Day Trip to Oloolua Nature Trail

Hidden away in the up market suburb of Karen and approximately 20Kms away Nairobi city Centre is Oloolua Forest Natural Reserve. It covers about 661.6 Hectares of which a portion of a hundred hectares is under the care of National Museums of Kenya. It is one of the few remaining patches of tropical forest that covers a large area around Nairobi. Though largely an indigenous forest, part of it was planted with exotic eucalyptus plantation in the early 1960s by the forest department. In the early 1980s, about 250 hectares of the forest were allocated to the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) for conservation purposes. The Institute of Primate Research (IPR) occupied about 100 hectares of the forest while the remaining part was earmarked for conservation education by the NMK. The education department of NMK therefore undertook the survey and developed the Nature Trail for this purpose.

Oloolua nature trail is 5km long and is part of the forest, it’s provide tranquility to city residents looking to escape city hustle and bustle. The Oloolua Nature Trail is a favorite for visitors who love short hike, jogging along the trails or just for a relaxing picnic in this serene setting which has Caves, water fall & cool serene environment with picnic sites to have fun, mingle & enjoy simple team building activities.

Attractions

The Oloolua nature trail meanders through thick forest vines and undergrowth below giant indigenous trees and bushes, in some places following the course of the Mbagathi River that cuts through the forest. Giant riverside bamboo stands beckon you to descend some rickety stairs to the river and rest on benches built under the bamboo. Trickling water and chirping birds, the only sounds you hear as you rest, lull you into a reflective mood.

Further along the trail close to the river, you encounter a 33m long cave. If you brought a flashlight with you, an exploration of this dark subterranean world takes you through numerous underground caverns reputed to have once been home to Mau Mau freedom fighters during the colonial period of Kenya’s History. A thick pile of guano underfoot and the occasional disturbance of bats flitting past you bring to your attention the existence of a bat colony within.

A picnic site with drop toilets and trash bins offers a nice setting for visitors to enjoy play and meals within the forest. For those wishing to spend more than a day in the park there is a secure campsite with tap water, drop toilets and firewood for bonifire.you have to bring your own utensils, tent and food. Lastly the most spectacular attraction is the 20 foot waterfall close to the park entrance.

ACTIVITIES;

Short Hike & Jogging

Nature walks in Trails, Caves & forest

Bird watching

Mingle/Networking

Simple Team building activities & games

Swimming

Notes;

What to bring; Cameras, Bird guides books, Binoculars and Drinking water.

The walks last 1 to 2hrs on average.

70usd per person

Cost includes;

Transport to and from Nairobi

Park entrance fee

Guide fee

Drinking water (500ml)

Activities

Cost excludes;

Lunch

Optional activities like swimming, Refreshments/snacks

Tips and gratuity

Items of personal nature