation gain is 1280m over 14km distance and there are several steep sections including a demanding final push to the summit
- Hiking path condition – Narrow paths marked with ribbons and round bars. Some trails are grown over with vegetation and can be slippery, especially in the bamboo forest and at the summit
- Water usage – Medium to high. Recommend a minimum of 3 litres depending on weather.
- Route visibility – The trail starts out with a visible road path then forks out to several paths in different intersections.
- Biodiversity – Numerous species of insects, flora, birds, wild animals and diverse vegetation
- Proper hiking boots with grip and ankle support, walking stick
- Sun hat, cold weather gear like gloves, balaclava, rain gear, change of clothes
- 3 or more liters of water, snacks, packed lunch
- Insect repellent
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Elevation Profile
Trail Map
