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Ideal duration: 1 day
Best Time: June - September Read More
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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.
Karura Forest offers six gates, out of which only five entrance gates are accessible to the public.
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.