KEREITA FOREST

The 47 km2 Kereita Forest, also known as Kikuyu Escarpment Forest, marching with the southern end of Aberdare Range and eastern ridge of the Rift Valley, is the paragon of the primeval forests in Kiambu. Since 1996, Kijabe Environment Volunteers (KENVO) has worked assiduously with the locals around the Kikuyu Escarpment with a primary focus on conservation and reforestation in response to anthropogenic pressure. The adventure outfit at Kereita is simply known as The Forest. From their base, adventure-makers can “answer the call to the wild” in more than a few ways that include riverine walks, fly fishing, exploring Thaba Falls, mountain biking, horse riding, archery, paint-balling, foot golf, and tree planting. Unique to The Forest is its 2 kms long zip line, operated by the Flying fox, which is Kenya’s longest. It offers unparalleled views of Kereita Forest and Aberdere Range. There is also an on-site restaurant and a goodly camping site. For a more conservation-oriented trip, callers to the forest can visit Kereita Tree Nursery based at KENVO’s Resource Centre, adjacent to the forest. The second nursery at Carbacid, begun in 2004, is primarily funded by the Carbacid mining company, which mines carbon dioxide in the area. Kereita is also designated as an Important Birding Area home to at least 120 bird species including Turacos, shrikes, cuckoos and the rare Abbott’s starling. It is found 40 kms from Nairobi.