Ngare Ndare Forest – The Blue Pools and Canopy of Wonder

Introduction

At the foothills of Mount Kenya, where forest meets mountain mist, lies one of the country’s best-kept secrets — Ngare Ndare Forest. This emerald-green haven is a playground of nature: crystal-clear waterfalls, ancient fig trees, and a sky-high canopy walkway that lets you walk above the forest like a bird.

For adventure lovers, photographers, and peace seekers, Ngare Ndare Forest is the perfect blend of thrill and tranquility — a place where you can swim in blue pools by day and watch stars glitter through the treetops at night.

Lush forest surrounds a small waterfall flowing into a clear, turquoise pool. Tall trees arch above, creating a serene, green canopy.

The Hidden Gem of Mount Kenya

Meaning “Water of the Goats” in Maa (the Maasai language), Ngare Ndare is part of the Mount Kenya ecosystem and connects directly to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. It’s managed by the local community through the Ngare Ndare Forest Trust, proving that conservation and tourism can thrive together.

What makes this forest so special is its untouched charm — it’s less crowded than other destinations but equally breathtaking. Here, elephants roam under the canopy, waterfalls tumble into blue pools, and sunlight filters through branches in golden rays.

The Blue Pools – Nature’s Hidden Paradise

The forest is famous for its turquoise-colored natural pools, created by centuries of water flowing over volcanic rock. Fed by glacial melt from Mount Kenya, these pools stay refreshingly cool year-round.

Visitors can hike through the forest, then dive into the Blue Pools surrounded by ferns, moss, and butterflies — one of Kenya’s most photogenic spots. The crystal clarity and vibrant color make it feel like a secret world — a tropical dream tucked inside the highlands.

The Canopy Walkway – Walking Above the Trees

One of Ngare Ndare’s main highlights is its canopy walkway, a 450-meter suspended bridge that stretches 40 feet above the forest floor. As you walk across, you see monkeys swinging, birds darting between branches, and elephants moving silently below.

The experience is both thrilling and peaceful — a reminder of how small we are in nature’s grand design. It’s Kenya’s only canopy walkway of its kind and a favorite among photographers, families, and adventure travelers.

Three people walk on a rope bridge over a lush, green forest under a clear blue sky. One person wears a hat and orange shirt, others in blue.

Hiking and Wildlife Encounters

Ngare Ndare offers scenic hiking trails through dense woodland filled with cedar, olive, and fig trees. With luck, hikers may spot elephants, baboons, bushbucks, and colobus monkeys. The forest also acts as an elephant corridor linking Mount Kenya National Park and Lewa Conservancy, so sightings of these gentle giants are common.

Birdwatchers will enjoy over 200 recorded species, from Hartlaub’s turacos to African crowned eagles — each adding a soundtrack to your forest walk.

How to Reach Ngare Ndare Forest

Location: Near Timau, about 40 km from Nanyuki town and 4–5 hours from Nairobi.

By Road:

• From Nairobi, take the Nanyuki–Timau route.

• Turn off toward Ngare Ndare Gate, just before Lewa Conservancy.

• Roads are rough for the last 5 km — a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

By Air:

• Fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip, then drive 1 hour to the forest.

Local guides are available at the entrance and are required for hiking and canopy access.

Best Time to Visit

Ngare Ndare is open year-round but shines during the dry months:

• January–March and July–October: Ideal for hiking, canopy walks, and swimming.

• April–June: Rainy but lush — waterfalls and pools at their most powerful.

Morning visits are best for photography, while late afternoons are perfect for relaxing dips in the blue pools.

Accommodation Options

There are no hotels inside the forest, but plenty nearby:

• Ngare Ndare Forest Campsite: Community-managed, offers basic camping facilities.

• Lewa Safari Camp: Luxury stay bordering the forest, perfect for combining wildlife and forest tours.

• Timau River Lodge: Mid-range lodge with cozy cabins near the forest.

• Nanyuki Town Hotels: Options like Falcon Heights or Soames Hotel for travelers preferring modern comfort.

Camping is the most rewarding — you’ll wake to birdsong and the scent of cedar trees.

Activities Nearby

• Visit Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for Big Five safaris.

• Explore Mount Kenya National Park for glacier trekking.

• Stop by Nanyuki’s Equator Line Monument for a fun photo.

• Visit Borana Conservancy for horseback safaris and rhino tracking.

Ngare Ndare fits perfectly into a northern Kenya circuit — nature, adventure, and culture all in one journey.

Conclusion

Ngare Ndare Forest is proof that magic still exists in Kenya’s wild places. It’s where mountains meet jungle, where waterfalls sing, and where time slows under the shade of ancient trees.

Every footstep here reminds you that beauty doesn’t need luxury — just stillness, respect, and wonder.

Safety & Responsible Travel Tips:

• Always go with a registered guide.

• Wear hiking shoes — trails can be slippery near pools.

• Carry swimwear and water-resistant gear.

• Keep noise low — elephants and other wildlife use the forest paths.

• Don’t litter; the ecosystem is delicate.

• Support community-run tourism by paying entrance fees directly to the forest trust.

Ngare Ndare isn’t just a destination — it’s a feeling of freedom, color, and connection to nature’s soul.