Kenya is famously renowned for dramatic African wildlife safaris, but do you know that rock climbing in Kenya is also one of the fascinating things to do? Naicef gives you an ultimate guide, from indoor rock climbing Kenya, the rugged cliffs of Hell’s Gate, to the rock climbing Mount Kenya, as you scale up new heights.
Whether you are a curious first timer or a professional climber, rock climbing Nairobi is just the beginning of what awaits you in Kenya. Learn also how safe is rock climbing in this amazing guide as you enjoy blending in with nature and adrenaline.
Book with Naicef, and experience rock climbing in Kenya with us via our contact email at my@naicef.com or tap: +254799922277. Also, you can;
Book The Tour Here
So, let’s now scale the facts and uncover why Kenya is Africa’s next rock climbing destination!
Why Is Kenya A Rock Climbing Paradise
Kenya is one of the amazing hidden gems in Africa, which is steadily emerging as a rock to rock scaling up, and here are some of the fascinating reasons why;
i) Stunning Climbing Landscapes
Kenya entails diverse climbing terrains from the big walls of Mt Ololokwe, alpine ascent on Mount Kenya, and even granite cliffs at Lukenya & Hell’s Gate National Park.
ii) Favourable Weather Conditions Throughout
Due to its strategic location along the equator, Kenya is ideally suited for rock climbing, both indoor and outdoor. This is because the weather conditions year-round are favourable, as the dry seasons are mostly long.
iii) Urban Climbing
Nairobi, being the capital of Kenya, is also one of the best places in Kenya where you can experience indoor climbing, where one can train, learn, and connect with other climbers, before heading out to the outdoor places.
This is just but one of the many reasons to visit Nairobi, as it is the heart of Kenya’s beauty.
iv) Untapped Potential
Being a relatively new phenomenon, Kenya offers various places across the country that are suitable for rock climbing. For adventure lovers, this shows that there are still more potential places to leave a mark and also have a new experience.
v) Adventure Meets Wildlife
Picture this! Imagine ascending natural rock formations, and below you are surrounded by a variety of wild species such as Giraffes, Zebras, or even Buffaloes while they are in their natural habitats.
Such a place you can find nowhere else other than here in Kenya, where climbing experience and wildlife safari blend.
Now, here below are the interesting rock climbing Kenya places!
Top 14 Best Places For Rock Climbing In Kenya
Being one of the upcoming things to do in Kenya, here are now the best outdoor & indoor rock climbing Kenya spots;
1. Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park, one of the national parks in Kenya, is one of the amazing outdoor places, described by stunning rugged terrains and landscapes fit for rock climbing.
It is under the management of KWS, and hence it is one of the most outstanding rock climbing places where you not only ascend up various gorges but also enjoy encountering various wild species such as Warthogs, Giraffes, and Zebras.
Some of the notable spots inside the park where one can go rock climbing are such as Fischer’s Tower, Central Tower, and the Main Wall.
Check out some of our amazing tours to Hell’s Gate National Park, which can be customized for you to carry out rock climbing.
- 1 Day Hells Gate Geothermal & Naivasha
- 3 Days Spa & Wellness Retreat Package
- 4 Days Nakuru Naivasha Holiday Safari
2. Mount Kenya
Rising to a height of 5,199 meters above sea level, Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest peak after Mount Kilimanjaro and a dream for alpine climbers.
It is the only place where one can experience ice rock climbing Kenya, making it a unique thing to do. Some of the best spots to explore are the Batian and Nelion Peaks, which are reachable with the right gear.
Even though it is a perfect ice rock climbing Kenya, expect ice, snow, and unpredictable weather conditions, making it ideal for professional rock climbers, and it is also one of the best hiking trails in Kenya.
Check out our amazing tours to Mount Kenya, which you can opt for.
3. Mount Ololokwe
Mount Ololokwe, famously renowned as Samburu’s sacred Monolith, is a flat-topped giant rising from the arid plains of Kenya’s northern frontier. The mountain is in a remote area in Samburu County, making it a spectacular place for climbers seeking solitude.
The Cat and Mouse are the notable towers that face the mountain, which offer diverse rock climbing in Kenya experiences.
Mount Ololokwe also serves as a spiritual place, and climbers are advised to engage with the Samburu people to have the best experience of the mountain.
Climbing up the big wall is normally not ideal for beginners, as it requires experience, with steep cracks, but generally it is a nice place to visit, and even for road trips around Kenya.
4. Lukenya
Lukenya is a prominent place in Machakos County that is a popular spot for rock climbing in Kenya.
It is strategically located as it is just 45 minutes away from Nairobi.
The vibe there is welcoming, rugged, and wild, making it an ideal place for a weekend getaway to soar up the place. Some of the best spots to explore are such as the Baboon Cliff, the Main Wall, and the Nemesis.
Check out our amazing rock climbing tour, which features Lukenya as part of the experience;
5. Ndeiya
Nestled between Maai Mahiu in Nakuru County and Limuru in Kiambu County, Ndeiya is an amazing place with over 100 trad routes ideal for rock climbing.
Some of the best crags in Ndeiya to explore are such as the Swiss Crag, Red Crag, Turtle Crag, and Central Crag, which rise up to 160 feet.
Even though it is a suitable place for trad training with amazing views of the Great Rift Valley, climbers are advised to be cautious, as some rocks are loose.
6. Nzaui
The Nzaui Hill is a hidden granite in Makueni County that is ideal for intermediate climbers, with amazing views of the rolling hills and valleys of the county.
Being a nice four-pitch trad with crack systems, it is a nice full-day adventure place with a picnic spot at the summit of the hill.
7. Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park, more so Tsavo West National Park, offers some of Kenya’s most remote and dramatic climbing, as it features impressive rock formations.
Some of these geological formations inside the park are such as Elephant Rocks, Roaring Rocks, and Kichwa Tembo, which range between 100 to 300 meters.
To experience this, climbers are advised to be accompanied by KWS rangers since the place is a haven for various wild species, from the famous Red Elephants, Leopards, Lions, and Buffaloes, among others.
Here are some of the climbing tours to Tsavo National Parks, whereby, beyond climbing, you can spot wildlife from a unique vantage point and appreciate the dramatic volcanic landscape of Tsavo East & West.
8. Kalama Hill
Kalama Hill is among the untapped potentials that are tucked in Machakos County.
The hill is in a remote and quiet area and entails a variety of routes up the hill, making it perfect for adventurous climbers.
It is also renowned as “Kyandili,” meaning a deep cliff, as even though some routes are challenging, rock climbing the hill is possible.
9. Ma – Voloni
Also referred to as Kipwa, Ma-Voloni is a dramatic climbing spot, also still in Machakos County. Some of the climbing styles include trad climbs, bouldering sectors, and sport routes.
The place is also suitable for interacting with the local community, as the local kids often at times tag along barefoot. So bringing along some snacks may be nice as you enjoy climbing up the place.
Kipwa Eco-lodge and Ndulumo Cottages are some of the stay options that are near the crags, where one may opt to stay, explore, and enjoy the hospitality of the area.
10. Twin Peaks Crag
Tucked near Mai Mahiu, Twin Peaks Crag is a stunning double-towered geological formation. It is situated in a remote and quiet place and does offer trad and sport climbing.
Twin Peaks Crag is normally scenic, as it offers stunning views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, making it ideal for climbers who seek solitude.
11. Ndarua
Ndarua is one of the rock climbing Kenya places situated just outside Nairobi, more so a trad climber’s playground. It is set in a rugged and quiet place, making it ideal to enjoy the sunset and the breathtaking views of the Rift Valley.
It features some stunning overhangs and steep cracks requiring making it suitable for experienced climbers.
12. Frog
Beyond the famous Ngong Hills is the Frog, a rock climbing crag in Kajiado County.
It is known to entail a rich history, as it includes iconic routes such as ” Shock the Monkey”, “Legends of the Fall”, and “Sword in the Stone”.
The vibe of the place is just historic and ideal for expert climbers, as it has a mix of trad and sport climbing, with some having steep faces.
13. Ithumba Hill
Ithumba Hill is nestled in the northern reaches of Tsavo East National Park in a remote and wild setting.
It offers scenic views of the vast savannah, plains, and giant Baobabs of Tsavo.
At the hill, one can spot various wildlife, such as Elephants, as they roam nearby, making it a perfect place for a deep immersion in the wild as one ascends.
14. Kit Mikayi
Kit Mikayi, a towering tor formation in Kisumu County, is one of the amazing places in the Western region of Kenya that is suitable for rock climbing.
It is a nice place for photography, hiking, and even breathtaking views of the Nandi Hills. Also, Kit Mikayi played a major role in the setup of the famous song “All My Enemies Are Suffering” by Bien, one of Kenya’s most iconic artists.
Despite it being a perfect rock climbing place, it also holds cultural significance for the Luo people, as it was believed to be crying, hence the name, the “Crying Stone”.
To learn more about Kit Mikayi, here is a comprehensive, interesting story that will surely leave you in shock.
Below are also some of the amazing tours to the Western part, that you may try out;
Rock Climbing Nairobi
Nairobi has a surprisingly vibrant rock climbing scene, which is mostly focused on indoor rock climbing Kenya, and here are some of the best spots to get vertical in the city:
1. Climb BlueSky Diamond Plaza
Climb BlueSky is perched in Diamond Plaza in Parklands and is famous for its amazing indoor rock climbing gym.
The vibe there is just exciting and energetic, as it is a perfect place for first-timers who are interested in venturing into rock climbing, and even for seasoned climbers as well.
Climb BlueSky does offer top-rope climbing, bouldering walls, gear rentals, and even beginner classes for those who seek to try out climbing, and it is also a nice place for team-building-related activity ideas.
2. Climb BlueSky At Purdy Arms
This outdoor rock climbing Nairobi tower in Karen is one of the amazing places for a weekend escape without leaving the city.
Climb BlueSky offers a favourable kind of activities, which children can also try out. The place does offer outdoor top-rope climbing, which mostly suits beginners and casual climbers.
3. Jump By Flying Fox
Jump by Flying Fox is an adventure-based center nestled within the Hub in Karen, and entails climbing walls, which are ideal for family hangouts and casual climbers.
4. RockPoint Climbing
RockPoint Climbing is an indoor gym that is situated on Mbaruk Road in Kilimani, which is focused on rock climbing training and techniques.
5. Jump Xtreme Nairobi
While more of an adventure park, Jump Xtreme is one of the hidden gem rock climbing Nairobi places, fit for climbing walls and other related fun activities.
It is nestled on the rooftop of Sarit Centre Mall in Westlands, making it a nice place for combining shopping and leisure.
The fun activities it offers include obstacle courses, climbing walls, and trampoline zones.
Types Of Rock Climbing Kenya
Rock climbing is a thrilling, fun thing to do, and it has various styles to carry it out. Here are the various types of rock climbing in Kenya, vividly stated for you;
1. Bouldering
This type of climb usually involves low climbs, which are mostly under 5 meters and thus require no ropes. It is usually fit for indoor rock climbing Kenya, which are mostly accessible in Nairobi, such as RockPoint Climbing.
2. Top-Rope Climbing
A top-rope climb setup is normally a rope anchored at the top, and hence a climber is belayed from below, ensuring that it is safe for anyone, making it fit for beginners.
3. Sport Climbing
For this type of climb, the gear used entails a harness, quickdraws, and a rope, as it is usually ideal for athletes. It is usually fit for team-building as it is performance-based.
4. Traditional Climbing
In this type of climb, climbers place their own gear into cracks as the terrain is usually on a natural rock formation, making it adventurous.
5. Lead Climbing
Lead climbing involves a climber ascending up a wall or rock while clipping their rope into protection as they go.
Normally, it is also used in sport climbing and even traditional climbing, hence it requires a high level of mental control and fall management skills.
This type of rock climbing in Kenya is usually fit only for the experts due to the rugged terrains that only do require professionals.
6. Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is an ideal type of climb that can only happen in frozen places, glaciers, or icy rock.
Ice climbing Kenya can only happen on Africa’s second-tallest mountain, Mount Kenya, famous for being snow-capped at the top.
How Safe Is Rock Climbing
Rock climbing in Nairobi and Kenya can be safe, but only when done with proper gear, training, and awareness of the possible risks. Below is the breakdown of the safety tips to follow when doing rock climbing at any of the places above;
- Use certified gear such as helmets, ropes, harnesses, and belay devices.
- Climb with professional instructors to guide you.
- Check whether the weather conditions are favourable.
- Learn the proper falling techniques.
- Not only are you supposed to check the weather conditions, but it is also advisable to check the rock condition.
- Practice mental focus and know your limits to avoid panicking as you ascend.
How To Choose Rock Climbing Shoes
Picking the proper rock climbing shoes needs to match various factors, such as the terrain and comfort level. Here is now a perfect guide to help you find the perfect pair for climbing:
1. Know your climbing style. For beginners, consider using flat profile shoes, which are neutral; for intermediates, consider using slightly downturned shoes, and for advanced terrains, consider using aggressive, tight fit shoes with better grip.
2. Use Fit Shoes. One is advised to choose shoes which have no dead spaces and even snug but not painful to avoid slipping while in the process of climbing.
3. Consider Shoe features. When choosing a shoe, consider the following features;
i) Closure system: Laces should precisely fit, great for trad and crack climbing.
ii) Material:
- Leather: Breathable, molds to your foot over time
- Synthetic: Less stretch, better for vegan climbers
iii) Rubber type:
- Sticky rubber: Better grip, wears faster
- Thicker rubber: More durable, less sensitive
iv) Match the terrain:
- Indoor gym: Comfort and durability matter more than precision.
- Outdoor sport: Go for moderate or aggressive shoes with sticky rubber.
- Trad / Multi-pitch: Neutral shoes with stiff soles for support.
- Bouldering: Aggressive shoes with toe hooks and heel tension.
Conclusion
So, whether you are ascending the Fischers Tower in Hell’s Gate National Park or exploring rock climbing Nairobi, rock climbing in Kenya is one of the amazing, untapped, fun things to do while in the country.
From ice rock climbing Kenya at the snow-capped Mount Kenya to the vibrant indoor rock climbing Kenya facilities such as Climb BlueSky, Kenya offers something for every climber.
And if you’re wondering how safe is rock climbing, be assured that with the right gear, training, and guidance, climbing is a controlled experience.
So chalk up, clip in, and climb on as Kenya’s vertical playground is waiting!
For further information or to make any inquiry about rock climbing Kenya, reach out to Naicef via our contact email at my@naicef.com or call: +254799922277. Also, you may;
Book Any Tour Here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rock Climbing
1. What is rock climbing?
Rock climbing is the sport of ascending natural rock formations or artificial walls using hands, feet, and safety gear, and it is a healthy activity for mental focus and bonding to nature.
2. How safe is rock climbing?
Rock climbing is normally safe if done with the appropriate gear, training, and supervision to ensure that every thing is done right.
3. What are some of the best places for rock climbing in Kenya?
They include Hell’s Gate National Park, Lukenya, Mount Kenya, and Mount Ololokwe, among others.
4. Are there places for rock climbing Nairobi?
Yes, of course, Climb BlueSky, RockPoint Climbing, and Jump by Flying Fox are some of the best places in Nairobi to experience rock climbing within Nairobi, mostly indoor related.
5. What gear do I need to start rock climbing in Kenya?
For most of the rock climbing places the gear required include climbing shoes, helmet, chalk bag, harness, and belay device.
6. Is rock climbing hard for beginners?
No! With intro classes where one learns basic movement and safety checks for many gyms one may even climb their first wall on day one.
7. Is indoor rock climbing Kenya safer than outdoor climbing?
Generally, yes. Indoor climbing normally offers tamed environments, padded floors, and professional experts, making it ideal for learning the basic tips before heading to outdoor climbing places.
8. How do I choose a climbing route for my skill level?
Start with simple rock climbing routes more so indoors-related before heading now to the outdoor related places to keep on improving your capabilities.
9. How do I fall safely while climbing?
Trust your belayer
Stay relaxed during a fall
Keep limbs away from the rope to avoid entanglement
10. How do I train for rock climbing?
Focus on grip strength, core stability, and footwork. Climbing regularly and cross-training with yoga helps improve performance.
