In this section we will look at
1.)Karura Forest Activities
7.)Karura Forest Safety Measures
0.) Nature trails for hiking, jogging
1.) Chilling
A samsung bench inside Karura Forest
One of the activities to do around Karura Forest is take a chill on the green samsung benches that are all over Karura Forest. The Benches are a very good section to unwind after walking for several kilometers around the forest and then chill and take some fresh air .
Image of Lady cycling at Karura Forest
Karura Forest offers 50 kilometer trail for cycling, jogging or walking. The Forest Karura can be best experienced by maneuvering the Forest using a bicycle since to be honest the whole forest sections just seem to be duplicate therefore it would be advisable to explore Karura Forest using a bicycle and that makes Karura one of the most trying adventures.
Image of Sylvia museiya at Karura Forest Cycling
The cost of hiring a bicycle at Karura forest is 500Ksh per hour .If able to you can tow your bicycle to the forest which is free of charge .
Karura Forest pitch
Karura Forest next to KFEET offers a very huge football pitch which can be enjoyed under certain conditions. For instance the goal posts are offered on request and after using the goal post one has to return them where they were initially
4.)Picnic
St gabriel catholic church at Karura Forest
Karura forest has 5 picnic sites and this makes the ambience great after a long day of walking in the forest or exercising .The picnics are booked in advance as they also attract a fee .
Enjoying Lunch with youths from St gabriel Catholic Church Thome at Karura Forest
Bird watching.
Where is Karura Forest located?
Karura Forest is situated north of Nairobi’s central business district, near neighborhoods like Muthaiga, Gigiri, and Runda. It is easily accessible from major city areas.
What is the entry fee to Karura Forest?
Entry fees to Karura Forest vary depending on nationality and age:
Kenyan Adults: KES 100.
Non-Residents: KES 600.
Children (Kenyan): KES 50.
Children (Non-Residents): KES 300. Fees may vary for certain activities like cycling or guided tours. Always check with official sources for the latest rates.
Are bicycles available for hire in Karura Forest?
Yes, bicycles are available for hire at the forest’s main entry points. Rental rates are typically hourly, and the forest has well-maintained cycling trails.
Are pets allowed in Karura Forest?
Yes, pets are allowed, but they must be on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
Is Karura Forest safe for visitors?
Yes, Karura Forest is one of the safest public areas in Nairobi. It is managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in collaboration with the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF). Security personnel and surveillance ensure visitor safety.
What are the opening hours of Karura Forest?
Karura Forest is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry is not permitted after 5:30 PM.
Can events be hosted in Karura Forest?
Yes, Karura Forest offers spaces for private events such as picnics, team-building activities, and weddings. Permits are required, and bookings can be made through the forest’s management.
How can I get to Karura Forest?
The forest has several entry gates:
Limuru Road Gate (main entrance near the United Nations complex).
Kiambu Road Gate.
Old KFS Headquarters Gate. Public and private transport options, including taxis and ride-hailing apps, provide easy access.
Are there restaurants in Karura Forest?
Yes, Karura Forest hosts restaurants and cafes like River Café, which offers scenic views and a relaxing dining experience.
Is there wildlife in Karura Forest?
Karura Forest is home to small mammals like monkeys, duikers, and bush babies, as well as a variety of bird species. There are no large predators, making it safe for visitors.
Can I volunteer or donate to Karura Forest?
Yes, the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) encourages volunteering and donations to support conservation efforts. Activities include tree planting, environmental education, and trail maintenance.
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for outdoor activities. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat are recommended for daytime visits.
Karura Forest is made up of three sections.The Main Forest which is 1750 acres(710 hectares) the Sigiria block which is 250 hectares (620 acres) and Karura Forest Picnic grounds which is separated by Kiambu road
Image of a warning post at Karura Forest
The Karura Forest main section has a number of trails ,tracks and paths mainly
This is actually the main cycling, jogging and walking track in Karura Forest .The Trail starts from Gate C all the way to Wangari's corner or the Wangari's groove
Image of Muhugu trail direction
The Muhugu Trail in Karura Forest extends from Wangari Maathai Track and extends all the way to Wangari's Groove
Image of bicycle trail direction inside Karura Forest
Bicycle Trails are designated in Karura Forest and there will be Sign post informing Cyclers where to pass
The Mau Mau Trail which ends up at the Karura Forest Chimney can be accessed through Wangari Maathai Shady Path
Rangers Track
The Rangers Track is a track path located in Karura and is mostly used by Rangers in the Forest .The Rangers Track extends from Rangers Village in Karura Forest to Kenya Forest Headquarters .
Family Trail
The Family Trail at Karura Forest starts all the way from Kenya Forest headquarters and heads along the forest edge up to FKF (Friends of Karura Forest) office at Gate A .
Pipeline Path is found on Karura forest just laying next to the family trail and heads and joins the Lake trail which is next to the Lily Lake.
Turaco Path
Turaco path is located in Karura on the main forest and emerges from the Family Trail and heads all the way to Turaco stream
Tara Path
The Tara path is a path located in Karura and starts from Picnic site K and heads over through Ruaka River and heads over through Huruma Village
Kima Trail is a very Short trail in Karura Forest that starts from post 12 next to KFEET and heads just few kilometers and then joins Wangari Maathai Track.
Lake Trail is Located in Karura Forest and can be accessed through 3 paths .The Lake Trail is used to access Lily Lake
The Sigiria Block has some Trails which include
Sigiria Track
The Sigiria Track is found in Karura Forest and on Sigiria block .The Sigiria Trail starts from Gate E all the way up to Karura Gate F.
Thigiri Trail
Thigiri Trail is found in Karura Forest Sigiria .The Thigiri starts from Gate E and heads over towards Karura Gate F around New Muthaiga .
Mukeu Trail
Mukeu Trail is Located in Karura Forest Sigiria Block .The Mukeu Trail starts from Gate F and heads crosses the Obstacle Course.
Matembezi Trail
Matemebezi Trail is a Located in Karura Forest ,the trail joins Thigiri Trail and Mukeu Trail.
Karura Forest Reserved is served with 5 rivers with 3 Rivers passing just adjacent the Forest while some Rivers create streams, waterfalls and also fill up the Lily Lake .
1.)Ruaka River
2.)Karura River
3.)Gitathuru River
4.)Thigiri River
5.)Mathare River
Karura Forest can be accessed easily through Gate C if from Nairobi CBD. Karura Forest can also be accessed easily through Gate A . Matatus that go to Karura forest are Matatus that go to Kiambu town thus if wanting to Visit Karura Forest using Gate C the only Matatu you can use will be matatu or minibus that are heading towards Kiambu town or Matatus that are headed towards Northern bypass .
If willing to Visit Karura Forest using Gate A you will definetlt use Limuru road thus the matatu that gos to Karura Forest through Limuru road are Matatus that head to Ruaka town .
Karura Forest does not allow plastic bags inside the forest thus Water bottles that are not customized or that cannot be recycled are not allowed . Karura Forest also does not allow Beverages that are packed using plastics as they will be littered all over instead at Karura Forest they only allow glass bottled sodas .
A photo of ALMA music /Dora the explorer on Karura Forest
Certain Items such as Alcohol ,Cigarettes and Weed are not allowed inside Karura Forest . Using of Weed in Karura Forest seems to have been very rampant . For instance you can even view warning post signs that warn you against smoking bhang inside Karura Forest.
Karura Forest Safety Measures
Karura Forest used to be a no-go zone which was most frequented by criminals until later the forest was taken over by the friends of Karura together with Kenya forest service who are neighbors with Karura Forest .
Image of a banner at Karura Forest
You can definitely go to Karura Forest alone if you are over 18 year . With increased forest care it is safe to take a walk inside the Forest Alone as there are hundreds of Forest guards who are inside the forest camouflaged even though you cannot see them
The walk through the forest can be done either alone or with a group and if very liquid you can have a tour guide walk you through the extensive forest.
New Muthiaga
Spring Valley
Gigiri
Muthaiga
Huruma Village
Wispers
Old Muthaiga
Runda Estate
Horse Shoe Estate
Karura Forest Mean Slogan
Remember :Take only memories and photos; leave only footprints
Comments