Karura Forest
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.
A reborn eco-destination
Until recently there was always the threat that this 1300-acre park would fall prey to the expanding city and real-estate developers. Crime also was a pressing problem. However, in 2005 a law was passed that allowed the people of the surrounding slums to help preserve the park – in return for revenue and natural resources. Since then the park’s facilities have vastly improved and park rangers patrol to increase security. The park was also enclosed by a fence. In 2011, Karura Forest was officially inaugurated as a leisure area and eco-tourism destination, and the park now offers a camp ground and other services.
A family walking trail
In 2009, the park inaugurated a new 3-mile hiking trail: the Family Trail. This easy route leads to beautiful caves, which the local population regards as holy. These caves have also served as shelter for members of the Mau Mau movement. These guerrillas fought against British colonial rule in the 1950s. After less than a mile you will reach the waterfall. Until recently, most Nairobi residents didn’t even know about the existence of this peaceful location so close to home.
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Nature
To learn more about life, nature and culture in Kenya, visit the Nairobi National Museum. The museum is located near Museum Hill, a 10-minute drive from the city centre. In addition to the museum, which was beautifully renovated in 2005, you will be able to visit the botanical gardens, a nature trail, shops and restaurant facilities.
Nature
Kenya is a paradise for safari lovers. There are almost 50 national parks which are home to millions of impressive animals. Elephants, lions, hippos and leopards: that is just a small sample of the huge diversity of animals. In the water, on the savannah, in the trees or in the mountains, magnificent animals are everywhere. This is Africa at its best!
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