Day Excursion at Karura Forest Nairobi
Nestled in the heart of Nairobi, Karura Forest is a serene urban oasis that offers a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Known for its lush greenery, tranquil trails, and diverse wildlife, this iconic forest is a favorite destination for nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and families alike.
Whether you’re looking to hike, go biking, enjoy a picnic, or simply unwind in a peaceful environment, Karura Forest has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the exciting activities you can enjoy in the forest and provide a detailed breakdown of the charges to help you plan your visit.
Karura Forest is a large fairly forest with five entryways open up to the general public. The main entrance is on Limuru Road, straight past from the Belgian Embassy, to your right if coming from Nairobi. It is also accessible by means of Gate C, located along Kiambu Road, straight past the DCI head office, to your left if coming from Nairobi.
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[blockquote align=”none” author=”Lao Tzu”]A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.[/blockquote]
It is a tranquil, safe, and protected environment with a lot to use: picturesque nature trails, historical sites, caverns, marshlands, and well-kept cycling trails. They now offer eco-tours that consist of a tour guide to help you enjoy the forest. The tour provides you with a better understanding of the forest. Karura Forest is open to all visitors who share a love for nature and a common regard for Kenya’s unspoilt natural appeal. There is a modest entry charge and all profits go towards keeping Karura Forest safe and secure.
A little History of Karura Forest
Karura Forest Reserve is one of Nairobi’s only 3 gazetted forests, the others being Ngong Forest and Oloolua Forest. Despite of being gazetted in 1932, the land around Karura has actually been continuously contested. Because of its proximity to the heart of the capital city, the land here extremely important. Plans were put in place in the 1990s to reduce the size of the forest and construct real estate.
Professor Wangari Maathai, who died in 2011, fought these efforts. Wangari won Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, for her contributions to conservation, which included establishing a greenbelt movement in Kenya. As part of her campaign to secure Kenya’s natural spaces, she arranged a demonstration movement that resulted in the cancellation of the proposed development and the conservation of Karura Forest.
Karura Forest Activities
There are lots of things to do in Karura, and all activities are guided by the principle: “Leave nothing behind however footprints, take nothing away however memories.”
- Guided /Educational Tour
If you wish to learn more about the history of Karura Forest, eco-tours are an excellent option. There are many landmarks with fantastic legends, such as the Mau caves, which were used as hideouts throughout Kenya’s battle for independence. Eco tours can be booked at any gate.
Eco-Tours charges.
The charges for a tour guide are exclusive of the entry costs and are divided according to class and age.
These classes consist of:.
– General trip: Ksh. 300 for adults and Ksh. 150 for kids.
– Specialised trip: Ksh. 800 for adults and Ksh. 400 for children.
– Exclusive VIP tour: Ksh. 1800 for adults and Ksh. 900 for kids.
- Bird-Watching
Karura Forest is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering a peaceful environment to observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. With over 200 recorded species, the forest is home to both resident and migratory birds, making it a prime bird-watching destination within Nairobi. From colorful turacos and vibrant sunbirds to the elusive African crowned eagle, Karura’s rich birdlife offers an exciting experience for both novice and experienced bird-watchers.
The forest’s well-maintained trails provide easy access to bird-watching spots, such as the Amani Garden and near the waterfalls, where birds are often seen nesting or feeding. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to catch sight of these feathered creatures, as they are most active during these hours.
- Tennis.
Visitors to Karura Forest are welcome to use the tennis courts at the KFEET Centre, which are open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. Singles and doubles games are both allowed. Tennis shoes must be worn on courts 2 and three. To avoid disappointment and for better planning , bookings need to be made a minimum of one day beforehand. All appointments need to be made via e-mail info@karurafriends.org or by phone 0791 398371.
The court costs are Ksh 200 for adults and Ksh 100 for children under the age of 12 years. This does not include the entrance charge to the forest and parking fees. Entry and parking charges must be paid individually. The courts are charged per hour; any extra time spent on the court will lead to extra charges.
- Picnics
You may choose to enjoy picnics in Karura Forest one of the five designated picnic sites– near the KFEET Centre, adjacent to Amani Garden, at the Ruaka Swamp, in Sigiria near the Obstacle Course, or in Karura Gardens on Kiambu Road. On weekdays, there is no need to book a picnic, however on weekends, picnics need to be pre-arranged and booked through the FKF office. Weekend picnics need to be reserved a day beforehand (not later than 1800hrs) by means of e-mail or phone. For picnic booking, call 0728-501333 or send out an email to info@karurafriends.org
The Picnic Fee per person shall be as follows:
– Adult -Ksh 150
– Child (12 & under) -Ksh 100
KEEP IN MIND: The picnic costs do not consist of forest Entry and Parking Fees. Entry and Parking charges need to be paid separately.
- Mountain-Biking
Visitors to Karura Forest can now rent multi-speed trail bike to use on designated forest trails. There are 3 bike depots: one on the KFEET grounds, best accessed through Gate A (Limuru Road) or Gate D (off ICRAF Road), a second rental point at Gate C (a.k.a. Sharks) off Kiambu Road and another at Gate F off Thigiri ridge road, the main entryway to Sigiria gate. Ksh 500 per two-hour hire will get you cycling, daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Please be prepared to leave your ID in safe keeping with the bike shed personnel throughout your trip.
- Trekking/Walking
Karura Forest has over 50 kilometres of routes. Whenever you visit afresh, a new path awaits you. Use appropriate walking shoes because the tracks are more hilly than you might think and can be straining if you’re not using the correct shoes. Bring plenty of water and maybe a banana or 2.
- Dog-Walking
Karura Forest has a cool, rejuvenating environment, and there’s plenty to find with your hairy buddy. While the majority of the forest requires your pet to be leashed, there are designated off-leash locations. For safety and security reasons, you need to register your dog and get a Dog Tag Card upon entry. Once again, pet guidelines are strictly imposed in the reserve for the safety and security of everybody.
- Jogging.
If you like running, this is your go-to place. The location is naturally interactive as you walk or jog. You will get to appreciate Nature more as you jog and sweat away to much better health and a feel-good mood. (5-, 10- and 15-km tracks are marked along forest paths.).
Although rather muddy, you will enjoy your walk. We highly recommend it as an escape from the city in a safe and beautiful setting, particularly if a business journey means a weekend remain in the city.
