One of Kenya’s most beautiful forests lies in the heart of our country: at the foothills of Mount Kenya. Known for its numerous medicinal trees, the Ngare Ndare Forest is certainly a sight – and smell – to behold. Ngare Ndare is a Maa word that translates to “where the animals drink” and the forest is a water tower for two places north east of the woodland: the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Isiolo town.
The Red Cedar is a magnificent, indigenous woodland common to Ngare Ndare, said to be over 200 years old. To give you an idea of its diameter, it takes at least five people, arms stretched to hug the tree. Another tree species just as old is the African Olive tree which is 40meters in height.
There is a great amount of flora in Ngare Ndare Forest and the best place to view the green in plenty is from the half kilometre canopy walk set up in a section of the forest. Being one of the few forests with a walkway in East Africa, this canopy is not for the faint-hearted! But gives a fantastic aerial view of the landscape below so be sure to have your camera nearby. While you’re up here you can catch a glimpse of the forest’s monkeys dilly-dallying within tree branches and if you’re lucky, you might spot a few elephants trekking toward the Ngare Ndare River to hydrate. Speaking of water, the forest accommodates the Simangu stream that leads to waterfalls that create a glistening pool. After trekking the forest, braving through the canopy walk and dodging monkeys and insects, the best way to cool off is swimming in this pool. After all, this is the greatest treasure of this Kenyan forest and beckons tourists from around the country.
We aren’t sure that you’ll spot Tarzan here but if luck is on your side, you may see the black rhino and buffaloes going about their day.
The Ngare Ndare Forest Trust is a forest conservation, ecotourism and community service organization that was registered in 2004. The Trust has since set up two campsites within the forest equipped with clean water and lavatories to accommodate guests who wish to spend some time in the tranquility of the forest
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