FC FAQ’s
Forest Challenge is a conservation event where teams compete in fun, challenging activities in a forest environment, while raising awareness about the importance of forests and the need to protect them from degradation.
Kenya’s forests are rapidly declining, with the country losing forest cover at an annual rate of 0.3%. The main drivers of deforestation are the expansion of farmland to accommodate a growing population, and the demand for firewood, building materials, and other land uses. The Forest Challenge aims to reverse this trend by raising awareness of forest conservation and generating funds to restore degraded forests, with a special focus on montane forests, which are crucial water towers.
Participants in the Forest Challenge strive to conquer various obstacles set up in the forest. The race is physically demanding but designed to be fun and engaging.
Proceeds from the Forest Challenge are used to restore degraded sections of the country’s water towers. The primary focus has been rehabilitating areas of the Aberdare Forest, a montane woodland and important water source. Many rivers that run through Kenya originate in forests surrounding the Aberdare mountain range. Restoration efforts are carried out in collaboration with local communities, who participate in tree planting and nurturing.
The Forest Challenge is an annual event held in the last quarter of each year, typically in November. The venue is Kereita Forest, which is part of the larger Aberdare Forest. It’s located along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, near Kimende town. Turn left just before the Kimende Total Petrol Station. Directions to the venue will be posted along the road leading to Kereita Forest. The venue is approximately 55 kilometers from Nairobi.
The Forest Challenge is an all-day event, beginning at around 10 a.m. and ending at approximately 5 p.m.
Once you register online at www.forestchallenge.com, a ticket will be sent to you. You can also pay by cheque made payable to The East African Wild Life Society or via MPESA using Pay Bill No. 502300, Account Number: Forest Challenge. Donations can be made the same way. For more information, please contact the event manager, Gideon Bett, at gideon.bett@eawildlife.org.
You will need to bring an identification document (ID or passport). Since the Forest Challenge is a sporting event, please dress appropriately (e.g., shorts and T-shirt, tracksuit, and running shoes). Be prepared for mud, as obstacles may include wading through muddy streams. Bring a change of clothes for after the event, and note that it can get cold in the forest. You may also want to carry cash for snacks or drinks.
The organisers will provide a morning snack, drinking water, and lunch. There will be marshals/stewards on-site to assist participants, and paramedics will be available for any medical emergencies. Forest rangers will ensure security.
Yes, you may get dirty. Shower points for both men and women will be available.
If you misplace your luggage, check at the left luggage point, where assistants will be ready to help. All left luggage must be collected by 4:30 p.m. After that time, any remaining luggage can be collected from the EAWLS offices on Riara Road, off Ngong Road, Nairobi.
Yes, you are free to choose your preferred mode of transport. Buses will be available at the pick-up point in Nairobi’s central business district. For those self-driving, traffic marshals will be present to manage parking. Please note that the organizers are not liable for any loss or damage at the parking area.
The event is typically held during the short rainy season, so the weather can be chilly. Participants are advised to carry warm clothing.
Yes, registered participants will receive lunch. There will also be commercial vendors selling food and drinks at the venue.
Teenagers aged 14 and above can participate in the Forest Challenge, but their parents or guardians must sign an indemnity form. Younger children, if accompanied by an adult, can attend as spectators.