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Ngong, Kenya

Region: Kajiado County

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Geographic Coordinates: -1.366700, 36.633300

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 102323

Language: Swahili

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Ngong is a small town located in Kajiado County, Kenya, About 22 kilometers southwest of Nairobi. This picturesque town offers visitors the chance to experience the natural beauty of Kenya. The name Ngong comes from the Maasai word Engong, Which means knuckles due to its hills resembling knuckles when viewed from afar. Ngong Hills are popular with hikers and offer breathtaking views of Nairobi and its surroundings. Visitors can also enjoy game drives at Nairobi National Park, Which is one of Africa’s most accessible wildlife parks. Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Buffalos, Giraffes and other wildlife species can be seen here.

The rich cultural heritage of Ngong can be explored through visits to local Maasai villages or attending traditional dances organized by local communities. The Maasai people are known for their unique customs and traditions such as their colorful clothing made from shukas (Maasai blankets) and beadwork jewelry. Oloolua Nature Trail is another attraction in Ngong that offers nature lovers an opportunity to experience nature walks through lush forests filled with indigenous trees such as cedar trees while enjoying bird watching opportunities along the way.

Visitors can also indulge in delicious Kenyan cuisine such as nyama choma (grilled meat) served with ugali (maize meal), Chapati (flatbread), Or sukuma wiki (collard greens) at several restaurants available in Ngong. Local cafes serve Kenyan tea or coffee while offering panoramic views of Ngong Hills. if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat away from Nairobi’s hustle and bustle while still being close enough to enjoy all it has to offer, Ngong is the perfect destination.

With its beautiful hills, Cultural heritage sites & activities like visiting local maasai villages & traditional dances , Wildlife parks like Nairobi National Park & nature trails like Oloolua Nature Trail , Visitors can experience the best of Kenya’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

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1. Ngong Hills
2. Karen Blixen Museum
3. Giraffe Centre
4. Nairobi National Park
5. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage
6. Bomas of Kenya Cultural Centre
7. Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park
8. The Carnivore Restaurant
9. Nairobi Mamba Village
10. Maasai Market at Galleria Mall

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Major Industries and Businesses in Ngong, Kenya

1. Agriculture

   Agriculture is a prominent industry in Ngong, Kenya. The area’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it an ideal location for farming activities. The following crops are grown extensively:

   • Maize
   • Beans
   • Peas
   • Potatoes
   • Vegetables

2. Tourism

   Tourism is another important industry in Ngong. The area boasts several tourist attractions that attract visitors from all over the world. Some of these attractions include:

   • Ngong Hills
   • Nairobi National Park
   • Karen Blixen Museum

3. Real Estate

   Real estate has been on the rise in Ngong due to its proximity to Nairobi City Centre. Many real estate developers have invested heavily in this area, leading to a high demand for housing.

4. Small-scale Manufacturing Industries

   Small-scale manufacturing industries in Ngong produce items such as textiles, soap, and detergents.

5. Education

   Education is a thriving industry in Ngong, with several primary and secondary schools located in the area.

6. Retail Trade

   Retail trade in Ngong provides various products, including clothing stores and supermarkets, which offer employment opportunities to locals.

7. Transportation Services

   Transportation services, including taxi services, provide vital sources of income to many residents who work as drivers or conductors.

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1. Karen Blixen, the renowned Danish author of Out of Africa, resided in Ngong from 1914 to 1931 and owned a coffee plantation there.
2. Ngong was among the areas affected by the Mau Mau rebellion against British colonial rule in Kenya, which lasted from 1952 to 1960.
3. In 2012, a plane carrying six passengers crashed into the Ngong Hills, resulting in the tragic loss of all on board.
4. The Maasai people are indigenous to the area surrounding Ngong and boast a rich cultural heritage that includes their distinctive clothing and customs.
5. David Rudisha, the Kenyan athlete who currently holds the world record for men’s 800 meters race was born near Ngong in Kilgoris.
6. A fire broke out in Kibera slum near Ngong in March of 2021 that destroyed hundreds of homes leaving many families homeless.
7. Nairobi National Park is situated just outside of Ngong and is Kenya’s first national park where visitors can observe iconic African wildlife species such as lions, elephants, and giraffes up close.

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1. Karen Blixen Museum
2. Ngong Hills
3. Oloolua Nature Trail
4. Ngong Racecourse and Golf Park
5. Kitengela Glass Factory
6. Maasai Ostrich Farm
7. The Giraffe Centre
8. Nairobi National Park
9. Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park
10. Bomas of Kenya Cultural Centre

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1. Maasai Mara Cultural Festival: This festival celebrates the Maasai culture with traditional dances, songs, and food.
2. Ngong Hills Challenge: This annual event involves a marathon race up the Ngong Hills and attracts runners from all over the world.
3. Kajiado County Agricultural Show: This agricultural show showcases the best of Kajiado County’s produce and livestock.
4. Nairobi International Trade Fair: This trade fair is held annually at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi and features exhibitions from different industries such as agriculture, technology, tourism among others.
5. Maa Cultural Festival: This festival celebrates the Maa community’s culture with traditional dances, music performances and food.
6. Ngong Road Forest Marathon: A marathon that takes place within the forest reserves of Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary.
7. Mashujaa Day Celebrations (Heroes’ Day): Celebrated on 20th October every year in honor of Kenyan heroes who fought for independence.

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Dining Options in Ngong, Kenya

1. Nyama Mama: A restaurant that serves Kenyan and African cuisine.
2. KFC: A fast-food chain that serves fried chicken and other fast foods.
3. Java House: A restaurant chain that serves a variety of international cuisines such as Indian, Italian, and Chinese.
4. Olepolos Country Club: A restaurant that specializes in grilled meats such as beef and goat meat.
5. The Carnivore Restaurant: Another popular restaurant known for its grilled meats such as crocodile meat.
6. Maasai Ostrich Farm Restaurant: It’s a farm-to-table concept where you can enjoy ostrich meat dishes while learning about ostrich farming in Kenya.
7. Caramel Lounge & Grill: This is a popular spot for drinks and food with live music performances on weekends.
8. Talisman Restaurant & Bar: An upscale restaurant serving international cuisine with a focus on seafood dishes.
9. Artcaffe Junction Mall Ngong Road: This is another branch of the Artcaffe coffeehouse chain serving pastries, sandwiches, salads alongside coffee drinks.

Note that this list is not exhaustive but gives you an idea of the variety of dining options available in Ngong, Kenya.

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1. Ngong Hills Forest Reserve is a popular destination for hiking and experiencing nature, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
2. Ngong Racecourse is a horse racing track that also hosts concerts and exhibitions, making it a versatile venue for events.
3. Karura Forest Reserve is an expansive forest reserve that offers walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a beautiful waterfall to enjoy.
4. Maasai Ostrich Farm offers tours and activities such as ostrich feeding, egg collecting, and camel rides for visitors to experience.
5. Ololua Nature Trail is located in the Ngong Hills area and provides hiking opportunities through forests, waterfalls, caves, and rock formations.
6. Kibiko Forest Reserve also features hiking trails through indigenous trees where visitors can spot wildlife along the way.
7. Karen Blixen Museum was once home to Danish author Karen Blixen during colonial times; today it serves as a museum showcasing her life in Kenya.
8. Giraffe Centre is an animal sanctuary where visitors can feed giraffes from a raised platform while enjoying close-up interactions with these majestic animals.
9. Nairobi National Park is located just outside of Nairobi’s city center but still within its metropolitan area; this park features wildlife conservation efforts including lions, cheetahs & rhinos among other animals.
10. Karen Country Club boasts an 18-hole golf course surrounded by lush vegetation offering stunning views of Ngong Hills on one side while on the other side you can see Nairobi skyline in distance.

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