List Of Best Picnic Sites In Nairobi

Here is a list of the Best Picnic Sites in 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.

Nairobi is an undeniably beautiful city, with picturesque landscapes, picnic spots in Nairobi city, and exceptional resorts that place it high on the list of holiday destinations. Do you enjoy having a picnic with friends and family? Here are some of Nairobi’s best picnic spots in and around Nairobi.

List Of Best Picnic Spots In Nairobi

1. Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost is an expansive picnic gem in Nairobi. It is located away from the city on Kiambu Road and has many attractions such as caves, waterfalls, boat rides, camel rides, and horseback riding. A nature trail also leads away from the boats and towards the caves and falls. The falls are high up, so the impact is loud, and there is a cool breeze gently blowing over the area. There are large rocks all around where you can take photos of the falls and scenery.

While the caves lack natural light, they provide an exciting adventure because you must fumble through the darkness in some areas. Try walking in complete darkness in an unfamiliar setting with uneven and rocky terrain. You’ll cling to your partner as the echo picks up on and amplifies your secrets. Light bulbs have since been installed in some areas of the cave, so you don’t have to be afraid of the dark. Visitors must pay an entrance fee, which excludes a few activities such as horseback riding, camel rides, and boat rides.

Furthermore, because Paradise Lost is located in the heart of the coffee farm, visiting the coffee farm is permitted. The park only accepts mobile money payments for each of the activities. If public transportation is used, matatu number 100 from Nairobi should be used.

The entrance fee is Ksh 500 for adults and Ksh300 for children
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm daily
For bookings email: info@paradiselost.co.ke

2. 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 tranquilly, as well as fantastic picnic spots for groups. Oloolua Nature Trail is also ideal for short-term hiking and camping.

The entrance fee is Ksh 200 for adults and Ksh100 for children
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Contact: 0720 650 869

3. Nairobi Arboretum Park

The Nairobi Arboretum makes this list because of its proximity to the city centre while still maintaining tranquillity. It’s a great picnic spot, complete with picnic tables, nature walks, exotic vegetation and trees, and enough space for a large group to enjoy themselves. There are dozens of nature walks, picnic tables, and enough space to have a wonderful peaceful family-fun day.

The park has more than 350 indigenous and exotic tree species, more than 100 resident and migrant bird species, numerous vervet and syke’s monkeys that can be spotted hoping and playing from one tree to another tree; a multitude of insects, reptiles and small mammals can also be spotted during nature walks. 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.

The entrance fee is Ksh 200 for adults and Ksh100 for children
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:30 pm daily
Contact: 0733823045, 0727 300933

4. Evergreen Park

The Evergreen Park is located on Kiambu Road, about 500 metres to the left after the Northern Bypass overpass. You would love to go on a picnic here. You will be spoiled for choice here, with activities such as fishing, boating, and horse and camel riding, among others. The Evergreen Park provides a peaceful and serene setting ideal for Instagram-worthy photo shoots and a man-made dam that provides you with the best natural breezes. If you bring your kids, there is plenty of room for them and a bouncing castle. This will keep them busy and happy while you bond with them.

Entrance Fees: Ksh 500 per adult and Ksh 400 per child (3-11YRS). Each activity costs Ksh 100
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Contact: 0727 252916

5. 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

6. Waterfalls Inn Tigoni

Waterfalls Inn picnic site is located in Tigoni, Limuru in Kiambu County. Entry fees of Ksh 450 per adult and Ksh 200 per child give you access to this rustic 1960 establishment which is set on a hill with a view of Nairobi’s skyline on the horizon beyond the tea plantations and the beautiful waterfall making it a place worth visiting. A short stroll down through eucalyptus woodlands takes you to the beautiful 18-meter Tigoni Waterfall set in a lush green riverine forest. If bringing your drinks, you’ll have to pay corkage fees.

Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Contact: 0722 651023

7. Nairobi Safari Walk

Nairobi Safari Walk is about 7km from the Nairobi city centre and is easily accessible on tarmac roads. Located off Lang’ata Road, Kenya Wildlife Service head office. Nairobi Safari Walk provides the best ways to get closer to the wild, with its raised wooden boardwalk that gives tourists uninterrupted views of the wild animals. The Safari Walk is a showcase of Kenya’s Parks and Reserves, allowing visitors to discover what they can expect to see across the country. Visitors can see a sample of the country’s rich animal life including the rare bongo, white rhino and albino zebra as well as big cats, antelopes, primates and over 400 bird species. It is also home to some 150 species of local trees. At the Safari Walk, visitors cross over wetlands, traverse the Savannah and follow the trail to forested woodlands.

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. The Nairobi Safari Walk lasts about 35 minutes to an hour, depending on an individual’s pace. 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: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
Details of entrance fees here

8. Ngong Hills Nature Reserve

Located in the northern tip of Kajiado County and 25km from Nairobi City, Ngong Hills Forest is managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). known for hiking and the most affordable Zip lining location in Kenya. Ngong Hills has breathtaking views of the Rift Valley, Nairobi National Park, Mount Suswa, and the Nairobi skyline. A Maasai shuka, a group of friends, a bottle of wine, and a pair of sunglasses are all you need for a relaxed picnic setting. However don,t forgot to carry your meals especially if you got kids because the restaurant in the area is not reliable.

The majority of the people prefer to drive to the edge of the cliff and chill there, while others would rather have an induction trek to their perfect spot. Either way, nothing beats the stunning view of Kajiado beneath, the city of Nairobi, an unmatched sunset, or the low-flying aircraft on their way to land and windmills. Don’t forget your sweater because the weather here is cold.

Other activities to enhance your picnic experience here include bike riding which is normally $5 per every 3hrs of riding and archery at $10 for a 20 arrows shoot session. A picnic experience at Ngong Hills is not one to miss out on.

Details of entrance fees here

9. Karura Forest Reserve

The Karura Forest is an urban upland forest on the outskirts of Nairobi. The forest is quite large and can be accessed through multiple gates around the city. It is a serene, safe, and secure environment with a lot to offer: scenic nature trails, archaeological sites, caves, marshlands, and well-maintained cycling trails. They are now offering eco-tours that include a tour guide to help you navigate the forest. The tour gives you a better understanding of the forest.

Before or after picnicking, one can rent a bike at the field for about Ksh.500 and ride around the forest along the trail. In addition, there are caves, a natural lake, and waterfalls that make excellent photo backdrops. There are many beautiful picnic spots in Karura, but setting your picnic by the rocks in the river facing the falls is like something out of a movie. There is a small entrance fee at the gate, and almost everything else is free, except for renting bikes. Karura is beautiful and scenic, with a rich history that will entice you to return.

For picnics, the usual charges apply to normal entrance fees, plus Ksh 150 for adult picnickers and Ksh 100 for kids under 12. Please keep picnic groups to not more than 25 persons, else it becomes an ‘event’ with different fees.

Contact: 0722-201133
Opening hours: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm daily

10. Jeevanjee Gardens 

Jeevanjee Gardens, located in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), was donated to Nairobi residents in 1906 by Alibhai Mullah Jeevanjee, a Karachi-born entrepreneur in Kenya. In 1898, Jeevanjee of Karachi (1856-1936) was awarded the contract to build the Kenya-Uganda Railway and sailed to Mombasa from Punjab with 350 men.

This recreational park is one of Nairobi’s few green spaces. This park is endowed with a plethora of beautiful trees and gardens that provide the ideal shade from the scorching tropical sun. The artistically crafted benches and sculptures dot this lovely park and add to its allure. The perfect lawns and benches here provide ideal spots for a picnic. Jeevanjee Gardens is located in the heart of the city, making it accessible to residents from all over the city, and it is open to the public every day of the week for free. The park has a shop, and public toilets, and offers grounds for meetings by Nairobi residents. The park is an ideal picnic spot and is commonly used by students as a meeting venue.

11. City Park

Nairobi City Park is the most biodiverse park in the city. Friends of Nairobi City Park conducted a recent biodiversity survey of the Park, which discovered 988 species of flora and fauna. The forest is indigenous, with several tree species that are endemic to Kenya. The nature trails in Nairobi City Park are popular with nature lovers who come to escape the city’s noise and congestion. Runners enjoy jogging on the Park’s trails. On weekends, the open spaces in the Park attract a large number of picnickers, who frequently bring enough food to share with the troops of Sykes Monkeys milling around. In this area, some hawkers sell snacks and other items of interest to visitors.

In this natural setting, there is a bar and restaurant near the Nairobi County offices that serve more traditional fare. A public cemetery is tucked away in a section of the Park. Murumbi Peace Memorial Park, which is next to this cemetery, is where Kenya’s second vice president, Joseph Murumbi, and his wife Sheila are buried. The Murumbis’ famous love of art and culture led a group of African artists to build the Murumbi Memorial Park, a stunning sculpture garden. The Park is open for free to the public. There is a charge for use of the toilet facilities in the Park.

12. Nairobi National Park

A short drive out of Nairobi’s central business district is the Nairobi National Park. The park is located about 7km south of Nairobi, Kenya. Nairobi National Park is the oldest national park in Kenya, established in 1946, and is the only national park in the world located within a capital city. Wide open grass plains and backdrop of the city scrapers scattered acacia bush play host to a wide variety of wildlife including the endangered Black rhino, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Buffaloes, Giraffes and a diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. Some of the bird species in the park include the Secretary bird, Lesser kestrel, Martial eagle, Pallid harrier, Sooty falcon, White-bellied bustard, Grey crowned crane, Corncrake and many others.

Nairobi National Park contains the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, which was founded in 1963 and serves as a treatment and rehabilitation centre for wild animals. Nairobi Safari Walk, an elevated wooden boardwalk that winds through the park, allows visitors to sample the country’s rich animal life. Other attractions include the Ivory Memorial Burning Site, The Impala Viewpoint Picnic Site, Kingfisher Picnic Site, Hippo Pool Picnic Site, and Mokoiyet Picnic Site. Visitors can enjoy the park’s picnic sites, three campsites and walking trails for hikers.

Details of entrance fees here
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily

13. Karen Blixen Museum

The Karen Blixen is situated at the foot of the Ngong Hills in the upscale Nairobi suburb of Karen. Out of Africa, an Oscar-winning film based on Karen’s life story put the farmhouse on the international map.

All visitors have the opportunity to participate in continuously offered guided tours of the house and the coffee plantations. The house has rooms decorated with both the original décor and props from the 1985 film. The grounds, which feature original coffee farm equipment, are also open for tours. There is a gift shop alongside the grounds, which can be rented for weddings, corporate functions, and other events. There is also a museum shop that offers a wide selection of souvenirs including handicrafts, posters and postcards, the Movie ‘Out of Africa’, books and other mementoes. Children and school groups are not left out as the Museum offers curriculum-centred education programs and tailored art activities.

The grounds are suitable for a picnic. There is also a small forest within the compound with nature trails for a refreshing walk. This location would appeal to anyone interested in history or nature. You can also come to have a picnic or just hang out. Furthermore, the entrance fee for citizens is Ksh 200 so why not? I’d recommend wearing pants because there are a lot of mosquitos outside, especially if you want to do the forest trail.

Details of entrance fees here

14. Nairobi Railway Museum 

The Nairobi Railway Museum, situated in the old East African Railway headquarters, houses an amazing collection of relics, railway engine models, and a range of displays showcasing railway construction This is one of those places that you don’t think you need to go to. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to go. It is a short walk from the city centre. It is best to book a tour in advance because the slots can fill up quickly.

The entrance fee is Ksh 100 for non-residents and Ksh 400 for citizens. It’s in a large area with a lot of trains to see. All of the trains are vintage, dating mostly from the early 1900s. Because all of the trains are always spotless, their employees must be working extra hard. This is an excellent location for photo shoots. The atmosphere is fantastic. It’s also a great spot for picnics. There are tour guides who will take you through the various trains and the years they were built. It’s a very fulfilling experience.

Contact: 0721 308485
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily

15. August 7th Memorial Park Museum

The Memorial Park is located at the intersection of Moi Avenue and Haile Selassie Avenue. The August 7th memorial park is a one-of-a-kind and quiet green spot in Nairobi with a history that will live on in our hearts forever.

It is a site of the 1998 US Embassy bombing, which killed hundreds and wounded countless others. What was left behind, was the destruction of the buildings within and outside where the former US embassy stood. In 1999, the site was donated to the August 7th Memorial Trust, a local non-profit organisation tasked with converting the site into a memorial park as a homage to the victims. The construction of the park was made possible by donations in cash and kind by several individuals, companies and organizations, leading to its opening on 7th August 2001. The memorial park was created to share the tales of those who survived as well as those whose lives were irrevocably altered.

Today, the park features a beautifully landscaped garden, sculptures made out of the debris from the blast, and a wall bearing the names of 218 people who died in the blast with each name inscribed on a granite slab. The park also has a Visitors Centre that features a Museum displaying images and exhibits that aim to sensitize the public on the need for peace and tolerance, and an Auditorium that plays a documentary of the disaster. The park hosts events occasionally and it also provides an ideal place to have a quiet picnic or meditate away from the noisy city centre.

Details of entrance fees here

16. 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

17. 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

18. Olooltepes Picnic Site

Ololtepes is located in Kiserian, about an hour’s drive from Nairobi’s central business district. Olooltepes is a beautiful setting with a beautiful view of the Ngong Hills. The sunset is stunning. This is the best place to get perfectly grilled and affordable nyama choma. It is an ideal spot for a picnic or even an overnight camping trip with the family. The tranquillity and peace complement the stunning sunset. It can get a little chilly and breezy in the evening, so bring some extra warm clothes to enjoy the bonfire with.

Contact: 0701 152194
Opening Hours: 24 hours

19. Nairobi Mamba Village

Nairobi Mamba Village is East Africa’s largest crocodile farm, located off the Langata – Karen road. It is home to approximately 70 Nile Crocodiles, the largest and most dangerous crocodile species. There are five crocodile pens on the farm. The village is a typical heavenly communal zone that stretches across 30 sections of land. There are also a few restaurants and a four-star lounge. The village is one of the best picnic spots in Nairobi because it provides visitors with a diverse range of activities. You will see not only interactions with crocodiles but also with camels, ostriches, and horses if you visit the site. As a result, you can expect to partake in activities such as horseback riding, camel riding, merry-go-rounds for your children, and ostrich interaction. The best experience with ostriches is the opportunity to feed them.

The entrance fee is Ksh 200 for adults 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Contact: 0714 782653

20. Rowallan National Scouts Camp

Rowallan Camp is situated along Kibera Drive, adjacent to the Ngong Road Forest Reserve about 9km from the city centre. The beauty of Rowallan camp is in the caves, beautiful grounds, hike routes, bird watching, friendly monkeys and baboons on-site, seasonal river and the Ngong sanctuary, where we have the most indigenous flora in the country.

The campsite occupies 30 acres with the remaining 60 acres of land being occupied by the Ngong forest. The campsites have good running water taps, good toilets and bathrooms, a modern swimming pool with excellent facilities, a friendship corner where campers can have informal meetings in a good atmosphere, campsite kitchens and a large arena for all outdoor activities. The camp also has two conference halls, dormitories and Bandas (Small cubicles) for accommodating both large and small groups.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8 am-4 pm
Contact: +254 020 202 0819, +254 733 919 333
Email: info@kenyascouts.org

21. Misitu Raha (Achi’s Ranch, Karen)

Achi’s Ranch and Horse Riding Club in Nairobi are situated off Forest Edge Road, approximately 1.5 km from the Bomas of Kenya, Mikinduri Road on Mikinduri Lane. The Ranch is a scenic spot that offers horse riding, archery, quad biking, cycling, nature walks, photography, picnics, video shooting and camping, among other activities.

The entrance fee is Ksh 500 for adults 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm daily
Contact: 0726253328 

22. Hon. John N. Michuki Memorial Conservation Park

Located along the Nairobi River from the former Globe Roundabout to Kipande Road, the John Michuki Memorial Park was established through private-public partnerships to provide a tranquil environment for friends and families to spend leisure time. The park was named after John Michuki who was a Minister for Environment to celebrate his contribution towards the restoration of the Nairobi River and the environment. The beautification process involved the removal of tonnes of garbage, landscaping and tree planting. The park now has floodlights, designated footpaths, footbridges and public toilets. No entrance fee is charged.

Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily

23. Nairobi Botanical Gardens at Nairobi Museum Grounds

Located within the grounds of the National Museum of Kenya, the Nairobi Botanical Garden is about one and a half kilometres from the Nairobi CBD. The garden is a collection of thematic displays of different live plant species and their habitats. The garden enhances outdoor learning on different indigenous and exotic plant species and the landscaping offers amazing sceneries for photography. The garden’s benches are used by visitors to relax; enjoy the beauty and fresh air and birds chirping from one flower to the next.

Note: Other picnic spots in Nairobi include Uhuru Park, Central Park and Uhuru Garden Memorial Park ( Though they haven’t been opened to the public). I’d also like to hear about your favourite picnic spots in Nairobi, so please share them in the comments section below.