Ngare Ndare

Description

Let me tell you about one of Kenya’s most incredible hidden gems – the Ngare Ndare Forest. I remember the first time I stepped into this magical forest, my jaw literally dropped at the sight of those crystal-clear blue pools surrounded by indigenous trees. This lush forest reserve isn’t your typical tourist hotspot, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

The forest stretches between Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Mount Kenya, creating this amazing natural corridor that elephants and other wildlife use as their highway between these two areas. Picture this: ancient cedar trees reaching toward the sky, their branches draped in emerald moss, while crystal-clear streams cut through the forest floor. It’s like something straight out of a fairytale, I kid you not!

Key Features

• Canopy walkway suspended 40 feet above the ground (trust me, it’s both terrifying and exhilarating!)
• Natural blue pools perfect for swimming (but brace yourself – that water is COLD)
• Spectacular waterfalls cascading over rocky cliffs
• Ancient cedar and olive trees, some over 200 years old
• Natural elephant corridors and wildlife viewing opportunities
• Indigenous tree species and rare bird populations
• Crystal-clear streams running through the forest
• Rock climbing spots for adventure enthusiasts
• Picnic areas surrounded by forest views
• Nature trails for hiking and exploration

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, the dry seasons (December to March and July to October) are your best bet for visiting Ngare Ndare. The trails are less muddy, and the blue pools are at their most spectacular when the water’s clear. But honestly? Each season has its own charm. During the rainy season, the waterfalls are absolutely thunderous, and the forest comes alive with this intense emerald green color that’s just unreal.

I went there last July, and the weather was perfect – not too hot during the day and just cool enough in the evenings. If you’re hoping to spot some wildlife, early mornings and late afternoons are prime time. That’s when the elephants often come through, though of course, there’s never any guarantee with wild animals!

How to Get There

Getting to Ngare Ndare is part of the adventure! From Nanyuki town, you’ll need to head towards Timau. The drive takes about an hour and a half, depending on road conditions. I learned the hard way that a 4×4 vehicle is pretty much essential, especially during the rainy season – those last few kilometers can get pretty rough!

You can also reach it from Meru town, but that route’s a bit more challenging. Pro tip: don’t rely solely on Google Maps – grab directions from the forest management office before heading out. And yes, I got lost my first time because I thought I knew better!

Tips for Visiting

Alright, let me share some real talk based on my visits. First off, book in advance! The number of daily visitors is limited to preserve the forest’s ecology. You’ll need to pay an entrance fee and potentially extra for activities like the canopy walk.

Bring proper hiking shoes – those rocks around the pools are slippery as heck! I learned that lesson the embarrassing way. Pack swimming gear if you’re brave enough for those cold pools (and I mean COLD). A change of clothes is essential – you’ll thank me later.

Don’t forget your camera – the light filtering through the canopy creates these amazing photo opportunities. But here’s a tip: keep it in a waterproof bag. The spray from the waterfalls gets everywhere!

Carry enough water and snacks. While there are picnic spots, there’s no food available for purchase in the forest. And please, whatever you do, don’t litter. This place is pristine for a reason.

If you’re planning to do the canopy walk (which you absolutely should!), know that it’s not for the faint-hearted. But pushing through that fear is totally worth it – the view from up there is incredible.

The altitude might affect you if you’re not used to it, so take it easy on the trails. And remember, this is a wild place – respect the wildlife and keep your distance. Those elephants might look calm, but they’re still wild animals!

Oh, and one last thing – spare some time to chat with the local guides. These guys know the forest like the back of their hand and have some fascinating stories to share. Plus, they know all the best spots for photos and wildlife viewing!

Location

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