Biz Lounge: How Nakuru woman turned her passion for hiking into a thriving business

When hiking enthusiast turned entrepreneur Hannah Kiboro launched Nakuru Nature Trails and Summits in October 2024, it was born out of personal need and passion. 

At the time, most hiking groups in Nakuru catered to hardcore fitness enthusiasts, leaving beginners and casual nature lovers with few options. 

“I often had to travel to Nairobi just to join hikes, and I wanted to change that,” Hannah explains.

Her vision was to make hiking more accessible and inclusive, creating a community where anyone from first-timers to seasoned adventurers could enjoy the outdoors without the pressure of a stopwatch.

She notes that her love for hiking dates back to 2022, when a friend shared a photo from Elephant Hill, an image that sparked her curiosity, eventually leading her to climb Mt. Longonot. 

Although Hannah was the last to summit, the sense of accomplishment ignited a passion for the outdoors. Soon, bigger challenges followed, including Mt. Kenya, which not only cemented her love for hiking but also inspired her to transform it into a business.

Nakuru Nature Trails and Summits was built on the belief that trails unite people, spark conversations, and nurture resilience. 

"The name itself reflects that mission; “Nakuru” grounds the business in the community, “Nature Trails” celebrates the scenic paths explored, while “Summits” symbolizes the sense of achievement that comes with reaching new heights," she notes 

Hannah says with an initial investment of about Sh. 250,000, she registered the business, acquired essential tools, and launched intensive marketing to attract her first clients.

Starting out, she faced fears of rejection and the challenge of stepping into the spotlight as an introvert.

Yet, word-of-mouth and returning clients quickly validated her idea. Each hike strengthened her confidence, proving that Nakuru had a growing demand for outdoor experiences. 

“I organize at least two guided hikes monthly, one beginner-friendly and another more challenging, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to connect with nature at their own pace,” Hannah explains.

She however notes that running the business has also come with challenges, including a lack of quorum, which can sometimes be an issue, forcing cancellations when numbers are too low. 

“I have had to refund people's money and call off some hikes, especially the more difficult ones. Even when cancellations happen, I make sure to inform my customers early enough so that they are not inconvenienced,” she explains.

Hannah adds that at the same time, dealing with difficult clients has tested her patience, but she has leaned on empathy, problem-solving, and a growing network of reliable partners to keep things on track. 

For her, the safety of hikers always comes first,

“My team and I are always prepared in case anyone falls sick or gets injured by having a paramedic on the trail,” Hannah reveals.

She warmly states that watching strangers finish a trail as friends has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey.

Looking ahead, Hannah hopes to expand her business, reach more people, and continue building a vibrant outdoor culture in Nakuru. 

She advises those looking to turn their passion into a business to start small, trust the process, and focus on creating genuine connections. 

“People come back not just for the activity, but for the experience and community you create,” she concludes.