I had read multiple articles on Ngong Hills, checked TripAdvisor for reviews, and thought that I was ready to conquer them. So on my 50th birthday trip to Kenya in September, I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to feel the accomplishment of finishing all 7 hills. My calves and glutes did not thank me for it the next day!

We started at the main entrance, paid the minimal fee (with card or mpesa) and started the journey. What they don’t tell you is that there is a quite long, gradual hill to just even get to the beginning of the hills.

What I thought was the first hill, was not at all, it was just the beginning. But I was not defeated…I pressed on toward the goal. I had read that the third was the biggest and the rest were “easy” after. I’m not sure what version of “easy” these people were writing about, but it was not one I was familiar with. The third might have been the steepest, but not the biggest. The first three were all open with beautiful views in 360. The last 4 had views to one side, but there were trees and vegetation around. We saw baboons and maasai with cattle and sheep, it was very peaceful and pastoral…in between the sound of me occasionally gasping for air. We went on a weekday and saw very few other people.

From the seventh hill, we decided to go on to Kona Baridi (Cold Corner). There are several more “hills” before you get to the exit…do not let this discourage you…it is still beautiful countryside. When we finished, we thought we could get an uber from Kiserian to come and get us…they will not. Have a car already lined up and waiting for you in Kona Baridi or be ready to flag down a ride to town.

I was so blessed to be able to do this hike and have no regrets. Start early, take it slow if you need to. We went from the main gate to the Kona Baridi gate in about 3 1/2 hours-we were by no means going fast-we were enjoying the views, taking pictures, and I was stopping to breathe.

If you have the time, I would highly recommend it. Take water, snacks, sunscreen (if you’re fair like me) and soak in the breathtaking views.