Ngong Hills
Ngong Hills
4.5
About
Take in the fantastic views of the Great Rift Valley and Nairobi at a distance from the top of these lush green hills. A short drive from the city, the hills are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Activities include birdwatching, picnicking, hiking, and ziplining, and you’ll also find restaurants and accommodations.
You can camp out on the hills, but be sure to pack appropriately to shield yourself from the area’s strong winds. Hire a private guide to make the most of your adventure. Note that the rainy months are usually April, May, and November. – Tripadvisor
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
333 reviews
Excellent
153
Very good
129
Average
38
Poor
8
Terrible
5
Chege Anne
7 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
My experience to Ngong Hills was spot on!! It was fun, and I would certainly do it again! I read reviews here, so I went fully prepared. Here I am to affirm statements said, as I add mine:
1. Start your trip early, esp if you are doing a round trip... We were there by 8.00 am. The mist/fog clouds add to the scenery and experience. And the return journey becomes a walk in the park, more bearable and more scenic.
2. Carry warm clothes, throw in a SCARF, thank me later
3. Good grip shoes (soles) are the key to making it. Make sure you have these. PS: the shoes must be comfortable and light.
4. If you go by private means, leave your car at the turbine station. That way, you conquer the steep hills first :) You will need the energy esp for a round trip (to & fro)
5. If you start your journey early, carry warm water. It will help with the windy/cold situation. The water will cool down soon enough, don't worry.
6. Eat no sweets, they increase dehydration chances. If it's sugar you need, dissolve some glucose in the warm water.
7. Carry loose money to support the women and kids by buying their beads.
8. DON'T carry a walking aid (unless you need it) - it adds to the luggage.
9. Eat something before you start your journey. Your body will thank you for it.
10. Remember to have fun! Enjoy the trip. Laugh. Make it memorable
1. Start your trip early, esp if you are doing a round trip... We were there by 8.00 am. The mist/fog clouds add to the scenery and experience. And the return journey becomes a walk in the park, more bearable and more scenic.
2. Carry warm clothes, throw in a SCARF, thank me later
3. Good grip shoes (soles) are the key to making it. Make sure you have these. PS: the shoes must be comfortable and light.
4. If you go by private means, leave your car at the turbine station. That way, you conquer the steep hills first :) You will need the energy esp for a round trip (to & fro)
5. If you start your journey early, carry warm water. It will help with the windy/cold situation. The water will cool down soon enough, don't worry.
6. Eat no sweets, they increase dehydration chances. If it's sugar you need, dissolve some glucose in the warm water.
7. Carry loose money to support the women and kids by buying their beads.
8. DON'T carry a walking aid (unless you need it) - it adds to the luggage.
9. Eat something before you start your journey. Your body will thank you for it.
10. Remember to have fun! Enjoy the trip. Laugh. Make it memorable
Written October 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary J
Ruaka, Kenya1 contribution
Mar 2021 • Friends
I had a horrible experience! The guard at the gate told us that plastics are not allowed.We were happy to give her all our soda bottles.And we were excited to celebrate our friends birthday.Shocker, upon picking a perfect spot,another guard showed up claiming he needs to inspect our cars for booze! But its not the rules, its the way the rules were communicated. We were threatened to be charged and that the supervisor would be called ! We just needed a place to relax😑
Written March 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Street_ranger5
Nairobi, Kenya7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Ngong hills is a very great place to engage yourself in recreational activities with family and friends. The entrance fee is quite cheap for both residents and non residents. The best part is the hiking, you get to experience nature at its best. From the great forest ecosystems to the cool breeze. Ngong hills is surely the best place for such activities within Nairobi.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie
Narberth, PA71 contributions
Jan 2020
A must go! Some peace and beautiful views outside the city. We hired a driver (Tony - Whatsapp +254 723 497894). He was amazing driving through the craters of pot holes getting us to Ngong Hills. He even walked up the first hill with us. Unfortunately, we were tired and jet lagged and couldn't walk more. It's about an hour or less drive from the Elephant sanctuary area. We went from Hotel Troy. Definitely hire Tony! He's awesome and should be a tour guide with his wonderful caring personality, not just a driver.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth S
London, UK37 contributions
Jul 2023
Great experience , amazing challenging Hike, travel light !
Sunday Morning Visit - ideally before 10am as it does get hot/ uncomfortable hike in the sun, once you come off the main road, the approach to Ngong Hills is steep / rough road , 4x4 vehicle best to reach the pay point / foot of the hills, we went as a big group, at busy time which is best as no visible security once on the hills , toilets at foot of the hills were not great , you need hiking boots , hat, water bottle , amazing views , great place to stop for a picnic but you a light jacket/ fleece as it is cool at the top & large windmills adding to chill, there were cattle grazing on the hills , we encountered a grumpy bull , a keeper was not visible which was concerning, we enjoyed a refreshing sugar cane , lime and ginger juice , freshly made worth taking an empty bottle to take some juice home !!
Sunday Morning Visit - ideally before 10am as it does get hot/ uncomfortable hike in the sun, once you come off the main road, the approach to Ngong Hills is steep / rough road , 4x4 vehicle best to reach the pay point / foot of the hills, we went as a big group, at busy time which is best as no visible security once on the hills , toilets at foot of the hills were not great , you need hiking boots , hat, water bottle , amazing views , great place to stop for a picnic but you a light jacket/ fleece as it is cool at the top & large windmills adding to chill, there were cattle grazing on the hills , we encountered a grumpy bull , a keeper was not visible which was concerning, we enjoyed a refreshing sugar cane , lime and ginger juice , freshly made worth taking an empty bottle to take some juice home !!
Written August 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joshua Luvonga Wanjia
Kenya12 contributions
Jan 2020
We took a one day tour of the Ngong hills and arrived at the foot around 9am and proceeded to trek with a lot of interest on what awaits us in the hills and forest....
Found huge windmills our which was a greet experience inside the rif valley green with very nice sciences overlooking the hills which extended to more than seven.
Took very nice photos if you need photos and a bit of trekking this s the place to be.
Found huge windmills our which was a greet experience inside the rif valley green with very nice sciences overlooking the hills which extended to more than seven.
Took very nice photos if you need photos and a bit of trekking this s the place to be.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leila C
Nairobi, Kenya20 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
The area is easily accessible by any means imaginable really. Entry fees for citizens is Kes. 200 and the facility is managed by the Kenya Forest Service.Visitors are admitted from 6am and the hills should be cleared by 5pm.
The views are stunning!!. You have the vantage point of looking at Nairobi town yonder and clearly at that too!. The windmills (very loud) line the path for quite a distance,after which the climb now begins.There are 7hills in close succession and conquring them all in a say is an admirable feat.There is only one way back,which idealy means you take on 14hills!!
Do remember to carry enough drinking water, a hat, closed comfortable sports shoes with a firm sole grip (grass is slipery over there) and snacks to keep you going☺
The views are stunning!!. You have the vantage point of looking at Nairobi town yonder and clearly at that too!. The windmills (very loud) line the path for quite a distance,after which the climb now begins.There are 7hills in close succession and conquring them all in a say is an admirable feat.There is only one way back,which idealy means you take on 14hills!!
Do remember to carry enough drinking water, a hat, closed comfortable sports shoes with a firm sole grip (grass is slipery over there) and snacks to keep you going☺
Written April 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betty B
Thika, Kenya3 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
If you have not gone to this place, what are you still waiting for? The place is sooo green and wonderful during the rainy months, but be careful not to go when it's actually raining. "Every finish line becomes the beginning of a new race". Literally. Every peak is the start of another hill.
Be sure to go early so as to finish hiking all the hills.
And Carry water
Be sure to go early so as to finish hiking all the hills.
And Carry water
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lau M.
3 contributions
Jul 2020
I've been to Ngong' twice now and I wish I could go often for picnics and relaxation. The view is amaziiing.. I love every bit of it especially for a relaxed afternoon and picnic. Don't make a mistake of going when it is cold, you will freeze, lol. The winds up there are not a joke; if you have a car, that's better. If any of your friends hasn't been to ngong', please, take them 😁😁
Written February 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jean-Paul KYOKYA
Nairobi, Kenya5 contributions
Jul 2020
Got invited by a friend of mine for a hike in « Ngong Hills ».
Given that I had never gone for a hike before in my life, I jumped on this opportunity.
I can only say that Ngong Hills has given me taste for hikes and group activities. It was really fun and also challenging physically.
I’d do that again if I have the chance to.
Given that I had never gone for a hike before in my life, I jumped on this opportunity.
I can only say that Ngong Hills has given me taste for hikes and group activities. It was really fun and also challenging physically.
I’d do that again if I have the chance to.
Written September 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the entry fee for hiking per individual or a group of 20 pax. Kenyan citizens
I am within Nairobi
Joshua Luvonga Wanjia
Kenya12 contributions
Entry fees seel below.
Kenyans: 200 per person
Non -Residents : 600 per person
Guiding fee roughly 3000 for group of 10.
ziplining can also be done with very nice views from the top
Link with me if you need assistance .0720488119
Hello I would like to know until what time can I go to gnong hills in the afternoodn Does it close at night or at what time does it closes? Thank you
Joshua Luvonga Wanjia
Kenya12 contributions
Hi
Ii can be done from 6m in the morning till 6pm early evening.
we are here in the Nong hills incase of help call 0720488119
Léo
4 contributions
Travelling to Nairobi for a business trip. I would like to take this opportunity to visit Ngong Hills. I am looking to do a half a day your with pick up from my hotel. Any recommendations?
Samuel W
15 contributions
If you are with a friend I would just recommend getting a taxi to take you to the hills and then agree when you'd like to be taken back. There are tour companies but I don't have experience of them. What I would say, however, is that to walk significantly, you'd have to get there early and be prepared, the hills are a workout in places. We've had lots of rain recently, so its possibly not the best time to go as the hills and the views from the hills are likely to be shrouded in cloud. If you are asking my advice on accommodation, I'd encourage you to look for something on the Karen/Ngong side of the city which are closest to the hills.
Sriram S
50 contributions
What do you key in as your location in Uber to reach Ngong hills? When I enter Ngong it takes me to the middle of the valley. Also, is it possible to get an Uber on return or preferable to retain the same guy?
Sriram S
50 contributions
So, after a lot of researching I figured that Uber is not the most ideal way to go there, especially if you intend on returning using a different Uber - highly difficult to get one back. I got chatting with an uber driver a couple of days earlier during one of my trips. A young guy, very friendly and well learned. He agreed to take us to Ngong and bring back including waiting there for 2-3 hrs (or however long it takes). He charged us the exact Uber fare for up and down and for waiting he charged ~300 shilling per hour which I believe was extremely reasonable.
The driver's name is Duncan and he knows the place really well. You can call him on +254 728 066 527 / +254 735 568 839.
Ngong is a good trek and you can choose to do either the full or part of it. This driver can help you with doing what you'd like to. Either drive you up all the way to the windmills and then let you trek or drop off and wait at the base (entry).
Hello. i read your review on ngonghills and i became interested in visiting it soon. so i was asking how i can reach there from karen. looking forward to hear from you soon. thanks
Steven Ngeru
Nairobi, Kenya73 contributions
I highly recommend you take a guide, it will be much easier.
what are the charges for visiting?
Wasili Kenya Safaris
Nairobi, Kenya359 contributions
Hi,for non resident is kshs.600 and resident 400 and then pay the guide fee kshs.2000 if no changes have been made so far! Julius
joanna T
8 contributions
i need detailed instructions to be able to find the obelisk for Denys Finch Hatton its very confusing searching on line - lots of conflicting info. Some reports say pay a few ks to a lady at a gate as its all unkept and other reports say its very expensive?
Sweta G
Austin, TX3 contributions
Is it easy to exit after just doing 2-3 hills? How long would this take and would you recommend it? Will we have to walk back or is there an exit near the 2nd or 3rd hill?
Cynthia A
Syokimau, Kenya110 contributions
Yes you can go back after 2-3 hills. You can go back at any point but you need to exit using the same route you came by. If you are alone, ensure you take a guide.
Will i be charged if i do unofficial photoshoot with a professional camera?
peres k
Kenya3 contributions
I don't think there is any issue with that unless the rules have changed recently.
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Claim your listingNgong Hills - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ngong Hills
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Ngong Hills:
- Ngong hills Tour and Adventure (From $130.00)
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- Maasai Magic - A Day Which You Will Never Forget (From $275.20)
- Go Granny Go - An Amazing Cultural Tour in Kenya (From $265.00)
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- Hotels near Ngong Hills:
- (0.06 mi) Turbine Ngong Hotel
- (0.06 mi) Nzalo Homestay Haven
- (0.06 mi) Simani Guest House
- (3.34 mi) Acacia Tree Lodge
- (2.65 mi) Hemingways Nairobi
- Restaurants near Ngong Hills:
- (3.97 mi) CJ's Waterfront
- (3.15 mi) Tamarind Restaurant
- (3.28 mi) The Talisman Restaurant
- (9.52 mi) Jakoni
- (9.18 mi) CJs Kilimani
- Attractions near Ngong Hills:
- (0.06 mi) Ngong Hills
- (2.95 mi) Oribi Expeditions
- (2.57 mi) Kazuri Beads Factory
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Ngong Hills Information
Excellent Reviews | 153 |
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Very Good Reviews | 129 |
Ngong Hills Photos | 294 |