Running in Makueni County: Mbooni Forest Guide

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Our mission is to run as many trails as possible.

This time, it was Mbooni Forest Trails.

Also called Mbooni Hills, Mbooni Forest is a natural forest in Makueni County, Eastern Kenya.

From Hills, which emerge as inselbergs, very tall trees that tower over you, and the relaxing sounds of birds as you run and walk along the trails, Mbooni forest is truly a sight to behold.

It is about 1800 meters above sea level, which makes it a great physical and mental fitness challenge.

So, follow along as we discover Mbooni Forest.

Getting to Mbooni Forest from Mtito Andei

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

Because Machakos town is quite far from Mtito Andei, we woke up super early, boarded a bus travelling to Nairobi, and alighted at Makutano, the junction to Machakos.

The charges were Ksh 500 each.

We arrived at Makutano and immediately boarded a matatu to Machakos town, which charged us Ksh 70 each.

After about 20 minutes, 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. It will drop you off at the main stage, where you will ask for matatus to Kikima (the town that hosts Mbooni Forest).

The cost is 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 winding 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.

I didn’t take my eyes off this road.

Mbooni Forest Entrances

We got to Kikima town and boarded a motorcycle to Mbooni Forest.

According to Martin, our motorcycle ride, Mbooni Forest has three entrances.

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

We weren’t familiar with any of the 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.

Since it was on a Saturday the offices were closed. Luckily, the forest ranger Kambi/home was close by.

So we went to look for them 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 trails to follow.

Surprisingly, we didn’t pay any entrance fee.

Running Mbooni Forest

As 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 because there were so many unmarked trails, some leading outside the forest.

So, we decided to first familiarize ourselves with the routes 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.

To avoid getting 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 centre is called Kikalyoni Shopping Center.

The trail to the forest entrance is on the left.

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

The St. Brigit entrance is best if you want to put in a good run without worrying about mixing up the trails and getting lost.

The trail is one, and it goes deep into the forest before breaking into more narrow routes.

What to Carry with You to Mbooni Forest

Running gear(comfortable sports shoes and clothes)
A warm jacket as Mbooni forest is cold
Drinking water in your water bottle
Mobile phone
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
A friend

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.
There’s a good parking space at the forest station entrance (Kivale) if you’re driving.
Go with friends for fun and safety as there are so many unmarked trails.
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.

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