The Ngong Hills are a prominent geographical feature consisting of a narrow ridge of peaks situated southwest of Nairobi.
As a gazetted Forest Reserve managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the area serves a critical role in conservation, water catchment, and public recreation.
Hiking the full traverse of the ridge is the primary activity. This route offers expansive, unobstructed views across the Great Rift Valley and the Nairobi cityscape.
The Ngong Hills Forest Reserve covers an area of approximately 21,000 hectares.
Its legal status as a forest reserve ensures its protection against encroachment and preserves its indigenous Afromontane forest ecosystem.
Located in Kajiado County, the reserve is approximately 22 kilometres from Nairobi's central business district.
This makes it a highly accessible destination for day trips.
The hills themselves are the peaks of a ridge, with the highest point reaching 2,460 metres (8,071 feet) above sea level.
The name "Ngong" is derived from the Maasai word "enkong'u," meaning "knuckles."
This aptly describes the distinctive silhouette of the seven peaks.
The area holds significant cultural importance for the local Maasai community.
It was also featured in Karen Blixen's memoir "Out of Africa," where she described her farm at the foot of these hills.
This cemented their place in Kenya's colonial history and international literature.
All fees collected at Ngong Hills are mandated by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
These fees are directed towards the conservation of the forest, maintenance of trails, and funding of security operations.
Visitors are advised that fees are subject to change.
It is recommended to verify the current rates with KFS directly prior to a 2026 visit.
All payments at the gate are processed through the M-Pesa mobile payment system or via debit/credit card.
Cash is not accepted.
|
Category / Activity |
Adult Rate (KES) |
Child Rate (KES) |
|
Kenyan Citizens & East African Residents |
200 |
50 |
|
Residents (Non-East African) |
400 |
100 |
|
Non-Residents |
600 |
150 |
|
Camping Fee (Per Night) |
650 |
100 |
|
Ranger Services (Per Group) |
1,000 |
N/A |
|
Cycling |
100 |
N/A |
|
Horse Riding |
300 |
N/A |
The fee structure is tiered to differentiate between Kenyan Citizens, residents of the East African Community, other foreign residents holding valid permits, and non-resident international visitors.
Proof of status, such as a National ID, Alien Card, or Passport, is mandatory for fee verification at the entry gate.
Overnight stays and specialised activities incur separate charges in addition to the standard daily entrance fee.
These services allow for longer stays and different activities within the reserve.
Camping is permitted at designated sites within the reserve.
The per-night fee is KES 650 for adults and KES 100 for children.
Facilities are basic, consisting of cleared grounds and access to ranger security.
Campers must be fully self-sufficient, providing their own tents, food, water, and cooking equipment.
For enhanced safety and navigation, particularly on the full hill traverse, visitors can hire a KFS ranger.
The reserve's natural environment is its primary feature, characterized by unique ecosystems and challenging topography.
The main hiking trail is a linear route of approximately 12 kilometres that traverses all seven peaks of the Ngong ridge.
It typically starts at the KFS main gate near the town of Ngong and ends at the southern point near Kona Baridi.
The hike takes 4-6 hours and is considered moderately difficult due to steep ascents and descents.
The trail offers expansive, unobstructed views of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Suswa, and Nairobi National Park.
The reserve protects a significant area of Afromontane forest, characterised by species such as African Olive and Cape Chestnut.
The area also includes sections of bushland and grassland.
The forest is home to smaller mammals like bushbuck, duikers, and baboons.
Large game is not prevalent.
The area is also a designated Important Bird Area (IBA), with recorded sightings of raptors like the Augur Buzzard and species such as the Hartlaub's Turaco.
Planning a visit requires consideration of transport, entry regulations, and the best time of year for activities.
The main gate is accessible from Nairobi via private car, taxi, or public matatus heading to Ngong Town.
For international visitors travelling to Kenya in 2026, entry is contingent on a pre-approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
The eTA system has replaced the previous visa process.
Applications must be submitted online at least 72 hours before travel.
A valid passport is required for the eTA application and for entry into the reserve.
The dry seasons (January-March and July-October) offer the clearest conditions for views and the most reliable trail conditions for hiking.
The rainy seasons (April-June and November-December) can make trails slippery and obscure visibility.
For safety, it is mandatory to be accompanied by an armed KFS ranger for the full traverse hike due to past security incidents.
Visitors should carry sufficient water (at least 2-3 litres per person), sun protection, and appropriate hiking footwear.