Ngare Ndare famously known for the canopy walk has more in store for adventure junkies and any other individual who values outdoor activities.
Ngare Ndare is largely made up of indigenous trees with little human interference going by the state of the forest and vegetation cover. However, I could sight a few livestock grazing.
The forest is home to millions of different tree species, waterfalls, springs, and rivers, wildlife, especially elephants and birds. It is located at the foot of Mt. Kenya. The survival of the forest is guided by the need to conserve the forest mainly through ecotourism.
Waterfall
The main activities one can engage in in the Ngare Ndare are bird watching, game drives, canyoning, swimming, tree canopy walk, forest walks, forest camping, and rock climbing.
Activities within Ngare Ndare Forest customarily starts with a hike, which is approximately 3 hours, followed by visits to the waterfalls. The divers get a chance to display their skills. Not everyone is welcomed to dive for all the right reasons; no rescuers and the rocky nature of the area. Shallow points are also available for the majority to swim. Be warned; the water is freezing cold.
I consider Ngare Ndare forest a place to meditate while bonding with nature. The fact that walking takes place under the thick forest brings solace. The walk alone is calming. At the waterfalls, keeping off unnecessary noise; the natural sound from the trees, birds, and the waterfall itself offers an excellent opportunity to meditate. That is what most people go there for. To have a peace of mind, soul-search and maybe reconnect with nature.
Waterfall
canopy walk
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To crown the day is the canopy walk on the long bridge. I am not sure of the length although we are informed it is roughly 450m long that is going by the diagonal ground distance, which is not the correct measurement for the bridge because it is zigzagged. If you have height-phobia, then this might not be for you. The sights from the top are beautiful. It is also an excellent way to trigger an adrenaline rush.
Anyone can visit Ngare Ndare Forest either self-driving or going with a group. It is child-friendly (kids over seven years). Because there are wild animals, you will need to have an armed guard/guide. The conservancy fee and the guard fee help in supporting the conservation of the forest resource to the local community and wildlife. Here is the webpage to learn more Ngare Ndare
