Karura Forest eastern trails

The eastern trails of Karura Forest wind through the quieter side of this large urban forest reserve in northern Nairobi, Kenya, away from the busiest areas near the main gates. The forest, protected through community campaigns and managed by the Friends of Karura Forest with the Kenya Forest Service, offers a network of well-kept paths here that run through indigenous trees, plantation stands and open clearings. Walkers, runners and cyclists use the trails, and the quieter paths give a better chance of seeing Sykes' monkeys, bushbuck and forest birds such as turacos and sunbirds. Along the way, visitors find shaded picnic spots, small streams and viewpoints over the forest canopy. Distances are manageable, with loops of a few kilometres that take one to three hours on foot and less by bicycle. Bicycles can be rented near the main gate. Early morning is the best time, with cooler air, soft light and birdsong, and weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends, when groups of runners and cyclists fill the main routes. Trail signs help at junctions, but a map from the gate is useful because the forest is large and paths can be confusing. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and insect repellent, and avoid walking alone late in the day. Entry fees are charged in Kenyan shillings at the gate, with lower rates for children and residents. The forest is reached by taxi or ride-hailing from the city centre in about 30 minutes.