TRAILS A SHORT HOP FROM NAIROBI BY GEORGINA SMITH
Rock climbing
OLOLOSOKUAN NATURE TRAIL
If an adventurous rock climb is what you’re after, this hike in Kajiado county can be reached in an hour. The rocky path starts off along the rift valley escarpment, over boulders and past huge trees nestling in the mountain ridge. Climb down into the valley and across the Ololosokuan river bed, before coming up against nature’s ultimate challenge: the 12-metre rock face. If you suddenly contracted vertigo, the bad news is that the only way is up, unless you fancy the hour-long trek back the way you came. Nothing can beat the sense of achievement on getting to the top though,
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and on a clear day, you can see Mount Suswa in the distance from the escarpment. The scramble up the rock face is not especially technical and can be done without climbing gear.
GETTING THERE AND BACK:
Take Ngong road through Karen to Ngong town. At Ngong town, there is a small roundabout. Take the left for around 5 kilometres – the tarmac ends after 2.5 kilometres and continues as a dirt road for another 2.5 kilometres before you will see a signpost for Ololosokuan. For more information and to arrange a guide, contact Jackson at Savannah Sunset Resort: +254 743814053.
Forest Hike
FOOTHILLS OF MOUNT KENYA
Set in the thick forested foothills of Mount Kenya, this lush rainforest is complete with waterfalls and stunning views of the valley and mountain peak. You will need a guide to navigate the trail passages through dense
forest, but you don’t need any technical skill and the walks can be taken at an easy pace. The tree canopy is home to hundreds of bird species – this is a birding paradise. Tread over bright green moss and listen to diverse bird song as you pass under towering medicinal trees, through colourful plants and wild flowers. A pathway cut into the side of a steep hill eventually leads you down to the twin waterfalls, where a rock pool awaits below and you can dip your feet in the cool water, giant wild banana plants hanging overhead. You can also arrange horse riding through the forest and bird watching trips.
GETTING THERE AND BACK:
The main road is an easy two-hour drive from Nairobi on a good road, though the road from the gate is dirt and you may need a 4x4 in the rainy season. Take Thika highway north to the C73. Follow the road to Kutus and Kimunye, until you reach the gate to the Mount Kenya National Park. Follow the road for another 15 minutes to the Castle Forest Lodge, where the hikes start. You can also take a bus to Kimunye and a boda boda to
PHOTOGRAPH PETER NDUNG’U
It happens to the best of us. Despite intentions to get out of the city come Friday, we find ourselves planted firmly on the coach after a hard week’s work. But fret not. If you haven’t got as far as planning a weekend away but still want to get out of town for a few hours of hiking, some beautiful trails await. If you can stay one night or more the better, but these four gems are accessible day trips.
