Aberdare Forest is one of the most thrilling hiking trails in Kenya. Its waterfalls, vegetation cover and wildlife make the experience exciting. Situated in the heart of Othaya in Nyeri country, we take you back on a hike that brings you 3 waterfalls in a beat. Most importantly, the canopy formed by bamboo provides a cool cover throughout your hike. The journey traverses from Njigari Forest Station and runs through Thuti Falls and Gitonga Falls before concluding the hike at Gura Falls. The entire trek is 18km long, taking a maximum of 7 hours. Besides the adventure and spectacular views, this hike welcomes you to Kenya’s hinterland, showing its beauty and resourcefulness. The community around Ngare Ndare are involved in forest conservation, which brings communal responsibility. Needless to say, the forest is one of the few in the country with peaceful coexistence between the wildlife and the local population. The locals also benefit from the diversity, improving the livelihood standard. Essentially, it is the hidden gem in the north, after which the northern rangelands begin.

Ngare Ndare is 244km from Nairobi, taking close to 5 hours around famous Mt Kenya on the right. You can have stop-overs in Karatina and Nanyuki towns to catch a breather before delving deep into the hike. For a person going northwards, you have lots of sight-seeing to do. The Aberdare Ranges on the left horizon remind you of the trips early in the year.

There is also 11 km off the main road on a rough road towards Ngare Ndare Forest Gate, which is the hiking destination. On arrival, you meet a KFS guard who will take you around the park. The 7km trekking deep into the forest can be dangerous but fulfilling. The attraction points in the hike are the 7 waterfalls. Actually, the name Ngare Ndare means “waterfalls of the gods.” The 450m canopy walks in the trees are also breath-taking, creating a relaxing atmosphere for an excursion. Compared to other hiking destinations, the Ngare Ndare is the easiest in the pack. There is no steep climbing, harsh weather or rocky terrain. In fact, you can swim in some of the waterfalls and enjoy the freshness of nature. Besides the waterfalls, you can also catch a glimpse of wildlife within the forest, but different species of birds are more prevalent. Other activities include biking and camping. However, since ours is a normal hike, we dwell on the waterfalls, canopy walks and sight-seeing. 

The Aberdares is one of the coldest places in Kenya. May is the height of the long rains. When preparing for the hike, dress warm and, if possible, carry extra clothes if the terrain turns nasty.