Aberdares mountains are volcanic range set 150 km from Nairobi on the edge of the rift valley near central Kenya. Aberdare has the third highest peak in Kenya after Mt Kenya and Mt Elgon. Though the mountain doesn’t feature the incredible tarns and the glaciers found in Mt Kenya, Aberdare has some incredible features, like valleys and rocky outcrops. The mountain has 3 alpine habitat zones: rainforests, bamboo forests and moorlands. With the trails to the peaks of the mountain range requiring just a single day to summit, Aberdares is a good start for hikers preparing for hikes in Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro. The Aberdare mountain ranges have 6 peaks, each of them having its own trails featuring a unique set of geological and vegetational zone.
Popular hiking trails in Aberdare ranges
Oldonyo Lesatima trail
This is the highest peak in the mountain range and the third highest in Kenya after Mt Kenya and Mt Elgon with a height of 4000 m. The closest trail to the peak starts at the Wandare gate on the Northern eastern end of the mountain, just 170 km from Nairobi. This trek starts at 3600 m a.s.l in the alluring moorland section. This is the best head start you can have of all the trail in Aberdares and it will take not about 4 hrs to successfully summit. Some of the views in the peak are Mt kinangop the second highest peak in the ranges and Lake Oloblosat.
Dragon’s teeth trail
The Dragon’s teeth are possibly the most alluring natural formation in the Aberdare ranges. The trail can also be combined with a hike to oldonyo lesatima approaching the 4000 m high peak from the northern side. The dragon teeth are spike like rocks that resembles a dragon teeth. The trail starts on the Shamata gate 181 km from Nairobi. After checking in at the KWS gate, you will further drive for about 5 km to the trailhead. The walk to the* is quite exciting, with the alluring view of the extensive moorland vegetation and sceneries. The picturesque twin rocks will be the inviting features you will encounter before reaching the dragon’s teeth. Rock climbing will be the most exciting experience on the hike.
Elephant hill trail
The elephant range is on the southwestern side of aberdares. The hill has an elevation of 3630 m. The trail leading to the hill starts at the Jabini forest station (2650 m a.s.l) situated just 90 km from Nanirobi the capital. The elephant hill trail follows an 18 km long return trail through a moderately paved road to the bamboo gate( 2933 m a.s.l ). From this point, you will cross through an alluring bamboo forest before changing over to moorlands and then the rocky zone. Hiking the elephant hill protrusion is the most challenging, as you have to climb severely steep slopes to summit the mountain. The hike is, however, worth it owing to its scenic view of surrounding features amongst them: mt kinangop, Ndakaini dam and sasuma dam.
Mt kinangop trail
Mt kinangop is the second highest peak in Aberdares with an elevation of 3906 m a.s.l. The mountain is on the southern side of the range. The trail is quite tough and the best to prepare for a hiking in higher mountains in Kenya and Tanzania. Hikers seeking to summit this mountain can approach this mountain from the elephant hill or follow a trail starting from Mutarakwa forest station( 2600 m a.s.l) situated 127 km from Nairobi. The trail takes you through sections of bamboo forests, tussock grassland, and rocky moorlands zone. Main peak is a towering rocky protrusion and would require some rock climbing techniques to get to the summit where your guide will readily assist. From the peak, you will enjoy the sweeping view of the Kinangop plateau and the forested ranges.
7 ponds tarns trail
The 7 ponds are between the table mountains and Rurimeria trails. The peak is at an altitude of 3840 m a.s.l making it the fourth highest peak in the Aberdare ranges. The elevation draws its name from the 7 permanent tarns that are found at the peak. There are additional 16 tarns that appear during the dry season. The 7 ponds trailhead is at mikeu primary school near kwa matu shopping centre just 155 km from Nairobi. The trails stretch over 14 km fpr the complete ascent and descent. During the treks, you will pass across the scenic section of golden moorlands as you approach the summit in the northern ranges. The tarns offer some of the best spots for photography in the Aberdare ranges.
Table mountain trail
Set at an elevation 3817 m a.s.l is the Table mountain, one of the mountain ranges in Aberdare. The trail to the top of the flat-topped elevation starts at kwa matu trailhead on the northwestern slopes of aberdares about 155 km from Nairobi. The trail is moderately challenging and the most ideal for beginners. The trail starts at 2770 m a.s.l in the indigenous forest, which later transitions into sections of alluring wildflowers in the moorland section. Here the view of the wanjohi valley is a captivating scene. You will then enter into the picturesque rocky section as you approach the summit. The hike to the Table Mountain plateau is quite an easy ascent compared to the lesatima and mt kinangop trail. At the plateau you will enjoy the sights of alluring cliffs and valleys and lake Ol Bolosat and mt kinangop at a distance.
Rurimeria hills trail
Rurimeria hills rise to 3860 m a.s.l making it the third highest peak in Aberdares. The trail head is at the Mutubio Gate ( 2850 m a.s.l ) near Ndunyu Njeru situated just 128 km from Nairobi, the capital. The trail is one of the most strenuous hikes in Aberdares stretching for 7.5 km to make for an altitude gain of over 1000 metres. The first 3 km at a slightly steep inclination on the first ridge and then a steeper second ridge that leads to a boggy. The last ridge is more challenging and steeper through to the peak. You need a minimum of 7.5 hrs to summit and descend from the peak. The expanses of moorlands at the peak are the most outstanding features. The trail also features a series of alluring that forms some of the best photography sites in the Aberdare ranges.
When to go for a hiking trail in aberdare ranges
Most of the trails in the aberdare ranges can be done in all seasons. However, the dry seasons between June to September and December to February is the most ideal time to go hiking in the ranges. The trails might be quite slippery over the rainy season which may limit your ability to ascent.
