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Nairobi · Karura

Karura Forest Waterfall

A gentle forest walk in the heart of Nairobi to the Karura waterfall and river caves.

★ 4.7 · 410 reviewsEasy🗓 2 hrs📍 Karura Forest Gate A, Limuru Rd
Easy · 2 hrs
Elevation
1,700 m
Ascent
+80 m
Distance
6 km
Duration
2 hrs
Best season
Year-round
Group
Max 25 · family friendly

Overview

Karura is an urban forest in the middle of Nairobi — shaded trails, birdsong and a surprising little waterfall, all minutes from the city.

This relaxed loop takes in the waterfall, the river caves and the quiet forest paths. It's the ideal first hike, a family morning out, or an easy reset day.

Highlights

  • Karura waterfall & river caves
  • Shaded forest trails & birdlife
  • Perfect first hike or city escape
  • Café at the gate for after

The plan

  1. Start

    Meet at Gate A

    Sign in, grab a trail map and set off into the forest.

  2. Trail

    Waterfall & caves

    Wind through the forest to the waterfall and the old river caves.

  3. Finish

    Back to the café

    Loop back to the gate — coffee and mandazi optional.

What's included

  • Certified guide
  • Forest entry fees
  • Trail map
  • Transport
  • Food (café on site)
  • Personal gear

What to carry

Comfortable shoesWaterInsect repellent

Upcoming departures

🗓 Sat 9 Aug 2026
20 spots left
KES 1,200
🗓 Sun 10 Aug 2026
22 spots left
KES 1,200
🗓 Sat 16 Aug 2026
20 spots left
KES 1,200

Your guide

AM
Aisha Mohamed
Nairobi Guide

Certified, first-aid trained and vetted by Trail Culture. Your guide leads the group, sets the pace and handles permits, safety and logistics from the trailhead onward.

Reviews

4.7
★★★★★
410 verified reviews
WN
Wanjiru N.
★★★★★ · Jul 2026

Absolutely unforgettable. Our guide read the weather perfectly and the camps were far more comfortable than I expected. Strangers at the gate, a real crew by the summit.

BK
Brian K.
★★★★★ · Jun 2026

Well organised from the M-Pesa booking to the trailhead transfer. Pacing was spot on for acclimatising. Would book again in a heartbeat.

LM
Lena M.
★★★★ · Jun 2026

Tough but so worth it. Bring more layers than you think — it gets cold up top. Guides were patient and encouraging the whole way.

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