Kimunye Day Hike

A sweet and gentle hike with one waterfall right in the middle of it where you can swim in or relax in front of it on a pebble island. Located on the slopes of Mount Kenya is this newly discovered trail that skirts around the forest and tea plantations while crossing a river twice.

The hike starts at Castle Forest Station which is the starting point of the Kamweti Trail. From the forest station, we walk along the forest electric fence for about 6km before descending to the waterfall. Once down, we will have to wade across the river on foot – about 0.4m at the deepest. Once across the river, it’s a climb up to the waterfall head and then across tea plantations to the forest station. The total hiking distance is 11-12km and can take between 5 and 7 hours

It takes about 3.5 hours or so to get to the starting point since the roads are under construction and it’s hilly in places. The distance to the starting point is about 140km. We’ll depart the city at 6am

1. Hiking level – between beginner and moderate with one steep and slippery section. Total hiking distance is 11-12 km. Factors contributing to moderate hiking experience include the slippery descent and slightly long hiking trail

2. Important point: we have to cross the river on foot twice to get to the other side. This means wading in the water – with or without your shoes. It is safe but the water can be cool/cold and there are pebbles in the river bed.

3. Main attractions – forest trek, one large waterfall, river crossing, swimming

4. Type of hike – forest trek

5. Atmospheric conditions – due to the mid low altitude and wet area, the weather tends to be cool and wet.

6. Slipping hazard – good chance of slipping when descending down to the waterfall – you’ll definitely get muddy.

7. Steepness – Most of the terrain is gently rising or falling. Total elevation change is almost 100m with the highest altitude being 1960m in the middle and the lowest being 1870m near the end

8. Hiking path condition – open easy trails surrounded by forest or plantations

9. Water usage – medium – recommend a minimum of 2 litre depending on weather

10. Route visibility – the trail is generally visible except for a few places where the paths can split

11. Biodiversity – numerous species of insects, birds and trees

• Good hiking boots
• Sun hat – to protect against the sun
• Water – at least 2 litres
• Change of clothes or swimming costume in case you’re swimming
• Snacks and lunch – since we expect to finish latest by 8pm, we recommend you bring snacks and lunch to eat while relaxing at scenic locations along the route

Review by Brian Hawi Odhiambo

This is a simple yet enjoyable experience. It starts off easy and relatively flat but as you head toward the waterfall, down you must go. However, the view of the waterfall from just a few meters away will make you forget about the scary downhill muddy path you just faced. There’s an island-like area where you can sit, eat and take in all the scenery of the waterfall.

There is enough water to swim between the waterfall and the land mass, if you are into swimming in nature. For photographers, selfie-lovers, those who can swim in rivers, those who love throwing and skipping stones across the water and those who pile flat-like stones, Kimunye will surely give you some mud and dirt but definitely will have you delighted and satisfied.