CASTLE FOREST AND FORD WATERFALL IN MT. KENYA

"What is the good of your stars and trees, your sunrise and the wind, if they do not enter into our daily lives?" E.M. Forster.

Over the weekend I joined Stay Fit Adventures with the quest for Castle Forest and the hidden Ford falls in the middle of Mt. Kenya. I was so excited being my first time to explore the said Forest and the Falls.

8:00AM good morning, at Castle Forest Station managed by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) where we paid entrance fee and also hired local guides and armed guards from Kenya Forest Station. Brief introduction was done which was followed by stretches to prepare our muscles to hit the trail as we enroute to Ford falls which was our target.

The team was energetic, armed with the right gears, we were all convinced to start trekking from the main entrance as opposed from starting at Castle lodge and reduce the trail by 3.3 kilometers.

The trail is well marked and maintained as one can use this route to summit Mt. Kenya taking a maximum of five days. The sound of water, birds singings was a good motivation to keep us going. The beautiful views, canopies indigenous trees walking under trees was indeed a sight to behold.

The 9km to waterfall presented wonderful moment for fun, networking and soul searching to those who loved meditating along the trail. Anytime I join a team for adventures I always return home having added new friends which is the best asset one can have.

The generosity witnessed during adventures is a great lesson, hikers share their snacks, encourage a fellow hiker including holding one’s hand for assistance at times, even carrying one’s bag. Never fear joining any group for the fear of being lonely, unless you are not willing to network, you will always find a hiker of your pace as well as helping hand.

Our destination, here comes magnificent and huge Ford waterfall, sight behold, healthy sound was therapeutic. The cold water cooled our feet after a worthy walk, taking photos moments, swimming was not left out. By 3:00PM the team was settled in our buses and ready for the return trip.

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time." Sir John Lubbock