"Discover Nature's Harmony in the Heart of Nairobi"
Karura Forest Tourism
Karura Forest, located in the northern part of Nairobi, Kenya, is a 1,041-hectare urban upland forest and one of the city's official forests. Managed by the Kenya Forest Service since its establishment in 1932, it is divided by Kiambu and Limuru roads into three sections. The forest offers a natural trail stretching up to 50 kilometres, providing a peaceful escape for visitors to walk, jog, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of nature away from the city's hustle and bustle.
Home to two beautiful waterfalls, Karura and Ruaka, the forest also features attractions like a bamboo forest, Mau Mau caves, and a variety of wildlife, including Suni, Duiker, Bushbucks, Genets, and more. With 36% of its trees being indigenous upland forest species, Karura Forest is a haven for nature lovers. It includes a 15-meter waterfall, archaeological sites, an old incinerator chimney used by the Central Bank, Lily Lake (a former stone quarry pond), sacred caves with historical importance, bamboo patches, marshlands attracting birds, and serene groves of indigenous trees.
Prices in Karura Forest:
Entrance Fees:Citizens: Adults – KSH 100, Child – KSH 50
Residents: Adults – KSH 200, Child – KSH 100
Non-Residents: Adult – KSH 600, Child – KSH 300
Vehicle Charges:
Cars (4x4) – KSH 200
Minivan (14 seater) – KSH 300
Minibus (15-31 seater) – KSH 600
Bus (more than 32 seaters) – KSH 1000
Activities Fees:
Mountain Biking (2 hours): KSH 500
Picnics: Adult – KSH 150, Child – KSH 100
Sports Ground (1 hour): Adult – KSH 200, Child – KSH 100
Entrance Gates to Karura Forest:
Karura Forest offers six gates, out of which only five entrance gates are accessible to the public.
- Gate A (Main Entrance): Located on Limuru Road, across from the Belgian Embassy, Gate A serves as the main entrance to Karura Forest. It gives direct access to the River Cafe and waterfalls. Open year-round, it is easily accessible by car or on foot, making it ideal for general visitors looking to explore the forest's natural beauty.
- Gate B: This gate is not open to the public and serves as a service gate only.
- Gate C ("Sharks Gate"): Positioned on Kiambu Road, near the DCI offices, Gate C is known as "Sharks Gate" due to its proximity to a popular roast meat restaurant. Open throughout the year, it offers a great starting point for forest trails, biking, and walking dogs. Accessible by car, it's suitable for those seeking outdoor activities.
- Gate D: Found at the end of the ICRAF access lane, Gate D is exclusively for pedestrians. Open year-round, it provides a tranquil entrance to the forest, with no car access.
- Gate E: Situated off Limuru Road, opposite Gate A, Gate E is a pedestrian-only entrance open throughout the year. If driving, visitors can park at Gate A before exploring the forest on foot.
- Gate F: Serving the Sigiria block of Karura Forest, Gate F is located at the end of Thigiri Lane, on Thigiri Ridge Road. Open year-round and accessible by car, it caters to those specifically interested in exploring the Sigiria block, with parking available inside the gate.
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Things to do in Karura Forest
1. Mau Mau Caves
Discover the Mau Mau Caves in Karura Forest, where brave freedom fighters hid during Kenya's fight for independence. These caves, located within the forest, offer a glimpse into the country's history. (Read More) Guided tours are available for those interested in learning more about this crucial part of Kenya's past.
2. Scenic Waterfalls and Rivers
Karura Forest is home to stunning 15-meter waterfalls and winding rivers, creating a beautiful landscape. Enjoy activities like leisurely walks, taking photos, and experiencing the calming sounds of f (Read More)lowing water. Expect a peaceful setting surrounded by greenery, making it perfect for a relaxed stroll.
3. The Incinerator
Situated in Karura Forest, the Incinerator played a unique role in Kenya's economic history by burning old currency. Explore this historical facility to gain insights into how decommissioned money was (Read More) handled. Guided eco-tours are recommended for a deeper understanding.
4. Lily Lake
Formerly an abandoned stone quarry pond, Lily Lake is now a peaceful retreat in Karura Forest. Visitors can enjoy the tranquillity, go bird-watching, or simply unwind by the water. It's an ideal spot (Read More)for a lakeside picnic, so bring along some snacks and relish the natural surroundings.
5. Marshlands Attracting Birdlife
Karura Forest's marshlands are a haven for various bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Located within the forest, these marshy areas showcase diverse avian residents, including migrat (Read More)ory birds. Bring binoculars for an enjoyable bird-watching experience.
6. The River Café
Found near the Limuru Road entrance, The River Café in Karura Forest offers a unique dining experience surrounded by nature. Enjoy tasty meals in an open-air setting, soaking in the forest's pe (Read More)aceful atmosphere. To secure your spot, it's advisable to make reservations, especially on weekends, for a delightful dining experience amid Karura Forest's natural wonders.
7. Mountain-Biking
Visitors can rent sturdy multi-speed trail bikes at three different depots within the forest. With bike depots accessible through Gates A, C, and F, biking is a popular activity, and the cost is Ksh 5 (Read More)00 for a two-hour hire.
8. Picnics
Karura Forest offers five designated picnic sites, with bookings required for weekends. The picnic fee per person ranges from Ksh 100 to Ksh 150, excluding entry and parking fees.
9. Trekking/Walking
The forest boasts over 50 kilometres of trails, providing ample opportunities for walking and trekking. Trails are hilly, so appropriate footwear is advised.
10. Bird-Watching
Home to over 200 bird species, Karura Forest offers guided Eco-Tours for bird enthusiasts to explore and spot various species.
11. Dog-Walking
Dog owners can explore designated off-leash areas with their furry friends. Registration and a Dog Tag Card are mandatory for safety, with strict adherence to guidelines.
12. Guided Tours (Eco-Tours)
Eco-Tours, providing insights into the forest's history and landmarks, such as the Mau Mau caves, can be booked at any gate. Charges vary based on class and age.
13. Tennis
Visitors can use the tennis courts at the KFEET Centre, with reservations made at least one day in advance. Court fees range from Ksh 100 to Ksh 200, excluding forest entry and parking fees.
14. Jogging
Marked trails for 5-, 10-, and 15-kilometer distances make Karura Forest an ideal location for jogging and staying active.
Must Know Before You Travel to Karura Forest
- Timings: Karura Forest is open from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
- Weekend Picnics Booking: If you're planning a weekend picnic at Karura Forest, make sure to book a day in advance, with the deadline set at 1800hrs. You can secure your spot by calling 0728-501333 or sending an email to [email protected].
- Dogs Policy: You can bring your dog, but keep them on a leash in public areas. Off-leash play is only allowed in designated DOGS-OF-LEASH zones, and registration is necessary.
- Preferred Entrance: To avoid confusion while finding entrance gates, it's best to use the main entrance gate.
- Facilities: Bathrooms are available at the River Café for your convenience.
- Plastic Ban: Bring a reusable water bottle due to the plastic ban.
- Separate Charges: Keep in mind that activities have separate charges from entrance fees.
- Alcohol Ban: Alcohol is strictly prohibited within Karura Forest.
- Picnic Charges: If you bring snacks, be prepared to pay picnic charges.
- Hiking Level: The trails are suitable for beginners, with no significant elevation.
- Bicycle Hire: When renting bicycles, be ready to provide proof of identification for at least one person in your group.
- Forest Map: Get a forest map at the entrance or take a photo of trail details. Trails are well-marked to prevent getting lost.
- Guided Tours: Consider a guide for a richer experience. The cost is 3 USD for a two-hour tour.
- Fitness Level: Be moderately fit, especially for the muddy and slippery trail leading to the waterfall and caves.
- Trail Conditions: Dress appropriately with comfortable clothes and shoes for muddy trails, especially after rain.
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More on Karura Forest Travel
Wildlife in Karura Forest
Karura Forest is a bustling hub of wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. With over 200 bird species, including majestic eagles, turacos, cranes and colourful birds, and a ground-level cast featuring Suni, Harvey's Duiker, Bushbucks, Genets, Civets, Honey badgers, Bush babies, Porcupines, and Syke's monkeys, the forest is a lively spectacle of biodiversity. Colobus Monkeys, recently reintroduced, bring playful energy to the treetops. As you explore, keep an eye out for butterflies, reptiles, and antelopes that contribute to the forest's rich tapestry.
Best Time to Visit Karura Forest
How to Reach Karura Forest
How to Reach Overview
Karura Forest is located approximately 15 kilometres north of Nairobi, Kenya. The nearest airport is Jomo Kenyatta International, situated around 30 kilometres away. The most convenient mode of transportation is by taxi, with the journey from the city centre taking approximately 30-45 minutes.
How to reach Karura Forest by flight
If you're flying in, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the closest. The airport is around 30 kilometres from Karura Forest, and a taxi ride takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, costing roughly 2,500 to 3,500 Kenyan Shillings (approximately $25 to $35).
How to reach Karura Forest by road
Getting to Karura Forest is easy by road, just about 15 kilometres from downtown Nairobi. The ride usually takes 30-45 minutes, and taxis are available with fares ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 Kenyan Shillings (approximately $15 to $25).
How to reach Karura Forest by bus
Public buses like Kenya Bus Service (KBS) or private ones connect Nairobi's outskirts. Several buses such as 11B, 106, 107, 108, 114, or 116 from Nairobi city to Karura Forest’s main entrance on Limuru Road.
Local options include matatus (shared minivans with fixed routes) and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis). While matatus can take you close to Karura Forest, boda bodas might not be the best choice due to safety and distance concerns.
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