Hidden away in the up market suburb of Karen is 250 hectares of the indigenous tropical dry Oloolua forest that is home to the Institute of Primate Research (IPR). The National Museums of Kenya, the institution that runs this bio-medical research facility, established the 5km long Oloolua Nature Trail in part of this forest, providing an oasis of tranquility for city residents looking to escape the city hustle and bustle.
The Oloolua Nature Trail is a favourite with visitors coming to do a short hike, to jog along the trail, to walk their dogs, or just for a relaxing picnic in this serene setting. Organized groups also come to learn about environmental conservation through guided tours in the forest.
Attractions
The Oloolua nature trail meanders through thick forest vines and undergrowth below giant indigenous trees and bushes, in some places following the course of the Mbagathi River that cuts through the forest. Giant riverside bamboo stands beckon you to descend some rickety stairs to the river and rest on benches built under the bamboo. Trickling water and chirping birds, the only sounds you hear as you rest, lull you into a reflective mood.
Further along the trail close to the river, you encounter a 33m long cave. If you brought a flashlight with you, an exploration of this dark subterranean world takes you through numerous underground caverns reputed to have once been home to Mau Mau freedom fighters during the colonial period of Kenya’s History. A thick pile of guano underfoot and the occasional disturbance of bats flitting past you bring to your attention the existence of a bat colony within.
A papyrus swamp further down the river offers a further glimpse into the rich biodiversity of this indigenous forest. From here on, the trail climbs out of the river valley, occasional bursting upon glades bathed in bright sunlight before diving back under the canopy of the cool forest cover.
A picnic site complete with benches, drop toilets and trash bins offers a nice setting for couples or groups to rest, play or enjoy a meal within the forest. For those wishing to spend more than a day in the forest, a secure campsite is also available complete with tap water, drop toilets, and firewood for lighting a bonfire. You’ll have to bring your own tent, food and cooking utensils though.
Last and perhaps the most spectacular of the attractions in the forest is a 20-foot waterfall close to the forest entrance. As you pick your way along the trail to the waterfall, you’ll go past a wooden tower that was constructed some years back for viewing a Crowned Eagle’s nest that was situated nearby. Scientists used this tower to study the Crowned Eagle’s behaviour in its natural habitat. Sadly, human activities and settlements close to the forest have resulted in the birds migrating from this haven.
Getting There
Oloolua Nature Trail is situated 20km from the city centre in the Karen suburb. If using public means, take matatu number 24 or bus number 24 from the city centre, and alight at the junction of Bogani Road and Karen Road near Karen Blixen Museum. Oloolua Nature Trail is 600 meters to your left.
If driving, take Uhuru Highway till Nyayo Stadium, then turn right onto Langata Road and drive past Bomas of Kenya till the junction to Hardy. Turn left onto Langata South Road, then right onto Bogani Road. Drive till the junction between Bogani and Karen Road, then turn left. Oloolua Nature Trail is 600 meters from this junction.
Entry Requirements
Citizens/Students – Ksh 200 (Children – Ksh 100)
Residents – Ksh 400 (Children – Ksh 200)
Non-Residents – Ksh 600 (Children – Ksh 300)
Visiting Hours
Mondays – Fridays: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Weekends/Public Holidays: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Camping per night
Citizens – Ksh 2,000 (Children – Ksh 1000)
Ksh 5,000 per group of 10
Residents – Ksh 2,500 (Children – Ksh 1,500)
Ksh 6,000 per group of 10http://www.jambonairobi.co.ke/wp-admin/post.php?post=1892&action=edit
Non-Residents – Ksh 3,000 (Children – Ksh 1,500)
Kshs 8,000 per group of 10
To camp here, you need to make advance booking through Lucy on 0716-256771. You also need to bring your own tent.
For more information on the Oloolua Nature Trail, visit the Institute of Primate Research website, or contact Lucy (0716-256771).
Other recreational parks
- Nairobi Arboretum
- Central Park
- Uhuru Gardens
- Nairobi City Park
- Jeevanjee Gardens
- Uhuru Park
- Paradise Lost
- Ngong Hills
We have so much in Nairobi. Such a detailed piece of an article. will be visiting soon to enrich my countries knowledge
Ollolua has the worst marketing and customer service ever,
tell your PR and marketing manager to style up.
She really harrased us before chasing us away, insulted us and told us to our faces that they did not need us…
what kind of customer service. please be hospitable madam Gladys; be kind.
I’m sorry you were mistreated at Oloolua Nature Trail. Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s unfortunate when a visit to such a beautiful place is marred by mistreatment like what you went through.
We do not represent IPR, and have no relationship with them, but I do hope the Managers at IPR have read your complaint and taken corrective action.
Gladys, Pole about your experience. Your complaint was taken seriously and I’m sure your visit to the trail next time will be more exiting.
Lucy
Sorry Joy Gladys about your experience. It was some kind of misunderstanding. Your complaint has been taken seriously and the next time you visit the nature trail you will have a more exiting experience. Come with confidence… the nature trail is waiting…
This is making me worry coz am planning to take a big team there for a day excursion…
We are planning to come visit and take a walk as a group, we hope the reception will be reputable.
Indeed lets hope they are responsive to the public’s outcry. It sounded like prejudice to me, but I hope I’m wrong. Discrimination has no place in today’s Kenya.
Enjoy your visit.
Is the phone no. given there working(0716256771) coz have been trying since morning and no one is picking my calls, Is there an alternative no. i can use since i want to book.? someone help!?
John, Sorry I was not able to phone. This is because I was in a meeting that morning but I called back all the calls I had missed when I got back.
Hi please can you clarify what you mean about residents and non residents
Hi Brian, Residents are non Kenyans who live in Kenya. eg UN staff, Diplomats, NGO workers among others. They are normally issued with a resident’s identification card. Non – Residents non Kenyans who are in Kenya for a short visit. eg tourists. I hope that clears it.
Citizens are basically Kenyans.
hi ad lyk me n my friends 2 visit that place next weekend am wondering if the place is fun n 4 booking who should i call
Its really fun, i was there with my pals on dec,..but i wud advice you to consider the rains which are often unpredictable!!!
Hi!
thank you for the great info on your site, we managed to get there easily, but the trek from the matatu stage to the gate was quite a distance.
Otherwise kindly check in with management and update the prices on your page.
the charges were revised upwards effective as of yesterday.
Kudos! cant wait to sample the other amazing places in Kenya
Thanks for the heads up ms.
Hi
I am Maurice i am requesting for the updated fees and the activities cause i am bringing a group of about seven and i need the price before our visit.
thak you
Thanks for stopping by Maurice. The fees indicated here are now up to date.
Hey? do you guys accept National museum of Kenya complimentaries?
http://www.primateresearch.org/index.php/about-us/oloolua-nature-trail
Hi,
Its’ stated that the start time is 9:00 Am, what about for the early risers who would make it by 7:00 AM, will they wait till you open at 9:00 AM so that they start hiking?
How long (Distance) is the nature Trail?
Do you have guide services and if Yes, at what Cost?
Call Not picked…