Oloolua Forest
Hidden Forest Gem in Karen
Nairobi Nature & Forest Tours
About Oloolua Forest
Oloolua Nature Trail is a peaceful indigenous forest tucked away in the Karen suburb — one of Nairobi’s best-kept secrets for nature lovers. Managed by the National Museums of Kenya, the 250-hectare forest offers a tranquil escape just minutes from the city.
Walk beneath towering indigenous trees to a beautiful 20-foot waterfall, explore a historic cave once used as a Mau Mau hideout during the struggle for independence, and spot black-and-white colobus monkeys leaping through the canopy.
Birdwatchers can tick off over 100 species, while the Mbagathi River picnic site makes a perfect spot for a quiet lunch in nature. The forest is also a research site for the Institute of Primate Research.
- Scenic 20-foot waterfall
- Historic Mau Mau caves
- Colobus & Sykes monkeys
- 100+ bird species
- Picnic & camping sites
- Quiet, uncrowded trails
Plan Your Visit
- Location: Karen, off Ngong Road, Nairobi
- Duration: 2–3 hours (half-day trip)
- Best time: Morning for birds and monkeys; dry season for easier trails
- Includes: Transport, entry fees, local guide
- Combine with: Karen Blixen Museum & Giraffe Centre (nearby)