This trip has been a long time coming, originally I had planned to go out of town but that will have to wait.
I’m off to the Nairobi suburb of Karen where I get to visit a hidden gem– the Oloolua nature trail. The nature trail is part of the indigenous Oloolua forest that is also home to the Institute of Primate Research (IPR). The institute is run by the National Museums of Kenya which established the Oloolua Nature Trail in part of the forest, providing a refreshing environment away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Once you get to the entrance it is not too much of a walk before you get to the nature trail.
Our first stop was the water falls. There is a proper path with steps that lead to the falls but we took the difficult way down which was rather steep because we heard the falls before we got to the path and assumed that it is the only way down.
I stayed at the top while my friend went down the side of the falls to take pictures. This was definitely my favorite part of the nature trail.
The a 20 foot waterfall is one of the major attractions of the nature trail
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We had taken a picture of the map at the entrance but it was not very useful.
For the most part we just walked along the river and the next stop was the bamboo. This time we found the right path down.
The path and rickety stairs that lead to the river
The Mbagathi River meanders through thick forest vines and undergrowth beside giant riverside bamboo and bushes.
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We then walked a bit and got to the cave. I was wishing I had carried a flashlight. We did go into the cave but I stayed close to the entrance. I kept imagining that a Smaug-like creature would come to chase us out of its lair.
The caves are reputed to have once been a hiding place for the Mau Mau freedom fighters during the colonial period of Kenya’s History. There was also an acrid smell in the air (probably as a result of an existing bat colony) and that didn’t encourage us to stay either.
The forest has a relatively good road network that has been reinforced with building blocks.
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We consulted the map again and it gave us a vague idea of where we were. We had wondered away from the river and I was hoping that somehow we would end up at the quarry but instead we found ourselves at the picnic site.
The picnic site was complete with benches, toilets and trash bins offering a nice setting for trekkers or campers to enjoy a rest within the nature trail.
There are several camping sites, all with tapped water and long drop toilets. You bring your food, tents and cooking facilities.
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By this time it was about half past 5 in the afternoon and the trail closes at 6 so we decided to take the path most likely to lead us back to the entrance.
We guessed right and we ended up back at the bridge where there was a troop of monkeys feeding in the trees above us.
The entrance fees ($1=ksh90)
If you do decide to visit the trail, get ready to get lost, they haven’t stuffed the paths with sign boards so it is natural and adventurous.
Oloolua Nature Trail is large enough to accommodate loads of people at the same time without crowding, you practically feel like you are alone in the middle of a forest – a nice escape from the busy noisy city life. Best of all it is easily accessible and open daily.
How to get there;
Oloolua Nature Trail is situated 20km from the city centre in the Karen suburb. If using public means, take matatu or bus number 24 from the city centre, and alight at the junction of Bogani Road and Karen Road near Karen Blixen Museum. Oloolua Nature Trail is 600 meters to your left.
If driving, take Uhuru Highway till Nyayo Stadium, then turn right onto Langata Road and drive past Bomas of Kenya till the junction to Hardy. Turn left onto Langata South Road, then right onto Bogani Road. Drive till the junction between Bogani and Karen Road, then turn left. Oloolua Nature Trail is 600 meters from this junction.
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31 Comments
What a beautiful place for a hike! Looks fun and peaceful!
This really looks like a nice trail Rachael and a great place to get lost in. I personally like especially the bamboo forest and a picnic in the middle of the nature sounds actually quite amazing… 🙂
This place is a bit mysterious and wild, so I like it even more than safari parks!! :D! Let’s go camping! Whooooo
Beautiful place…
A good place to be
Very interesting spot – I wish I’d known about this park the last time I was in Nairobi! Karen is such a beautiful spot and this looks like a good alternative to the more touristy options in the area.
You could always come back…
It actually looks like a very well maintaned trek where it is impossible to get lost in. That is just my impression judging from the photos. Would love to go on it one day and see all the monkeys! 🙂
We have so much in Nairobi. I did not know such a place existed, thanks for the detailed info, should be visiting the place soon.
You’re welcome. Let me know if you manage to find the quarry.
Walking this trail looks like a relaxing way to just getaway and be alone with your thoughts. The waterfall looks refreshing too!
Looks like an amazing place. Great photos again 🙂
Thank you!
Gorgeous photos of the waterfall and stumbling upon those monkeys must have been pretty cool. And you’re right – that map definitely doesn’t look too useful! At least you were able to navigate back to the start. Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler!
What a lovely trail – and the nature looks so lush too!
Tranquility and beauty. Never new such a place existed in Karen.
Will surely visit in the near future.
Hi Rachel! Life got a bit sidetracked with Phoenix the past 3 months so we were off the blogosphere. I love to see I can pull up your latest post and your photography is as beautiful as ever! Great job “catching” some shots of the monkeys! Loved it! We hope all is well with you, our friend 🙂
I know the feeling. Welcome back and thank you.
Beautiful pics Rachel, keep it up.
These photos are beautiful. The first and only time I visited this place I was in high school. I should definitely make a point of going there again.
Looks like you had fun hiking the Oloolua Nature Trail. That map is certainly unique :). I like the fact that you can actually pitch your tent in the park. We love camping!
WOW, You make some amazing pictures, there are really stunning.
Rachel, The photos of the trail are beautiful. I love the waterfalls and the bamboo forest shots. You are so lucky to be able to see these places.
Looks like a great place to go for a walk. How was the bird life on the trail?
I always marvel at the colour of the earth. It looks so rich.
This trail and the waterfalls look lovely! Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler!
What a great hike – filled with beauty, adventure and even wildlife. Those waterfalls look so refreshing. Beautiful photos and a very inspiring walk.
[…] time at the Karen Blixen Museum, I had initially planned to combine this visit with the trip to the Oloolua nature trail but things did not work out as […]
Looks like an amazing place ! Stunning photos.
I love the view …..i will visit the place with family members 😉
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