Ngong Hills Travel Guide: Top Sights in Kenya, Tours & Travel Advice

⁰

Ngong Hills- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; Kenya; 5 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 4 hours

The Ngong Hills are a series of peaks forming a ridge along the edge of the Great Rift Valley, located southwest of Nairobi in southern Kenya. Rising to an elevation of 2,460 meters (8,071 feet) above sea level, the hills offer panoramic views in both directions—eastward over Nairobi National Park and the city skyline, and westward over the dramatic drop into the Rift Valley and the Maasai settlements below. The name "Ngong" is derived from the Maasai phrase enkong'u emuny, meaning "rhinoceros spring," a reference to a water source near Ngong Town. Historically, the area was part of a prominent British colonial farming zone, with remnants of settler architecture still visible. The hills gained cinematic recognition in the 1985 film Out of Africa, where they appear in scenes near the former home of Karen Blixen. The grave of Denys Finch Hatton, marked by an obelisk, lies on the eastern slopes facing Nairobi. A maintained hiking trail runs along the ridge, with security and guides available through the Kenya Forest Service. The region also plays a critical role in local water conservation, with the Ngong Hills Mbagathi WRUA working to protect the water catchment area that supports multiple rivers, including sections flowing into Nairobi National Park.

Operators offering tours in Kenya

Attractions in Kenya

Nairobi

Masai Mara

4.9

Amboseli

4.86

Lake Nakuru

4.8

Lake Naivasha

4.6

Mombasa

Tsavo East

4.6

Tsavo West

Reviews of Ngong Hills

Sàm Wells

5
Reviewed: 2025-04-29

An iconic feature and recreational park; here, you'll taste the awe of scenic nature in an unforgettable adventure. It just offers more at a location; from serene picnic grounds to long hiking trails. If you want to experience long zip lining, your satisfaction is guaranteed. What else? You can't imagine how large the windmills are till you're really sighting them. There's a need to tour again.
Bonface Mandila

5
Reviewed: 2025-04-06

Good trail and long distance between the 7 ngong hills. Carry water and put on gripping shoes since the grass is a bit slippery. Put on clothes that cover the whole body due to the presence of tsetse flies and scorching sun.
D O

5
Reviewed: 2025-02-23

Away from the bustling city centre, the Ngong Hills is a beautiful green sanctuary. It's a moderate to difficult hike through the Ngong Hills Forest Reserve. It really is windy, so be prepared. If you're doing the traverse, then starting early is recommended. They close at 18:30 (6:30 pm). Just when you finish the 6 hills, there's a makeshift open massage to help with those sore muscles at very affordable rates. If you forget to carry water or fruits, there are vendors everywhere. If you're going for a picnic, there are many lovely sites. There is ample parking on both sides of the entrances
Ken Shaw

5
Reviewed: 2025-02-07

The summit of Nong Hills has some expansive grassland scenery, and there are herdsmen grazing on the summit. This reminds me of Xinjiang in China. The surrounding scenery is astonishing. The blue sky, the green grassland, and the white clouds form a beautiful picture. The hiking difficulty here is not high, but you need to do a good job of sun protection.
Tunken Production

3
Reviewed: 2024-12-09

A beautiful place to spend your time with friends and family... The hiking is refreshing and re-energizing... Problem is if you car has less clearance.. Climbing up the hill might be a challenge. They should do proper road for people to access the top of the hills.. They can't be charging 250 ksh per person then have a poor infructures. There are officers checking the ETR receipt at the main gate and up at Transformer side. Generally it is a good place and purely lovely. I highly recommend if you wanna get out of town and go relax... It is a good place.