Parks in Nairobi
Here is the list of 10 Parks in Nairobi
1. Nairobi National Park, Nairobi
Nairobi National Park, located about seven kilometres from downtown Nairobi, is the city's most famous attraction. It offers an exciting safari experience, where visitors can see lions, cheetahs, rhinos, hippos, and giraffes roaming in the dense grasslands. What makes it unique is that it's the only national park in the world situated within a capital city.
Timings : Monday to Sunday: 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM
2. Karura Forest, Nairobi
The urban gazetted Karura forest is located in Nairobi, Kenya, and is abundant with natural beauty and resources. It is divided into three parts by Limuru and Kiambu roads. The forest has a natural trail running up to 50 km that facilitates visitors to walk, run, and bike around the forest. One can also rent a trail bike.
Timings : 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tickets are sold till 5:45 PM
3. Uhuru Park, Nairobi
Uhuru Park is a 13-hectare residential park located on Uhuru Highway, across from Nairobi InterContinental Hotel. It is equipped with an artificial lake, a fountain and an assembly ground perfect for skateboarding. It also houses the Nyayo monument and offers great views of the city’s skyline. Boating, horse and camel riding, and remote control mobile cars are popular activities here.
Timings : 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM every day
4. Central Park Nairobi, Nairobi
The Central Park of Nairobi is a public park situated behind Nairobi Serena Hotel and adjacent to the famous Uhuru Park. Nyayo monument, dedicated to Kenya’s second president, Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, is a major landmark within the park for tourists and photographers. It is also a popular picnic spot and boasts a children’s playground.
Timings : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM every day
5. Nairobi Arboretum
The Nairobi Arboretum is a lush botanical garden located near the city center, known for its extensive collection of indigenous and exotic trees. The park covers 30 hectares and offers scenic walking paths, picnic areas, and opportunities for bird watching. It's a favorite spot for nature lovers, joggers, and families looking to spend time outdoors.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
6. City Park
City Park is a historical park in Nairobi, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The park is known for its diverse plant life, including century-old trees, and is home to a variety of bird species and monkeys. Visitors can explore the peaceful gardens, picnic areas, and historical monuments within the park.
Timings: Open 24 hours
7. Oloolua Nature Trail, Nairobi
The Oloolua Nature Trail is a 5km natural trail in the tropical Oloolua Forest of the Karen neighbourhood. The trail is popular for jogging, walking, picnicking amidst stunning forest views, and hiking. Many indigenous trees and plants can be found here. A 20-foot waterfall at the forest entrance is the highlight, along with a campsite equipped with bonfire facilities.
Timings : 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM every day
8. Nairobi Safari Walk
The Nairobi Safari Walk is an educational facility within Nairobi National Park that offers a close-up experience with Kenya’s wildlife. The boardwalk takes visitors through different ecosystems, including wetlands, savannahs, and forests, showcasing animals like zebras, rhinos, and antelopes in their natural habitats.
9. Nairobi Botanical Garden
The Nairobi Botanical Garden, located within the grounds of the National Museums of Kenya, is a beautiful garden that showcases a wide variety of indigenous and exotic plants. The garden serves both educational and recreational purposes, offering visitors a chance to learn about Kenya’s diverse plant species and their ecological importance.
10. Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary, Nairobi
Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary is a managed forest on the outskirts of Nairobi in Jamhuri. It is a popular place to explore the flora of Kenya and go for a quick run or walk Bushbucks, civets, porcupines, pythons, green snakes, puddle frogs, and many more animals can be spotted here. Roughly 113 bird species exist within the forest, including African Harrier Hawk and Narina trogons.
Timings : 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM every day
Nairobi's parks and green spaces are a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its natural heritage amidst rapid urbanization. Each park offers something unique, whether it's the chance to spot wildlife in Nairobi National Park, explore the rich biodiversity of Karura Forest, or simply relax in the tranquil surroundings of the Arboretum or City Park. These green oases not only enhance the quality of life for Nairobi's residents but also provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the city's natural beauty. As Nairobi continues to grow, its parks and natural reserves will remain vital in maintaining the city's environmental balance and offering spaces for recreation, conservation, and cultural connection.