From battlefield to picnic site

Karura Forest has been the site for struggles and clashes in recent decades, but today it is a beautiful space with a picturesque waterfall, a bamboo forest and marshland fit for family picnics, bike trails, bird walks and other exciting events, writes Kiundu Waweru

I listened keenly with a sceptical smile playing at my lips and eyes dancing with disbelief as speaker after speaker eloquently spoke about Karura Forest having been made safe, and consequently opened to the public as a recreation site.

The spot where the Central Bank incinerates old bank notes.

A few weeks later, the gracious Alice, who is the wife to British High Commissioner, Rob Macaire, and Charity, treated us to a grand tour of the pristine forest.

The nature trails within the forest are so enthralling with a calming cool so removed from the city running amok just a few kilometres away. The chirping sounds of birds, the whistling of trees and other sounds merge to a cacophony of echo; and yet, listening carefully, you are engulfed with reflective silence.

Safe haven

Charity, in her official uniform, was erudite as she explained about the different types of trees in the forest. For the record, she declared the forest completely safe as compared to the time when they would bump into human bodies in the bushes.

As we approached one of the attractions in the forest — a waterfall-- — we panted down a slope holding on to climbing plants. The conversation was light,

Leafy lilies float in the Lily Pond. PHOTOS: [MARTIN MUKANGU/STANDARD]

Pretty Valley is also rife with history. A curious looking chimney stands lonely in a cleared part of the forest. Charity explains its existence. "The Central Bank incinerates old bank notes here. Also, officers would come here to practice for target shooting."

There are other attractions, a body of water buzzing with beautiful butterflies and fittingly baptized "Butterfly Lake". And from Limuru Road entrance and a few metres to the Shell BP Sports Club is the Lily Pond. Leafy lilies float in the pond, offering a breathtaking sight.

On second visit, I found various families sitting in tents at an expansive clear area beside the pond.