Location

Located on the northern foothills of Mount Kenya is the 5300 hectare indigenous Ngare Ndare Forest, with red cedar, podo - measuring over 7 meters in circumferance, greenheart, and mugumo (fig). Is a safe haven for large mammals including elephant, and a paradise for monkeys, birds and butterflies.

There are also black rhino in the forest which are under constant surveillance. In the past, there was free movement of wildlife between the Mt Kenya forest and Laikipia / Samburu, and the Ngare Ndare Forest Trust is working to re-establish a wildlife corridor.

Description

An impressive game viewing platform has been built 25 feet high amongst the fruiting mugumo trees, where groups of Hartlaub's Turaco gather. The platform overlooks a natural swamp fed by an underground spring, where a variety of unique vegetation grows including Phoenix palms, giant cycads and wild flowers. Here elephants and buffalo come to drink. The platform is an ideal picnic and sundowner spot, and on clear starry nights - a fantastic place to sleep. Below is plenty of space to set up a campsite.

Accommodation/Facilities:

• Water is available from the spring
• Firewood can be collected
• Temporary toilets need to be dug and covered before departure
• Good Safaricom mobile phone signal
• Day-time rangers are on hand to guide visitors on all walks and to help in the campsite
• Night-time watch man is available

Walking, hiking & biking: The forest has several walking trails, and scenic picnic spots. Only an hours walk from the platform is a hidden waterfall - ideal for a quick dip. There are opportunities for hiking up Simangwa Hill, rewarded by views across the vast Laikipia plain. Old forest roads are ideal for mountain biking, however advice on the whereabouts of elephant and buffalo must be sought before heading out. Local guides must accompany visitors on all walks and hikes.

Cultural Interaction: The community have received funds from the Tourism Trust Fund to develop a cultural boma at Manyangalo Village, which will display artefacts from different tribes living in the area, including Maasai, Boran, Kikuyu and Meru.

Access / Directions:

• Located 36kms from Nanyuki (approx 1-hour). 4-wheel drive vehicle necessary in the rainy season
• Head north on the Nanyuki - Meru road through Timau town - 28kms
• One km after Timau turn left on a dirt road marked with several signs - including one for Tassia / Il N'gwesi
• Go through Ethi town after another 10kms
• Reach an electric elephant fence less than one km
• From the fence to the right hand turning leading to the campsite is another 3.2kms
• Follow the track to the platform parking area (1.2kms)