What are the Ngare Ndare Forest opening hours?

Daily 8am to 5pm (reported). Busiest: Weekends and school holidays.

How long do you need at Ngare Ndare Forest?

Plan for Half a day to a full day.

What is the best time to visit Ngare Ndare Forest?

Dry seasons, June to October and January to February. It is busiest Weekends and school holidays.

How do you get to Ngare Ndare Forest?

About 1 hour from Nanyuki on a murram road; a high-clearance car is safer in the rains. Ride-hailing: Taxis from Nanyuki can be hired for the day; agree the waiting time. Public transport: Matatu to Timau or the Ngare Ndare junction, then arrange transport to the gate Turn off the Nanyuki-Isiolo road at the Ngare Ndare gate, about an hour from Nanyuki town.

Ngare Ndare Forest in Ngare Ndare, Near Timau, Nanyuki: Hours, Facilities and Family Guide

Parks, beaches and nature in Ngare Ndare, Near Timau, Nanyuki

Photo: Auto-generated feature card

A community forest below Mount Kenya with a long canopy walk, waterfalls, blue pools and a chance of elephants, booked ahead through the trust.

📍 Location

Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve, off the Nanyuki-Isiolo road, Laikipia County, Ngare Ndare, Near Timau, Nanyuki, Laikipia

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What is Ngare Ndare Forest?

Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve is a community-managed forest at the foot of Mount Kenya, reached from the Nanyuki-Isiolo road. Its main draw is a 450 m suspended canopy walkway through the treetops, with waterfalls and clear blue pools below.

Guides lead walks to the pools and waterfalls, and the forest is an elephant corridor, so sightings are possible. Entry is KSh 2,000 for Kenyan citizens and residents and KSh 4,000 for non-residents, with a ranger fee of KSh 1,000 a day shared across a group.

The forest is a community trust and an elephant corridor linking Mount Kenya to the Laikipia plains.

💡 Money-saving tips for families

Ranger fee is shared KSh 1,000 a day splits across the group | Book early

Is it right for your child's age?

Age group	Verdict	What to expect
0-2 years	Okay	Carried in a carrier, short walks only \| 3-5 years

Key details

Price: Entry from KES 2,000
Address: Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve, off the Nanyuki-Isiolo road, Laikipia County, Nanyuki
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 5pm (reported)
How long to plan: Half a day to a full day
Suitable ages: All ages
Setting: Outdoor
Phone: 0700 412 532

What to expect when you visit

Expect a rough forest road, a guided walk and a canopy bridge that sways slightly underfoot. Children need to be steady on their feet and comfortable with heights.

Bring water, food and closed shoes; there is no shop in the forest. Fees are paid at the forest office and a ranger accompanies visitors.

Family essentials

Facilities

Toilets

Safety notes

Stay with the ranger, keep children close on the canopy bridge, and do not approach elephants or enter the pools without permission.

Tickets and costs

Adult entry: Kenya / East African resident: KES 2,000
Adult entry: non-resident: KES 4,000
Toddler entry (0 if free): KES 10
Ages that pay the child rate: Half rate for ages 10-15; under 10 free
Ticket notes: Citizen or resident adult KSh 2,000; non-resident adult KSh 4,000; children 10-15 half price; under 10 free; ranger KSh 1,000 a day; vehicle under 14 seats KSh 500.
Parking: KES 50,014
Free entry rules: No
Extra costs (activities, rentals, food): Armed ranger guide, vehicle entry, camping

Plan your visit

Best time to visit: Dry seasons, June to October and January to February
Busiest times: Weekends and school holidays
How to get there: Turn off the Nanyuki-Isiolo road at the Ngare Ndare gate, about an hour from Nanyuki town.
By car: About 1 hour from Nanyuki on a murram road; a high-clearance car is safer in the rains
Uber / Bolt estimate: Taxis from Nanyuki can be hired for the day; agree the waiting time
Public transport: Matatu to Timau or the Ngare Ndare junction, then arrange transport to the gate
Combine with: Ol Pejeta Conservancy | Mount Kenya National Park (Sirimon Gate)
What to bring: Closed shoes | Water | Picnic food | Rain jacket | Cash or M-Pesa

Accessibility deep dive

Here is what to expect on the ground.

Not suitable for wheelchairs; forest paths and a suspended bridge.

What to pack

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Family day bag checklist

Closed shoes Water Picnic food Rain jacket Cash or M-Pesa

What visitors say

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Frequently asked questions

What are the Ngare Ndare Forest opening hours?: Daily 8am to 5pm (reported). Busiest: Weekends and school holidays.
How long do you need at Ngare Ndare Forest?: Plan for Half a day to a full day.
What is the best time to visit Ngare Ndare Forest?: Dry seasons, June to October and January to February. It is busiest Weekends and school holidays.
How do you get to Ngare Ndare Forest?: About 1 hour from Nanyuki on a murram road; a high-clearance car is safer in the rains. Ride-hailing: Taxis from Nanyuki can be hired for the day; agree the waiting time. Public transport: Matatu to Timau or the Ngare Ndare junction, then arrange transport to the gate Turn off the Nanyuki-Isiolo road at the Ngare Ndare gate, about an hour from Nanyuki town.