Our 1 day Elephant Hill Aberdares hike & trek tour is ideal for those who want a day hike as they prepare for Mount Kenya or Mount Kilimanjaro climbing challenge. The Elephant Hill hiking trail is found on the southern end of Aberdare Ranges, 90 Kilometers north of Nairobi. As you trek through the Elephant Hill hiking trail, you will have a great view of wildlife and natural vegetation, as Aberdares hosts the water catchment area for the largest dams in Kenya. The Elephant Hill hiking trail starts at Njabini Forest gate and ends at the summit. The terrain is swampy, rocky, and slippery, filled with bamboo forest. Because of the slippery terrain, well-treaded boots are required during the Elephant Hill Aberdares hike.
Included and Excluded
Private Transport from Nairobi and Back
All the park fees
Lunch
Guide
Cook
Drinking Water
Warm scarf, Gloves, jackets, t-shirt, several pairs of socks
Waterproof rucksack with day pack, Sunscreen and lip salve
Gaiters (useful when encountering snow), Wooden walking stick / ski pole, Sunglasses or snow goggles, Sun hat, Balaclava or woolen hat,
Sweaters / jumpers, anorak / raincoat, water and windproof pants,
Long sleeved shirt with collar, small towel, toiletries and toilet paper
Camera with spare film and batteries
Highlights of the Tour
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The trip can start from either Nairobi, Naivasha or Nakuru depending with the location of the clients. Pick up from either point is as early as 0600am before the sun raise to avoid trekking in the hot sun during the day. The drive offers you beautiful views of the great rift Valley and at some point you will have a stop over for few minutes to witness the early morning sun rise. On arrival report to the Rangers who will give you an over view of the trek, at this point you can leave behind anything that you may not require on the trek but water is an essential commodity which is a must as well as rain cloths. the trek starts right at the gate.
The first few kilometers are over relatively flat forest covered terrain, with the occasional herd of cattle grazing the glades in the forest a testament to the growing push by human settlements into the receding forest boundary. To be seen here best views of Great rift valley, lake Naivasha, Longonot Ndakaini dam, sasumua dam, Wildlife expect to see, elephants/tracks, Antelopes, Columbus monkeys and for Bird watching over 250 species birds has been recorded here.
On ascending further up, the forest gives way to the Bamboo zone. The narrow trail, punctuated every few steps by treacherous mud, at this point is covered by a canopy of towering bamboo with the filtered light enhancing the jungle feel as you continue trudging up the now steeper path. The occasional elephant footprint and droppings from various animal species are a constant reminder that you are in a game reserve teeming with wildlife, with the armed escort your only shield from possible danger.
The rest of the hike goes over slightly rocky terrain at an altitude of over 3500m above sea level, with the temperature dropping significantly, as you pick you way across the elephants back. The trail first descents into a clamp of trees before turning back upwards out of the small valley. It then gets pretty steep as it meanders past gnarled giant heather trees adorned with spanish moss offering handholds when you need to pull yourself up the slope. Mercifully it soon levels off to give you your first view of the summit. Youll recognize it by the saddle between two knolls, with the summit to the right. Kinangop, the second highest peak on the Aberdares, can easily be accessed from this point.
The descent is just as trying as the ascent, taking a big toll on the knees, and another 3 to 4 hours to the Forest station and then celebrate the successful Hiking as you look forward in attempt Mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro.
Once you arrive at Aberdares you will be assigned an armed guard to guide you through the Elephant Hill hiking trail. This is because the area is filled with wild animals like elephants. We always prepare our clients before starting the 1 day Elephant Hill Aberdares hike & trek tour on shoes or boots to wear, clothes to wear, items to carry, and the state of health they need to be in. This prevents emergency issues and accidents from occurring even though the clients are accompanied by well-trained tour guides. The tour can be customized to clients' requests with family, alone, or as a group. Experience great views of Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha & the amazing wildlife with our 1 day Elephant Hill Aberdares Hike & Trek tour. Contact us today and sit back as we plan the tour for you.
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