Ngare Ndare Forest: A Hidden Gem in Kenya’s Wilderness
Ngare Ndare Forest is one of Kenya’s lesser-known yet breathtaking natural treasures. Located at the foothills of Mount Kenya in Laikipia County, this indigenous forest offers an immersive experience in nature, combining adventure, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. It’s a vital corridor linking Mount Kenya with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, making it an important area for conservation efforts and a thriving tourist destination. With its canopy walk, waterfalls, wildlife, and pristine beauty, Ngare Ndare is a must-visit for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and those looking to explore Kenya’s unspoiled wilderness.
How to Get to Ngare Ndare Forest?
Ngare Ndare Forest is easily accessible by road, located approximately 3 hours from Nairobi by car. The most common route is via Nanyuki, a town near Mount Kenya, which is well-connected by road to the forest. Visitors can arrange transportation from Nanyuki or drive directly to the forest.
Local tour companies and guides offer day trips and overnight camping packages that include transportation, making it convenient for tourists who want a hassle-free experience.
Best Things To Do/Activities In Ngare Ndare Forest
- Canopy Walk: A Walk Among the Treetops
One of the key attractions at Ngare Ndare Forest is its canopy walk, the longest in East Africa. This suspension bridge stretches 450 meters through the treetops, offering visitors a bird’s-eye view of the lush forest below.
- A Unique Perspective: The canopy walk rises 10 meters above the ground, allowing visitors to observe the forest from a unique vantage point. As you walk along the swaying bridge, you can spot different bird species, primates like Colobus monkeys, and occasionally even elephants passing through the forest beneath you. The tranquility and beauty of the forest canopy make this a peaceful yet exhilarating experience.
- End Viewpoint: The canopy walk ends at a viewing platform perched high in the trees, providing a stunning panoramic view of the forest. From here, visitors can take in the vastness of Ngare Ndare’s greenery, watch birds in flight, and enjoy the serene environment.
Why It’s a Highlight: The canopy walk offers an immersive adventure that lets you experience the forest from an elevated position, adding an element of excitement and wonder.
- Ngare Ndare’s Waterfalls and Natural Pools
Ngare Ndare Forest is home to several stunning waterfalls that cascade into crystal-clear natural pools, perfect for visitors seeking a more adventurous experience.
- Waterfall Hikes: The forest has a network of hiking trails leading to its famous waterfalls, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the falls amidst the surrounding greenery. The waterfalls vary in size, from gentle cascades to powerful torrents, all set in tranquil locations that offer a peaceful escape.
- Swimming in Natural Pools: At the base of some of these waterfalls are deep natural pools with cool, turquoise water. These pools provide a refreshing spot for swimming, especially after a long hike through the forest. The pristine, clean waters are fed by underground springs, adding to their allure. Visitors often take a dip to cool off while enjoying the serene, picturesque surroundings.
Why It’s a Highlight: The combination of hiking to stunning waterfalls and swimming in natural pools makes Ngare Ndare Forest an idyllic spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
- Wildlife Encounters and Conservation
As a vital wildlife corridor, Ngare Ndare Forest is a crucial habitat for a variety of animals, making it an exciting destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Elephant Migration Corridor: Ngare Ndare plays an important role in elephant conservation, as it serves as a key migration route for elephants moving between Mount Kenya and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat as they roam through the forest.
- Other Wildlife: Besides elephants, Ngare Ndare is home to other wildlife species such as buffalos, bushbucks, colobus monkeys, and leopards. The forest also supports a rich diversity of birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Rare species like the Turaco, and other colorful forest birds, are often spotted here.
- Conservation Efforts: The forest is protected under the Ngare Ndare Forest Trust, which works to conserve the biodiversity of the area while promoting eco-tourism. The Trust collaborates with local communities and conservation organizations to ensure the forest remains a safe habitat for wildlife, while also providing sustainable income through tourism.
Why It’s a Highlight: The opportunity to see wildlife in such a serene, untouched environment, particularly elephants, adds a magical element to any visit to Ngare Ndare.
- Hiking and Nature Trails
Ngare Ndare Forest boasts a variety of hiking trails that cater to different fitness levels and interests. The trails meander through dense forest, open glades, and near water bodies, providing opportunities to explore the rich biodiversity of the forest.
- Scenic Hikes: The forest is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy long, scenic walks through diverse ecosystems. As you hike, you’ll encounter towering indigenous trees, dense thickets, and open clearings that reveal spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes, including Mount Kenya on a clear day.
- Guided Nature Walks: For visitors interested in learning more about the local flora and fauna, guided nature walks are available. Knowledgeable local guides share insights about the forest’s history, its role in local culture, and the medicinal uses of various plants found within the forest. These guided walks are a great way to appreciate the forest’s biodiversity and the importance of its conservation.
Why It’s a Highlight: The well-maintained hiking and nature trails offer visitors a peaceful way to explore Ngare Ndare’s rich ecosystems while enjoying its scenic beauty.
- Camping and Picnicking in the Forest
Ngare Ndare Forest is also a popular spot for camping and picnicking, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.
- Forest Camping: For those who want to spend a night under the stars, there are designated camping areas within the forest. Camping at Ngare Ndare offers a unique experience of sleeping in the wild, surrounded by the sounds of the forest. The camping sites are equipped with basic facilities, and campers can enjoy a night around the campfire, listening to the sounds of wildlife in the distance.
- Picnicking: Visitors who prefer day trips can enjoy picnicking at one of the forest’s many scenic spots. The forest’s open glades and areas near the waterfalls provide peaceful, picturesque settings for a relaxed meal surrounded by nature.
Why It’s a Highlight: Camping and picnicking in the pristine surroundings of Ngare Ndare allow visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and experience the forest’s serene atmosphere.
- Adventure Activities: Rock Climbing and Caving
For those looking for more adventurous activities, rock climbing and caving are available in certain parts of Ngare Ndare Forest.
- Rock Climbing: Some areas of the forest feature natural rock formations suitable for rock climbing, offering an exciting challenge for experienced climbers. With guidance from local instructors, even beginners can try out basic rock climbing under safe conditions.
- Caving: Ngare Ndare also has caves hidden within the forest, waiting to be explored. These caves, formed through volcanic activity, offer a unique adventure as visitors explore their dark, winding interiors with the help of guides.
Why It’s a Highlight: These adventure activities provide an adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers, adding a dynamic edge to a visit to the forest.