This past weekend, I ditched the scrubs and stethoscope for hiking boots and a backpack. Destination: Ngong Hills — one of Kenya's most iconic trails. What started as “just a hike” turned into a full-blown masterclass on endurance, mental clarity, and the beauty of disconnecting.
Here's the rundown:
Distance: ~20 km (if you go all the way)
- Distance: ~20 km (if you go all the way)
- Duration: 4–6 hours depending on pace
- Terrain: Rolling hills, steep climbs, powerful wind gusts (hold onto your cap!)
But here’s what really hit me: - The first few hills will test your body. The last ones test your mind.
- It’s not about speed. It’s about rhythm, breathing, and listening to your body.
- Taking breaks isn’t weakness — it’s strategy.
And somewhere between hill five and six, with my legs screaming and the wind roaring in my ears, it clicked: life is a series of hills. You don’t conquer them all at once. You take one step, then another. You rest. You refocus. You keep moving.
Pro Tips if you plan to go:
- Arrive early (sunrise hits different up there 🌄)
- Carry water, a light snack, and a jacket
- Go with friends (or alone if you need headspace)
- Stretch before and after (thank me later)
Ngong Hills isn’t just a hike — it’s therapy.