Blog Details

The Aberdares is one the most visited park in the country both for camping and safari, however, in the recent years it has been receiving a different kind of a visitor, a new breed- the Hiker and most importantly the Kenyan hiker.

At Hikemaniak we have been on the front to promote and encourage even more visits to this gem at the heart of the country.

The Aberdares has many features; Magical forest, waterfalls, caves, elephant pools but the focus here in the golden Moorland vegetation above 3,400m Asl.

We have put together six trails that will allow you experience mountain beauty on another level.

7Ponds/Tarns Trail

Sandwiched between Table mountain and Rurimeria in the Northern part of the Aberdares. The trail is an instant ascent starting at 2600m asl and to the highest point at 3680m Asl. At the top is where the price is. The moorland on a relatively flat terrain joining the Table Mountain on the left and Point Rurimeria on the right as you face the highest point of the Aberdares Le Satima.

On a clear day the 7 small water bodies are magic reflecting the blue sky and the golden yellow blades .

If you are lucky its not rainy and foggy; a picnic lunch hear will be very rewarding.

The trail is about 16km round trip taking about 7 hours to complete. This trail is ideal for both altitude and endurance training necessary before embarking on a long high altitude mountain trek.

Table Mountain Trail

One of the most famous and noticeable features of the Aberdares. The point is easily identifiable from other points of the Aberdares Le Satima, Mt. kinangop, Rurimeria on a clear day.

The nearest main center to the trail is Miharati town.

The trail starts at 2620m Asl and rising to 3687m Asl with an instant up through first an artificial cypress forest then into a serene hargenia forest.

The trail eases up a bit at this point crossing a stream under the hargenia trees this probably one the best spots on this trail.

Further up the trail is heather vegetation dotted with huge beautiful volcanic boulders at 3400m Asl.

Take up break here to for the views Mt. Kipipiri blessing your voyage up from behind.

Further up is more boulders with amazing formations and few meters up the Table is in view. From here on you are in the moorland proper spread your arms out and let your fingers run over the golden blades. Its an irreplaceable feeling.

From the Table views of Le Satima, Mt. Kinangop, Mt. Kenya all yours to take in.

This is an ideal trail for both day and camping trip out from your normal.

Rurimeria Trail

The trail has recently gained popularity with kenyan hikers stealing all the glory from Elephant Hill which previously had unparalleled attention as a difficult trail up the Aberdares.

The trail starts slightly above Geta Bush Center in Nyandarua County accessing the park at Fence Watchers camp at 2750m Asl.Crossing two beautiful streams running down the valley.

Soon after crossing the streams its a constant steep up to the Lone Tree point. Take a water break here as look behind to the far you have come. Its just 1km up but the views of Mt. Kipiriri and partial view of Mt. Kinangop are just out of this world.

The trail is not done to amazing you.. its just warming up.

Up the heather and hargenia zone the trail leads to beautiful boulders at 3300m asl also considered the first peak are even better views: as far as Mt. Longonot and Lake Naivasha covered in hazy air in the horizon

The green bamboo and Mutarakwa forest of Tulaga trail to the west gives a beautiful contrast to the beautiful moorland of Mt. Kinagop from this point.

Further up to the second peak you are now deeper into the heather. Everlasting flowers endemic to this altitude dot this section of the trail all the way up to the third peak where the trail eases up and delivers you into the most elaborate moorland in the Aberdares.

From here the trail is relatively flat until the last 80metres up the steep peak, but the beauty will leave you mouth open and keep it as such. The Gate on the left the most beautiful feature of this trail will keep your eyes well fed.

This is one space you want to stay for ever.

The beautiful rocks at the peak give vantage points to just sit and watch the plains below. The views of other high points of the Aberdares perfectly in view.

Beyond the Aberdares is Mt. kenya in the East, the iconic peak piercing the first layer of clouds in defiance to enjoy the equator sun.

The trail is about 16.5km taking about 9hours to complete. Its one of the toughest trails of the Aberdares.

You can decide to enjoy this trail as a day or camping trip.

Mt. Kinangop Tulaga Trail

This the most identifiable feature of the 160km Aberdares ranges . Somehow centrally positioned the peak (3900m asl) overshadows the highest point Le Satima (4001m) with presence and beauty.

The peak can be accessed from Njabini gate or from Tulaga.

We focus on Tulaga here, through Mutarakwa Forest Gate. At first through the Shamba system neighboring the community before entering the Mutarakwa forest. At 5km point the vegetation evolves into a proper bamboo forest . The trail is rarely used retaining pure forest air and awe ideal for forest bathing.

But the focus here is the moorland soon after exiting the dense giant heather vegetation. After 3 hours in the cover of beautiful forest the curtain opens into this amazing wheatlike fields with green patches of small heather. The views of Mt. longonot and Lake Naivasha in close proximity and Mt. Suswa fading in the horizon. To the east are magical views of Mt. Kenya.

The moorland dotted with giant Lobellia will calm you and at times inviting you to fall just lay deep in the tall thin blades and smell the earth.

Take your moment here especially if you are camping to see the sun go home.

Later you can attempt the peak its an exposed one, those with less fear of heights are welcome to go up and live the glory of Mt. Kinangop.

Le Satima Wandare Gate Trail

The trail is best done when camping in the Aberdares since the access gate and the staring point are quite a distance from the access gates.

Its an all moorland trail unless you decide to start much lower in the full of life hargenia forest. 18km of nothing but golden yellow valley dotted with rich green giant lobellias.

The views of Rurimeria, Mt. Kenya, Mt. Kinangop other competing for your attention.

Other than being at relatively high altitude the trail is not a challenging one and a round trip would take about 5 -6 hours in moderate speed.

Le Satima Dragons Teeth Trail

This is the last but not the least of the trails, of all the trails of the Aberdares The Dragons Teeth is the most beautiful mountain feature in the country.. its a space that constantly reminds you of the pure beauty of creation.

The trail being one of the least used in the aberdares retains a virgin beauty.. the ugly human touch conspicuously missing, making this place perfect for connection with self and nature.

To live this deep mountain experience of the aberdares; at Hikemaniak we are committed to walk these beautiful trails with you..lets go experience beyond!