In this article, we will cover the Best Picnic Sites in Karen, Nairobi. Picnics are an excellent way to reconnect with family, friends, and loved ones. Picnic sites have become a better option for many people looking for places to spend time with their loved ones other than hotels and restaurants
Karen is a suburb of Nairobi in Kenya, lying southwest of Nairobi’s central business district, where only the upper crust can afford to live. It is always cool, and the serenity is simply incredible. Here is a list of picnic spots in Karen, Nairobi.
List Of Best Picnic Sites In Karen Nairobi
1. Oloolua Nature Trail
Oloolua Nature Trail is situated in the upmarket suburb of Karen 250 hectares of the indigenous tropical dry Oloolua forest acts as the household of the Institute of Primate Research (IPR). The National Museums of Kenya is the institution currently this bio-medical research facility, established the 5km long Oloolua Nature Trail amid this forest, providing an oasis of tranquillity for city residents with a desire to escape the city hustle and bustle.
Visitors who come to do a short walk, jog along the trail, walk their dogs, or simply have a relaxing picnic in the serene setting adore the Oloolua Nature Trail. Organized groups are not left behind. They usually come to learn about environmental conservation through guided forest tours. The Oloolua nature trail meanders through dense forest vines and undergrowth beneath massive indigenous trees and bushes, in some places following the course of the Mbagathi River, which cuts through the forest. Giant riverside bamboo stands to entice visitors to descend some rickety stairs to the river and rest on benches built beneath the bamboo. Trickling water and chirping birds, are the only sounds that you listen to while resting, lulling you into a reflective mood.
A picnic area with benches, drop toilets, and trash cans provide a pleasant setting for couples or groups to relax, play, or eat a meal in the woods. For those who want to spend more than a day in the forest, a secure campsite with tap water, drop toilets, and firewood for lighting a bonfire is also available. You must, however, bring your tent, food, and cooking utensils.
The last and possibly most spectacular of the forest’s attractions is a 20-foot waterfall near the forest’s entrance. As you make your way to the waterfall, you’ll pass a wooden tower that was built years ago to view a Crowned Eagle’s nest that was nearby. This tower was used by scientists to study the behaviour of the Crowned Eagle in its natural habitat. Unfortunately, human activities and settlements near the forest have caused the birds to migrate away from this haven. A papyrus swamp further down the river offers a further glimpse into the rich biodiversity of this indigenous forest. From here on, the trail climbs out of the river valley, occasionally bursting upon glades bathed in bright sunlight before diving back under the canopy of the cool forest cover.
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Details of entrance fees here
2. Natare Gardens
It is a lovely, secluded, well-kept lush green garden along Kerarapon drive, Ngong, Kenya with a backdrop of the Ngong Hills. The entrance fee is Ksh 400 for adults and Ksh 200 for children, making it ideal for a family picnic in Nairobi. The admission fee is for swimming because they have a lovely large aqua-blue pool. Aside from the pool, there’s a fountain waterfall and bouncing castles for the kids, especially on Sundays
Contact: +254-713-899147
Email: info@nataregardens.co.ke
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
3. Kikwata Picnic Site
The Kikwata Picnic Site, located on the slopes of Ngong, is ideal for camping, nature walks, and nightly bonfires. The owner (Susan) is a fantastic storyteller who will keep your group chatting and interactive. 21 species of birds in one morning, just sitting at the campsite. Climbing the Ngong hills and visiting Denys Finch Hatton’s grave, who was a Karen Blixen lover, are options.
Contact: 0735 429262, 0722 238558, 0771550441
Email: kikwatastorytellers@gmail.com
4. Langata Botanical Gardens
Langata Botanical Gardens is a spectacular recreational area located approximately 20 kilometres from Nairobi’s CBD and less than 20 minutes from the Karen Shopping Centre. You are bound to fall in love with the beauty and serenity here. Langata Botanical Gardens is ideal for relaxation, recreation, celebration, and inspiration, with a therapeutic vibe. There are hundreds of indigenous trees, large beautiful lawns, and a lagoon with a wide variety of fish. The area is surrounded by bandas that are secluded by natural vegetation, giving you enough privacy to catch up with your partner while relaxing in nature.
The entrance fee is Ksh 500 for adults
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm daily
Contact: 0722 382615
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