Ngong Hills Full-Day Adventure: Hike, Zipline and Rift Valley Views from Nairobi
A quick drive from Nairobi takes you to the windswept Ngong Hills ridge, where a full day combines ridge hiking, birdwatching and a harnessed zipline with sweeping Rift Valley views. Expect grassy trails, strong winds, and panoramic photo opportunities.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start early for calm winds
Morning hours often have lighter winds and clearer views of the Rift Valley—aim to begin your hike/zipline before mid-day gusts pick up.
Wear grippy shoes
Trails are grassy and can be slick after rain—sturdy trail shoes with good tread reduce slip risk.
Bring at least 1–2 L of water
Full-day activity with moderate exertion and exposed ridge sections means hydration is essential.
Listen to guide briefing for zipline
Follow harness checks and staff instructions closely—ziplines are safe when properly managed, but protocols matter.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk to lesser-used western ridgeline for quieter viewpoints and good late-afternoon light.
- •Stop at small roadside farms descending the hills to try local tea and roasted maize from village vendors.
Wildlife
- •Graceful hartebeest and small antelope species in lower slopes
- •Varieties of raptors and sunbirds along the ridge
Conservation Note
The area faces pressure from informal development and grazing; staying on marked paths, avoiding litter and supporting local guides helps reduce impact and sustain trail access.
Ngong Hills have long been used by Maasai and Kikuyu communities for grazing and as a landscape marker on the eastern edge of the Rift Valley; colonial-era maps later popularized the ridge as a scenic outing from Nairobi.
What to Bring
Trail shoesEssential
Provide traction on grassy and potentially slick trails.
Layered clothingEssential
Wind and temperature shift quickly on the ridge—pack a windbreaker and a warm mid-layer.
Sun protection (hat, SPF)Essential
Exposed ridge sections offer little shade—sunscreen and a hat prevent sunburn.
Reusable water bottle (1–2 L)Essential
Hydration for a full-day outing; bottled water is sometimes provided but bring your own to reduce waste.
Common Questions
How long is the hike portion on this tour?
Guided ridge hikes vary but typically cover 6–10 km total with several short ascents; guides tailor the route to group pace and conditions.
Is the zipline suitable for beginners and children?
Most commercial ziplines accept beginners and older children with parental consent; operators will check weight limits and secure harnesses—always follow staff guidance.
Will transportation be provided from Nairobi?
Yes—this private tour includes round-trip pickup and drop-off from Nairobi hotels as part of the full-day schedule.
Are there restroom and refreshment options on the route?
Basic facilities and refreshment stops are available at the activity base; bring snacks and plan to use facilities at break points coordinated by the guide.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
10 hours (door-to-door)
Location
Ngong, Kajiado County
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be able to walk on uneven ground for several hours and manage short steep sections.
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