Still in Aberdare, we visit the Kimakia Forest in the south before proceeding to the Gatanga Waterfalls. The expedition moves from the old fishing camp to the old Mugumo tree, crossing River Chania onto the double-tier waterfall. The landscape is spectacular, the weather exceptional, and the trip memorable. What stands out about this hike is its proximity to Nairobi (85 km), allowing you to enjoy the stroll without constantly looking at the time. All through the 17km along the river, there are more spectacular views, including the Kimakia river stretch, after which we get to the Gatanga-Kimakia waterfalls. 

The journey to the Gatanga Falls starts from Kimakia Forest Camp, following the trail until River Chania. You proceed northwards into the Aberdare up to the Ragia River. The terrain is fair, save for occasional steep climbs along the river. Breathtaking sceneries and a cool climate accompany you along the river to the 2-tier Gatanga – Kimakia waterfall. As is in many Aberdare hikes, the gradual altitude increase makes the whole exercise challenging, but following the trail along the river is magical. The waterfall is 60m high, roaring with rage as it flows towards Thika. It is a spectacle, offering a great backdrop for photography and other nature activities. Vegetation, surrounding, and the ecosystem co-exist, giving the waterfall a good distraction from the normal up-the-hill hike. Save for the waterfall hike, the rest is just normal trekking.  Besides the waterfall, there are forest trails heading straight into the Aberdares and a classic view of the ranges. In 5 hours, the trip round ends, covering close to 15km to and from the Kimakia Forest Station. Although the trek is rated easy on a difficulty scale, it is not advisable for children under 10 years. The Mugumo tree on the trail is a cultural edifice, representing longevity and cultural preservation among the locals. It holds a special place among the local community members, which is a great lesson as you ascend the river banks. Guides in the hike are versant with the tree’s history and its significance to the larger Mt Kenya communities. 

The weather is generally warm in November due to the hot and wet climate around the Aberdares. Depending on the day, consider dressing light, but carry enough warm clothes if the temperature drops. However, expect pleasant weather on the hike day.