Mt. Kipipiri Hike

It’s ideal for intermediate mountaineers looking for an outdoor adventure and is rated difficult. Mount Kipipiri serves as a preparation ground for ascending Mount Kenya, providing first-hand experience with high-altitude summits while honing tough mountaineering skills

The one-way hiking trail is covered with sections of lush rainforest along with diverse vegetation. It starts at the Geta Forest Station near Geta bush at the south-eastern end of the Mountain, followed by an ascent up to the Mt. Kipipiri summit (3,363m ASL) 13km, and then down a steep 5km stretch to the north-western side to finish off at Miharati. The trek takes around 8-9 hours when you pace yourself moderately.

The first section of the hiking path is on a well-paved dirt road before detouring into the woods in narrow paths, sometimes single paths and also wide sections. The descent is a short journey through forested sections, eventually breaking out onto farmlands and lastly the exit gate

 

Hike researched in June 2024 and written by Abby Koyier – you can check her on Instagram

Full day trip

It can take 3.5 to 4 hours to get there depending on road conditions. The last stretch isn’t in good shape and can slow down the vehicle

International House – Flyover Bridge A104 – Njambini – Engineer – Ndunyu Njeru – Geta Forest Station

 

  1. Hiking level – Difficult. Total hiking distance is around 18 km. Factors contributing to difficult hiking experience include the long distance, uphill terrain, high altitude, cold unpredictable weather and low atmospheric oxygen.

 

  1. Main attractions – Diverse vegetation, insects, flora, birds, wildlife, and stunning views of the Aberdare Ranges, Lake Ol Bolossat, Lake Naivasha among other landmarks.

 

  1. Type of hike – High altitude mountain hike.

 

  1. Atmospheric conditions – tends to be cold, foggy, wet, cloudy or with chance of hail.

 

  1. Slipping hazard – Average as there are some sections with steep inclines both up and downhill.

 

  1. Steepness – Total elevation change is 930m over the first 13km and there are several steep sections and a few rocky sections.

 

  1. Hiking path condition – Little road stretch and a lot of narrow single file trails in most sections with wet ground conditions in some places.

 

  1. Water usage – Medium to high. Recommend a minimum of 2.5 litres depending on weather.

 

  1. Route visibility – The trail starts out with a visible road path then folks out to several paths in different intersections.

 

  1. Biodiversity – Numerous species of insects, flora, birds, wild animals (when not raining) and diverse vegetation.
The hike starts at Geta Forest Station Gate. This should be around 9am.
The road stretch splits leading left to the hiking route and right to house settlements

Some trails would likely be muddy if it has rained recently
Sections of the trail have route markers such as posts and ribbons

Biodiversity along the trails
The summit of the hike at 3370m
Some of the views from the summit

  • Good hiking boots, walking stick
  • Sun hat – to protect against the sun
  • Rain gear to protect against rain/hailstones and gloves for warmth against fog.
  • Water – at least 2.5 litres
  • Snacks and lunch – since we expect to start at 5am and finish latest by 6pm, we recommend you bring snacks and lunch to eat while relaxing at scenic locations along the route
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Elevation Profile

Trail Map