Going Back in Time in the Kereita Mau Mau Caves
Kenya has such a rich history dating back decades. Stories from before independence are puzzling. Stories of the fight for independence are especially interesting. It is always enlightening to listen to these stories being told by people who were told by their grandparents as well as those who were actually there. It is a whole other feeling and experience to be at the sites of these stories. You can almost see the Mau Mau warriors fight the colonialist right there under the cover of forest, darkness and fog. While there is some hiking involved, you will be right back in your history classroom only this time it will be interactive and you will be sweating. The Kereita trek will be just what the teacher ordered.
Key Attractions
- The Kereita forest was used during the fight for independence for its dense forest and the cover a cocktail of darkness and fog provided the fighters. They hid in the forest and barely had to smear charcoal on their faces. As cleansing as it may have been for their skins. The Kereita forest was the stage on which Kenya gained its independence. It homes the caves in which these fighter hid their fighting supplies. Hiking groups in Kenya are taken to sites like the one on which the Lari Massacre started and beneath which thousands of people who died in the aftermath are buried.
- Listening to the stories of how country men and women died to get us the freedom we have today can put a damper on your day. It can make you a little sad. So when school is out, you can move walk on forward as you ponder the stories you just heard and the sanctity of the grounds you just walked. To brighten your day, you will come upon a waterfall that looks like it has been painted right before your eyes. It is beautiful and almost perfect in the way the waterfalls and the way it fits in the environment.
Challenge Level
The trek through Kereita forest on the hallowed grounds will be only moderately challenging for you. However, this is one of the few hiking trails on which you will not be too concerned about the pain in your calves. You will be too occupied.
Logistics
The central meeting point is on the benches near Bata Hilton Nairobi CBD. From there, we head out to take public transport to Magina. The journey to the starting point is about one and a half hours long.
The trail is also self-drive friendly in case you don’t want to take public transport.
What do you need for the trail?
- 3Ltrs water (bring a reusable bottle or a hydration pack)
- Snacks: fruit salad, energy drink, warm beverage, biscuits, sandwich, trail mix (nuts), etc.
- Personal items (ID, pocket money, hand sanitizer, facemask, phone, and camera, Lighter, Pocket Knife, and First-aid Kit)
- Warm clothing
- Headlamp
- Change of clothes and shoes in case you get wet or muddy.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, sun protection
Here’s a list of resources for hiking gear you can check out.
Hiking Gear Vendors – Lets Drift
Can you bring your kids with you?
Yes. You can bring your older kids on the trek. The history will be interesting for them and the walk will not be too taxing.
Now that you know about the Kereita tour of Mau Mau caves, we hope to see you on the trails!
Similar trails
If you are a fan of hanging out with hiking groups in Kenya, Book now, be notified when tickets become available. Similar to the Kereita tour of Mau Mau caves are:
Ngurunga cia Njangiri and Kijabe waterfalls
