Aberdares Hiking, Southeastern Trail to Oldonyo Lesatima

The southeastern trail to Oldonyo Lesatima summit is perhaps the least strenuous hiking adventure on the Aberdares Range, with a relatively low elevation gain of about 500m. As the highest point on the Aberdares range at 4001m above sea level, Oldonyo Lesatima is a popular destination for hikers, despite its diminutive profile in the midst of the expansive northern moorlands. The amazing landscapes and views however make up for this apparent low difficulty level for those seeking a challenge.

Route Description

The Wandare track roadhead, the starting point for the trail, is on a saddle between two small hills, facing a bowl in the landscape in front. It starts on the moorlands at 3600m above sea level, unlike most of the other Aberdares hiking trails that typically begin from much lower altitudes of about 2,500m in the forest zone.

The trail heads to the right, in a fairly straight bearing towards the general direction of the summit, curving slightly as you get closer. About an hour into the hike, to the right, the landscape drops towards Nyeri and Laikipia plains, while to the left is a magnificent view of a V-shaped valley cutting its way towards the southern moorlands. The dramatic ridges framing this valley stretch as far as the eye can see, adorned with majestic Senecio stands on their slopes, creating a most beautiful view. You should see this view when the Senecio are in bloom; absolutely fantastic. In the horizon beyond the valley, you can make out the outline of the Kinangop massif, the second highest summit on the Aberdares range.

All too soon, you get to the base of Oldonyo Lesatima. After contouring to approach the hill from the saddle between two hillocks, you soon get to the top, about 2 hours from the starting point. From this location, you can see Lake Ol Bolosat shimmering in the distance, north of the Aberdares.

The round trip is about 14km, and takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

Getting There

If driving from Nairobi, the shortest route is through Mutubio Gate on the West side of the Park. Take Nakuru Road and turn right at Flyover, to join the Olkalou Road. Go past Njabini and Engineer till Ndunyu Njeru, where you’ll turn right and drive up to Mutubio Park Gate, 130km from Nairobi. Once inside the Park, drive towards Fishing Lodge, then turn left onto Chania track which goes past the Chania Waterfalls, Elephant Bridge, and Dedan Kimathi hideout, to the intersection with Wandare track. Turn left and continue a short distance to the roadhead.

For those entering the Park through Kiandongoro Park Gate, take Thika Road to Nyeri town, then take the road that goes past Outspan Hotel to the Park Gate and Fishing Lodge nearby, 170km from Nairobi. From here, take the Chania track past the Chania Waterfalls, Elephant Bridge, and Dedan Kimathi hideout, to the intersection with Wandare track. Turn left and continue a short distance to the roadhead.

If entering through Wandare Park Gate, take Thika Road past Nyeri town to Mweiga centre, then turn left to get to the Park Gate, 190km from Nairobi. From here, use the Wandare track all the way to the roadhead.

Guide

KWS rangers are not trained as guides, and are generally not dependable. If you wish to complete your hike successfully, go with someone who knows the area well, or use GPS to navigate.

Entry requirements

Visitors are required to be accompanied by armed escort from the entry Gate. The official KWS tariffs for Park entry and armed escort are applicable. Call the Senior Warden, Aberdares National Park, in advance on phone number +254 772 171247, or send him an email on aberdaresw@kws.go.ke to make arrangements for your visit.

Only M-Pesa mobile payments are accepted.