From 2500/$30

Gatamaiyu forest is part of the larger Kereita forest and is located approximately 55km from Nairobi. The forest covers an area of 4,720 hectares(47.2 square kilometres) of which 75 per cent is indigenous forest, 8 per cent is exotic forest, and the rest is bamboo, scrublands, and some herbaceous croplands. A prime birdwatching destination in Kenya, the forest is one of the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) in Kenya, with about 138 species of birds recorded in and around the forest, of which 31 are forest specialists and 20 are considered rare. For the bird-watching fans, you don’t want to miss this trail.

Highlights

• Three Breathtaking Waterfalls in Gatamaiyu 3. To get to the first waterfall, one will be required to navigate the steep, slidy hillside while holding on to tea bushes for support. The second waterfall is sort of like a 3-in-1 affair, that is; 3 mini-falls combined to form one while the third waterfall comes with a cave. The photos and views are worth it!
• Tea farms. The lush green farms offer stunning views and one is likely to see a few tea pickers pluck the leaves to brew with their baskets full of rich green tea.
• Duff mpararo (Swimming). Well, where there is water, there’s fun!

Challenge level

This is a moderate trail, whose total distance is 8 km, likely to take about 6 hours. The trek to the hills and waterfalls through the thick bushes and tea farms is quite challenging. This is because as one goes down the steep descents to the waterfalls one small misstep can lead to a fall/ rolling in the mud. Therefore, good hiking boots with a firm grip are definitely recommended.

Be careful at such points while ascending and descending.

Prickly plants are also part of the experience.