My partner and I enjoy running in nature. Since we’ve previously run in Karura Forest and Ngong Hills, we decided on Oloolua Forest this time.

So, this guide is inspired by our experience. We used a public vehicle, but the route is the same if you use a private one.

Related: My Boyfriend Confesses the Good and Bad of Dating a Runner Girl

Follow along, and then take your loved ones for some echo therapy.

Getting to Oloolua Forest from Nairobi City Center by Bus

 Also called Oloolua Nature Trail, Oloolua Forest is located in the Karen suburbs. To get there, board a bus in Kencom, route 111, Ngong Road. We were charged Ksh 70, but sometimes, depending on the season, it hikes up to Ksh 100.

Alight at the Karen shopping centre, where you will again board another vehicle, a matatu, at the stage beside the Java Karen branch. The matatu will charge you Ksh 30 and drop you at Cemastea.

Follow the route along the Cemastea building (it’s downhill) until you reach the end, where you will meet the entrance to the Oloolua nature trail. 

Entry Charges to Oloolua Forest

• Citizen Adult             Ksh200
• Citizen Child             Ksh100
• Resident Adult          Ksh 400
• Resident Child          Ksh 200
• Non-Resident Adult  Ksh 600
• Non-Resident Child  Ksh 300

Payment is only through the E-citizen platform. Therefore, ensure you have an E-citizen account before your visit to facilitate quick payment at the gate. You can also pay before you arrive and present your ticket at the entrance gate.

Oloolua Nature Trail Payment Procedure Through Your E-citizen Account

Oloolua is under the National Museums of Kenya. Hence, to pay;

• On Google, search nmk ecitizen login
• Sign in/up to your account
• Tap on Admission and Entry to National Museums of Kenya. Scroll to the end of the page and tap next
• Confirm the Applicant’s Details
• Choose your residence( Citizen, Resident, etc.) at the end of the page, then tap next
• Choose the Museum you’re visiting. Oloolua Nature Trail is at the bottom end
• Type in the day of the visit and the number of people you’re visiting with, preview your application details, and complete it.
• Tap on your method of payment, then pay.

 You will notice a  50/= or 1usd increase in your charge as a service fee.

Finally, give the Confirmation Code to the Ticketing Officer for verification, and off into nature you go.

Oloolua Forest Operating Hours

Oloolua Nature Trail opens at 9 am and closes at 6 am daily.

Tip Time

If you want to fully enjoy the calm and quiet, arrive between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.There’s less noise and movement during that time than in the afternoons.

Are you following? Okay, moving on.

10 Attractions and Activities in Oloolua Nature Trail

1. Waterfall

Before we could each take a picture, we stood on the rocks nearby, arm in arm, listening to the thumping sounds of the water as it fell powerfully on the rocks of the 20-foot waterfall.

It was breathtaking.

2. Natural Caves

For centuries, African cultures have used caves for worship, burials, and hiding from unforeseen danger.

We learned that the caves here in Oloolua Forest were used as hiding spots by the Maumau fighters during the Maumau rebellion in the 1950s.

I bent down to examine the cave holes better and noticed that one of them actually went quite far.

3. Institute of Primate Research (IPR)

The IPR is a part of the National Museums of Kenya that was started 63 years ago by Dr. LSB Leakey. Its purpose is to study monkey behaviour to gain more insight into the behaviour of early humans.

Today, IPR performs field and laboratory studies of different primates in Kenya. It focuses on animal sciences, infectious diseases, and conservation biology. 

While on our run, next to the IPR, we encountered caged monkeys that moved around and made so much noise they were probably nervous to see us.

4. Hill Climbing

To the fitness junkies, I noticed Oloolua nature trail offers wonderful hilly terrains and stairs(around the waterfall)  that make great exercise and endurance training for runners.

5. Reading/Socialising

Book clubs and Bible study group leaders, oyaa! Oloolua has many cool spots to sit and talk while enjoying the soothing sounds of the waterfall.

6. Walking

A walk a day keeps the crazy away. 

Walking is the most common activity here. We saw many people enjoying a stroll with friends and family and others walking their dogs. According to the forest’s rules, dogs should always be on a leash.

Tip Time

Even when going to Oloolua for a walk, dress in sports attire to challenge yourself. Mixing your walk with short bouts of jogging will boost your fitness and even make the walk more fun.

Related Post: The Only Useful Gear You Need to Start Running and Where to Buy

7. Running

If you want to challenge yourself and fully run as we did, Oloolua Forest has two running trails: one 5km long and the other 10 km long. Since they’re not well marked, I recommend you come with friends to figure out the trails together.

Related: How We Turned a Traumatic Run in Oloolua Forest to One of Our Best Dates

8. Picnics and Team Building

Oloolua Nature Trail offers excellent venues with open spaces for bonding activities like picnics and team building.

9. Archery & Biking

Oloolua Forest has beautiful trails and spaces if you want to experience cycling and archery in nature. You can rent a bike for one hour at 500Kes and archery for thirty minutes at 300Kes.

10. Camping

To camp in Oloolua Forest, you book by calling before your visit. The management provides security, clean tap water, and toilets. You carry camping tents, sleeping bags, personal effects, and cooking supplies. 

For inquiries, contact Oloolua Forest management at 0792 459970/0716256772.

Frequently Asked Questions

i.) Are There Toilets in Oloolua Forest?

Yes, there are toilets in Oloolua Forest. The first is at the entrance gate, and the second is on the camping/picnic grounds near the waterfall.

ii.) Can You Carry Food in Oloolua Nature Trail?

Food is allowed in the forest, but littering is strictly prohibited. To help reduce littering, litter bins are placed all over the forest.

iii.) Is there a Parking Space in Oloolua Forest?

There’s a huge parking space next to the entrance gate.

Now I’d like to hear from you.

Have you been to Oloolua Forest/Nature Trail?

What other activities and attractions did you do and see that I’ve not listed in this post?

Please comment in the comment section below to help others.

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