INTO THE HEART OF NATURE: EXPLORING KARURA FOREST

Just 36 minutes' drive from Nairobi's bustling city center we were in for a hidden gem waiting to be explored: Karura forest. Spread over 1000 hectares, this urban sanctuary offers a tranquil escape from the chaos of city life. We stepped into the forest as we were greeted by a canopy of towering trees, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. The air was fresh, filled with the earthy scent of damp soil and the melodious chirping of birds. Crisscrossing the forest are a network of well-maintained trails, perfect for leisurely strolls, runs or bike rides. We explored the hidden dark caves, which carry a lot of history as they were used by maumau fighters in the colonial days. "Watch out!" My friend exclaimed with a blend of laughter, as I held his arm to steady myself, staggering on the slick path as we approached the waterfall. The water was little orange, and the rumbling sound of the fall was dominating the place. We took a few photos before we left the 37m waterfall. We could even spot wildlife such as monkeys and antelopes roaming freely within the forest as we made our way from the fall. We also spotted bamboo patches as well as a picnic site as we headed to the cafe where we enjoyed the rest of our evening.

OLOOLUA! SOUND LIKE AN ADVENTURE.

 Picking the last lane, we arrived at the main gate 0f Oloolua. The big writings on the gate brought anxiety and mood for an adventure. Packed our car in the parking lot, checked in with the authorities and in we were in the massive land of about 250 hectares, located in Karen, southwest of Nairobi central business district.

The first stop was at the waterfall. The orange water was gashing over the rocks forming pool at the bottom. We stood under the waterfall trying to cool off, but the water was catacomb cold giving us goose bumps immediately. Took few photos of there before we proceeded.

The noise of the fall subsided as we walked away, and it became a distance humming. I'm not sure the cliff I had in mind was the one I saw hoping to see but to my surprise I was not even able to identify it. Covered by bamboos it was not seen, only the staircase running from top to bottom made it easier to be identified.

Stretching forward we were in for the historical barracks used many years ago. Oops!  I meant to say cave not a barrack. Entering the 37-meter-long cave, I was a little afraid due to its darkness. "Hey look," Ones said in a fearful voice shinning his phone light in the family of bats inside the cave. I was amazed by how the mau-mau fighters survived in there. "Let some things remain historical," I murmured in my subconscious. Took some victory selfies once we were out of the cave.

After the cave we got a beautiful view of oloolua forest in full glory. We went to Mbagathi river which meanders through the forest with its cascading waters surrounded by lush vegetation, washed my face , passed by the camping site before taking the 5km path to the gate. Saw the eagles hide out at as distance before rounding up our day and bid Oloolua bye bye.

Thanking mother nature for the tranquility and welcoming adventure)