Ngare Ndare Forest: Canopy Walk, Waterfalls and Blue Pools

The Ngare Ndare Forest is a lush, indigenous forest and a community-run conservancy nestled in the northern foothills of Mount Kenya.

This hidden gem is a paradise for adventure lovers, celebrated for its spectacular, crystal-blue waterfall pools, a thrilling treetop canopy walk, and its crucial role as a migration corridor for elephants.

A Vital Elephant Corridor in the Ngare Ndare Forest

The primary ecological importance of the Ngare Ndare Forest is its role as a protected wildlife corridor. The forest creates a vital, natural link between the Mount Kenya UNESCO World Heritage Site and the vast rangelands of the north, including Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and other private reserves. This ancient migratory route is essential for maintaining the genetic diversity and long-term survival of the region's elephant population.

For centuries, elephants have used this path to move between the high-altitude forests of the mountain and the lower plains in search of food and water. The establishment of the Ngare Ndare Forest Trust was a groundbreaking initiative to secure and protect this corridor from human encroachment and deforestation.

Therefore, a visit to the forest is a direct contribution to one of the most important elephant conservation projects in East Africa.

The Thrilling Canopy Walk of Ngare Ndare Forest

One of the main attractions at Ngare Ndare Forest is its spectacular canopy walk. This is a 450-meter-long suspended bridge, one of the longest of its kind in East Africa, which is ingeniously built to rise from the forest floor up into the treetop canopy. The walkway is made of a sturdy wire mesh and is suspended between the giant trees, reaching a height of about 10 meters (33 feet) above the ground.

Walking along the bridge is a thrilling and unique experience. It offers a bird's-eye perspective of the forest, allowing you to see the ecosystem from a viewpoint usually reserved for monkeys and birds.

The walk culminates in a large, wooden viewing platform built around a massive tree. This platform overlooks a natural spring and river, and it is a fantastic spot to silently watch for wildlife, including the elephants that often come to drink at the waterhole directly below.

Swimming in the Azure Blue Pools

Perhaps the most famous and rewarding feature of Ngare Ndare Forest is its series of stunningly beautiful waterfall pools. The river that flows through the forest, originating from the glaciers of Mount Kenya, cascades over several rocky ledges, forming a series of pristine pools. The water in these pools is famous for its almost unnaturally bright, azure-blue or turquoise color.

This striking coloration is due to the water's purity and the dissolved minerals it carries down from the volcanic rock of the mountain. For the brave and adventurous, these pools offer an exhilarating opportunity for a swim.

The water is exceptionally cold, but the experience of jumping from the rocks into the crystal-clear, vibrant blue water in the heart of a lush, green forest is a thrilling and unforgettable highlight of any visit. The main waterfall and its large plunge pool are the most popular spot for this activity.

Guided Hikes and Abseiling Adventures

All activities within the Ngare Ndare Forest are designed to be active and immersive, allowing visitors to experience the natural environment firsthand. Every group is accompanied by a trained and armed community ranger, who provides both security and a wealth of knowledge about the forest ecosystem.

Forest Hiking and Wildlife Tracking

All visits to the forest are conducted on foot. The main activity is a guided hike that winds along forest trails, following the river upstream to the various waterfall pools. This hike is not just a means to an end but is an adventure in itself.

Along the way, the guides, who are expert trackers, share their deep knowledge of the forest's flora and fauna. They will point out the tracks of elephants and other wildlife, identify the many bird species that inhabit the forest by their calls, and explain the traditional medicinal uses of various plants.

Canyoning and Abseiling

For more adventurous visitors, Ngare Ndare Forest offers the opportunity for canyoning and abseiling. With specialized guides and proper safety equipment, it is possible to rappel down the rock faces alongside the waterfalls.

This provides a thrilling and unique way to experience the geology and the power of the river that has carved the landscape. This activity must be arranged in advance and is dependent on the availability of qualified guides.

A Model for Community Conservation

The Ngare Ndare Forest Trust is a celebrated and highly successful example of community-based conservation. The conservancy is not a government-run national park but a grassroots initiative, a partnership between the local community and the neighboring commercial landowners and conservationists. This collaborative model has been crucial for its success in protecting the forest and its vital wildlife corridor.

The revenue generated from visitor fees is the lifeblood of the entire project. These funds are managed by the community trust and are used to pay the salaries of the local guides, rangers, and other staff, all of whom are hired from the surrounding communities.

The income also supports vital conservation work, such as anti-poaching patrols and reforestation projects, and funds community development initiatives like education and healthcare. By visiting Ngare Ndare, tourists become direct partners in a sustainable conservation model that benefits the wildlife, the environment, and the local people.

A Guide to Visiting the Ngare Ndare Forest

A trip to Ngare Ndare Forest is an adventure that requires some advance planning. As a community-run conservancy focused on eco-tourism, visits are structured and managed to ensure safety and to minimize the impact on the environment. Knowing the logistics is key to a successful and enjoyable day.

Location and Booking Your Visit

The Ngare Ndare Forest is located in the northern foothills of Mount Kenya, near the town of Timau. It is accessible from the main tourist hubs of Nanyuki, Lewa, and Borana.

Due to its popularity and the need to arrange for a guide, it is mandatory to book your visit in advance. Bookings must be made through the official Ngare Ndare Forest Trust office via email or phone. Walk-in visitors are not permitted.

Entrance and Activity Fees

All visitors must pay a conservation fee to enter the forest. This fee includes the mandatory service of a trained guide. There are separate fees for specific activities like the canopy walk and camping. All fees must be paid in advance during the booking process, typically via M-Pesa. These fees are essential for the operation of the conservancy.

What to Bring for Your Adventure

This is an active, outdoor experience, so it is important to come prepared. Here is a checklist of essential items:

• Sturdy Walking Shoes: Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential for the forest trails.
• Swimwear and a Towel: If you plan to brave the cold and swim in the blue pools.
• Drinking Water and Snacks: You must carry your own provisions, as there are no shops in the forest.
• Sun Protection: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are important, especially for the open areas.
• Camera: To capture the stunning scenery of the pools and the canopy walk. A waterproof bag for your electronics is a good idea.
• Light Rain Jacket: The weather near the mountain can be unpredictable, and a rain jacket is always a wise addition.