Namanga hills entrance fee
- BeyondForest
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 18

In this section we will look at
1.)About Namanga Hills
3.)Namanga hills entrance fee
4.)How to get to Namanga Hills
About Namanga Hills

Namanga Hills, also known as Ol Donyo Orok (Maasai for "The Black Mountain"), is a prominent mountain located near the Kenya-Tanzania border, approximately 170 kilometers south of Nairobi. The mountain rises to an elevation of 2,548 meters above sea level and serves as a natural forest reserve, providing water to the surrounding regions.Embarking on a hike up Namanga Hills offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and physical challenge, making it a rewarding experience for adventure enthusiasts.
Namanga Hills Hiking Experience

The hike up Namanga Hills is considered moderate to challenging, depending on the chosen trail. The most popular route starts near the entrance to Namanga River Lodge on the western side of the mountain. This trail passes an old bridge and an abandoned school before running parallel to water pipes that supply the town with water from mountain streams. As you ascend alongside the Namanga River, the vegetation becomes denser, offering clear mountain waters, sculpted boulders, and caves used by the Maasai community for rituals. Higher up, clearings provide breathtaking views of the town below, Mount Longido, and, on clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro approximately 65 kilometers away. Wildlife such as buffalo herds, various antelope species, dik-diks, and monkeys may also be spotted. The round trip can take between 4 to 6 hours, with the entire hike covering approximately 14 kilometers.

The Kenya Forest Service, which oversees the forest on Namanga Hill, does not charge an entrance fee for hiking. However, it's advisable to hire a local Maasai guide to enhance your experience and ensure safety. Guiding and conservancy fees vary, so it's best to consult with your chosen guide or tour operator for specific costs.
By Public Transport: From Nairobi, you can take matatus (shared minibuses) to Namanga from the junction of River Road and Ronald Ngala Street, near OTC.
By Private Vehicle: Drive along Mombasa Road and turn left onto Namanga Road at Athi River junction. Pass through Kitengela, Isinya, and Kajiado towns until you reach Namanga border town.
Comments