Nestled along the bustling Nairobi-Naivasha Highway lies Kinale Forest, a serene expanse of natural beauty that is quietly becoming a favourite destination for ecotourism enthusiasts.
Spanning an impressive 10,500 hectares across Kiambu, Nakuru, and Nyandarua counties, Kinale Forest offers an enchanting escape into nature, where towering canopies stretch endlessly into the horizon.
The forest boasts a trail of adventure – a network of hiking trails, meticulously cleared in 2012, that invite adventurers to explore its untouched beauty. These trails wind through the forest, with one extending from lower Kijabe to the highway and another connecting Mundoro to the same route.
Every weekend, the forest comes alive with the sound of eager hikers, many of them university students, led by knowledgeable local guides who share tales of the forest’s rich history and secrets.
According to Daniel Njinu, the Community Forest Association (CFA) secretary, Kinale Forest is home to a nature’s bounty and a cultural heritage for the community and Kenya at large.
“The forest has Mau Mau caves, shrines, waterfalls, and cultural sites where Kikuyu elders hold traditional prayers known as barazas,” Njinu explains. Hidden hot springs also bubble quietly within the forest, adding to its allure.
The forest is divided into two distinct zones: the warmer side, inhabited by porcupines, gazelles, monkeys, and baboons, and the colder side, which is home to hyenas, leopards, and elephants. While the elephants are a majestic sight, they sometimes cause challenges for the local community, breaking through the forest fence that stretches to the Aberdares. Rangers patrol diligently to ensure the safety of both tourists and wildlife.
Kinale Forest is a sanctuary, a treasure trove of flora – both exotic and indigenous trees. While Eucalyptus, Pine, and Cypress are grown for timber and electricity poles, the forest also nurtures endangered indigenous species such as Cedar and Sandalwood. The century-old Cedar trees, illegal to harvest due to their endangered status, are under the vigilant protection of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
“When KFS rangers are unavailable, especially during the rainy season, we help guard the forest. We also assist in reforestation, planting trees in areas that need them, particularly near water sources,” says Douglous Wainaina a resident of Kinale.
Kinale Forest is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a lifeline for the surrounding community. From tour guides promoting the forest on social media to businesses thriving on increased exposure, the forest creates employment opportunities, empowers communities and fosters economic growth.
Kiambu County, which boasts a forest cover of 19.74%, is well on its way to achieving the national target of 30%. Last year alone, 389,000 trees were planted in Kinale Forest, with a target of 400,000 for this year.
Kinale Forest is indeed a journey worth taking. For a modest entrance fee of Sh232 for adults and Sh50 for children, collected by the Kenya Forest Service, visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of Kinale Forest. Whether hiking its trails, marveling at its wildlife, or participating in conservation efforts, Kinale Forest offers an unforgettable experience that blends adventure, culture, and sustainability.
As Kiambu County continues to champion environmental conservation and ecotourism, Kinale Forest stands as a shining example of the harmony between nature and community.
By Yvonne Wangeci