This blog post uncovers all you need to know about Karura Forest Activities and Charges
Karura Forest is an urban forest that is managed by the Kenya Forest Service after it was gazetted in the year 1932. The forest is located about 7.7 kilometers from the Central Business District of Nairobi and can be accessed using 2 gates.
In case you are planning of visiting Karura Forest, this blog will help you uncover some of the best activities you can engage in while there and their charges.
Before we begin listing down Karura Forest Activities and Charges, here is a table showing the entrance fees to Karura Forest.
Karura Forest Entrance Fee
| Citizen – Kenya | Charges |
| Adult | KES 100 |
| Child | KES 50 |
| Residents – East Africa | Charges |
| Adult | KES 200 |
| Child | KES 100 |
| Non-Residents | Charges |
| Adult | KES 600 |
| Child | KES 300 |
Karura Forest Parking Charges
| Type of Vehicle | Charges |
| Cars (4x4s) | KES200 |
| Minivan (14-seater) | KES400 |
| Minibus (15-31 seats) | KES 600 |
| Buses (32 seats & more) | KES 1000 |
Without further ado, lets get right into it. Here are 10 fun activities to do in Karura Forest and their charges.
Go for a Picnic
Karura Forest is the best picnic site along Kiambu Road. At the moment, there are at least five designated areas where people can picnic at Karura, they inculude;
- Ruaka Swamp
- In Sigiria near the Obstacle Course
- Near the KFEET Centre
- Adjacent to Amani Garden
- Karura Gardens along Kiambu Road
All of these designated areas are perfect for a picnic because they are surrounded by natural beauty. The grassy areas, bright flowers and tall tress which offer shade make these picnic spots refreshing.
Another good thing about these designated picnic spots is that they are well-maintained, have accessible restrooms, trails for walking and a quiet atmosphere which is good for relaxing and even meditation.
The charges for picnicking at Karura Forest are as follows;
Adults – KES 150
Children – KES 100
Point to Note: KES 100 applies to children who are less than 12 years old.
Bicycle Riding
Bicycle Riding is also a popular activity in Karura. During my last visit to Karura Forest I was able to identify several bike trails. The major ones include;
- Sigiria Trail
- Lake Path
- Kima Trail
- Family Trail
- KFEET Oval
All of these bike trails are ideal for everyone. In case you like to exercise or ride bicycles for fun, Karura Forest is an amazing place to try.
The charges for renting a bike at Karura Forest is KES 500 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Point to Note: Ensure you carry your National I.D as it will be used as a collateral.
Birdwatching
Karura Forest has an eco-system that is home hundreds of bird species. According to a survey that was recently carried out, it was established that there are over 200 bird species in Karura. Amazing, right?
Some of the common bird species that can be found here include;
- Tropical Boubou
- African Harrier-hawk
- Silvery-cheeked Hornbill
- African Paradise Flycatcher
- Wire-tailed Swallow
- Red-rumped Swallow
- Augur Buzzard
- Rock Pigeon
- Klaas’s Cuckoo
- European Honey-buzzard
- Long-crested Eagle
- Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle
- African Fish-Eagle
- African Green Pigeon
- Black Cuckooshrike
- Black-headed Oriole
- Augur Buzzard
- White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher
- White-browed Robin-chat
These are just a few of the common and rare bird species that you are likely to encounter on your visit to Karura.
For the best birdwatching experience at Karura Forest, you should carry the following;
- A pair of Binoculars
- A camera
- A notebook and pencil or pen
- Water and snacks.
Trekking or Walking
Trekking or walking is the most popular activity in Karura Forest. Having been to this spot several times, I have been able to identify more than 50 walking trails in the forest. Below is a list of the best walking trails starting from the easiest.
Sykes’ Monkey Trail Loop
This is an easy hiking trail that covers a distance of 4.8 kilometers and takes approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. This trail includes a waterfall and several caves that were used by the Mau Mau fighters.
Sykes’ Monkey and Lake Trail Loop
Sykes’ Monkey and Lake Trail Loop is an easy walking trail that covers a distance of 5 Kilometres. On average, it takes about 1 hour and 23 minutes to complete this walking trail. The best time to trek or walk through this route is between August through November.
Sykes’ Monkey, Family, Olive Path and Lake Trail
This is a moderate walking trail that covers a distance of 9 kilometers. Approximately, it takes about 2 hours and 23 minutes to complete this trail. Despite being a challenging trail to conquer, it is a highly recommendable trail for persons who are looking forward to cutting their weight by walking.
Sykes’ Monkey and Fike Bikeshare Trail
Sykes’ Monkey and Fike Bikeshare Trail is a moderate walking and bike trail that covers a total distance of 11.3 kilometers and takes approximately 3 hours and 4 minutes to complete. At the moment, this is the most popular trail at Karura Forest and you are likely to encounter several other people walking too.
Photography
Karura Forest offers the best natural backdrop for taking pictures in Nairobi. The stunning natural beauty served by the tall evergreen trees and lush grass is incomparable.
In case you are looking for a unique spot to go a for a baby shoot, engagement/wedding shoot, family or individual shoot, Karura forest is an awesome place to consider.
Play Tennis at Karura Tennis Courts
Over the past years, the number of people who come to play tennis at the Karura Tennis Courts has been on the rise.
The Karura Tennis Courts can be accessed using the Limuru Road at the KFEET Centre. Before you get to play, you have to register for membership. Below are the terms and conditions they consider for you to become a member.
- You have to reside in Nairobi
- Interested persons must pay a registration fee of KES 12,500
- Qualified members should be ready to part with another KES 2,500 annually
For more information about the Karura Tennis Courts and how the above fees are used, you can visit Karura Tennis Club
Point to Note: You are required to carry your own racquets. You will also pay for the entrance fees just like any other citizen. In case you have a car, you will be required to part with another KES 200 for parking fees.
Explore the Mau Mau Caves
Karura forest is also a good place to visit in case you want to learn more about the history of the Mau Mau fighters. The caves that can be found along the Sykes’ Monkey Trail Loop are a perfect spot for you to witness how Mau Mau veterans lived and survived in the forest.
To access the Mau Mau caves, you need to access the forest station through Kiambu Road. From there, you will need to walk a further 4 kilometers. After completing this distance, you will come across a sign that points to a trail on the right that leads to the caves.
Point to Note: The Mau Mau caves at Karura forest are also considered a sacred place of worship by the local communities.
Dog Walking
Dog Walking is another popular activity that can be done at Karura Forest. According to a survey that was recently completed, it was discovered that Karura Forest is the best spot in Nairobi to take your dog for walking because there is fresh air and enough space for you and your dog to do some jogging or walking.
For safety purposes, it is mandatory for you to register your dog before entry. Also, dogs must be in leashes to avoid dog fights or dogs attacking other people. Visitors who fail to observe these guidelines will escorted out of the gate and banned for 6 months.
Horse Riding
Karura Forest is also a perfect destination for riding horses. The horse trails here are unique and are considered one of the best in Nairobi because they are surrounded by beautiful surroundings and have a mix of varied terrain.
Horse riding at Karura Forest is done by Nairobi Equestrian Stables. One of the best things about these stables is that they have well-trained horses which are friendly to riders. They are also calm and temperament making it easy for beginners to have an easy time riding them.
Team Building
Team Building in Karura is also available. The large green spaces can accommodate hundreds of team builders with ease. Above all, imagine team building in a cool area full of fresh air and cold water for refreshment, sounds fun right?