The Aberdares' honest test
A long climb through bamboo forest and misty moorland, with ridge views across the whole range. A real test of endurance.
Elephant Hill does not negotiate. From Njabini the trail goes up through forest, then bamboo, then out onto a bog and moorland ridge exposed to whatever the Aberdares feel like sending. At 3,590m the summit is a genuine achievement and the standard benchmark for anyone eyeing Kilimanjaro. Bring a rain jacket. Bring two.
Time is strictly observed. Please arrive by 4:45 AM. The bus leaves at 5:00 AM sharp.
New to this? The gear guide covers what to carry, what matters and what the shops will oversell you.
Climb to the highest point of the Aberdares at 4,001m, past the Dragon's Teeth, a ridge of jagged rock towers.
A forest trail along the edge of the Rift Valley. Deep green valleys open up below you, with steady climbs and great lookout points.
Two days on the Sirimon route, camping on the mountain with Point Lenana in reach.
