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Rotsee2 CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Ngong Hills

Mountains

The Ngong Hills ridge south of Nairobi offers short hikes, paragliding and panoramic viewpoints over the city and Rift Valley escarpment; walkers and outdoor groups use the ridgeline trails and picnic spots.

Ngong Hills NairobiMaasai MaraMombasaAmboseli National ParkNgong Hills
In this guide

Ngong Hills essentials

Country: Kenya
Driest months: Jul-Sep
Pay in: Shilling (Sh)
Language: English, Swahili

Ngong Hills at a Glance

About 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.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Ngong Hills

Best in the dry season for clear vistas; mornings or late afternoons give the best light for photography.

Dry Season (Jun-Sep)
June-September · 10-22°C
Clear skies and cool breezes make trekking the Ngong Hills pleasant and offer far-reaching views.
Short Rains (Oct-Nov)
October-November · 15-25°C
Lusher green slopes but some muddy paths; fewer visitors during these months.

Weather & Climate near Ngong Hills

Climate

Ngong Hills's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 9°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1346 mm/year), wettest in April.

Air Quality: AQI 68 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 11° - 24° 18° 65 mm some cloud 63% 2.3 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.1h
February Excellent 11° - 25° 18° 66 mm some cloud 59% 2.9 m/s 2.9 extreme 12.1h
March Very Good 12° - 25° 18° 120 mm partly cloudy 63% 2.5 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.0h
April Good 13° - 22° 17° 320 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
May Acceptable 12° - 20° 16° 243 mm partly cloudy 75% 2.1 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
June Good 10° - 20° 15° 65 mm overcast 70% 2.1 m/s 1.8 very high 11.9h
July Very Good 9° - 19° 14° 35 mm partly cloudy 64% 2.1 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
August Very Good 9° - 20° 15° 34 mm partly cloudy 63% 1.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.0h
September Very Good 10° - 22° 16° 41 mm partly cloudy 59% 2.4 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
October Very Good 11° - 23° 17° 97 mm partly cloudy 62% 2.4 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
November Good 12° - 23° 17° 162 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.1h
December Very Good 11° - 23° 17° 98 mm partly cloudy 71% 2.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Ngong Hills

The hills are about 22 km southwest of Nairobi’s central business district. Take a matatu or taxi toward Ngong town or the Karen area and follow signposts to the main trailheads. Many visitors arrange transport through local tour operators or drive via Lang’ata Road toward Ngong Road.

Tips for Visiting Ngong Hills

  • Walk the ridgeline trail that offers changing panoramas of Nairobi's skyline and the Great Rift escarpment.
  • Go late afternoon for the best light and to enjoy paragliders launching from the crest on windier days.
  • Bring insect repellent in the rainy season and a thin windbreaker year-round-the top can be breezy.