Start the Year 2026 by Chasing Waterfalls and Keeping Fit

Start the Year 2026 by Chasing Waterfalls and Keeping Fit

Start the Year by Chasing Waterfalls and Keeping Fit

The first four months of the year are a great time to get moving, explore nature, and set healthy habits that last. At Journey Palette, we are not only planning guided hikes, but also making it easier for you to prepare properly through our travel store. From booking the hike to getting the right gear, everything is in one place.

From January to April, we are hiking some of Kenya’s most loved waterfalls and hills. These hikes are planned to help you stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and build fitness gradually, whether you are new to hiking or already experienced.

January: Karuru Falls, Karura Forest

Karuru Falls is a great way to start the year gently. Located inside Karura Forest in Nairobi, this hike offers an easy to moderate trail through forest paths and bamboo sections, ending at the tallest waterfall in the forest.

The hike covers approximately 6 to 8 kilometres and takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours of walking time. It is ideal for beginners and anyone easing back into physical activity.

As you prepare for this hike, comfortable walking shoes, a light backpack, and a refillable water bottle are usually all you need. These essentials are available through the Journey Palette travel store, making preparation simple.

Cost: KES 3,500 per person. This includes forest entry fees, a guide, group transport from Nairobi, and trip coordination.

February: Kamweti Falls, Castle Forest

Kamweti Falls offers a quieter forest experience near the Mount Kenya region. This hike introduces longer distances and uneven terrain while still being manageable for hikers with basic fitness.

The trail is approximately 10 to 12 kilometres return, with an average walking time of 4 to 5 hours. It is rated moderate.

For this hike, proper hiking shoes with good grip, extra socks, and a small day pack make a big difference, especially near river sections. You can find suitable hiking footwear, backpacks, and rain layers in our travel store to help you hike comfortably.

Cost: KES 3,000 per person. The price covers forest access fees, a local guide, group transport, and coordination.

March: Ragia Falls

Ragia Falls is a longer, endurance-focused hike that helps build stamina. The trail follows scenic forest paths and long stretches of walking, rewarding hikers with a powerful waterfall.

The hike is approximately 14 to 16 kilometres return and takes between 5 and 6.5 hours. It is rated moderate to hard due to distance.

Good hiking shoes, a hydration bottle or pack, sun protection, and energy snacks are important for this hike. These items are available in the Journey Palette travel store to help you prepare for longer days on the trail.

Cost: KES 3,500 per person. This includes transport from Nairobi, access fees, a trained guide, and a packed lunch.

April: Kijabe Hills

Kijabe Hills closes the series with a more demanding hike along the Rift Valley escarpment. This trail is known for steep climbs, rocky paths, and open views.

The distance ranges from 12 to 15 kilometres, with walking time between 5 and 7 hours. It is rated hard and best suited for experienced hikers.

For this hike, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, trekking poles, and enough water are strongly recommended. Our travel store offers hiking gear selected specifically for such demanding terrain.

Cost: KES 3,500 per person. The fee includes transport, a guide, and a packed lunch.

What to Have or Buy Before the Hikes

Here is a simple checklist to help you prepare. Most of these items are available in the Journey Palette travel store.

  • Comfortable hiking or walking shoes with good grip 
  • Light backpack or day pack 
  • Refillable water bottle or hydration pack / camel bag
  • Comfortable clothing suitable for walking 
  • Extra socks
  • Sun protection (cap and sunscreen) 
  • Light rain jacket or poncho
  • Energy snacks
  • Small personal first aid items

Book Your Hike and Get Trail Ready

Journey Palette makes it easy to plan your hike and prepare for it. You can book your preferred hike directly on our website and shop for hiking essentials in our travel store before you head out.

View full hike details and bookings: https://journeypalette.co.ke/blog-details/start-the-year-2026-by-chasing-waterfalls-and-keeping-fit
Karuru Falls Hike – January
Kamweti Falls Hike – February
Ragia Falls Hike – March
Kijabe Hills Hike – April

To stay updated and connect with other hikers, join our WhatsApp group. https://chat.whatsapp.com/BjPt6qBWBaiEChKpV2LGe2?mode=ems_copy_t

Whether you are chasing waterfalls, building fitness, or investing in better gear, this four-month hiking series is a simple way to start the year outdoors and prepared.

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