Why Hiking is Among the Fastest-Growing Weekend Cultures

Hiking culture in Kenya is growing rapidly, especially among young people looking for something different from the usual weekend routine of malls, clubs, or movies. What started as a niche outdoor activity has slowly evolved into a lifestyle.

For Issac Oyier, hiking was initially about curiosity and connection.

“The idea of meeting new people, watching those beautiful views and exploring nature trails got me into hiking. The experience after the first one was unexplainable; it was like a refreshing experience,” he told Money254.co.ke.

That feeling of escape seems to be what keeps many hikers returning weekend after weekend.

For some, hiking is becoming more than exercise; it is therapy.

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“Meeting new people almost every weekend recharges my social battery and relaxes my mind away from a busy weekday at work,” Oyier added.

Across social media platforms, hiking clubs now post colourful posters advertising weekend trails. The hikes are often designed to appeal to both beginners and experienced hikers. Some are short forest walks, while others involve extreme mountain climbs that can stretch over several days.

For Kelvin Kaiguri, the challenge is exactly what makes hiking addictive.

“Honestly, hiking became a way for me to challenge myself, learn patience, and discover more about myself,” he says. “Most of the hikes I do are high-altitude and challenging, so the feeling of making it to the top always makes it worth it.”

Unlike gym workouts, hiking adds unpredictability. One weekend could involve muddy forest paths and waterfalls, while another means climbing rocky mountain terrain above the clouds.

Kaiguri says hiking clubs also make the experience easier and more social.

“It’s been really fun because I’ve met people with the same interests and vibe. Being in a hiking group also makes it easier to know about upcoming hikes, plan trips, and book faster compared to going alone.”

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The social aspect has become a major reason hiking clubs are thriving.

But hiking is not always cheap.

Depending on the location and difficulty level, some hikers spend anywhere between Ksh500 and Ksh4,500 for a single trip. The cost usually covers transport, park entry fees, guides, water, and light snacks. Overnight hikes may also include accommodation.

Issac says his spending varies in range depending on the location of the hike, but roughly Ksh500-2500, around that.

Sam Kihara estimates his spending at Ksh2,500 to Ksh4,500, transport and snacks included.

Then there are premium experiences. Some hiking clubs charge as much as Ksh3,850 for specialised forest immersions, while difficult mountain climbs can exceed Ksh100,000 for multi-day expeditions such as the Mt Kenya Nelion-Batian climb.

Others now operate almost like subscription lifestyle clubs. For instance, some offer monthly subscriptions at Ksh2,000, quarterly plans at Ksh5,000, and yearly memberships at Ksh19,000.

Still, many hikers insist the experience is worth the money.

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“I try to keep it budget-friendly,” Kelvin explains. “I use simple but functional gear, and going with a hiking group helps cut transportation costs, so it’s more affordable for me.”

For beginners, the starter pack can feel intimidating: waterproof hiking boots, backpacks, fleece jackets, ponchos, and hiking poles are often recommended.

Yet despite the growing commercialisation, hiking still feels deeply personal for many participants.

“What keeps me going back is the combination of physical challenge and mental clarity. Hiking helps reduce stress, improves my fitness, and gives me time to think. Plus, every trail is a new experience; it never feels boring.”

That search for mental clarity may explain why hiking clubs continue to attract more people every month.