Oloolua Nature Trail #1: The Waterfall
This is the 1st of a series of caches placed along this fine hidden gem of a forest trail.
The 5km long trail hidden away in the wealthy Nairobi suburb of Karen was established by National Museums of Kenya which also runs the Institute of Primate Research (IPR) - both located in 250 hectares of the indigenous tropical dry Oloolua forest. The trail provides an oasis of tranquility and shade for city residents wanting to escape the city hustle and bustle.
Visitors come for a lovely cool forest hike, to jog along the trail, to walk their dogs, or just for a relaxing picnic in this serene setting. Organized school groups also come to learn about environmental conservation through guided forest tours.
The 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 runs through the forest . . .
. . . The river has its catchment in the Ngong Hills and a number of small dams have been built along its short length to permit water retention and extraction. Some 5km downstream from here it forms the southern boundary of Nairobi National Park before joining the Ololua river to form the Embakasi River which farther downstream just east of Athi River town joins the Athi River as it enters the savanna plateau.
The Athi in its lower course becomes the Galana or Sabaki passing through Tsavo East National Park before crossing the coastal plain and exiting to the Indian Ocean just north of Malindi. At 390km, this river system is the second longest in Kenya after the Tana River.
The Mbagathi river is the main source of water in the Nairobi National Park as well as for settlements downriver including Kerende, Karen, Gataka, and Kitengela.
One of the highlights of the trail is a 20-foot waterfall close to the forest entrance. As you follow the trail to the waterfall, you will pass a wooden tower which was built some years ago for viewing a nearby Crowned Eagle’s nest. Scientists used it to study the bird's behaviour in its natural habitat. Sadly, increasing human activities close to the forest disturbed the birds and resulted in them migrating from this haven.
The cache, a small screw-capped camouflaged plastic pot, is hidden at the back of a horizontal crack between two rocks just beside the trail about 40m before the trail ends at the waterfall. Please take care retrieving and replacing the cache as the area is popular with muggles, especially at weekends, and kindly replace the cache properly concealed as found - thanks!
Permission to place the cache was kindly given by the Institute of Primate Research and the guides at the gate know about it.
ONT Opening hours:
Weekdays: 09h00-16h00
Weekends/public holidays: 09h00-17h30
ONT Entry Fees (Adult/Child):
Citizens/Students: Kshs 100/50
Residents: Kshs 200/100
Non-Residents: Kshs 400/200
Getting There
Oloolua Nature Trail is situated about 20km from Nairobi city centre at the southern end of the Karen suburb.
If using public transport, take matatu/bus #24 from the city centre, and alight at Bogani Road/Karen Road junction near Karen Blixen Museum - the trail starts 600m south down Karen Road.
If driving, take Uhuru Highway to Nyayo Stadium, then turn west onto Langata Road and drive past Bomas of Kenya till the junction to Hardy. Turn left here onto Langata South Road, then right onto Bogani Road. Drive till the junction between Bogani and Karen Road, then turn left - the trail is 600m south of this junction.