Oloolua forest is a green patch of heaven located in the Karen area of Nairobi. It is managed by the Institute of Primate Research and is home to many tree, plant and small animal species. It is open on all days from 9.00am to 6.00pm.
Oloolua Forest was reserved to protect the Karen Ngong forest stretch. It is a source of livelihood to many wildlife species, mainly being primates. It offers a great opportunity to appreciate and understand the importance of nature and wildlife conservation. With beautiful scenes, and indigenous trees, you will also love the amazing nature, birds and other wildlife species sounds from the forest.
Main Attractions in Oloolua Nature Trail in Nairobi
- A Natural Cave
This awesome cave is 37 meters long deep into the forest surface. It was once used by the Mau Mau fighters during the colonial days. Today it is a home for bats and other small mammals that inhabit the area.
2. A Beautiful Waterfall
This is a breathtaking sight with the fall draining into the Mbagathi River. You will want to spend some time on this site captivated as you stare and listen to the cascading waters. The trickling water and chirping birds in Oloolua Nature Trail in Nairobi are the only sounds you hear as you take in the surrounding which automatically sets you into a serene peaceful mood.
3. Bamboo Rest Point
This magnificent monocot grass species has created an atmosphere that invites you to take a rest and to reflect and embrace nature in a silent world.
4. Papyrus Swamp
The papyrus plant is beautiful and evokes reflections on religion and ancient worlds. The Egyptians first made paper from this plant. It is mainly only found in swampy wetlands and requires special conservation efforts.
How to Get To Oloolua Forest – Directions to Oloolua Forest Trail
This forest is very accessible by private or public means. If using public means, from the Central Business District (CBD), one has the following options;
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Matatu number 24 that will take you directly to Oloolua (alight at the stage called ‘research’). You will find these vehicles at the Bus Station terminus.
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Mini bus number 111 that will take you to Karen shopping Centre, where you will get a connecting matatu that will take you to Oloolua (alight at the stage called ‘research’). The 111’s are to be found opposite Ambassadeur next to Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).
If using private means/uber, drive up to the junction of Karen Road and Bogani road, and drive a further 500m to your left.
How much is the Oloolua Forest entry fee?
When you arrive at the forest, there is an entrance fee to be paid that is as follows;
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Citizen adult (200ksh) and Citizen child (100).
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Non – resident adult (600ksh) and non-resident child (300ksh).
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Resident adult (400ksh) and resident child (200ksh).
In addition to a 5km nature trail, there is a beautiful waterfall that is an excellent backdrop for photographs, a bamboo forest right next to the river that offers an excellent relaxation spot and perhaps dipping of the feet, a campsite for those who love to be one with nature and a picnic site for those love to dine among the sounds of nature.
A visit to this forest is quite rewarding as it is far from the hustle and bustle of the city, it has the peaceful sounds of nature such as, waterfalls, wind blowing through the leaves, sunlight peeking through the trees, and footpaths that are well laid out for an afternoon of wandering.
While in Nairobi, this is a must-go-to place.
