Karibu Kenya: A Guide to Rock Climbing in Kenya, Africa

Rock climbing is not an activity you would think to travel to Kenya for. If you are fascinated by Kenya or Africa in general, then you probably already have tons of information to see all the Big Five of Africa - leopards, lions, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos - at Maasai Mara National Reserve, visit a Maasai village or drive at Lake Nakuru to spot a black rhino. 

Let’s speak it loud: Safari and leisure tourism are not the only activities you can experience in Kenya. Since 2017, climbing could be considered a valid alternative to all the other popular tourist attractions Kenya is famous for. But why didn’t the climbing development see the light before the 21st century?

How climbing was born and raised in Kenya

A beginners class led by Climbing Life Kenya at Boulder Crag, Lukenya © Danny Skilton

Climbing in Kenya is a gift that keeps giving: impeccable views, great rocks, beautiful wildlife, and friendly locals. The country offers diverse rock-climbing opportunities, from classic trad climbing and four-meter-high boulders in Lukenya to remote big-wall climbing at Mt. Ololokwe. What’s more, its beautiful weather allows for climbing all year round!

Climbing has existed in Kenya for over a century and remains hidden and unknown to 70% of local Kenyans. Coupled with other barriers, this lack of information and knowledge renders Kenyans of African descent less likely to be exposed to rock climbing and its benefits. Things started to change for the better in 2017 when Liz Ndindi founded Climbing Life Kenya to create a space where Kenyans connect with rock climbing.  

Nyamzy and Liz Ndindi, founders of Climbing Life Kenya © Climbing Life Kenya

In 2018, Liz met Nyamzy Giati, a fellow rock climber who shared a belief that the systemic change needed to tackle the challenges encountered by local Kenyan climbers can be initiated by the locals. That’s how Climbing Life Kenya started getting the most out of excellent quality rocks, a climate that allows year-round climbing, and the breath-taking Kenyan landscapes”. Kenya now has numerous rock climbing destinations and still has a wide array of untapped potential for new climbing areas, even with the considerable climbing development in recent years. The top climbing areas include...

Mouse climbing in Samburu, Northern Kenya © Climbing Life Kenya

• Lukenya Ridge, located 45 minutes from Nairobi, is Kenya's most popular climbing area. 
• Hell’s Gate National Park is located in the heart of the Rift Valley, 2 hours away from Nairobi; the area boasts incredible wildlife and massive cliffs with rock towers and steep gorges, offering adventurous single and multi-pitch trad routes. Hey, climbing is not all about climbing. Hell’s Gate hosts unique wildlife and hot springs as well. 
• Mt. Kenya with Batian Peak, the second highest peak in Africa, presents high altitude rock climbing at 5199m asl.: this is the destination of most visiting climbers and alpinists.
• If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, head to Ol Donyo Sabache (also known as Mt. Ololokwe), a remote mountain in the Namunyak Conservancy in Samburu East, Northern Kenya.  

Today, Climbing Life Kenya remains a local female-led non-profit organization that addresses challenges local Kenyans face in accessing rock climbing opportunities. Climbing Life Kenya is actively building systems to create an environment where rock climbers in Kenya thrive, and young leaders are inspired to reinvest in the community to create a supportive self-sustaining sport for the next generations. The mission of investing in the growth of rock climbing for the next generation of climbers in Kenya still leads every @climbinglifekenya initiative and program.

As part of the #TrustTheLocals initiative, we are collaborating with Liz, Nyamzy, and Climbing Life Kenya on writing a helpful, comprehensive article and general rock-climbing guide for Kenya. We’ll update and extend the article in the upcoming weeks with more information about each climbing area: the best way not to miss them is to follow @climbinglifekenya and @mapo_tapo  on Instagram to get updates on Kenya’s climbing potential. 

What you should be aware of before planning a climbing trip to Kenya

The view from Baboon Cliff, Samburu © Danny Skilton

Most of the climbing is in very remote areas of the country, so it helps to be a self-sufficient climber well-versed in self-rescue practices. Evacuation and healthcare coverage are crucial! The climbing ethic stresses that any route that can be protected with natural protection should be and that all climbers must practice Leave No Trace. Leave your plastic bags and bottles behind when heading out to the crag, as these are banned in all protected areas. The best way to experience the climbing is to travel to each area by 4x4 and spend a few days camping nearby.

The local community

Although rock climbing has been present in Kenya for over a century, the rock-climbing community is almost exclusive to expatriates and climbing tourists. As the climbing community in Kenya continues to grow, there is a solid push to introduce more Kenyans to rock climbing in their homeland. 

One of the most prominent local climbing organizations at the forefront of this effort is Climbing Life Kenya. This local female-led non-profit connects Kenyans with rock climbing by addressing challenges faced by local Kenyans in accessing rock climbing opportunities.

With a mission to invest in the growth of rock climbing for the next generation of climbers in Kenya, Climbing Life Kenya is actively creating building systems to create an environment where rock climbers in Kenya thrive and young leaders are inspired to reinvest in the community to create a supportive self-sustaining sport for the next generations. Their interventions focus on increasing visibility, building awareness, and creating rock climbing and training opportunities with the local Kenyan in mind. 

Thanks for reading! The article is still ongoing - we'll update it in the upcoming weeks, working closely with local climbers and managers of the Kenian climbing community, Liz Ndindi and Nyamzy Giati. This collaboration is part of Mapo Tapo's column "Trust the Locals," designed in collaboration with local climbers and climbing developers worldwide. We aim to inspire people to discover new climbing destinations through responsible tourism.

Karibu Kenya.

If you want more information on climbing in Kenya, you can contact Liz Ndindi and Nyamzy Giati, founders of Climbing Life Kenya.

Thanks, Nyamzy and Liz Ndindi, for finding the time to collaborate with us on the production of this article, which we hope will bring more visibility and knowledge to Kenya and its climbing potential.

Cover photo: Mouse climbing in Samburu, Northern Kenya © Climbing Life Kenya