Here is a list of the best hiking trails in Taita Taveta County. Situated in the southern region of Kenya, Taita Taveta County is an ideal hiking destination just waiting to be explored. The county is home to some of Kenya’s most beautiful and rewarding hiking trails. It is dominated by rocky hills, lush valleys, and an abundance of wildlife.
The Taita Hills are the most famous feature of the area. Rising sharply above Tsavo National Park’s plains, they provide expansive views, unique flora, and a rich cultural legacy. Taita Taveta has hiking trails that are perfect for those seeking adventure, exploration, and a glimpse of unspoiled nature.
Below, we explore the best hiking trails in Taita Taveta County, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure.
List Of Best Hiking Trails in Taita Taveta County
1. Mount Kasigau
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Distance: 12 kilometres (round trip)
- Time: 5-7 hours
- 16 KM trail
- 1,100 m elevation gain
Mount Kasigau is located in the Eastern Arc Mountains and is the northernmost peak among the other Arc Mountains. The other peaks in this range are Taita Hills in Kenya, Pare Mountains, Usambara Mountains, and Udzungwa Mountains in Tanzania. Mount Kasigau is one of the highest points in the Taita region.
Although it is less frequented by visitors, Mount Kasigau is an amazing destination in Kenya and offers prime hiking opportunities. The terrain varies from easy to challenging depending on the chosen route. The vegetation ranges from savanna to dense montane forest. At some points, the terrain is rocky, steep, and vertical, making it difficult to climb when wet.
The summit at Kiteghe is quite windy due to ocean currents, so warm clothing is necessary for extended stays. The most commonly used hiking routes are through Rukanga and Kiteghe, with other routes including Makwasinyi, Jora, and Bungule.
The scenery is awe-inspiring, offering views of Tsavo West National Park, Taru Desert, and Usambara Mountains. Additionally, Mount Kasigau serves as a crucial water source for residents of Kiteghe, Jora, Rukanga, and neighbouring communities. The forest on the mountain is home to lemon and orange trees, as it was previously inhabited before conservation efforts led to the forest being placed under the supervision of the Kenya Forest Service.
Other points of interest include the “Intake,” where water is collected and directed to the five village communities around the mountain. Excess water collected from the mountain is stored in the Mshiri Dam.
Camping is a common activity, and many groups spend the night on the mountain, providing a breathtaking experience. The water from the dam is used for household chores, and cows often come to drink. Additionally, children can be found swimming in the water.
Other attractions on the mountain include the endemic Taita White Eye, various species of snakes, diverse birdlife, and camping. The mountain is also considered sacred by some religious groups, and it is common to find them fasting in small caves on the mountain.
2. Vuria Hills
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Distance: 10 kilometres (round trip)
- Time: 4-6 hours
- 6 KM trail
- 500 m elevation gain
Vuria Hills is the highest peak of the Taita Hills, located at 2,228 metres in the Eastern Arc Mountains, which stretch into Tanzania. The roads around the hills are winding and have sharp bends, sometimes requiring drivers to honk to alert oncoming vehicles. Many homes and farms are situated on the hills and valleys, making them inaccessible by car.
Imagine having a house so high up that you have to hike back to it every time you return from the neighbourhood kiosk. Some of the roads are narrow with sheer drops, and veering off them could result in tumbling down to the bottom of the hill. Tall, thin trees grow out of rocks. As we reach the Leeward side, the landscape dramatically becomes drier.
The hike takes about 45 minutes and involves a very steep ascent. The area is covered with trees, providing a canopy that keeps it from getting too hot. Although it’s a coastal area, this is the highest point in the region, so it’s advisable to carry a light jacket.
On a clear day, you can see the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance. Beyond the viewpoint, there’s a strip covered with safari ants, marking the steepest part of the hill. It feels as if they were strategically placed to encourage climbers to reach the top without pausing or complaining, to avoid ants climbing up their pants.
3. Ngangao Forest
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Distance: 7 kilometres (loop)
- Time: 3-4 hours
- 3 KM trail
- 180 m elevation gain
Ngangao Forest is the second-largest of the very few surviving moist forest fragments of the Taita Hills. It is located 10 km from Wundanyi town. Ngangao Forest is surrounded by the villages of Makandenyi, Maghimbinyi, Mgambonyi, and Kitumbi and is one of the few indigenous cloud forests in the Taita Hills. Ngangao occupies 120 hectares and is the second-largest forest and one of the lesser disturbed forests of the Taita Hills. As a result, the forest is a stronghold for many plant and animal species.
There are three endemic bird species in Taita Hills: Taita thrush, Taita apalis, and Taita white eye, which are found in large numbers. Other plants, like the Zimmermannia ovata, are found in the dryer parts of Ngangao Forest. A trek through this magnificent forest is a magical experience, a moment to treasure.
4. Lake Chala
- 1 KM trail
- 90 m elevation gain
Lake Chala is a gorgeous glacier lake situated on the border of Kenya and Tanzania, similar to Lake Jipe. Although it is not yet a widely known tourist spot, it boasts breathtaking views that are worth experiencing. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to plan your visit before it gains popularity. You can hike down to the lake for a closer look but do so cautiously, as some people have tripped and fallen in the past. It’s important to trek carefully to prevent accidents. It’s recommended to visit Lake Chala about an hour before sunset to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.
5. Mzima Springs
- 1 KM trail
- 20 m elevation gain
One of the most stunning sights in Tsavo West is Mzima Springs. The park is typically arid, but Mzima Springs is like a refreshing oasis where you can observe colourful fish. However, swimming in the springs is not recommended due to the presence of crocodiles and hippos.
Mzima Springs has attractions such as a hiking path alongside the ponds and springs, an underground glass-windowed viewing room, and several viewing platforms, all of which provide amazing views of the site’s flora and fauna. Also, game viewing, bird watching, safari walks, and other activities can be done in Mzima and around the springs.
6. Sagalla Hills
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 8 kilometres (round trip)
- Time: 4-5 hours
- 2 KM/5 KM trails
- 150 m/270 m elevation gain
Sagalla Hill is another striking peak in Taita Taveta County, located about 30 kilometres southeast of Voi town. The trail up Sagalla Hill offers a less crowded hiking experience compared to Vuria or Kasigau, making it ideal for hikers seeking solitude and tranquillity.
As you ascend Sagalla Hill, you’ll pass through semi-arid terrain that gradually transitions into a more lush environment near the summit. The views from the top are magnificent, with sweeping panoramas of the surrounding hills and plains.
7. Voi Hill
- 3 KM trail
- 290 m elevation gain
Voi Hill, located near the bustling town of Voi, is a relatively short hike but offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The 3-kilometre trail climbs 290 metres and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. At the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Voi town and the expansive plains of Tsavo East National Park. The trail passes through open scrubland and rocky outcrops, providing a rugged and scenic hiking experience.
8. Kilangarenyi Falls
- 3 KM trail
- 140 m elevation gain
Kilangarenyi Falls, located near Wundanyi town, is a hidden gem in Taita Taveta County. The 3-kilometre trail is relatively easy, with a 140-meter elevation gain, making it suitable for families and casual hikers. The trail leads to a picturesque waterfall where you can relax and enjoy the cool, refreshing atmosphere.
Along the way, hikers pass through small villages and farmlands, offering a glimpse into the local lifestyle. The waterfall is an excellent spot for photography, especially during the rainy season when the falls are at their most spectacular.
9. Wesu Rock
- 2 KM trail
- 130 m elevation gain
Wesu Hill is found in Wundanyi sub-county, Taita-Taveta County. The site is famous for its nature
walking, photographing, and holding events such as camping, bonfires and picnics
10. Chaimu Hill
- 1 KM trail
- 80 m elevation gain
Chaimu Hill, located in Tsavo West National Park, offers a short but rewarding hike. The 1-kilometre trail climbs 80 metres, leading to the top of a black lava hill that provides stunning views of the surrounding park. The hill offers a unique hiking experience, with black volcanic rocks and barren landscapes contrasting sharply with the lush vegetation of Tsavo.
From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the park, including its iconic red earth and wildlife roaming the plains. Chaimu Hill is also a great spot for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
