25 kmDistance
45 min–1 hrDrive time
Any vehicle to gateVehicle needed
KES 600Entry fee
Ngong Hills sits about 25 km southwest of Nairobi — a seven-peak ridge overlooking the Rift Valley, made famous by Karen Blixen’s memoir Out of Africa. Any vehicle reaches the gate; the ridge itself is explored on foot.
Key Takeaways
- Distance: ~25 km from Nairobi CBD via Karen and the Ngong Road extension.
- Drive time: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Entry: KES 600 non-resident adult.
- Vehicle: any saloon or SUV to the gate — the ridge hike itself is on foot, with a KFS ranger available as a guide.
- Highlight: panoramic views over both Nairobi and the Great Rift Valley from the same ridge.
- A wind farm’s turbines line much of the ridge, visible from Nairobi on clear days.
What to Expect
- Seven-peak ridge hike — a popular half-day hike along the ridge line, with the option to summit one or several peaks
- Out of Africa connection — the hills where Karen Blixen and Denys Finch Hatton’s story was set; Finch Hatton’s grave lies nearby
- Dual valley views — Nairobi’s skyline on one side, the Great Rift Valley floor on the other
- Ranger-guided option — a Kenya Forest Service ranger can be hired at the gate for KES 1,000 per group, recommended for safety and navigation
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hike Ngong Hills?
KES 600 per non-resident adult entry, plus an optional KES 1,000 ranger guide fee per group.
How long does the Ngong Hills hike take?
A full ridge walk covering several peaks takes 3–5 hours; a shorter single-peak hike can be done in 1.5–2 hours.
Is it safe to hike Ngong Hills without a guide?
A ranger guide is strongly recommended for navigation and security, and can be hired at the gate for a small fee.
Can I hire a car in Nairobi for a Ngong Hills trip?
Yes. Barguts Tours provides vehicle hire for the trip. Contact Barguts Tours at carhirenairobi.co.ke or call +254 707 116 220.