Visit Karura Forest Nairobi

If you want to catch a break from Nairobi’s hustle and bustle, head into Karura Forest, the green lungs of the city. Fifty kilometers of hiking and cycling trails lead you through dense forest, past three rivers, eucalyptus trees, bamboo forests, and onto open meadows and clearings. Visit the 15-meter high waterfall, the abandoned Lily Lake quarry pond, or the Mau Mau caves and keep your eyes open for birds, monkeys, and duikers. Either prepare a little picnic for when you get hungry or recharge in a small café near the Limuru Road Gate.

Karura Forest Overview

Location

• Situated in Nairobi, Kenya, about 5 kilometers from the city center.

• Covers parts of Gigiri, Muthaiga, and Runda neighborhoods.

Size

• About 1,041 hectares (2,570 acres).

• Managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Friends of Karura Forest Community Forest Association (FKF-CFA).

History

• Gazetted in 1932 as a protected forest.

• Faced threats from illegal logging and land grabbing in the 1990s.

• Professor Wangari Maathai led protests to save it, which became a major environmental milestone in Kenya.

Flora and Fauna

• Over 200 bird species, including owls, turacos, and kingfishers.

• Home to small mammals such as bushbucks, civets, bush pigs, genets, and monkeys.

• Rich in indigenous trees like Croton, Cedar, and Fig species.

Key Attractions

• Waterfalls along the Karura River.

• Mau Mau caves were used by freedom fighters during Kenya’s independence struggle.

• Bamboo groves and scenic walking trails.

• Lily Lake and picnic areas.

• Fitness and cycling tracks with over 50 km of maintained trails.

Activities

• Jogging and hiking.

• Birdwatching.

• Biking on designated trails.

• Picnicking and guided nature walks.

• Dog walking (in designated zones).

Environmental Importance

• Acts as a carbon sink and air purifier for Nairobi.

• Helps regulate urban temperature and groundwater recharge.

• Protects biodiversity and offers environmental education programs.

Security and Management

• Fully fenced and patrolled by rangers.

• Maintained through entry fees and community partnerships.

• Visitors must register at gates such as Limuru Road Gate A, Old Kiambu Road Gate C, or Sigiria Gate.

Opening Hours

• Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Entry Fees (approximate)

• Kenyan citizens: Ksh 100 (adults), Ksh 50 (children).

• Non-residents: Ksh 600 (adults), Ksh 300 (children).

• Bicycle entry: Ksh 500.