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On foot

Hiking trail networks

From the high peaks of Mount Kenya to quiet forest walks near Nairobi and the trails of Bwindi — explore East Africa on foot with local guides.

Mount Kenya trail network

Three main approaches to Point Lenana (4,985 m). We most often run the Sirimon–Chogoria traverse.

North-west · Best ascent

Sirimon Route

4–5 days · Moderate · Gate ~2,650 m

Gradual gradient, drier conditions, excellent acclimatisation. Camps at Old Moses and Shipton’s. Ideal for first-time high-altitude trekkers.

Full Mount Kenya trek →
East · Most scenic

Chogoria Route

4–5 days · Moderate–challenging

Gorges Valley, Lake Michaelson, Lake Ellis, Hall Tarns and dramatic cliffs. Best used as the descent after a Sirimon ascent.

View itinerary →
West · Fastest

Naro Moru Route

3–4 days · Steeper · Includes Vertical Bog

Most direct approach. Good when time is short and you are already acclimatised. Higher altitude-sickness risk due to faster gain.

Details →
Recommended combo

Sirimon ↑ / Chogoria ↓

5–6 days · Best overall experience

Gentle ascent for acclimatisation, then the most beautiful scenery on the way down. The classic full Mount Kenya experience we recommend most often.

Book this traverse →

Day hikes near Nairobi & the Rift

Perfect as pre- or post-safari add-ons or standalone day trips from the city.

Iconic ridge

Ngong Hills

~25 km from Nairobi · Moderate · 5–6 hrs

Seven rolling hills with panoramic views of Nairobi and the Great Rift Valley. One of the most popular day hikes near the city.

Volcano crater

Mount Longonot

~70 km from Nairobi · Challenging · 3–4 hrs

Steep climb through forest to the rim of a dormant volcano. Sweeping views of the Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha.

City forest

Karura Forest

10 km from CBD · Easy · 1–3 hrs

Waterfalls, caves, shaded paths and good birdlife. Ideal for families or a gentle morning walk.

Aberdares

Elephant Hill & Table Mountain

Aberdare National Park · Moderate–challenging

Quieter mountain day hikes with excellent views. Requires park entry and usually a guide.

Forest & waterfalls

Kereita Forest

~60 km from Nairobi · Moderate

Trails, caves, waterfalls and optional ziplining. Good for groups wanting a mix of hiking and adventure.

Mountain day hike

Ol Donyo Sabuk

~70 km from Nairobi · Moderate

Summit hike with wide views. Chance of seeing buffalo; guide recommended.

Bwindi forest trails (Uganda)

Beyond the gorilla trek — guided nature walks that do not require a gorilla permit.

Buhoma sector

Munyaga Waterfall Trail

~3–4 hrs · Easy–moderate

Follows the river through dense forest to cascades. Good chance of monkeys, birds and butterflies.

Ruhija sector

Mubwindi Swamp Trail

4–5 hrs · Moderate

Descends to a swamp rich in birdlife (including Albertine Rift endemics). Special permit sometimes required.

Ruhija

Bamboo Trail to Rwamunyonyi

~6 hrs · Higher elevation

Leads to the highest point in the park (2,607 m) with excellent views on clear days.

Cross-park

Buhoma to Nkuringo

Full day · Challenging

Full traverse of the park through montane forest. A serious but rewarding long hike.

These walks pair well with a gorilla trek on the Highland trek & gorilla option.

Trail map

Click any marker for a short description and link.

Click a marker · Scroll-zoom activates after you interact with the map

Permit handling

Mount Kenya park entry is processed via KWS eCitizen (usually immediate or same-day after payment). Bwindi gorilla permits must be booked through a licensed operator — confirmation typically takes 1–3 working days after full payment; book 3–6 months ahead for peak season. When you book any trek with Rafiki Safaris we handle the permits, guide registration and logistics for you — see the individual tour pages for full details.

Want a custom hiking itinerary?

Tell us your fitness level, available days and interests — we’ll build a route that fits.

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