Our mission is to run in as many forests as possible.

This time, it was Mbooni Forest.

Also called Mbooni Hills, Mbooni Forest is located in Makueni County, Eastern Kenya. It is about 1800 meters above sea level, which makes it a great fitness challenge. 

So, follow along as we discover Mbooni Forest.

Getting to Mbooni Forest from Mtito Andei

To get to Mbooni Forest, you first get to Machakos town and after Kikima town.

Because Machakos town from Mtito Andei is quite far, we woke up super early to catch the first bus. We boarded one that was traveling to Nairobi and alighted at Makutano, the junction to Machakos.

The charges were Ksh 500 each. 

We arrived at Makutano, relieved ourselves in public toilets adjacent to the bus stop, and boarded a matatu to Machakos town, which charged us Ksh 70 each.

At precisely 1200 hours, we were in Machakos town. I didn’t know it was such a big town. Wow. 

If you’re coming from Nairobi, board a matatu to Machakos town and let it drop you at the main stage.

Ask around for a matatu to Kikima, (the town that hosts Mbooni Forest). Charges are Ksh 250 each. 

I can’t remember the last time I had such an exciting ride like that one to Kikima town.

First, the scenery was stunning, from the meandering road, which was joyful to ride on, to the countless hills that mesmerized my eyes and the rivers ( 7, I counted) overflowing onto the road. 

It was magical. I didn’t take my eyes off this road. 

Mbooni Forest Entrances

We got to Kikima, and that’s when things got tricky.

We thought the entrance to Mbooni Forest was just one, but my oh my, according to Martin, our bodaboda/motorcycle ride, there are three!

Kivale Gate, which has the forest station offices, Nzaine, and St. Bridgit’s entrances. 

We weren’t familiar with any of the entrance names, so we chose the one with the Offices: Kivale entrance. 

After around 15-20 minutes, we arrived in Mbooni forest. Martin charged us Ksh 100 each.

The offices were closed (I guess because it was on Saturday), but with help from Martin, we went to look for the forest rangers in their homes/kambi, just close by, to pay the entrance fee. 

We met Corporal Njue, a middle-aged officer who was kind enough to welcome and direct us on where to start our run and the right trail to follow. 

Surprisingly, we didn’t pay any entrance fee.

Running Mbooni Forest

So, per the corporal’s directions, we enthusiastically started our run.

One kilometre into the run, we disappointedly realized that we couldn’t entirely run this course. There were so many unmarked trails, some leading outside the forest. 

We agreed that to have a good run, we need to familiarize ourselves with the routes first because unmarked trails are not easy to follow for the first time.

So, plan B it was. To walk while mixing it with short bouts of jogging.

Mbooni Forest Trails

The difficulty level of Mbooni Forest trails is easy, moderate, and strenuous. The terrain is a mixture of flats, sharp uphills, and downhills that are narrow and wide.

Because we didn’t want to get lost, we relied heavily on the local community for directions, who, to our surprise, lived inside the forest.

Forest ranger services are offered but on weekdays.

Another thing that was hard to miss was the pine trees—so tall and beautiful.

Mbooni Forest is genuinely a pine tree wonder.

In about 2 hours, we were outside the forest via the St. Bridgit’s exit (which can also be an entrance). The center is called Kikalyoni Shopping Center.

The endorphins at the end of our walk/run were so high that we now wanted to explore Mbooni through the Nzaine Entrance, but sadly, time was not on our side.

So, until next time. 

Tip Time

If you want to put in a good run without the worry of mixing up the trails and getting lost, the St. Brigit entrance is best. The trail is one and goes deep into the forest before it breaks into more narrow routes.

Safety Tips for Running in Mbooni Forest

• Wake up early. Mbooni Forest is quite far if you’re coming from Nairobi or Mombasa. Also, it is a vast forest, so you need ample time to explore it thoroughly and make it out on time.
• Go with friends. The trails are unmarked, and there are so many. Run with a group for more fun and safety.
• If you want guide services from the forest rangers, go on a weekday.
• There are toilets at the ranger’s camp in Kivale Entrance
• Ask for a ranger’s number as a safety net just in case you get lost in the trails and need some help
• People live in the forest, so beware of dogs and domestic animals. We came across some dogs and a cow grazing.
• Keep scanning your trail 3 meters ahead as you run or walk to avoid trips and falls.
• Carry drinking water for frequent hydration.
• Wear sports clothes and shoes for comfort.
• Carry a warm jacket. Mbooni forest is very cold.

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