Magical Kenya Trail Series - Tinderet edition launched

The 2026 Magical Kenya Trail Series was on Thursday officially launched in Nandi County, placing the scenic Tinderet Hills firmly on Kenya’s sports tourism map.

Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei and Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly led the launch of the Tinderet Edition, an immersive adventure bringing together hikers, cyclists, and 4x4 drivers across the rolling hills and valleys of Nandi.

This year’s event attracted 44 local and international hikers, 19 cyclists, and 10 off-road drivers, all experiencing the region’s hidden gems as the Kenya Tourism Board ramps up efforts to grow sports and adventure tourism.

The Trail Series kicked off on 15th January 2026, with participants assembling at the foot of  Nandi hills, that set the tone for the adventure.

The  action unfolded  in Taptengelei, with a full-day adventure. The event featured three distinct adventure routes:

The Hiking Trail, covering 16 kilometres, took participants through tea and coffee plantations with a hands-on tea-picking experience. The route passed through Tinderet Technical, Kaptanzi and Nduroto, with hydration stops at Kapchepng’isir Waterfalls, before finishing at Tachasis Primary School.

The Cycling Route, a demanding 50-kilometre course, wound through the A104, Hill Tea (Lotea), Tinderet Forest, Tendeno, Kibyaor, Chelambut and Kaplamawo, offering cyclists a blend of endurance, speed and breathtaking scenery before the final stretch to Tachasis Primary.

The 4x4 Off-Road Adventure, stretching over 70 kilometres, pushed drivers through rugged terrain across Diguna, Tinderet Forest Station, Kibyaor, Nduroto, Meteitei, Taptengelei Town, Chemater Highway, Kapkoros, Tereno Forest, Kibirer and Maraba Centre, showcasing the raw beauty of the Rift Valley.

Speaking during the launch, KTB CEO June Chepkemei underscored the growing role of sports tourism in Kenya’s recovery and growth.

“Sports tourism has played a key role in promoting Kenya. Last year, Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, hosted the CHAN continental tournament, exposing our potential to Africa and the world. Major infrastructure projects such as Talanta Stadium are part of preparations for next year’s AFCON. Kenya is firmly on the global tourism map,” said Chepkemei.

She added that Kenya recorded over 2.4 million tourists last year, with numbers expected to rise further in 2026 as KTB rolls out targeted marketing initiatives.

The Trail Series is a year-round programme, with the Magharibi Trails set to take the adventure to the Western and Nyanza regions in March.

Among the international participants was Andrew MacTavish, a Scottish national who has been in Kenya for the past three weeks. Drawn by adventure and culture, he praised the experience.

“The scenery is beautiful, the culture is amazing. Kenya is an incredible place, and I will definitely be back with many friends,” he said.

Blending culture, endurance and adventure, the Magical Kenya Trail Series continues to position Kenya as a premier destination for authentic, experience-driven tourism.