Here is a list of the best picnic sites in Tigoni, Limuru. Tigoni is a small, leafy green suburb in Kiambu County that is home to an affluent community of both locals and expatriates. The green, leafy highlands, coupled with a cool climate, provide fertile land for tea growers. The area is one of the most picturesque places you can visit around Nairobi.
Agriculture is the predominant economic activity in Tigoni, with tea and coffee the main cash crops, but, increasingly, the real estate opportunity is being realized.
Best Picnic Sites In Tigoni, Limuru
1. Lake House, Tigoni
The Lake House is a lovely 8-acre estate with a private lake in the highlands of Limuru. Located only 30 minutes from Village Market, Kabuku-Tigoni Road, Tigoni. The Lakehouse is perfect for intimate events ranging from picnics to birthday parties, weddings, engagements, and live concerts. Bookings are done via reservations only. What we like best about this location is how nature surrounds you. Didn’t we mention the lake? And it has beautiful birds and fish, and you can take a boat ride or swim in the lake. What a showy lakehouse!
There’s a barge at the lake where you can have a great time with your friends and family while watching the lake and taking in the scenery. Also, for those who would like to grill their own Nyama Choma, you are sorted. By the way, Lakehouse is kid-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about that.
For those craving a gate-away, just book your reservation. The ambience inside is cool and beautiful. Talk of interiors done right! So they have four spacious rooms each with a view of the outside grounds, and one of our favourite things about the house is the space overlooking the lawn where they have set up this beautiful long table where you can have a meal as you enjoy the view too. Plus, there is also a fish pond.
Hosts a maximum of 11 guests. A chef is available for Ksh 3,500 per day.
2. Kentmere Club
The Kentmere Club is one of the best places to stay in Tigoni. This old hotel lies in the beautifully lush gardens of Tigoni. About 20 km from Nairobi city centre along Limuru Road. The Kentmere Club is a structure from the early 1920s. Colonial settlers from Europe frequented it. Today, the Kentmere Club has been fully restored to its former glory. Preserving the history of this landmark building. In contrast, its restoration brings the original charm for modern-day travellers to enjoy. Everything about it, from the staff to the cuisine, brings nostalgia for that era. In addition, It is also a great accommodation facility. Similarly, like in the old days, it is still an expatriate favourite. The rooms with their log fires are reasonably priced, too Ksh 5,000 for a double room, bed and breakfast.
3. Tûrî A Mûmbi Arts Center
Tûrî A Mûmbi is a new African cultural centre and a picnic site along Limuru Road, the perfect escape to reconnect with Kikuyu culture. The site has a small hiking trail, an art and cultural exhibition centre, and a waterfall.
Contact: 0703 126272
Email: tamumbi10@gmail.com
4. Thayu Farm Hotel
Thayu Farm Hotel is based in Tigoni, Limuru, along Kabuku-Tigoni Road, a 30-minute drive from Nairobi CBD. The hotel features a restaurant, 5 cottages and 2 double rooms, a conference facility, lush green mature gardens, and a farm for vegetables and dairy. A great choice for a stay in Limuru. You can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or wind down at the end of the day with a drink from the bar or lounge.
Contact: 0727 832 406
Email: reservations@thayu.com
5. Brackenhurst Hotel and Conference Centre
Brackenhurst is a stunning retreat and conference centre in Tigoni. It’s your ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can enjoy the peace of the country. The scenery is enchanting, and the feeling is eccentric as you stroll or drive through the tea fields that surround Brackenhurst.
You get to enjoy a variety of flora and fauna around Brackenhurst. About 200 species of birds can be found in this area, as well as several species of monkeys, such as the black and white Colobus and the Sykes’ monkeys—real treats for bird and animal lovers. There is also a pretty little waterfall.
Cycling at Brackenhurst Conference Centre or walking in their beautiful gardens. Charges are Kshs 200 for adults and Kshs 100 for kids.
Contact: 0748 199 552
Email: bookings@brackenhurst.com
6. Kawamwaki Farm
Kawamwaki Farm is a charming farmhouse set on spacious grounds, offering horseback riding and total immersion in nature. The farm also offers artists, writers, and yoga retreats. The 45-acre grounds have landscaped gardens, a farm with organic produce, a tea plantation, horse stables with paddocks, a waterfall, and a lake surrounded by indigenous forest.
As well as the retreats that take place on specific dates throughout the year, activities here include nature walks, bird watching, and horseback riding. Educational tours walks and tree planting are offered through the riparian land along the rivers. Organic tea, vegetables, fruits, and herbs from the farm are available for sale. The centre is also a good place to do nothing, relax, and enjoy the views.
Contact: 0705 384 247
Email: info@kawamwaki.com
7. Waterfalls Inn Tigoni
The Waterfalls Inn Tigoni is a fantastic location for a family day out, with a beautiful waterfall and a serene environment to unwind in. However, the entrance fee to access the property is a bit steep compared to the place’s overall value. The waterfall itself is lovely, but visitors should be cautious as it can be slippery.
The restaurant on the property could use some improvement, with a more extensive menu selection. It’s located a few minutes past Limuru town, taking around 10–15 minutes to reach. The property offers amazing views of the city and is an excellent spot for a picnic. Additionally, camping is available, making it an ideal location for a weekend getaway.
Visitors can take a short hike to the stunning waterfall and enjoy the serene surroundings. The entrance fee is Ksh 450 per person and Ksh 250 for children. However, if visitors want to enjoy hiking and a picnic, the fee is Ksh 1000 per person, which may be a bit steep. Visitors can also bring their food, as the property allows outside food.
There’s ample parking, making it easy to access the property. Overall, Waterfalls Inn Tigoni provides an excellent environment to relax and unwind, with a perfect picnic environment, a beautiful waterfall, fresh air, and scenic views. It’s the perfect place to spend quality time with family and friends.
8. Kiambethu Tea Farm
Kiambethu Farm at Limuru provides a tranquil insight into life on a settler farm. They offer tours from Thursday to Sunday each week, starting at 11 am. Come and enjoy a lunchtime tour of the farm with Fiona. Arrive at 11 am and over a cup of tea or coffee, the history of the farm and process of making tea is informally explained, followed by an opportunity to see tea in the field. Then continue with a walk to a nearby indigenous forest with the resident Kenyan guide, who will be pointing out the plants and explaining how they are used traditionally. Colobus monkeys live in this place, and they wander in the gardens, so you might have a chance to see them. Take a stroll back to the house and enjoy a pre-lunch drink on the veranda with a wide view across the tea fields to the Ngong Hills. A three-course lunch menu is prepared from produce coming from the garden.
Booking is essential; the cost is KES 4000 per person all-inclusive, and children under 12 are half price.
Contact: 0729 290 894
Email: info@kiambethufarm.com
9. Bamboo Dam Resort
Bamboo Dam Resort is located in Limuru, only 15km from Nairobi CBD. To visit the resort, you can use public vehicles, a taxi, or a personal car. Travelling by public means is relatively cheap, as you’ll be charged Ksh 200 from the Nairobi Koja stage. An Uber taxi charges Ksh 1,000. Dam Redhill Resort consists of beautiful gardens and a dam. It offers a serene environment to relax and enjoy time out with family and friends. The resort also has a kids’ play area. Visiting the resort, you’ll enjoy multiple outdoor activities.
Visiting the dam provides an opportunity to zipline as an individual or with family and friends. Dam Redhill Resort zipline runs over the dam. If you like the adrenaline rush, it will be an unforgettable experience. Other activities here include; biking, camping, fishing, boat riding, horseback riding, jet skiing, and bouncing castle for kids.
10. Limuru Country Golf Club
Limuru Country Golf Club is a gem of Kenya’s golfing scene. One of the best places to visit is Tigoni, Limuru. It lies along Limuru road, about 30.3 kilometres. It has a breathtakingly beautiful and picturesque 18-hole golf course that will leave you wanting more. In addition, try this fun activity and other activities like swimming, horseback riding, and grass bowling while you are visiting. It is adjacent to the Thayu Farm Hotel to the left. In the same vein, neighbouring Tigoni Lake House is to the southwest.
11. The Red Hill Art Gallery
Red Hill Art Gallery was built to be light and airy, tucked away in a beautiful garden with views of the Nairobi skyline. It’s open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. The gallery provides a stunning and wholly appropriate space devoted to a passion for African art. The gallery owns a large collection, amassed over 25 years by the owners, that amounts to a very astutely selected cross-section of the finest modern and contemporary African artwork, including paintings and sculptures. This collection provides the foundation of the exhibition program.
Contact: 0700 108 989
Email: info@redhillartgallery.com
Burudani Adventure Park is an outdoor recreation centre where you can treat your partner to an unforgettable team-building session. Located in the Mabrouke area of Tigoni, Limuru Sub-county, Kiambu County Very accessible via Google Maps under three routes. Located approximately 42 kilometres and about an hour away from Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), three main routes can get you to Burudani: Waiyaki Way (42 km), Limuru Road (35 km), and Kiambu Road (39 km).
Try Sky Cycling at Burudani Adventure Park for Kshs 1,000.
13. The Kawamwaki Studio, Tigoni
A peaceful and comfortable rural hideaway perfect for couples or small families, The Kawamwaki Studio is tucked away among the woods, hills, and tea farms of the Tigoni highlands, less than 25 kilometres from central Nairobi and only a 30-minute drive from Runda and The Village Market.
There are 2 adults in the main studio and 2 children in the bunk bedroom. Standard accommodation rate: from Ksh 12,000 per night ‘for self-catering’ on weeknights.
14. Buxton Tunnel
Buxton Tunnel is in Kabuku, Limuru. It is the second-longest train tunnel in Kenya. Built around the 1940s, the tunnel is estimated to be 1.7 km, but very few can go beyond 50 meters into the tunnel. You can, however, locate the tiny light at the end of the tunnel. The walls of the tunnel feature several markings from past visitors who carved out various messages. The tunnel is still regularly used by cargo trains transporting goods on the meter-gauge railway from Nairobi to Malaba.
15. Naishola Gardens
Naishola is inspired by the Maasai word, which means ‘gift’. Naishola Gardens is located along Limuru Road, less than 2km away from St. Paul’s University’s main gate. The carpet-like grass and mature trees at Naishola Gardens in Limuru make you feel like removing your shoes and walking barefoot. The air is fresh. There is a tea farm next to a gate, adding to the greenery, and an English-style colonial house, which is part of an investment cultivated over the years.
The serene, green, and enchanting gardens also host exclusive weddings, corporate events, film locations, and special occasions. The vastness of the gardens allows them to host up to 2,000 people. There is a divine spot for engagement photo shoots, bump/maternity shoots, and intimate family shoots. The entry fee is Ksh 500 for adults and Ksh 300 for kids. If you plan to go, we recommend you carry your food and a shade to shield you from too much sunlight.
Contacts: 0795 656 433
Email: naisholagardens@gmail.com
16. Naiposha Gardens
Naiposha Gardens is an enchanting, serene, private, and spacious venue with a great view of Lake Tigoni. The garden is located along Limuru Road, less than 1 km from St. Paul’s University’s main gate. Naiposha Gardens is a sister garden to Naishola Gardens. The garden hosts weddings, photoshoots, and picnics. Head over to Naiposha Gardens and spend the day out in the sunshine, surrounded by fresh air, friends, good food, drinks, and laughter. Please book your picnic in advance to avoid your picnic day clashing with another event. Naiposha charges Kshs 500 for adults and Kshs 300 for children. They also have picnic setups they can customize for your event. The garden is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day.
Contacts: 0795 656 433
Email: naiposhagardens@gmail.com
17. Twin Rivers Resort Tigoni
Twin Rivers Resort in Tigoni is a beautiful green space with a nice lawn where both kids and adults can enjoy themselves. It’s a lovely place for a simple and peaceful picnic and camping. You can bring your own food, and there is a play area for kids and waterfalls. You can also ride quad bikes on a short walking trail. There is an artist who teaches kids how to paint, and they create amazing paintings, like the famous ‘Mona Lisa’. The kids can also explore the holes around the tea plantation and enjoy the breathtaking view from the top.
The older kids can play football while watching the little ones have fun on the sand slides and trampoline. The washroom has an Arabian shower to accommodate our Islamic faith. The cooking area has running water, so you only need to bring your food and other supplies. Sundays can be a bit crowded, but it’s still a nice place to spend time and enjoy nature.
The resort is well-maintained, and the staff is very friendly. We hope they continue to maintain this peaceful escape from the city. The entry fee is kes 500 for adults and kes 300 for kids.
Contact: 0795 625 851
18. Camellia Gardens Limuru
Camellia Gardens Limuru is a charming escape nestled in the heart of Limuru Town. This lush garden oasis offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As you stroll through the beautifully manicured grounds, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant flowers, towering trees, and the peaceful sounds of nature.
The atmosphere at Camellia Gardens Limuru is one of tranquillity and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to unwind with a leisurely walk, enjoy a picnic with loved ones, or simply bask in the beauty of your surroundings, this garden is the perfect place to do so. The peaceful ambience makes it an ideal spot for quiet reflection or a romantic rendezvous.
The garden’s idyllic setting makes it a popular spot for photoshoots, weddings, and special events. With its enchanting scenery and well-maintained grounds, it’s no wonder why Camellia Gardens Limuru is a beloved destination for those seeking a peaceful escape.
Contact: 0722 879330
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I never knew there were so many picnic/ camping sites just a few kilometers from Nairobi.
Happy to have come across this website. Will definitely plan a visit to a couple of them.