KARURA FOREST

LOCATION: NAIROBI

Gate A. Main entry off Limuru Road across from the Belgian Embassy

Gate C. Also known as ‘Sharks Gate’ after the nyama choma (roast meat) establishment outside the forest across the Kiambu Road. Great for biking and dog-walking along designated paths.

Gate D. Pedestrian entrance at the end of the ICRAF access lane

Gate E. Pedestrian entrance to Sigiria section of the forest off Limuru Road (parking at Gate A)

Gate F. Main Sigiria entrance at end of Thigiri Lane off Thigiri Ridge Road. Parking inside gate.

PRICE : picnic price 150 ksh

Forest entry price 100 ksh

This one is for the nature lovers, cyclists and hikers.

Going to Karura was a wonderful experience despite being a very hot day I still got to enjoy nature and all the wonderful tree species.

I started my adventure with a picnic at the KFEET picnic area. Karura has 5 designated picnic areas;Amani, Ruaka,Kfeet,Sigiria and Karura gardens which you can choose from. You can base your decision from the picnic area that is closest to the gate you are using. It is important to note that no single use plastic is allowed so all your beverages have to be in a reusable water bottle or they will join the long fleet of plastic water and soda bottles at the entrance. There are picnic tables at the picnic site but you can decide to do the traditional style and lay down your picnic blanket.

The hike into the forest after was nothing short of amazing . Along the way you can spot different tree species with their name tags on them as well as their uses .

Up next was the water falls even though it was a little crowded it was a sight to behold . The sound of water running, the butterflies flying all around just being here was very relaxing, nature can really take away your troubles.

A few steps away from the waterfalls was a small beautiful cave. Before going there I had no idea that Karura has caves and is an archeological spot, Karura really has it all .

From here I started the journey back to where it begun but before I concluded this adventure I took a detour to the Lilly lake this is one romantic spot where you can chill with your special somebody ,relax and enjoy the sunset unfortunately due to the current weather conditions the lake is drying up but hopefully when rains come everything will be alright.

Overall this was a wonderful experience and I can't wait to go back to Karura