Ngong Hills are located approximately 22km
(or 13.7 miles) southwest of Nairobi, Kenya.
The hills are located near the Great Rift
Valley Escarpment and they form part of the Rift Valley
Ngong Hills are part of a gazetted forest
reserve covering over 21,000 sq km, specifically the Ngong Hills Forest
which covers an area of 3077 hectares.
Naming of Ngong Hills
The name "Ngong" derives from
the Maasai phrase "enkong'u emuny," which means "rhinoceros
spring," named after a spring located near Ngong Town.
The hills are the remnants of a massive
volcano that formed between 5 and 6.5 million years ago.
Height and Access
The highest peak on the knuckle-shaped
Ngong hills is at 2460m above sea level.
Ngong Hills are easily accessible by both
private and public transport, with the main entrance on the northern side
at Ngong town, which is 1961m above sea level.
If you are hiking from the Northern
entrance, you will gain an altitude of about 499 meters.
Hiking and Activities at Ngong Hills
The hiking trail starts from Ngong town at
the northern foot of the hills and ends at Kona Baridi, meaning "cold
corner."
The hike is about 4-5 hours long but it
can take longer, depending on fitness levels.
Hiking the Ngong Hills is considered moderate
in difficulty.
Activities in the area include game
drives, mountain biking, jogging by elite runners at altitude, picnicking
with sweeping views towards Nairobi city and the Rift Valley, and bird
watching.
The hills are also popular for religious
services, sightseeing, and hosting events.
Wildlife and Conservation
Ngong Hills Nature Reserve is a sanctuary
for animals including impala, zebra, porcupine, dik-dik, leopard, buffalo,
and hyena.
The area provides a habitat for wildlife,
facilitated by the forest cover and the presence of the Tana River, which
is a vital water source in the region.
Other Amenities at Ngong Hills Nature
Reserve
There are two main entry points for
hiking: Ngong Police Station and Kona Baridi.
The Ngong Hills are home to the Ngong Wind
Farm Power Station.
Security concerns include infrequent
opportunistic robberies and wildlife encounters, with armed guides
available for hire.
Entrance fees vary for citizens and
residents, and payments can be made via mobile money or card.
Weather and Environment
The weather in Ngong Hills can be
significantly more intense than in Nairobi, with clear days providing the
best conditions for enjoying the views.
Strong winds are common, and visitors are
advised to carry reusable water bottles.
Cultural Significance
The Maasai people live in villages on the
western slopes of Ngong Hills, adding cultural depth to the area.
Viewpoints and Photography
Ngong Hills offer breathtaking views of
Nairobi National Park to the east and the city of Nairobi to the north.
Sunsets are particularly celebrated,
making it a favored spot for both locals and tourists in the evenings.
The hills serve as an excellent backdrop
for photography, especially on sunny days when the sky is exceptionally
blue.