Ngong Hills

The Ngong Hills are a curving ridge of hills southwest of Nairobi in Kajiado County, rising to approximately 2,460 metres at the highest points. The ridge is locally famous for its sequence of peaks and panoramic outlooks over the capital and the Great Rift Valley.

Hikers and local weekend visitors use a network of trails that run along the ridge - the main traverse takes in a series of seven or more hilltops and several lookout points offering views across the Nairobi basin. The area is popular for day hikes, short ridge walks and sunrise/sunset outings rather than multi-day trekking.

The hills were formed by tectonic uplift and subsequent erosion associated with the East African Rift system and now form an important green ridge near a major urban area. Small wind turbines and energy projects have been installed on parts of the ridge in recent years.

Geographically the Ngong Hills sit about 20-25 kilometres southwest of central Nairobi, overlooking the town of Ngong and the broader Rift escarpment; access is by road from Nairobi and nearby towns.

• Best time to visit: Ridge trails are best hiked in the cool, dry months (June to September) and early morning for clearer views and cooler temperatures.
• Practicalities: Trail conditions can be exposed and windy; carrying water and wind protection is important as services are limited on the ridge.

What to See #

• Trail network: Multiple marked trailheads provide routes of varying length along the ridge; the main ridge walk traverses a series of seven or more hilltops with several lookout points.
• Viewpoints: A string of viewpoints on the ridge gives panoramic views over the Nairobi basin and the adjacent Great Rift Valley on clear days.