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The Oloolua nature trail is located in the indigenous tropical dry Oloolua forest in the heart of Karen Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The forest was gazette as a forest reserve in Kajiado county in the year 1914. It offers a serene escape from the fast-paced city life and you will therefore enjoy the beauty of nature and the calmness and relaxation that comes with it.
The forest is considered a lung for Nairobi as it covers 618 hectares and it is home to significant indigenous trees. It is also home to a variety of species including hyenas, primates, warthogs, wild cats, bushbuck, and a flock of birds.
Read: The Karura Forest; All You Need To Know 2023
It is highly recommended that one wears sportswear and carries a bottle of water as one navigates the forest. For those going for a picnic, a leso and a few snacks will be helpful.
Read: Nairobi Hiking
Opening hours
Opened daily from9:00am to 6:00 pm
Entry charges
Citizens pay ksh200 for adults and ksh100 for children while non-residents pay ksh600 for adults and ksh300 for children.
Activities in Oloolua nature trail
a. Nature walk
This is a serene and tranquil environment for you or your dog to take a walk. The environment is safe and calm for a long walk. There are lots of birds that you will see and hear chirping on your trail making it even more enjoyable and relaxing.
b. Jogging along the trail.
This is something you can do with a group of friends or just alone if you are someone who is into fitness. Jogging stimulates your immunity, helps you build strong bones, strengthens your muscles, helps maintain healthy body weight as well reduces mental stress. If you are having a stressful day, Oloolua could help you calm down.
c. Picnics
A meal taken outdoors as part of an excursion in a surrounding like Oloolua is so much fun and relaxing. On the lower ground of Oloolua, there is a picnic site that is complete with benches, trash bins, and toilets which offers a serene environment for groups or couples to sit down and enjoy a meal. The picnic site overlooks the river. It gives room for meditation. Such memories with friends and family are worth living for.
d. Bird watching
Being home to many different types of birds, the forest is a great place for bird watching. Tour guides will take you to the places where you could see most of those birds. This sets you in a serene peaceful mood.
e. Camping
For those that wish to spend more time than a day in the forest, there is a secure campground that is made available but one has to carry their own tent and food. On the camping site, there is a tap, bathroom, and firewood for lighting a bonfire. This makes it even more interesting.
f. Short hiking.
Oloolua attraction sites
- Different animals– several animals have been spotted in the forest for example hyenas and monkeys which make the nature trail even more interesting. If you are a local or international tourist, Oloolua is definitely the place to visit
- Underground caves– these were used as a home for Mau Mau freedom fighters in the fight for independence. These caves are therefore significant in the history of Kenya.
- 20-foot waterfall– the waterfall is said to have white water.
- Papyrus swamp swamps are kind of rare and therefore some of us might not have seen one. It is covered by algae surrounded by papyrus making it look like it has been covered by a green carpet.
- The wooden tower-this tower was used by scientists to study the crowned bird in its natural habitat.
- Bamboo rest point-it is a monocot grass graced by bamboo located beside the Mbagathi river
The tranquility and serenity of Oloolua is a feeling most of us if not all of us should experience. For local and international tourists and explorers, this should be your next stop. In case you are wondering where you are going to sleep when you are around the place, there are many hotels around there. For example Cj’s Restaurant, Tokyo Restaurant, and Haru Japanese Restaurant among others. Apart from the Oloolua nature trail, Nairobi has a variety of places to visit. The Karura Forest, Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Center, and Karen Blixen Museum among others. I can assure you your stay will not be a boring one.
Photo Credits: Hiking Adventures
Stunning 💫