Ngare Ndare is a Maasai
word meaning ‘water for the gods’. This is because of its azure blue pools at
the bottom of the waterfalls found in the forest. It is also the only
indigenous forest in Kenya with an expanding canopy cover. Evidently from the
African Olive and Red Cedar trees, this forest is about 200 years old. It was
also enlisted as an extension of the UNESCO world heritage site, Mt Kenya. Located
1 hour from Nanyuki Town, Ngare Ndare is a sight to behold and a must visit
destination in Kenya.
We met at the usual
spot, Jevanjee Gardens, with enthusiastic adventurers, who wanted a piece of
the ‘water for the gods.’ We set off for Nanyuki at 0700hrs to beat the never
ending traffic jams in Nairobi. Vast food plantations of pineapples and coffee
were the order of the day en route to Ngare Ndare. We then had a stopover at
Africana Curio Shop. The bead and artworks showcased the prowess of the craftsmen
and women who handmade them. Sculptures, necklaces, bangles, beaded belts were
neatly arranged on the shelves. We each bought at least an ornament from a key
chain to a sculpture to add to our collection back at home of our escapades.
After a short distance
we stopped over at the Equator. We just had to… we were literally standing at
the centre of the world. We did the usual, took lots of photos at this pit stop.
After a four hour drive from Nairobi, we arrived in Nanyuki Town. We stopped by
at the Nakumatt Nanyuki did some junk food ‘snacks’ shopping to take us through
the day. This was our final stopover before reaching our ultimate destination.
Within an hour’s time
we had arrived at the forest. After a short briefing from the armed guide we
did the first activity of the day, the canopy walk. It’s one of the only 3
canopy walks in Africa. Hanging at 40 feet the 450 meters long walk is just an
amazing experience. Being part of the elephant Migration Corridor, herds of
elephants can be spotted moving to Lewa conservancy or back to Mt Kenya. Having
a monkey’s eye view of the vegetation, the scenery, is just breathtaking. That
scenery will forever be embedded in my mind. At the end of the canopy walk,
there is a wooden platform whereby people can relax have a go at the natural
swing or a meal with the view of the river below. Buffaloes and Elephants are
sighted wallowing in its cool waters on a hot day.
After a short break we
then proceeded to the next activity which was the nature walk, one got to take
in the scenery on ground which was just as breathtaking as it was. There’s the
excitement and danger in the forest. Occasionally elephants are spotted or even
the black rhinos or just any other big five. Therefore it is mandatory to have
an armed guide always. The nature walk was a walk and hike at the same time. Various Bird species are present in the
forest.
After passing by small
streams, we caught a glimpse of the waterfalls and the clear blue water for the
gods. These blue pools give the paradisaical feeling as if we were at the
Garden of Eden. We then took a dip in its cool waters, jumping from its
‘cliffs’. I can honestly say we were having the time of our lives because time
had gone by so fast that the ranger asked us to wrap up as it was getting late.
We were not tired any more, just more energetic, it might have been the waters.
We trekked down to the
mini bus to go back to Nairobi.
Sadly we were not able
to do all the activities Ngare Ndare had to offer but on our next trip on the
25th March we will try as much as try some of them. They include
canyoning, rock climbing and Abseiling Adventure, Game drive as well as try
camping in the forest with the big five.
Ngare Ndare has so much
to offer. One can also decide to become a Friend of Ngare Ndare Forest and aid their
efforts in conservation of the environment.
Make sure to join Wild
Springs Adventures on their escapades around Kenya. There is so much to explore
WHAT TO CARRY
Camera
Water and Dry Snacks
Comfortable Hiking or
Walking Shoes
Friends to tag along
An adventurous spirit
Like
us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/WildSpringsAdventures/
Follow
us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/wild_springs_adventures/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/wildsprings1
Call
in 0729 257 317
Whether a group or a
family we will help you in booking and planning.
See you soon!!
Our Trip To Ngare Ndare was amazing here are the photos.Thank you for being part of us
for more travel insights read more blog posts from our site
For all travel Arrangements contact 0729 257 317
wildspringssafaris@gmail.com
f
