THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO GATAMAIYU FOREST
Another beautiful and rejuvenating adventure just for you, Gatamaiyu Forest. Gatamaiyu forest is located in Githunguri, Kiambu County. It is part of the larger Kereita Forest. Gatamaiyu forest is a highland wet forest located east edge of the great Aberdare Ranges Forest.
The forest is packed with beautiful scenery, a thick forest, streams, and waterfalls. The forest is a combination of Indigenous forest, exotic forest, bamboo forest, scrubland, and manmade forest. The larger percentage is the indigenous forest at 85%of the forest.
The forest is also home to wildlife and the largest birdwatching venue. The surroundings of the forest have the right soil and climate for the production of coffee and tea. The weather you will expect here is cold and misty.
LOCATION OF GATAMAIYU FOREST
To get to Gatamaiyu Forest, you will get there through Kimende which is 52.1 km via A104 and takes approximately 1 hour 14 minutes from Nairobi. Alternatively, there is another route to Kimende from Nairobi via Southern Bypass and A104, 56.4 km which takes approximately 1 hour 17 minutes. There is yet another route to KImende from Nairobi via Limuru Road and A 104 which is 53.5 km and takes approximately 1 hour 26 minutes.
From Kimende shopping centre to Gatamaiyu Forest Gate, it is 8 km. The trail starts at Gatamaiyu forest gate next to the fisheries office.
GATAMAIYU FOREST HIKE
There are different hiking options for you. The hiking areas will depend on your destination and what you want to see.
The hike through the thick Gatamaiyu Forest.
The hike through the forest will depend on your experience in hiking it can be easy for you but hard for someone else. I will not rate this hike hard or easy but moderate. The hike in the forest will take you through a trail along the river the famous Gatamaiyu Riverline trail. The trail is also characterized by the canopy of indigenous forest with muddy patches and fallen logs on the floor of the forest.
In the rainy season, this trail is tough. The trails are slippery and the logs that you will have to pass on in the forest are slippery. You will come across elephant dung evidence of the elephants in the forest. The elephants are responsible for the fallen trees in the forest.
The forest is home to a rich ecosystem of fungi, lichen, and microorganisms. This is also evidence that the forest is rich, healthy, and well taken care of. This trail will get you to a beautiful waterfall at the end of the trail. Near it is the Wangari Maathai tree, a tall straight tree in the middle of the forest near the waterfall. This is the only tree the elephants cannot uproot because the tree is really old and strong.
Be prepared to come out of this trail dirty and muddy. This is a fun challenge that will get you out of your comfort zone.
Trail to the second waterfall
The trail to this waterfall is easier and more friendly to children. The trail takes you through the residential area, coffee and tea farms, and a manmade forest with agroforestry taking place. You will cross the great Gatamaiyu River through a modern well-built bridge.
This trail will end at a very scenic waterfall whose surrounding has farm activities like Napier grass plantation. The waterfall is closer to residential and human activities. Despite this being the case it is well taken care of and conservation measures upheld.
The other waterfall is through a cave very scenic and beautiful. Gatamaiyu forest is a forest rich in scenic views for you to explore and enjoy. It also serves as the source of the Athi River.
THE HISTORY OF GATAMAIYU FOREST
Gatamaiyu forest came in handy during the fight for independence. The forest acted as cover for the freedom fighters in their efforts to defend their region from intruders who were the colonialists. Kereita Forest and Gatamaiyu hold the history of the Larry Massacre which happened back in 1953. The colonial–local revenge resulted in the death of 4000 people. The forest is now home to mass graves where the victims were buried.
The forest conservation measures.
The conservation measure of the forest is a combined effort of the community-based organization the Kijabe Environment Volunteers(KENVO) and the Kenya Forest Service. Despite these measures being put in place, the forest is at risk of deforestation. The cutting down of trees is very high and this may risk the beautiful thick Gatamaiyu forest. Measures should be put in place to protect and save the forest to preserve this beautiful destination.
ACTIVITIES AT GATAMAIYU FOREST.
- Hiking
Hiking is the main activity here for you. Come well prepared to see the three waterfalls. This achievement is the greatest gift you can give yourself on your visit here. There is a waterfall that is accessed through the residential areas, there is a waterfall deep in the forest, and another waterfall that runs through a cave. If your main goal is hiking you will get to see all these waterfalls and other mini waterfalls and the rejuvenating walk along the riverbank.
- Picnic
In every hike creating memories is the main agenda. Come equipped with snacks to have a wonderful time with your friends and family members after the hike. You can snack together beside the waterfall enjoying the breeze and the noise of the waterfall. Another option for you is near the entrance. After the long hike, you can reenergize yourselves before going home or heading to another destination.
- Photoshoot session
If you want your pictures on social media to stand out this is the right background to take pictures. Pictures inspired by nature are the most beautiful pictures. Come packed with your quality camera to take photos of birds and sceneries here. Create memories to always remember by taking pictures with your family and friends. This is the main reason some of us travel.
- Fishing
there are fishing activities that take place along the river banks. Rainbow strouts are provided for fishing. You can even cook the fish and eat it there. It is allowed in designated areas. Come prepared to enjoy fish caught and prepared by you. Carry those spices to add to the taste.
WILDLIFE AND BIRDWATCHING IN GATAMAIYU FOREST
Nature in this forest is the same as nature in Ngare Ndare Forest and Ragia Forest, destinations in the Aberdare Forest that you should add to your bucket list to explore and enjoy. The forest is home to bush babies, bush ochre squirrels, porcupines, giant forest hogs, common duikers, black and white colobus monkeys, syke monkeys, mongoose, civets, and the African elephant.
Gatamaiyu forest is the most convenient place for bird watching. To all bird lovers come prepared to capture new species and learn more about birds. Bird watching requires a lot of patience and curiosity to follow the sounds and know which bird or species is that.
Some of the species you will come across are the African stonechat next to the road, the augur buzzard high in the blue clear sky, the cisticola on a tea plantation, the green-headed sunbird, and the olive. Other species are the African green ibis, African crowned eagle, red-chested owlet, and Jackson francolin.
CAMPING AT GATAMAIYU FOREST
Camping is allowed at Gatamaiyu. There is a campsite at Gatamaiyu Forest Gate next to the fisheries offices. Before you come to camp here make sure you consult further about the camp to know what is offered and what you need to bring along.
The fee charges vary depending on your negotiation with the officers in charge and the services you need while there.
Make sure you bring along a tent if none is offered, a sleeping bag, warm clothes since the weather here varies from time to time, and enough food. The best time to come camping is during the dry season from August to October and December to March.
Despite this being the dry season note this is the highlands therefore the place is cold and receives short rains even in dry seasons.
ACCOMMODATION AROUND GATAMAIYU FOREST
- 1, Deep Valley Lodge Tuthu, Kenya located Tuthu – Wanjerere Road, Tuthu.
- 2, VIP Nest Lounge located in Maai Mahiu.
- 3, Kihara Farm Stay is located 22km from Gatamaiyu Forest Reserve and 24 km from Limuru Country Club.
- 4, Tigoni A-frame cottage located Tigoni area in Limuru.
TRAVEL INFORMATION TO GATAMAIYU FOREST
You can visit Gatamaiyu Forest any season of the year but the best season is during the dry season. From August to October and December to March. During this time the trails in the forest are not muddy and slippery. During this season the only challenge is the place is crowded.
As you plan to visit Gatamaiyu Forest bring along a raincoat no matter the season. Wear flexible high-rise shoes, carry enough water at least two little, carry enough snacks, and wear flexible waterproof clothes.
This is an adventure like no other and a chance to clear your mind and rejuvenate.