Here is a list of the best hiking places in Nairobi. Hiking is an exciting physical and mental fitness activity that challenges and cheers the human spirit at the same time. The city of Nairobi has a lot to offer in terms of hiking nature trails, aside from city walking tours and wildlife encounters. There are amazing hiking places in Nairobi waiting to be explored. Some of the hiking trails in Nairobi are marked out, while others are not.
Here are Nairobi’s best hiking trails
List Of Best Hiking Trails In Nairobi
1. Ngong Hills
This is one of the most spectacular hiking destinations, just a few kilometres from Nairobi. It is approximately 21 kilometres from Nairobi’s CBD, making it one of the best weekend hiking destinations. The Kenya Forest Service manages the hills, with wardens stationed at the main gate. It is a fantastic, fun-filled hiking trail that can be explored by both beginners and advanced hikers. Hiking on the Ngong Hills is much more enjoyable because you get to walk on a hill. The Ngong hills have seven distinct knuckles that can be hiked up and down as well as through the forest. The Ngong Hills are the Great Rift Valley’s eastern escarpment, closest to Nairobi. The Great Rift Valley comes closest to Nairobi at this point. The Ngong hills are popular among local and visiting hikers who want to spend the day climbing and hiking.
The Ngong Hills stretch for 11.5 kilometres and takes about 3-5 hours to walk from one end to the other, depending on your speed and number of breaks. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of drinking water. Take some snacks if possible. Because there are no local vendors within the hills. You will find Kenyan runners training in these hills. Once you are on top of the hills, and if you have watched the movie ‘Out of Africa’, you will realise that this is a familiar scene as some parts of the movie were shot here.
Contact: 0797 480 784, 0755 838 360
Opening hours: 6 am to 6:00 pm daily
Details on Entrance fees are here
2. Karura Forest
Karura Forest is located in the Northern part of Nairobi, Kenya. The Kenya Forest Service and the Friends of Karura Community Forest Association manage the forest. It is a large urban forest with five entrances open to the public. The main entrance is Limuru Road, directly across from the Belgian Embassy. It is also accessible via Gate C, located along Kiambu Road, directly across from the DCI headquarters.
The forest covers 564 hectares and is surrounded by an electric fence. It is a unique forest because it is filled with indigenous trees and provides a tranquil environment in which to relax and unwind in a cool climate. Karura Forest offers a 9-kilometre hiking trail from the Kiambu road and is a popular hiking forest close to the city. Many Nairobi residents, particularly on weekends, have taken to jogging in the forest. If you enjoy hiking in largely flat areas within a natural forest, the Karura hiking day trip is the best option in Nairobi. The forest is magical in its beauty and silence. The forest rangers permit jogging, hiking, dog walking, and bicycle riding in the forest. Karura hiking day trip can be done in the morning as the actual hike takes you a maximum of 2 to 3 hours.
The Mau Mau caves, which housed fighters and supplies during Kenya’s fight for independence from Britain between 1952 and 1960, are also located in the Karura forest. Finish your visit with a drink or lunch on the terrace of the Swish River Cafe, where wildlife sightings are common over a shake and panini.
Contact: 0722-201133
Opening hours: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm daily
Details on Entrance fees are here
3. Nairobi Arboretum
Nairobi Arboretum is just 3 km from Nairobi’s city centre, and short, flat paths make it an ideal spot for an accessible walk. Inside the 74-acre arboretum are more than 350 exotic and indigenous trees and more than 100 bird species. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see Vervet and Sykes’ monkeys. The walkways are paved, the route has plenty of seating and the facilities, including public toilets, are decent.
The Arboretum Park also provides an extremely popular venue for a variety of events, such as weddings, concerts, team building, and corporate parties; while lovebirds can enjoy spending romantic moments in its secluded spots.
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:30 pm daily
Contact: 0733823045, 0727 300933
Details on Entrance fees are here
4. Nairobi Safari Walk, Nairobi National Park
The Nairobi Safari Walk is a nature trail set inside Nairobi National Park. It takes approximately 2 hours to complete the walk. A winding boardwalk covers three major habitats. The first is a wetland area where crocodiles idle, and the second is a savanna grassland where you can spot wildlife, including an albino zebra, leopards and the rare bongo. The third habitat is a woodland area exhibiting indigenous plants, labelled with their traditional uses.
Children in particular love the chance to get closer to the animals than they’re likely to be able to do in a national park and this is the best place to take them. You can stroll around for however long you like, taking your time to observe the wildlife and birdlife and take in the beautiful scenery from the boardwalk. You are also allowed to snap photos, so make sure you have a good camera with you or that your phone is fully charged.
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm daily
Contact: 020 2379407
Details of entrance fees are here
5. Oloolua Nature Trail
The Oloolua Forest, located in the leafy suburbs of Karen, was founded by the National Museums of Kenya, which also collaborates with the Institute of Primate Research. The Mbagathi River flows through the Oloolua Forest, which is home to a diverse range of indigenous trees and shrubs. The Crown-Eagle hide is a popular attraction that provides a bird’s-eye view of a section of the forest; here, you may see a few birds. Inside the cave, you might see different bat species and wildlife.
The waterfall is also a popular destination for wagtails, dragonflies, and damselflies looking for a quick snack. The nature trail is ideal for visitors who want to learn more about the forest’s tree species, as well as for joggers who want to run and exercise. The forest provides visitors and nature lovers with peace and tranquillity, as well as fantastic picnic spots for groups. Oloolua Nature Trail is also ideal for short-term hiking and camping.
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Contact: 0720 650 869
Details of entrance fees are here
