The Oloolua Nature Trail

I had some free time in Nairobi, so My friends and I went to Oloolua Forest to do a surprise photo shoot for my sister In Law. I have the most beautiful sister-in-law! Oloolua Nature Trail is a beautiful fragment of indigenous forest that is tucked away in one of the more well-to-do neighborhoods on the outskirts of Nairobi. The land is apparently owned by the Institute of Primate Research, though I didn’t see any information about the research. Although the trail is beautiful, it is not very clearly marked in some places. That aid, getting lost would be difficult as one could easily retrace steps to go back to where you started. There is a map on the wall at the entrance, and I suggest you take a photo using your phone, so as to have this on you while you walk. You must explore here on your own, finding the waterfall, cave, large bamboo plants, and fascinating papyrus area alongside the river. If you happen to do GeoCaching, you’re in luck, as there are several hidden here. I REPEAT this forest isn’t as well marked (At least the last time We were there) as Sigiria or Karura, but perhaps that’s part of what makes it so fun… finding your own way! There is a small entrance fee that you need to pay in order to get a ticket. The place is well maintained and security is guaranteed. Very good family Picnic spot You can cook and play. The good thing is that you can enjoy nature with your Delicious food. Only missing banda’s if rain happens no shad to stay except your car or enjoy the rain. Highlights for me were the walk itself. I saw several beautiful birds (though heard many more), and parts of the forest are really pretty. The trail does allow access to the small waterfall, which is fun to see. It’s not very big or impressive, but worth a look. Another attraction marked on the map are some large clumps of bamboo near the river. This is also a beautiful spot, with some benches where you can sit and relax and read a book while you listen to the river flowing past. Also, it’s hardly ever crowded and the sound of the Mbagathi River running through it has an awesome calming effect on me. It’s rather short compared to any of the trails in karura. So plan to go to Oloolua Nature trail with a group of your friends; do not make the trip alone. There is so much to experience and learned..

I have always wanted to know how a cave looks like. Living in the city, it’s sometimes difficult to experience some things. When I got wind of this place and that I’d get to explore a real cave, I was already sold. I visited the location on a Sunday morning. It is located in Karen which is 20km from Nairobi city center. You can use public means to get there or take a cab which costs KES570. It may be hard to imagine, but I came alone. Sometimes solitude frees the mind. I paid KES200 entrance fee. They charge residents KES400 while non-resident pay KES600. Till now, I can remember how fresh the air was. You walk and you feel nourished. Its crazy. I got to the cave and that thing is really day. I got in with a flash light. You’d be surprised how cold it gets inside the cave. I even saw bats hanging upside down in the cave. The waterfall was also a site for sore eyes. Leaving that place, I felt brand new. I 10/10 recommend visiting.

Have you ever wonder where to go to take a a break form the hustles of the city? This is the place. This is the place you’ve been looking for. Located in Karen, 20km from Nairobi CBD, Oloolua nature trail promises to delight your eyes as it cleanses. your soul. I have been there two times. Once with my friends from school and the other with my partner. The one with my partner was more memorable. I remember it was a surprise. He called and asked if I could meet him in town in an hours time. We met up at around 10 am and he has a picnic bag with him. We took a cab from town which costs 600/= and we go dropped at the entrance. I remember my excitement. From the entrance, everything is green. Its so lovely. We paid 200/= each as entrance fee which is standards for students. Make sure you have your students ID with you. For residents, the charges are 400/= adults and 200/= children. For non-residents, charges are600/= for adults and 300/= for students. We walked for a while. Its a huge place. We got to see lots of bids and some monkeys. We got to the cave but I was a bit scared so I waited outside while he explored. Then we got this nice spot near the water fall where we had the most wonderful picnic. I smile just thinking about that day. Its a place for everyone. Be it solo walk, couples, families or friends. But for the romantic types, make a date to have a picnic here.

Personally anything adrenaline filled is a no go zone for me. Even with this said I still always find myself doing nature related things. I’m always dragged by my friends but I guess the end justifies the means. Oloolua nature trail is sort of a peaceful haven that is found in Nairobi concealed in the neighborhood of karen . It actually took me three visits to know that it is the home to institute of primate research in Kenya. Sometimes I use my private means to get there but on days when I not have access to that I use public transport. I take a matatu from town ,route number 24 and alight at a junction close to Karen blixen museum. I then walk a little bit before I arrive at the nature trail. They charge students 200/= and that’s what I pay because I always go with my ID card.What I love about this place is the very dense plant life that extends over such a large piece of land. Everywhere you look is just a beautiful green. Right from the entrance the place is covered in different flora and fauna. Another thing that caught my eye was the underground caves that apparently used to house Maumau fighters during their hiding period(wild right?).This place has a picnic site,or rather you can choose to have a picnic wherever you find convenient. We had a nice little picnic with my friends. There was so much cheer and so much laughter in the wild. I also saw camp sites and if you want to spend a night in the wild without leaving Nairobi I’d recommend this place. Overalls it was a beautiful journey through nature.

If you are a lover of nature and the great outdoors, The Oloolua Nature Trail is a must have on your bucket list. I had been planning on visiting this incredible trail for years, so when the chance to do so finally came, I immediately jumped on it. The Oloolua Nature Trail is located in Oloolua Forest on Karen Road. It’s a 40-minute drive from the Nairobi Central Business District, but due to traffic the 20Km drive could take up to an hour. The trail is open from 9am to 6pm. For citizens the entry charges are KSh200 for adults and KSh100 for children; for residents, entry charges are KSh400 for adults and KSh200 for children; and for non-residents the charges are KSh600 for adults and KSh300 for children. The camping charges are KSh2000 for adults and KSh1000 for children per night. If you are a citizen or resident, remember to carry your identification card or passport as proof. We arrived at the trail at 1pm, paid the entrances fees at the gate and immediately started exploring the forest since we had only 5 hours to do so. Along the trail we got to see monkeys and a lot of different bird species including an eagle. However, the most exciting part of our walk was exploring the caves and the water fall. We went quite deep into the cave system, and we immediately regrated not going in with a flash light. If you are a coward its best if you don’t enter the caves?. Barely two minutes into exploring the cave half my friends were screaming and trying to run out as bats flew around their heads. Our final stop along the trail was the waterfall, we only had half an hour to enjoy it as it was getting dark and the trail was about to close. So, I strongly advise you to arrive as early as possible so as to be able to enjoy all the sites along the trail. It was a great experience to have with my friends and a good break from the hustle of city life.