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.