Giraffe Centre Nature Trail #1: Trunk Cache
The cache is hidden along the lovely short AFEW Giraffe Centre Nature Sanctuary Trail which meanders through a 95 acre patch of indigenous dry upland forest opposite the Centre, a popular visitor attraction in the Nairobi suburb of Langata. The 1.5 km (40-60 mins) long trail gradually descends to the small seasonal Gogo River, a tributary of the Mbagathi River with its source in the Ngong Hills, then circulates around back to the starting point. See gallery for a trail map.
This is one of the few remnants of the type of forest which covered most of Nairobi. A detailed interpretive guide to the trail including a map with trail markers and various species check-lists is available at the Giraffe Centre and adds to the appreciation of the trail. The wide variety of flora and fauna make the forest an ideal habitat for various animals including giraffe, hyena, butterflies, dragonflies, birds (some 122 species on the trail check-list!), warthogs, bushbucks, monkeys, squirrels and - sometimes - leopard. Label boards help identify some of the many tree species in the forest.
The Centre was founded in 1979 by the late Jock Leslie-Melvile, a Kenyan citizen of British descent and his American wife the late Betty (see gallery photo) who had discovered the sad plight of the Rothschild giraffe - there were only 120 left on an 18,000 acre ranch in Western Kenya that was scheduled for sub-division and settlement. The first effort to save this sub-species was to bring two young giraffes to their property (Giraffe Manor) in Langata (a suburb of Nairobi) and later Betty founded AFEW USA which raised funds to move five groups of giraffes to different safe areas in Kenya namely Lake Nakuru National Park, Mwea National Game Reserve, Ruma National Park and Nasalot Game Reserve; to build the Giraffe Centre; and to obtain neighbouring land . . . (continues with Cache #2 ***)
How to reach the centre:
From Nairobi city centre take Uhuru Highway to Nyayo Stadium, then turn west onto Langata Road and drive past Bomas of Kenya till the junction to Hardy @ S 01 20.432 E 036 45.040. Turn left here onto Langata South Road and follow signs to AFEW Giraffe Centre.
How to reach the cache:
After parking at the Giraffe Centre car park and paying the required access fee, locate the start of the Nature Trail opposite the main gate and make your way down the trail towards the cache location. The cache, a micro-sized tablet tube covered in black insulation tape, is hidden at head height on/in this interesting and largest tree in the area.
Current fees
for Giraffe Centre entry and Nature Trail access (open daily from 09h00-17h00) are:
Non-Resident Adult/Child or Student Kshs 1,000/500
Resident Adult/Child Kshs 250/50