About Oloolua Nature Trail
An indigenous forest on the edge of Nairobi, opened to walkers, birders and campers by the Kenya Institute of Primate Research.
Our Mission
To conserve and protect the forest's ecosystem while providing educational opportunities and nature experiences that inspire environmental stewardship.
Our Vision
A thriving urban forest that serves as a model for conservation, biodiversity protection, and community engagement in environmental preservation.
The Forest
Oloolua Forest is an indigenous dry tropical forest in Karen, on the south-western edge of Nairobi. Gazetted as a forest reserve in 1932, it covers about 618 hectares in several blocks and is managed by the Kenya Forest Service.
During the colonial era the forest was one of the bases used by the Mau Mau movement, and a 37-metre cave along the trail is still known as the Mau Mau cave.
The nature trail runs through the part of the forest that surrounds the campus of the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE), a biomedical research institution established as a state corporation in 2017 from the former Institute of Primate Research. Its 5 km and 10 km loops take in a waterfall, streams, a papyrus swamp, bamboo groves, picnic sites and a campsite.
618 Hectares
Of gazetted indigenous forest
191 Species
Profiled in our wildlife database
Since 1932
Protected as a forest reserve
Conservation Efforts
Habitat Protection
We work to maintain the integrity of the forest ecosystem through controlled access, trail maintenance, and protection from encroachment.
Species Monitoring
Wildlife surveys and citizen science help us track population trends and biodiversity health.
Environmental Education
School programmes and guided walks teach visitors about forest ecology and conservation.
Community Engagement
We partner with local communities to create sustainable livelihoods while protecting the forest.