Main things you can do or experience at Karura Forest are cycling, nature walks, birdwatching, picnics, guided tours, tree planting, & horseback riding.
Kenyan citizens pay a daily entry fee of KES 100 for adults and KES 50 for children. Non-residents are charged KES 600 for adults and KES 300 for children for daily access.
Karura Forest stands as a significant urban upland forest located on the
outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya.
This ecological treasure, enveloped within city limits, is one of the
largest of its kind globally, encompassing an area of approximately 1,041
hectares (2,570 acres).
Established in 1932, the forest is a prime example of conservation success,
boasting a rich tapestry of biodiversity amidst the hustle and bustle of the
capital city.
Karura Forest offers a range of outdoor activities surrounded by its lush
upland forest environment, providing an exceptional natural space for
recreation within Nairobi's bustling city life.
Karura Forest features over 50km of trails suited for walking,
jogging, and cycling. Visitors can explore
these trails to enjoy the tranquility of nature, with the added benefit of
sighting over 605 wildlife species.
Those interested in eco-tours can also participate in
guided walks, which provide more insight into the forest's ecology and history.
Karura Forest is equipped to host various events and provide numerous
amenities to enhance the visitor experience:
With a combination of well-maintained trails and various facilities, Karura
Forest provides a comprehensive experience for recreation and leisure in the
heart of Nairobi.
Karura Forest Reserve offers a serene escape within the Nairobi city limits.
Visitors can access its wonders and contribute to its preservation through an
understanding of its rules and conservation efforts.
Entrance: The main entrance to Karura Forest is located off
Limuru Road near the Belgian Embassy.
It is one of several gates that facilitate entry into the reserve, including
other notable access points along Kiambu Road and Peponi Road.
Opening Hours: The forest is open to visitors daily. The
opening hours are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry permitted at
5:00 PM to ensure all visitors leave before darkness falls.
Parking: Ample parking is available near the entrances,
with security provided by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
Entry Fee: Karura entry fees are determined based on residency
status—citizens, residents, and non-residents.
|
Status |
Entry Fee (KES) |
|
Citizens |
100 |
|
Residents |
200 |
|
Non-residents |
600 |
Fees for vehicle parking and other activities within the reserve also apply.
Regulations: The reserve is protected by an electric fence
to preserve its natural resources. Visitors must adhere to regulations set
forth by the Kenya Forest Service to maintain the integrity of the habitat.
Activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling are encouraged, but all within the framework of respect for the environment.
Karura Forest is managed jointly by the Kenya Forest Service and the Friends
of Karura Forest Community Forest Association. Karura offers both residents and
visitors a tranquil escape from urban life.
It serves as a vital green lung for Nairobi, providing a water catchment
area and a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife species, including several types
of birds and smaller mammals.
The community and visitors can enjoy engaging in activities like walking,
jogging, bird-watching, and tree-planting.
Gazetted in 1932, Karura Forest has witnessed the unfolding of Kenya's
tumultuous past and the rise of environmental movements, significantly shaping
Nairobi's landscape.
During the Mau Mau Rebellion in the 1950s, Karura Forest served as a hideout
for fighters.
The forest contains a network of caves, which were used by Mau Mau rebels as
strategic meeting points and sanctuaries.
These caves are a testament to the forest's role in Kenya's struggle for
independence.
Wangari Maathai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, championed the protection
of Karura Forest in the late 20th century.
She founded the Green Belt Movement which was instrumental in organizing
protests to halt illegal land grabs and deforestation.
Maathai's persistent efforts ensured Karura's preservation as an urban green
space, attesting to the global significance of environmental conservation.
Karura Forest is not only a serene getaway from the urban buzz of Nairobi
but also a rich repository of Kenyan wildlife and natural landscapes.
This section delves into the diverse flora and fauna that call the forest home, as well as its notable geographical features.
Karura Forest provides habitat for a wealth of wildlife, thriving within its
boundaries. Among the mammalian species, one can find the duiker,
a small antelope known for its shy nature, and bush bucks that
roam the underbrush.
The forest is also home to bush pigs, porcupines,
and the nocturnal genet. A unique sighting for visitors could
be the elusive bush baby, a small primate with large,
expressive eyes.
In addition to mammals, the forest supports a population of civets
and hares.
Birdwatchers can be treated to a wide array of birds, whose
calls and songs add melody to the forest ambiance.
Karura is a habitat conducive for primates as well, with several species of monkeys
agilely navigating the tree canopy.
It is not uncommon to catch a glimpse of these creatures during a quiet
walk.
The botanical component of Karura Forest is equally impressive. The forest
has a large number of eucalyptus trees, initially introduced
to the area, alongside a significant presence of native trees.
Indigenous upland forest species comprise 36% of the tree population. The
diverse vegetation offers a flourishing environment for butterflies,
adding color and motion to the forest landscape.
Karura Forest is as well-regarded for its natural formations as it is for
its biodiversity. The area harbors enthralling waterfalls,
with the Karura and Ruaka waterfalls being the most prominent.
These cascades provide a tranquil backdrop for hikers and are among the
forest's main attractions.
Embedded in the geography of Karura are pockets of marshland,
supporting aquatic plants and wildlife and contributing to the diverse
ecosystems within the forest. The forest also contains historical and natural
sites like the Mau Mau caves, significant in Kenya's struggle
for independence.
The forest's geographical variety is apparent in the bamboo forest
section that introduces a different texture to the landscape.
These areas not only enhance the visual appeal of Karura but also support
different species of wildlife and plants, playing a crucial role in the
ecosystem's health and resilience.
Karura Forest Reserve spans approximately 1,000 hectares and is a significant
natural resource for Nairobi, adjacent to affluent neighborhoods like Runda and
Muthaiga.
The Friends of Karura Community Forest Association, alongside the Kenya
Forest Service, plays a crucial role in safeguarding this urban forest. They
monitor its use and engage in activities like tree planting and recycling
initiatives. Their efforts ensure that Karura remains a shining example of
successful urban conservation compatible with city life.
Moreover, regular patrols and an electric fence have been instrumental in
safeguarding Karura Forest against encroachment and illegal activities,
reinforcing its status as a protected area adjacent to Nairobi National Park.
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