The Nairobi Bachelor’s Destinations: Oloolua Nature Trail

NOTE: Read about the first two posts on the Nairobi Bachelor’s Destinations where I shared about The African Heritage House and the Ololosokuan Nature Trail.

The Oloolua Nature Trail is just like any other found in the city. There’s not much of a difference with let’s say Karura Forest trails, but then there is just something about it that leaves you wanting to go back. It has been a while(a year and a half) since I was there, but my photographic memory of the place still lingers. It is one of the coolest and calmest places you will find in Nairobi(it’s neighborhood is a big plus). Located in Karen, you are sure not to experience crowds while you take a walk or a jog around. The picnic areas are also very nice, with benches and well maintained grass for the lovers of the traditional picnic.

Benches

Oloolua Forest is a haven of indigenous trees. The Mbagathi river cuts through the forest hence some thick bushes and undergrowth. It is a dense forest. The trails however are well marked and cleared. There is a 20-foot waterfall along the trail(not far from the gate) that I will highly encourage you to visit. It’s not the greatest of falls, but if you refer to the one at Karura as ‘falls’, then this is a taller fall.

The Waterfall

The Maumau caves are also something to check out, and explore for the brave. The occasional flying out of bats sacred my friends and I and we couldn’t go in. Also carry a flashlight.

The trail

Getting there is pretty simple, drive on Uhuru highway from city centre till Nyayo stadium roundabout then turn right into Langata Road. Drive past Bomas of Kenya junction and The Junction mall till you get to the junction to Hardy. Turn left into Langata South Road, then right onto Bogani Road. Drive ahead till the junction of Bogani and Karen Roads the turn left, Oloolua Nature Trail gate is 500M or so ahead.

Directions

If using public means, take Matatu number 24 at Bus Station and alight at the junction of Bogani and Karen Roads. Alternatively, ask to be dropped at Karen Blixen Museum. Oloolua Nature Trail gate will be 500M or so to your left, you can’t miss the signboard.

Distance from Nairobi: 18KM
Fare: Ksh. 200, total for both ways (on the high)
Activities: Jogging, Sightseeing, Walking, Picnic, Camping.

Fees

 

Visiting Hours

Mondays – Fridays:                 9:00am – 6:00pm
Weekends/Public Holidays:   9:00am – 6:00pm

Entry Requirements

Citizens/Students – Ksh 200 (Children – Ksh 100)
Residents –               Ksh 400 (Children – Ksh 200)
Non-Residents –      Ksh 600 (Children – Ksh 300)

Camping per night

To camp here, you need to make advance booking through Lucy on 0716-256771. You also need to bring your own tent. Charges are:

Citizens  –             Ksh 2,000 (Children – Ksh 1000)
.                –             Ksh 5,000 per group of ten (10)
Residents –           Ksh 2,500 (Children – Ksh 1,500)
.                   –           Ksh 6,000 per group of ten (10)
Non-Residents –  Ksh 3,000 (Children – Ksh 1,500)
.                           –  Ksh 8,000 per group of ten (10)

The Swampy area

Team Building

1-20 people,           Ksh 10,000
20 – 50 people,     Ksh 20,000
50 – 100 people,   Ksh 30,000

Other Activities

Church service,              Ksh 50,000
Corporate  function,     Ksh 80,000
Commercial function,  Ksh 50,000
Birthday party,              Ksh 10,000
Chama meeting,            Ksh 15,000
Wedding Reception,     Ksh 40,000
Garden Wedding,         Ksh 50,000

All photos courtesy of jambonairobi.co.ke. For more info check Museums of Kenya and Primate Research Organisation.