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KIJABE HILLS HIKE & DARK TUNNEL EXPERIENCEHiking the Kijabe Hills presents a good challenge to every adventure-seeking lover of the outdoors. Join us as we set out to discover the magic of the Kijabe Hills Hike. Our expedition starts at the AIC Kijabe Hospital, cutting through thick forest vegetation, to get to the caves and hot springs. We shall then proceed to the dark tunnel, an underground man-made water tunnel, with no light at the end. [Pun very much intended.] If you are bold enough, you will attempt to get to the end of the 1km pitch-dark tunnel.
Next, we will conquer ourselves by scaling the three Kijabe Hills, to get to a maximum elevation of 2,688m above sea level. Here, we will enjoy breathtaking views of the Rift Valley, with Mt. Longonot standing gracefully just a few kilometers across. Finally, we shall descend toward the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, to exit via Soko Mjinga, where we shall connect with our transfer vehicles to Nairobi.
KIJABE HILLS HIKE DISTANCE AND STATS
Distance: 11-12km
Maximum Elevation: 2,688m
Maximum Elevation Gain: 773m
Duration: 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Beginner-friendly: Yes
Child-friendly: Yes, 7 years and above
KIJABE HILLS HIKE ITINERARY
5:15 a.m Meet up at International House Parking, City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
5:30 a.m Departure from International House Parking, City Hall Way
07:30 Arrival at Kijabe Town
08:00 a.m Hike Starts
03:00 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Itinerary Notes:
Please be punctual; latecomers will be left behind and forfeit the entire amount paid up.
Pickups should be requested by 10 a.m on the eve of the event. Pickup stops will be no longer than 5 minutes. Only pickup is guaranteed; drivers use the best route based on traffic conditions on the return commute.
There will be no shopping stops during the commute. Please stock your supplies by the eve of the event.
Please adhere to the set turn-back time (where applicable). Punctual departure for Nairobi means everyone gets back to Nairobi in good time.
CHARGES
Citizens: 2,600/=
Residents: 2,600/=***
Self-drive: 1,600/= *Bring a driver with you. This is a one-way trail.
Non-Residents: 5,800/=
***Ticket price may change if the park fees are reviewed in the next fiscal year.
HOW TO BOOK THE KIJABE HILLS HIKE
Pay at least 1,700/= to Mpesa buy goods till 989985 and clear the balance before boarding.
Booking Notes:
Reservation will be made on a first-pay-first-reserved basis.
Your ticket gives you 5% off purchases from Outdoorer Shop.
Claim Your Discount
From your ticket payment, Outdoorer guarantees:
10:1 hiker to community guide ratio -- because getting lost is never funny.
Additional guidance and support from Outdoorer staff team (at least 4 per event).
At least one skilled paramedic (up to 4 depending on the group size).
Other ticket-includes as detailed below.
TICKET INCLUDES
- Transport from Nairobi and back
- Park fees & charges
- Armed ranger fees
- Guide services
- Paramedic services
- A liter of water (bring your reusable water bottle), glucose, and 4 fruits
Note: Vehicles seat at full capacity effective December 15, 2021. You can purchase a preferential seating add-on ticket if you'd rather not sit shoulder to shoulder with other participants.

PREFERENTIAL SEATING
KSh450 – KSh1,000
Help keep our parks plastic-free. Purchase a soft flask to carry your water in and forget plastics for good. Click image to shop or view our leave-no-trace policy here.

Outdoorer Soft Flask
PREPARING FOR THE HIKE
Engage in active cardio exercises such as aerobics, walking, running, cycling, and swimming among others the week prior to the event.
Set aside the day before the hike for resting -- take a break from exercises.
Increase your hydration by at least two days to the hike.
Purpose to get enough rest the night before the hike.
Increase your carbohydrate intake two days before the hike. This helps boost your energy reserves. If on intermittent fasting or on a diet, take a break in the period one day before and after the hike.
Cut your toe nails, please, cut your toe nails!
Have a generous breakfast before stepping out of the house -- or at least 3 hours before the start of the event. This ensures that most of the food has been digested by the time you begin the hike, giving you the much-needed energy while ensuring your stomach is not too full for comfort.
Use the bathroom before leaving the house. This avoids unnecessary bathroom breaks on the commute and during the hike.
Set your mind up for conquering yourself. Hiking is 90% mindset, 10% physical preparation. Once you win the battle in your mind, everything else contributes less than 10%. You can do it!
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MUST CARRY
– Valid identification document
– Comfortable sneakers, hiking boots, or other appropriate shoes.
– Comfortable hiking clothes: quick-dry pants/shorts, quick-dry t-shirt, light jacket, and a baseball cap or sun hat. Jeans and cotton materials are highly not recommended.
– Snacks e.g lunchbar, crisps, nuts, dates, raisins, or fruits.
– Enough water (at least 2L)
– Raincoat or rain jacket and pants.
*** Note: Plastics are prohibited. Please carry your supplies and water in reusable containers.
Click here for a quick gear guide
OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED
- Marvin hat or baseball cap
- Sunscreen
- Hiking pole
CANCELLATION & REFUNDS POLICY
– Where cancellation is requested more than 48 hours before the event date, a 50% refund of the booking confirmation deposit will be issued. The excess paid above the booking confirmation deposit will be refunded in full.
– Where cancellation is requested 48 hours or less before the event date, no refund will be issued on the booking confirmation deposit. The excess paid above the booking confirmation deposit will be refunded in full.
– Latecomers and no-shows forfeit the entire amount paid up.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Kijabe Junction, Embu, Kenya
Tickets