Last verified: January 21, 2025

Paragliding at the Kijabe Mountain Base

The flying experience

This base has one main launch, Kijabe. It is a great starting place for some decent XC Flying, and it is where all Kenyan flying festivals have happened, so far. Simply because of its proximity to the Nairobi city.

The launch is grassy and steap, with a hight of 2615m above sea level, where you can take off in all directions apart from the East.

Some of the local pilots own big flower farms near Naivasha and they are able to fly right back to their own homes.

If Kijabe isnt working, there is another alternative site about 30 minutes drive away from Naivasha. Its called Eburu. Its a small hill, but you are likely to get a good hight, and there get some descent dynamic soaring in.

Launch and landing info

This base has one main launch, Kijabe. It is a great starting place for some decent XC Flying, and it is where all Kenyan flying festivals have happened, so far. Simply because of its proximity to the Nairobi city.

The launch is grassy and steap, with a hight of 2615m above sea level, where you can take off in all directions apart from the East.

Some of the local pilots own big flower farms near Naivasha and they are able to fly right back to their own homes.

If Kijabe isnt working, there is another alternative site about 30 minutes drive away from Naivasha. Its called Eburu. Its a small hill, but you are likely to get a good hight, and there get some descent dynamic soaring in.

What is exciting about this place?

On the opposite side of the launch you can see a huge crater, Mt. Longonot. Its spectacular to fly over. It's at a convenient distance from Nairobi( Jomo Kenyatta International Airport), it's flyable almost all year round except during the rainy seasons, the dynamic winds and different flying directions from take off depending on flight path and wind direction

Is it beginner friendly?

Popular for beginners. mt Sophie is a tiny flying site on the West side of the Kijabe at 1000m above sea level. Great training site for beginners that just left the training hill. You can actually see people take off from Kijabe. Kijabe is pretty dynamic, so pilots are usually on the radio. There is always someone on the ground for weather predictions and to inform beginners about the takeoff conditions.

Useful Contacts and Info

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What are the local regulations?

Federation registration (annual) basic flying license, club pilot membership, local radio frequency (144.225)

Know before you go

Take off fee of Kes 500, individual logistic plans, always contact a local paragliders club for familiarity with the locals as well as security and retrieval in case of need., In case of emergency: AMREF ambulance and air services, local ambulances available on request. Nearest best orthopaedic hospital is Kijabe mission hospital before evacuation either to Nairobi or abroad. AMREF details available online. An annual rescue cover fee is available for local pilots. For visiting pilots, you pay once retrieved.

If you land on the crops by accident, just have some pocket money so the landowner is at peace. People are not agressive, but its a nice gesture.

Cash by hand:
It is always good to have some cash by hand for transport, snacks etc. Money should be exchanged in Nairobi, before you head out. There is a bank with ATM, in Naivasha that despense local currency. If you come for longer, there is a money app called Mpesa, which is the most convenient way to pay for things in Kenya. Even public transport. This has become vibrant after the COVID crisis.

For beginners:
If you are a beginner mt Sophie is a tiny flying site on the West side of the Kijabe at 1000m above sea level. Great training site for beginners that just left the training hill. You can actually see people take off from Kijabe. Kijabe is pretty dynamic, so pilots are usually on the radio. There is always someone on the ground for weather predictions and to inform beginners about the takeoff conditions.

  • Terrain

    • Mountain

  • Pilot level

    • Schooling
    • Beginner
    • Independent

  • Flying Style

    • Acro
    • Hike and Fly
    • Cross Country
    • Soaring
    • Paramotor
    • Schooling
    • Tandem

  • Best Season

    • January
    • February
    • July
    • August
    • September
    • October
    • December
    • June

Paragliding at the Kijabe Mountain Base

Climate and Weather

When is best to go fly here?

In the Kijabe region there is a pretty obvious rainy season from March to June, in which June is cold and foggy. Its a bit of a hit and miss to avoid the rains starting end of June. But even then you will see it is flyable most of the time when the clouds clear at about 10 or 11 am. This season lasts until mid October, which is when the short rains begin. They are not super heavy or daily, and incredibly short. From end of November this pattern should clear and you find more flyable days without rains.

How are the flying conditions?

Thunderstorms with all their inherent dangers can develop incredibly quickly in this part of the world. Be conscious of possible over-development.

In the good flying season there is a a prevailing Southerly wind. This usually starting in July. Dont get confused but even then pilots tend to take off from the West facing launch because of the dynamic wind.

Be aware that in the rift valley there are build ups of gust in the venturies.

What is the temperature like?

Hiking boots, long pants, and cover for your arms in case you land near bushes, acacia plants, which have thorns. Its not that cold up in the air, but its good to wear something for skin protection. If you know where to land and where not, feel free to fly in shorts! Also at landing the temperature is mild.

Kijabe Mountain Base

The Travel Experience

How to get there?

From Nairobi, take the A104 (the highway following the escarpment) until you come to the following settlement: S0 52 46.1 E36 33 46.8. This dirt road is in excellent condition and will lead you down the escarpment to the settlement of Kijabe. Continue until you come to an intersection with another dirt road that obviously leads to the top of the mountain. Park where the road comes to an end. During the dry season, it will be easy to reach Kijabe in a two-wheel vehicle, but (from experience) during the rainy season, I strongly recommend a 4X4. Finally, when turning your car around at the top, be very careful. A few years back some Japanese visitors didn't pay enough attention and rolled their car all the way to the bottom! Since this there have been some adjustments.

There is a road all the way up, but this takes longer then biking up. The roads are pretty damaged by the rains and so people leave their vehicles in Longanot town, where they have an agreement with the local people so the vehicles are safe. From there you take a motorcycle ride up to the take-off, which is about 20 min.

Nearest airport: Nairobi International Airport (Jomo Kenyatta)

What to bring?

Check out our Packing List to find out what to bring on a paragliding trip. Apart from this list, the locals recommend you should bring: Good vibes

What to do on your day off?

The Kijabe area in Kenya offers a mix of activities, combining natural beauty with cultural experiences. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the scenic trails around the Kijabe Escarpment, offering panoramic views of the Rift Valley.

The region is known for its diverse birdlife, making it a haven for bird watchers.

Kijabe is also home to the Rift Valley Academy, and visitors can engage with the local community to gain insights into the area's cultural fabric.

For those seeking a spiritual experience, the Moffat Bible College and the iconic Kijabe Mission Hospital are notable landmarks.

The Kijabe area seamlessly blends outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, and historical significance.

Where do pilots stay?

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Where do pilots eat, drink and hang?

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Fly with a School, Instructor or Guide

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