Njigari Forest is in Othaya, Nyeri near Munyange Two Village. Importantly to note, Njigari forest is part of the southern Aberdares Block. The southern block includes Njigari Forest, Kihuri Forest, Gatangu Forest, and Gura Forest. Together they form a more prominent Zuti Forest. Locals refer to the Zuti forest as a Thuti Forest. The white man coined the name since he couldn’t pronounce Thuti. Njigari Forest boasts a beautiful trail with a forest rain cover and a Bamboo section. Two powerful Waterfalls and River Thuti, which flows down to Athi and Tana, drains the Indian Ocean. The Waterfalls acted as a post office for Mau Mau freedom fighters. This is because of their exclusive location. The Trail is 18 Kilometers from the starting point. Ends at Zuti Forest, Plant Nursery.
Attractions in Njigari Forest
- An excellent place for a hiking day trip
- The lush forest is part of the Aberdares mountain range
- Natural woods and habitat to the forest
- Wildlife: Elephants, Sykes monkeys, black & white Columbus monkeys
- Birdlife: hosts a globally threatened Abbot’s starling, among others like the bar-tailed trogons
- Waterfalls and Rivers
- Mau Mau Mau freedom fighters hideout
Cost Per Person on Self Drive Option
Kenya Citizens: Kshs 1999
Kenya Residents: Kshs 2599
Non-Residents: USD 40
Cost Per Person on Group Transport
Kenya Citizens: Kshs 2950
Kenya Residents: Kshs 3499
Non-Residents: USD 50
Included in the cost
- Transport
- Entrance Fee
- Guide Fee
- Photography
- Facilitation
Excluded in the Price
- Transport (for Self-drive option)
- Insurance
- Tips & Gratuities
- Anything else not mentioned in the Inclusions
What to carry for Njigari Forest
- Hiking Boots with excellent grip
- Poncho
- Fleece jacket or a Hiking Down Jacket
- Thermal T-shirt
- Hiking Pant
- Trekking Pole
- Hiking Backpack
- Camelback to carry water
- At least 2litres of water
- Snacks/packed lunch
- Change of clothes after the Hike: extra T-shirt, Pants, sports shoes
Route options
Here is the route with the presumed pick-up point as International Life House.
Please Note
- During pick up, Location & time can change. This is if it’s a private group with a different pick-up Location
- Charges provided are standard and can change depending on pick up Location
- Charges can change if the number of participants changes
Journey Summary
Meeting/Pick up Point: International Life House
Meeting/Pick up Time: 5:00 am
Starting Point: Njigari Forest Office
Ending point: Zuti Forest Plant Nursery
Estimated Walking duration: 5 hours to 7 hours
Terrain
- It is a river line trail, under a canopy of an indigenous forest.
- One MUST HAVE LONG SLEEVE clothing and GLOVES because of Sting nettle.
Difficulty: Moderate
