Ngong Hills

Location of Ngong Hills

• 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.