Dearest gentle reader, I will not bore you, with all my nowhere’s and everywhere whereabouts, of all my travel adventure expeditions. However, there is one particular travel story of my whereabouts, that is aching to be told and it is none other than the Oloolua Nature Trail in Kenya.
What came to mind when I was thinking of going to Oloolua Nature Trail, is the beauty many say about it, the way they describe and mix their words perfectly that drew me to this trail. I had the opportunity to visit this place, with one of the best tours and travel companies in Kenya, Adequate Safaris. It is the best tour and travel company in Kenya operating across East African country and other several countries in Africa. To travel with Adequate Safaris email us at de***@*************is.com or call +254 768 555 444 / +254 711 711 498
Oloolua Nature Trail Overview
Thinking of a place where you can enjoy walking your dog at, going for a jog or have a relaxing picnic in the tranquil oasis, look no further, because today I bring your long lost hard search to an end. Tucked in the Karen neighbourhood, is a scenic nature reserve, known for its beautiful views, endeavouring atmosphere, indigenous trees and ideal for birdwatching and nature walks, is where you will find Oloolua Nature Trail.
It is a popular spot, known for hiking enthusiasts where they can explore the winding paths that meander through the forested areas and along the riverbank. Taken to this beautiful place with one of the best travel agencies in Kenya, I truly enjoyed my time in this paradise. Oloolua Nature Trail was established and is also managed by the National Museums of Kenya and it hosts the Kenya Institute of Primate Research.
Where Oloolua Nature Trail Is Located
Oloolua Nature Trail is located 20 km approximately from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. Just past Karen Blixen House on Karen Road, where it ends to be precise. If you are accessing the trail from Nairobi National Park, you will journey for 8.2 km through Bogani Road. If you are using a matatu or bus from Nairobi city, take matatu number 24 and drop off at the junction of Bogani Road, 600 meters to your left, is where you will find Oloolua Nature Trail. The Oloolua Nature Trail, forest size is 618 ha and 250 ha of this indigenous forest.
The trails on which you will walk along is approximately 5 km of walking paths. It is good that you note, this valuable piece of information, there is Oloolua Nature Trail, this is the section that visitor friendly managed in partnership with Kenya Institute Of Primate Research (KIPRE) and Oloolua Nature Trail that is managed by KFS.
Visiting Hours:
- Mondays-Fridays – 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Weekends/Public Holidays – 9:00am – 6:00pm
Driving Directions From Nairobi
This is the most common route used by car, it includes the following directions:
- If you are starting your drive from CBD, you will take Uhuru Highway and link with Langata Road.
- On Langata Road, you will pass through Bomas of Kenya and head to Karen.
- Use Langata South Road and enter Bogani Road.
- Turn onto Karen Road at the junction of Bogani Road and Karen Road.
- Near Karen Blixen Museum, approximately 600 meters from the junction down Karen Road, you will find Oloolua Nature Trail.
Oloolua Nature Trail Key Attractions
There are a couple of key features and attractions, you shouldn’t miss when you visit Oloolua Nature Trail in the company of Adequate Safaris, one of the best tour companies in Kenya they include:
- Mau Mau Cave: The Mau Mau Cave is a key feature of Oloolua Nature Trail. It was a common hide place by Mau Mau freedom fighters when Kenya was fighting to gain its independence. If you will be curious enough to enter the place, I advise you carry along a flash light, since the cave is home to many bats and small mammals.
- The Waterfall: Commonly referred to as the Oloolua Waterfall, it is a 7 meter drop on the Mbagathi River and is surrounded with lush vegetation, birds and monkeys.
- Wildlife Animals: In as much as Oloolua Nature Trail is a picnic spot and a place to walk, jog and unwind, there is also a reason why it is referred to as a forest beauty. It hosts animals such as the Crowned Eagle, baboons, Sykes monkeys which you will definitely encounter with Adequate Safaris.
- Other Resources: Other natural resources you will find is the papyrus swamp, picnic glades, camping area, a wooden viewing tower and bamboo rest point.
What To Do In Oloolua Nature Trail
- Photography & Content Creation: This ranks as the top on my list, mainly because I love documenting every place I get to visit. You will pay separate permit and fee charge to take photos and videos though. Places such as the cave, the bamboo forest and the waterfall are awesome places to take content for your social media channels in Oloolua Nature Trail.
- Camping: The nature trail offers you access to camp in Oloolua for a couple of nights at an extra fee. Basic amenities offered at the place to ensure you a smooth stay includes drop toilets, tap water and firewood for bonfires during the night.
- Guided Nature Walks and Hiking: With an approximate of 5 km network of trails that you can cover, that is suitable for anyone despite your physical fitness levels, this trail is a nice place whenever you need a quiet place in Nairobi. You can also use the trails for dog walks, jogging and short forest strolls.
- Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing: Oloolua Nature Trail is known to be a popular spot for bird watching and wildlife spotting. With countless bird species such as forest birds, river-edge species and raptors, it is evident that if you are a bird enthusiast, your time in Oloolua will be awesome. For wildlife spotting, be on the lookout for warthogs, Sykes monkeys, small antelopes and baboons.
- Corporate Events and Team Building Activities: Oloolua Nature Trail is a big space and allows for corporate events and team building exercises. If you have a company and you want to motivate the colleagues in a team building exercise at Oloolua Nature Trail, talk to us at Adequate Safaris through our email de***@*************is.com
- Family Hangouts In Nature: If all your Saturdays usually end up with you not making a final decision on where to take your family or friends to, then magically Oloolua is the best places to go. You can bring along snacks and a Masai cover and enjoy awesome picnics in Oloolua Nature Trail.
- Research and Learning Tours: Oloolua Nature Trail is a popular designated site that offers educational school trips and university field work tours where students can learn more on botany, zoology, forest conservation and ecology.
- Cave Exploration: Like mining, you always use a torch when you are exploring underground activities because of how dark it is. Exploring the caves at Oloolua Nature Trail is exciting but be careful to avoid any accidents happening to you. This is more like a historical activity, since it is where Mau Mau freedom fighters used to hide during the struggle for independence.
Oloolua Nature Trail Prices
For anyone looking to visit Oloolua Nature Trail and wondering what are costs, you need to know that Oloolua is quite affordable, here are the charges you are looking forward to:
- Citizens pay Ksh 200, while kids pay Ksh 100.
- Residents pay Ksh 400, while kids pay Ksh 200.
- Non-residents pay Ksh 600, while children pay Ksh 300.
Oloolua Nature Trail Camping Charges Per Night
- Kenyan Citizen Adults pay Ksh 2000 while children pay Ksh 1000.
- A group of 10 individuals pay Ksh 5000.
- Residents pay Ksh 2500 and children pay Ksh 1500.
- Foreigners pay Ksh 3000 while children pay Ksh 1500.
- Foreign groups pay Ksh 8000.
Team Building
For team building activities, here are the charges:
- 1 – 20 people the charges are Ksh 10,000.
- 20 – 50 people the charges are Ksh 20,000.
- 50 – 100 people you will pay Ksh 30,000.
Other Group Activities
- Birthday Party group activities you looking forward to paying Ksh 10,000.
- Chama Meeting group activities pay Ksh 15,000.
- Wedding Reception charges are Ksh 40,000.
- Commercial Function group activities pay Ksh 50,000.
Oloolua Nature Trail Prices Inclusions
- Meet and greet services
- Park entrance fees.
- Activities.
- Drinking water (500ml).
- Tour guides fees.
- Transport coverage to and from Nairobi.
Cost Exclusions
- Lunch.
- Tips and gratitude.
- Personal nature items.
Best Time To Visit Oloolua Nature Trail
The best time to visit Oloolua Nature Trail with Adequate Safaris, one of the many leading tours and travel companies in Kenya is through out the year. However, to maximise you time in the trail, the most convenient and comfortable time to visit the trail is in the dry months from January to mid February and from July to October. If you enjoy walking in the rain while being surrounded with tall trees, you can enjoy Oloolua Nature Trail in the month of March when rains are maximum and in December.
Filming In Oloolua Nature Trail
Filming in Oloolua can make your film or movie pop. With attraction sites such as caves, waterfalls, nature and the trails. You can also add birds such as the Crowned Eagle, baboons and monkeys as your cut aways to add more depth in your film. However, to start filming in Oloolua Nature Trail, you will first need a filming permit from the Kenya Film Commission. They will guide you on all the requirements you need to provide to get verified to film in the trail. Once you obtain your permit, you will head to Oloolua and pay the filming fees depending on the package and number of days you will be filming, they include:
- Daily filming fees you pay Ksh 1000.
- For documentaries, short films, adverts and drams you pay Ksh 5,000.
- For long TV series and movies you will pay Ksh 15,000.
Where To Eat, Sleep & Visit
There are many places that you can stop and bite a snack or a delicious meal, places that offer accommodation around Oloolua Nature Trail. Some of these places can be referred to as attraction sites. They include the Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karen Blixen Museum and Karen Hub, these are the attraction sites, while places you can eat include Hemingway’s Brasserie Nairobi, Tamarind Restuarant, The Social House and Acacia Tree Lodge just to name a few. To stay at these places, it can be arranged by Adequate Safaris, one among the many leading tour companies in Kenya.
What To Pack When Visiting Oloolua Nature Trail
Depending on what is taking you to explore Oloolua Nature Trail, there are a few things that you will need to pack for a smooth exploration. Items such as bug repellant and sunscreen should be essential. If you are visiting the trail on a cold season, you will have to wear layered, warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes. If it is in the dry sunny season, you can just wear a vest and a short. The most interesting items that you will need or want to carry is a good phone camera or camera equipments, people say Canon and Sony are good choices of brands to consider.
Why Oloolua Nature Trail Is Worth Visiting
Yes, Oloolua Nature Trail is worth visiting. If you are a nature enthusiast and are searching for a an outdoor activity that is refreshing while still in the comfort of Nairobi, then this trail should be in your bucket list. Oloolua Nature Trail is a short walk but also very rewarding in terms of spiritual, mental and emotional wellness. If you need a quiet space while being surrounded with nature and hearing the sounds of birds chirping, I see no reason why not, to find yourself in Oloolua Nature Trail.
Safety & Practical Tips To Observe In Oloolua Nature Trail
To ensure your time at Oloolua Nature Trail is safe and secure as possible, here are some of the safety practical tips you should follow:
- Avoid feeding the monkeys and baboons or any other wildlife.
- Trash your disposed items on the bins provided and avoid littering the environment.
- If you are dog walking in the trail, ensure your dog is on a leash.
- When you are going for camping, ensure you follow the guidelines provided to you by the rangers or KIPRE working staff.
- When walking, ensure you follow and stay on the marked trails.
Final Thoughts
The Oloolua Nature Trail is an iconic area where you can relax and enjoy a serene environment while in the company of Adequate Safaris, one of the many leading tour companies in Kenya. It is a place you can consider referring to as a city jungle of Kenya. Once you visit the trail, you will fall in love with the place. It is unlike other trails such as Karura Forest or the Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary, more quieter and with less crowds. The fact that Oloolua Nature Trail is located far away from the noise pollution in Nairobi, makes Oloolua stand out as a place you can escape and relax while still in Nairobi. For tree lovers, picnic lovers and environmentalists this is just the right place for you.
Oloolua Nature Trail FAQs
Is Public Transport Available For Oloolua Nature Trail?
Using public transport is available either by bus or a matatu, number 24, from Central Business District. However they will not drop you off at the entrance of Oloolua Nature Trail, which means you will have to either walk or take a motorcycle.
Can I Cycle At Oloolua Nature Trail?
Yes you can hire a bicycle at an extra cost and ride along the pathways.
What Should I Expect When I Visit Oloolua Nature Trail?
Expect to engage in a 5 km peaceful stroll in this forest, spot different bird species and a little bit of wildlife but not as similar as when you visit national parks, explore the caves, papyrus swamps and swim in the waterfall.
Why Travel With Adequate Safaris To Oloolua Nature Trail
There are many reasons why you should choose and search for the best tours and travel companies in Kenya, such as Adequate Safaris, they include:
- We offer you best value for your money: We understand that it takes years of savings to plan for any trip and we aim to match your efforts with no hidden costs and 100% transparency.
- Expertise and Knowledge: We have unlimited expertise when it comes to all the attractions sites, you wish to visit. Instead of relying on online reviews, you can leave this part to us and get firsthand knowledge from our professional tour consultants.
- We provide access to exclusive experiences: We have special negotiations with local businesses, cultural sites and countries that allow us to provide for our customers exclusive experiences.
- For convenience: Planning any trip or expedition can be strenuous, however, as one of the best and leading tour companies in Kenya, you leave all that hard work to us. From booking your flights, arranging the best activities to choosing the best accommodations, we give you a hassle free travel experience and customise your itinerary, so you don’t wonder what you will do each day on your travels.
If these reasons among many stand out, as why you should travel with us, Adequate Safaris, reach us out on our website https://adequatesafaris.com/, email us on de***@*************is.com or call us on+254 768 555 444 / +254 711 711 498
