Green Spaces in Nairobi: Where to Find Nature and Peace in the City
- kijivukenya
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
We get it—Nairobi can be a lot. From the bustle of matatus swerving down Uhuru Highway to vendors selling groundnuts, windshield wipers, and portable fans straight to your car window, the city buzzes with life and energy.
But when you need a breather from the chaos? Nairobi delivers. Thanks to decades of environmental activism, most notably by Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement, the city is home to several urban green spaces that offer calm, beauty, and fresh air.
Whether you're a tourist exploring things to do in Nairobi, or a local looking for a peaceful spot to recharge, here are some of the best green spaces in Nairobi you shouldn’t miss:
1. Karura Forest – Nairobi’s Urban Jungle
📍 Location: Off Limuru Road or Kiambu Road 🕘 Open Daily: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Karura Forest is one of the largest urban forests in the world—second only to Rio de Janeiro’s. Spanning over 2,500 acres, this protected natural area offers over 50 km of walking, running, and biking trails, indigenous forest canopies, and waterfalls.
Just a 15-20 minute drive from Nairobi CBD, Karura Forest is accessible via Uber, Bolt, personal car, or even public transport (matatus). It’s managed by Kenya’s Forest Service and the Friends of Karura Forest.
💡 Tip: Go early in the morning or mid-afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Breathe deep—this is the green lung of Nairobi.
2. Nairobi Arboretum – City-Close and Monkey-Filled
🕘 Open Daily: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Near State House, 3km from Nairobi CBD
If you’re short on time or don’t want to leave the city center, Nairobi Arboretum is your go-to. Known as another green lung of Nairobi, the 75-acre Arboretum is perfect for picnics, light walks, or simply catching your breath. One warning: the sykes monkeys may be cute at first—but don’t let them steal your snacks.
💳 Entry fees can be paid via M-PESA or card at the gate.
3. Oloolua Nature Trail – A Hidden Gem in Karen
📍 Location: Karen suburb, 20 km from Nairobi CBD 🕘 Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tucked in the leafy neighborhood of Karen, the Oloolua Nature Trail is a hidden treasure. With a 37-meter-long cave once used by Mau Mau freedom fighters, this nature trail blends history and nature in a serene setting.
Though a bit of a drive, it’s worth the journey if you want a quieter experience than Karura or Arboretum.
4. Explore Beyond Nairobi with Let’s Drift Hikes
If you’re spending more than a few days in Kenya, check out Let’s Drift, a curated outdoor experience that offers group hikes and day trips around Nairobi and beyond—from Tigoni to Kikuyu and even other parts of the country.
Featured by the New York Times, DW, and the BBC, Let’s Drift is a great way to meet people and see a different side of Kenya.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're looking for a quick walk, a half-day trek, or a weekend escape, Nairobi’s urban parks and nature trails offer more than just greenery—they're a glimpse into the city’s resilience, beauty, and ongoing love for the environment. What are your thoughts? Any new spots I've missed, let me know below!
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