EXPLORING RAGIA WATERFALL AND FOREST
Are you looking for a place where you will bond closely with nature? We got you- Ragia Forest. This is a forest that is served by waterfalls which are the Ragia waterfalls, the beautiful mangrove forest, the elephant trail, and the lush grass along the trails. Your experience exploring this place will be a one-of-a-kind experience.
Ragia forest and the Ragia waterfalls are located in Lari Kiambu County. The forest borders the Kieni forest to the East and Kinangop plateau to the West Nyandarua. Starting your hike through Sasumus Dam, to China Champ, you will experience the breathtaking view of the Sasumua Dam. From the road and along the hiking trails you will have a beautiful view of the Elephant Hills in the Aberdare Range forest.
From Nairobi using the Haile Sellassie Avenue, A104, and Thika – Gatura road /C67 it is 2 hours 6 mins 95.1 kilometers.
THE HISTORY OF RAGIA FOREST
Aberdare Ranges as you all know, is famously known as the home for the Mau-mau freedom fighters. The forest stretches over towns like Nyahuru, Nyandarua, Lari among other towns in the central and Rift Valley region.
Ragia Waterfalls and Forest Is one of the forests that was home to the freedom fighters. On your visit to the forest, you will hear the falls famously being referred to as the General China waterfalls. This name is derived from the freedom fighter Waruhiu Itote who was famously referred to as General China. He was the key leader of the Maumau uprising together with Dedan Kimathi, Stanley Mathenge, and others.
You will come across Maumau caves near the second waterfall. They are preferred near the waterfall because of the noise of the water which would shield their voices from being heard by their pursues. Very interesting.
THE ATTRACTIONS OF THE RAGIA WATERFALLS AND FOREST
Ragia Waterfalls Forest is packed with adventurous attractions just for you.
- Sasumua Dam
At the beginning of the hike, you will be welcomed by the great Sasumua Dam. This dam is very big and well maintained with a wall to hold the water. It is very beautiful, surrounded by nature.
During the flood season, this is one of the dams that were feared to explode sending water to sweep people away in the residential nearby and even the forest. But thanks be to God it did not happen. The walls were strong enough to hold the water. You are safe around here.
The dam supplies drinking water to the residents of Nairobi and its surroundings. A very important asset of the Nairobians.
- The Ragia Forest old bridge.
From the Sasumua dam, through the China camp gate, you will get to this old bridge. Unlike other forest hikes like the Zania forest, where we closed manmade temporary bridges. A must-visit destination for you to experience these fascinating bridges, waterfalls, and nature.
This bridge was constructed during the colonial period back in 1952. It helped to connect through the forest across the big stream for easier access. The piping system also passes here which supplies water. You will come across some of them along the trails.
From the bridge, you will have a great view of the stream and the vegetation around it. There are a lot of fern plants and mangrove trees around it. You can grab the chance and have a photo shoot session around the bridge for memories of the beautiful surroundings.
- THE RAGIA WATERFALLS
The falls are the Jewel of the Ragia Waterfalls and forest and the main tourist attraction. This is the goal that will keep you moving on your trail towards them. You will hear the falls being referred to as the General China Falls and also some refer to them as Fall 16 and 17.
Ragia Waterfalls and Forest has two major waterfalls deep in the forest. The waterfalls are surrounded by nature that has not been tampered with. Therefore nature is at its best doing its best to protect its own at all costs. The struggle to get to the waterfalls will show the truth of this statement.
The waterfalls are something worth looking forward to. They are just breathtaking and amazing they will leave you wondering if such scenery still exists. It’s like paradise.
Related: Explore Zania Falls: Location, Trails, Camping and Wildlife
HIKING TRAILS AROUND RAGIA WATERFALLS & FOREST
The hiking trail starts at Sasumua Dam, through the China Camp gate then into the trails;
The trail through the elephant grass.
The main trail will start you off through the mangrove forest, giving a nice shade and comfort. When they said that hiking in this forest was beginner-friendly this is the trail they were referring to.
The trail has elephant grasses. You will come across elephant footprints along the trail. The trail will open up to a trail with lush grass vegetation. It is flat and manageable posing no challenge at all.
- The trail to the 1st waterfall
Heading to the first waterfall will be the beginning of your hike. The hiking trail with narrow down due to the growth of vegetation and the vegetation will thicken up. You will feel like you are now invading the forest vegetation.
The trail down to the waterfall will become very steep and slippery. The slippery state is due to the water coming from the vegetation, even when it has not rained the trail is still slippery.
Your hike to the first waterfall will require patience, stamina, and some experience in hiking. Another vital requirement you will need is the hiking spirit.
This steep trail will open up to a river, which you will be required to close to get to the first Waterfall. You will need teamwork closing the river especially if you have water phobia.
The first waterfall is just amazing all the struggle getting to it will be worth it. Take some time here and enjoy the misty atmosphere and the great view. Do not forget to create memories.
- The trail to the 2nd waterfall
After enjoying the first waterfall you will get back to the main trail to head to the second waterfall. The locations of the waterfalls are proof that these waterfalls have not been explored. The trail to get to them you will realize is very virgin proof of untouched nature or well-preserved nature.
The trail to the second waterfall is easier than the first one. Though the struggle is there and you need extra care because any wrong move can send you rolling down there. Your hike down the steep slope will get you to the second waterfall engulfed with the Maumau caves where the generals used to hide.
The view of the waterfall will give you an illusion of cloudlike formation as you look at it from below. When the rays of the sun shine on it makes a formation of a rainbow giving a very beautiful view. It’s like paradise and paradise it is.
You can take the chance here for a nice photoshoot session. You can also have a rest after the hike here and have snacks or the lunch you brought along.
- Trail back to the starting point
As you climb up the trail back, you will realize it is easier than getting to the waterfall. Even though easier it will also send you panting as you hike up. The whole hiking experience to and fro the waterfall will give a true experience of hiking.
It will leave you wondering what they meant by saying it is beginner-friendly, but your experience along the hike will answer the question. The experience is amazing, the fatigue is healed by the beautiful nature and the waterfall. Just Worth it. I recommend embarking on this great adventure.
Related: Exploring the Seven Ponds Hike: Difficulty, Directions, and Activities
WILDLIFE IN RAGIA WATERFALLS FOREST
The forest is home to wildlife like elephants, the syke and colobus monkeys, reptiles like snakes, and small animals like wild hares, squirrels, and birds. You can not go around the forest without the company of an armed game ranger. There are dangerous animals in the forest, but you can meet them at dusk or night. But it is good to be safe by taking along a guide.
For you bird viewers this is a great chance to go bird viewing. You can learn and discover bird species found in the forest.
CAMPING IN RAGIA WATERFALLS FOREST
One of the activities put in place in the forest for you is camping. For you to camp here you need to liaise with the Kenya Wildlife Service rangers in place. They will be able to guide you and advise you accordingly on camping In the forest.
You should consult before making camping arrangements. You will be able to know the amenities you will require to camp here, what they offer, and what you should bring along. They will be in a position to also advise on security and the fee it may incur.
Related: Hyrax Hill Museum: Discovering Kenya’s Historical Gem in Nakuru County
THINGS TO DO AT RAGIA WATERFALLS AND FOREST
The major activity you will expect at the forest is hiking but there is more the forest can offer.
- Picnic
As you plan to visit the forest and the water, come with enough snacks to have a nice picnic near the waterfalls. The view of the waterfall will give you an amazing view for creating picnic memories.
You can also make this as a payoff after the long hike to the waterfall. Very rewarding.
- Photoshoot session
No beautiful photos as the one inspired by nature. You can look forward to it, and come prepared for a nice photo shoot session around the waterfalls and the old bridge. Do not be ashamed to pack that dress and a nice shoe and just capture the moment around this beautiful scenery.
Photography is even catered for in your entry fee, make good use of every penny you pay.
- Other activities
You can go bird watching and take photographs of them to study and record the different species of birds in the forest.
Game viewing and studying their habit and activities in the forest. You also conduct a study in the forest with the help of the game rangers to identify other animal species in the forest.
You can bring along your swimming costume. In good weather when it is not too cold, you can grab the chance and have a good swim in the pool near the waterfall. Note, that only experienced good swimmers are allowed to swim since the pools are very deep and the pressure of the water from the falls is high.
TRAVEL INFORMATION TO RAGIA FOREST AND FALLS
You can get to Ragia Falls and the forest through public means from Nairobi to Lari. You can use a private vehicle, and the wildlife service here offers free packing to a maximum of 10 vehicles.
You can also visit the forest through a traveling company. This option has benefits like company since you are a group. They will also help you create memories by taking photos and also team building, helping and encouraging each other in the hike.
Related: Thompson Falls: History, Trails, Lodge, Direction, Wildlife
BEST TIME TO VISIT RAGIA FOREST
One can visit Ragia forest any time of the year. But the best time you can visit is during the dry period. From July – to October and December- to February. You should note that even if it is considered a dry period short rains are experienced in between. This is due to the misty weather conditions in the area and the vegetation cover.
ACCOMMODATION AROUND RAGIA WATERFALLS & FOREST
- Tribe Hotel 4.3 miles from Ragia Falls
- Range view Lodge Muranga Hotel Kiamuturi road.
- Deep Valley Lodge Tuthu Kenya. Tuthu- Wanjere road.
OPENING HOURS
The forest is open from 6:00 am till dusk. For you to have enough time to explore be here early. The hike takes 7 hours and the time will depend on the hiking speed. Therefore it might take longer. Coming early is the best option. The forest is open every day therefore any day you are free you can come over for a nice hike.
Are you craving a close bond with nature? A hike that will give you a real challenge but fun at the same time. Here is your chance. Ragia Forest and Falls will offer a hiking experience that will forever be in your memories. A hike that will challenge you to try other more challenging forests like the Aberdare forest, Ngong hills, and others.