Ngong Forest Sanctuary is one of only very few forests in the world that exists within a city. Only 6 kilometers from Nairobi's central business district, the forest is a precious resource for Kenya's capital city. In an unusual and dynamic move on the part of the Kenyan Government, an area of 600 hectares of this urban forest has been entrusted to the management of a private charitable trust - the Ngong Forest Sanctuary Trust.
Ngong Forest Sanctuary walk is great for those interested in mammals, trees, wild flowers, birds or would like to just walk in the forest. The walk in the forest offers bird watching, plant identification, and animal life accompanied by a professional naturalist. Nairobi plays host to 605 different species of birds, which is more bird species within the boundaries of a capital city than any other in the world. 190 of them can be found in the Ngong Forest Sanctuary.
Some of the species include Grebes, Cormorants, Darters, Egrets, Herons, Hamerkop, Storks, Ibises, Goose, Ducks Vultures, Kites, Buzzards, Eagles, Plovers, Sandpipers, Doves, Pigeons, Turacos, Owls, Cuckoos, Swifts, Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, Mousebirds, Woodpeckers, etc. During your Ngong Forest Sanctuary walk, you may see over 35 species of mammals which include Bush Buck, Dik Dik, Duiker, Suni, Leopard, Hyena (spotted), Baboon, Vervet Monkey, Aardvark, Porcupine, Squirrel and Tree Hyrax.
Ngong Forest Sanctuary has 208 species of indigenous trees, plants and Amphibians such as Toads and frogs, reptiles such as Tortoise, Lizards and snakes which together create a stunning sanctuary in the heart of Nairobi.
Ngong Forest Sanctuary walk takes approximately 2 hours through the forest or around the dam that attracts large numbers of birds and even leopard has been spotted there. After the walk enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the Rangers Restaurant and return back to your hotel residence.
Ngonghills was gazetted back in 1985 and is located 25kms from Nairobi.it is within the kajiado county and managed under the kajiado eco system conservator.
The following are some of the activites that take place around ngonghills.
Ngong Forest Sanctuary Walk entry point is through our main gate next to the Commonwealth war graves, approximately 400 meters off ngong road. The walk can be arranged such that it ends at the Steve's Steak House in time for lunch.
Lunch at the Steve's Steak House averages between 1,200 Kenya Shillings and 2,000 Kenya Shillings. The best time for bird watching is in the morning, say 9.00am.
There are many bird species to observe among them the very beautiful but rare Narina trogon and the African Crowned Eagle. Also water birds next to the dam.
You can bring along bird guides, binoculars, cameras and may be some drinking water. Dressing may depend on the weather but generally light clothing and walking shoes are recommended.
The walks last 2 hours on average. We will allocate you a guide experienced in birding) and two armed rangers.