Kenya still has some the best forest hiking trails in the world despite the ugly face of deforestation in some parts of the country. Most of the trails listed below are within two hours drive from the capital city Nairobi and one just 10 minutes drive from Central Business DistrictCentral Business District.
Ragia Forest
A waterfall chase like no other, the heavenly bamboo garden, stare at the breathtaking waterfalls as you take it all in surrounded by tall trees calming your mind and soul..
This is Ragia!! Ragia forest which forms part of the Aberdare forest ecosystem that has a huge spectrum of flora and fauna. Located in Lari sub-county of Kiambu county and it is approximately 90 Km North of Nairobi makes it perfect for a day trek.
It boarders Kieni forest to the East and Kinangop plateau to the West in Nyandarua county, Kamae forest to the south and Kinangop forest to the North. The forest is managed by Kenya Forest Service and covers an area of 4250.21 ha.
The Ragia circuit starts at Sasumua Dam through Chinas camp gate. It then proceeds deep into thick bamboo and follows elephant trails down the valley to the pipeline leave way. The trail suddenly makes a steep drop to Sasumua River which leads to a magnificent waterfall called no 18.
From the waterfall, the trail leads to sharp descent that leads back to the pipeline way leave which forms better part of the trail which again leads to a cascading waterfall and famous Mau Mau caves where the Generals Field marshal Dedan Kimathi and general China used to hide.
From the waterfall, the trail leads you out of the forest through the thick bamboo forest while walking along a forest road. The whole circuit takes approximately 18km and will take 6-7 hours.
Gatamaiyu Forest
At the southern end of the Aberdares Kenya, the forest boasts a wide range of bird and tree life.
Some sections of the forest are almost untouched and the overgrowths are so cooling and calming
The Elephant Pool; Deep in the forest the trails lead to an elephant pool, if lucky you can witness an Elephant bath.
Karura Forest
A world heritage site with quite a history, living legacy of Wangari Maathai. Karura forest is one of the two major green spaces in Nairobi.
The trails are gentle and well marked making the forest excellent for both hiking and running; it is also good for beginners and family excursions.
The forest boasts different species of indigenous trees and bird life, a waterfall at the heart of the forest aces the whole experience.
But before you are done pass by the Lily Lake, take time by the lakeside your soul will be charmed. Finally, the trail has benches where you can sit and enjoy a snack or read a book.
Whether you live in Nairobi or just visiting make a visit to Karura for that unique connection with nature right within the city.
Kereita Forest
Close to Gatamaiyu Forest is Kereita Forest; the trail is approximately 10km. the round trip through the forest down to the waterfall and up the viewpoint will take you about 4 hours.
Halfway the trail is a 30m waterfall and pool that you can take a dip to cool self if the weather allows.
The trails end at a viewpoint with excellent views of the city, Mt. Kenya from a distance, and Mt. Longonot.
Mucharage Forest- Gatango Waterfall Chase
Approximately 150km from Nairobi is this gem at the Edge of the Aberdares.
The trails start at Mucharage Forest Station snaking down through the Nyayo tea zones, it features beautiful tributaries following down joining to form Gikira River.
Up the trail and deep in the bamboo forest is this magnificent 60m waterfall ready to bless you with her beauty.
Kihuri Forest
The forest trail neighbors Mucharage. The trails start at Othaya Water treatment plant. 
Following cattle and animal trails the trail leads to Gikira river crossing it 3 times before entering the bamboo forest ascending to Mt. Kinangop viewpoint.
From the view, it is all going down to Kihuri water cascades. This is the highlight of the trail. 
The moss-covered mini waterfalls will calm you.. you will want to call this part of the forest home.
Njigari Bamboo Forest
Under the cover trees, feel the awe of the thick bamboo forest.
The trail leads to Thuti falls near the source of Thuti river which arguably cuts across Nyeri county joining Gura down the valleys into Sagana River.
The trail leads up into a clearing that’s perfect for a picnic lunch spot with a beautiful view of Njigari valley. Along the trail possible views of Gura falls from a distance. Further up the trail emerges Gitonga Falls a perfect place to sit and just watch the magic of the fall as it thunders into a small pool.
After a moment at the falls its time to head down following yet another river, Gura river and the thunder of the river and beautiful singing from the birds will cheer you down to the finishing point.
If you would like to walk this trail, follow the link for details book here
Kamweti Forest Mt. Kenya
Following the rarely frequented elephant trails through one of the few remaining indigenous forests in the country, the trail starts at Castle Lodge.
Following the footsteps of an experienced guide telling the stories of the forest and the mountain and its mysteries.
The 21km trail will take you through the rainforest with a wide variety of tree and bird species to Kamweti Camp, on a clear day from here one should see the main peaks of Mt. Kenya.
A detour on ascent will reward you with Ford’s Fall as part of the Kathiba River. All through opportunities to just take in the forest atmosphere and literally bath in its beauty in awe.
Mt. Kinangop Tulaga Trail
Turaga Center at the foot of Mt. Kinangop marks the start to this beautiful trail, a treasure in the infamous larger Wanjohi Valley.
Here you find the most magical meadows in the country the way to the second highest point of the Aberdare ranges to exit at Mutarakwa forest gate near Engineer.
All through the forest gives you an opportunity to connect with self and nature. The is nowhere else to be you than in the forest to declutter.
Ragati Forest
Ragati forest by the edge of Mt. Kenya, features two tributaries that run from up the mountain to join a few kilometers down the camp to form Ragati River that empties into Sagana River.
The tributaries have the rainbow trout an during your time here you can try your hand in the art of fishing.
Ragati conservancy is also home to indigenous forest vegetation that remains almost untouched by man and lots of interesting bird species.
The river line walks reveal these amazing water cascades and mini waterfalls that will leave you breathless.
Tree Planting
As mentioned earlier the country still needs to up its forest cover and Hikemaniak has partnered with Miti Alliance in efforts to increase our forest cover.
Join us during the next rainy season and be a part this noble cause.
Book your forest trek here
Whether you are an individual, a group or a family enjoy some quality time in the forest, to make your booking for these exciting trails contact us here.
See you on the trail!!!
