Destinations Near Fortunas Resort

Ngare Ndare Forest & Blue Pools

An ancient indigenous forest of waterfalls, sapphire pools and Kenya’s longest tree canopy walkway.

approximately 60 km from Fortunas1 to 1.5 hourBest: Year-round, with clearest pools in dry seasons

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Ngare Ndare Forest & Blue Pools

Overview

About Ngare Ndare Forest & Blue Pools

Ngare Ndare Forest is a 5,554-hectare indigenous forest hidden on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya, famous for its surreal turquoise pools, cascading waterfalls and Kenya’s longest tree canopy walkway. Mist-fed cedar, podo and olive giants rise above clear streams that drain into glacial-blue swimming holes — the celebrated ‘Blue Pools’ — fed by Mount Kenya’s snowmelt.

For guests at Fortunas Resort, Ngare Ndare is the perfect counterpoint to a savannah safari: a cool, green half-day or full-day escape just over an hour away. The forest links Mount Kenya to the Lewa-Borana landscape via a protected elephant migration corridor and underpass, making it both an ecotourism gem and a critical wildlife artery.

History & Heritage

The Story of Ngare Ndare Forest & Blue Pools

The Ngare Ndare Forest Trust was formed in 2004 by neighbouring communities determined to protect the forest from illegal logging and charcoal burning. Their model — community ownership of forest revenue paired with formal partnerships with Kenya Forest Service and the Northern Rangelands Trust — has become a textbook example of community conservation in East Africa.

In 2011 the trust opened East Africa’s first canopy walkway, a 450-metre suspended bridge that floats 10 metres above the forest floor, climbing to 40 metres over a permanent stream. Revenue from canopy-walk visitors funds tree planting, ranger salaries and bursaries for local students.

Experiences

Things To Do

Walk the Canopy Walkway

A 450-metre suspended bridge through the upper canopy, ending at a viewing platform above a waterfall. Safe for children with adult supervision and one of Kenya's most photographed forest experiences.

Swim the Blue Pools

A short hike from the parking area leads to a sequence of milky-turquoise pools fed by waterfalls. The colour comes from suspended mineral particles in glacial melt. Bring a swimsuit and water shoes.

Waterfall Hikes

Guided walks to multiple cascades, including the dramatic 12-metre main fall. Easy to moderate trails take 1–3 hours.

Birdwatching & Forest Walks

Over 200 bird species, including narina trogon, Hartlaub's turaco and crowned eagle. Forest guides point out colobus monkeys, bushbuck and signs of forest elephant.

Picnic Lunches by the Pools

Pre-booked picnic baskets from Fortunas Resort turn a swim into a half-day retreat. Picnic platforms are shaded and overlook the water.

Wildlife & Attractions

What You'll See

Forest Elephants

A migrating elephant population moves through Ngare Ndare between Mount Kenya and Lewa via a fenced underpass — one of the only such corridors in Africa.

Black-and-White Colobus

Easily spotted in the canopy, especially during early-morning walks.

Forest Birds

Specialty species include the elusive Abyssinian crimsonwing, white-headed wood-hoopoe and bar-tailed trogon.

When To Go

Best Time to Visit

Year-round, with clearest pools in dry seasons offers the most rewarding conditions at Ngare Ndare Forest & Blue Pools. Plan around Kenya’s two dry seasons — late June through October and January through February — when wildlife congregates around water sources and trails stay accessible.

Getting There

Distance & Travel from Fortunas Resort

Ngare Ndare Forest & Blue Pools lies just approximately 60 km from Fortunas Resort — a 1 to 1.5 hour drive through Meru’s scenic countryside. Our concierge team arranges private transfers, guided day trips and multi-day safari itineraries that start and end at the lodge.

Gallery

Scenes from Ngare Ndare Forest & Blue Pools

Your Base Camp

Why Stay at Fortunas Resort

Fortunas Resort is one of the closest premium properties to Ngare Ndare’s main gate. After a morning swim in the Blue Pools, guests are back at the lodge for a late lunch and an afternoon by the gardens.

Our team pre-books canopy-walk permits, arranges 4×4 transport (the access road requires high clearance) and packs picnic hampers, so the day flows seamlessly from breakfast to forest to evening fire.

Browse rooms and suites — alpine views and premium comfort.

Explore our dining — farm-fresh menus drawn from Meru’s highlands.

Conference & events — purpose-built halls for groups visiting the region.

Talk to our concierge — custom safari and day-trip planning.

Stay With Us

Make Fortunas Resort your base

Reserve a suite at our Meru retreat and explore Kenya’s most diverse travel corridor — wildlife, mountain, waterfalls and farm country, all within reach.

Official Website

Ngare Ndare Forest Trust

Verified source for permits, fees and conservation updates.

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