The Karura Forest is a green oasis inside the city, just a 15-minute drive from Nairobi’s central business district. Three rivers flow through the park and there is a 49-foot-high waterfall, a bamboo jungle, a series of caves and a wetland. The park also boasts up to 31 miles of walking trails.
The park is home to a large diversity of flora and fauna. Most of the native tree species found at Kenya’s higher elevations can be seen here; hundreds of species of birds, as well as bats, antelopes and various monkey species make their home in this forest. Until recently, very few Kenyans came to enjoy the natural beauty of the park as there were almost no facilities. However, a few years ago the park underwent significant improvements and new cycling and walking trails were built. Since then, the park has become a popular destination for Nairobi residents who come here to walk and enjoy picnics.
“The caves once sheltered the members of the Mau Mau guerrilla movement.”