Nothing sounds more appealing to me than a weekend drive to a secluded, quiet, scenic section of the city in search of serenity and rejuvenation for the week ahead. In my experience, Nairobi has numerous hidden gems within the city in which one can enjoy this kind of experience. Though Nairobi is arguably a concrete jungle, there are many green spaces in or near the city that one may retreat to and enjoy a breath of fresh air and some treats.
I am currently finding solace in these spots around town since I can be outdoors and practice social-distancing as well. The picnic spots adjacent to bodies of water have proved to be some of my favorite and I have enjoyed the simple pleasures of enjoying a snack while barefoot on the grass and taking in the view. So ready your masaai shuka because you will certainly want to go out and enjoy a picnic after this!
1.PARADISE LOST
Paradise Lost, a 10-minute drive from Nairobi city center is a uniquely situated picnic site and is nothing short of a haven right in the middle of a coffee farm. The main feature that draws people to this resort and park in Kiambu is the Paradise Lost caves that have a magnificent entrance endowed by an impressive waterfall of the Gichi river. The beautiful scenery and surrounding nature make it the perfect place for an afternoon picnic getaway, get a breath of fresh air away from the Nairobi hustle.
As one enjoys a perfect picnic, the grounds give one a chance to enjoy other activities like fishing, exploration of the caves, bird watching, nature trails, horse or camel riding, and boat riding thus making the picnic experience more fun and exciting Moreover, since Paradise Lost is located at the heart of the coffee farm, visiting the coffee farm is also allowed. The entrance fee here is $4 per adult and $3 for children. I should mention that the park only accepts moblie money payments for each of the activities. If public service means are being used, the matatu number 100 should be taken from Nairobi city. Click here for more information on the location.
2.UHURU GARDENS
Uhuru Gardens memorial park situated in Nairobi just a bit off Langata road is a beautiful place of historic significance since it is in this very place that the Union Jack was lowered and the flag of Kenya raised for the first time in Kenyan history. Uhuru Gardens is therefore a great picnic site with the monuments (the independence commemorative monument and the fountain celebrating 25 years of Uhuru) being a great addition to the beauty of the surrounding. The place is open from 8 a.m to 6 p.m daily therefore convenient for that daytime picnic treat. Entrance into Uhuru gardens is free therefore no additional cost to have an amazing picnic experience on those lazy weekend afternoons.
3.KARURA FOREST RESERVE
Karura Forest is an eco-friendly forest reserve located in Parklands, Nairobi that should definitely be added to your must-visit list. A Karura picnic experience is budget-friendly therefore the perfect place to take a break if you want a quick getaway within city limits. The breathtaking landscape and the views including the 15m waterfall present in the forest make it check all the boxes to a perfect picnic site. Picnics at Karura forest may be enjoyed at either of their 5 designated picnic sites which are at the Ruaka Swamp, near the KFEET center, adjacent to the Amani garden, the site at the Karura Gardens, and the new site at Sigiria next to the Obstacle Course.
The only downside to having a picnic here is that grilling and cooking on the site are not allowed, so as to prevent accidental forest fires of course. Your picnic basket with ready-to-eat food will certainly come in handy in this instance. Karura forest is a plastic-free environment so expect to find an extremely clean reserve and it is a reserve policy that everyone clears their picnic area after they are done.
Picnic fees at Karura Forest stand at $1.5 per person and this is non-inclusive of entry fees at the main gate. Entry fees depend on whether you are a Kenyan citizen, resident, or non-resident. Proof of residency is therefore required. Other activities to enhance your picnic experience include other outdoor activities such as hiking, bike riding, and birdwatching. Due to covid-19 guidelines, the maximum number per picnic group has been reduced from 25 to 15 and sites are given on a first come first serve basis if not previously booked.
4.JEVANJEE GARDENS
This 5-acre recreational park is one of the few green spaces that grace the city of Nairobi. This park is endowed with numerous beautiful trees and gardens that are the perfect shade from the scorching ever-existent tropical sun. The artistically made benches and sculptures that dot this beautiful park add to its appeal. The perfect lawns and benches here provide perfect areas to set up a picnic. Jeevanjee Gardens has a central location that is accessible to residents from all corners of the city and is open for free to the public on all days of the week.
5.NAIROBI ARBORETUM
Located just 3km from the city center Nairobi Arboretum provides one of the most easily accessible picnic sites. Unlike Uhuru Park, this place is not crowded since it is a bit well off from town thus giving your picnic experience tranquility without unnecessary disturbance. Nairobi Arboretum features so many indigenous and exotic trees that provide a forest feel and beautiful scenery. There are numerous benches at Nairobi Arboretum and the bank’s stream that trickles deep into the forest cover in this place provides the perfect picnic site. The entry fee into Nairobi Arboretum is $50 therefore quite budget-friendly and free, safe parking is available just outside the main entrance. No public service means are available towards this area therefore unless driving privately, taking a cab is advisable however it is within walking distance-just 3km away from the city center.
6.NAIROBI BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Botanical gardens at Museum Hill are situated in the Kenya National Museum grounds. It is just 1.5km from the city center and overlooks Nairobi providing a marvelous view of the city. The gardens are home to about 100 exotic and indigenous plant species hence a biodiversity hub that provides a beautiful surrounding and picturesque landscape for the perfect picnic. A picnic here can be combined with a later visit to the nearby snake park or the National Museum.
7.CITY PARK
Nairobi City Park before the rehabilitation
City Park is located near parklands Nairobi and first started as a zoological garden but became a public garden later and therefore allows free entry to the public. Just like the botanical gardens, Nairobi City Park has nature trails that lead to amazing picnic sites. City Park is filled with monkeys so one should be on guard as you set the picnic area. The monkeys are usually friendly and the environment serene thus a famous spot for family picnics and gatherings.
8.OLOOLUA NATURE TRAIL
Oloolua Nature Trail is located in the dry indigenous tropical Oloolua forest in the suburbs of Karen neighborhood. This place is famous for its beautiful landscape thus a common picnic site at the Bamboo rest points with benches to just relax is definitely something to look forward to as one takes in the beautiful scenery. A papyrus swamp further down the Mbagathi River and a beautiful waterfall add to the existing tranquility and beautiful views that Oloolua Nature Trail has to offer for your perfect picnic date. Their gates open at 9 a.m and an entrance fee charged then close at 6 p.m.
9.CENTRAL PARK
Nairobi Central Park is one of the most famous “in-town” picnic spots among Nairobi residents. This park has expansive lawns that are well maintained, with tree shades interspaced within the grass area. Its nice lawns provide perfect picnic spots with ice cream vendors on the grounds to give you the perfect picnic dessert you need on a hot afternoon. The children’s park at the end of this park is a particular favorite for families out on picnics here since it gives kids a chance to have loads of fun after a nice meal. Professional photographers also hang around the monument at the center of the park and take pictures at a fee, photographs will definitely experience memorable.
10.NGONG HILLS FOREST RESERVE
The Ngong Hills Forest Reserve well-known among Nairobi residents as an out-of-town getaway provides perfect picnic sites with a breathtaking view from above the hills and a nice relaxing breeze. One must, however, be ready to do a bit of hiking of sorts because the best picnic sites are found on top of the hills mostly past the first two but the view will be totally worth the effort. Having a picnic at Ngong Hills is normally charged a 2- dollar entrance fee therefore quite budget-friendly. 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 definitely not one to miss out on.
Click the following links for more tips and tricks:
10 BEST SAFARI TOURS IN KENYA.
TOP 10 HISTORICAL SITES AND MONUMENTS IN NAIROBI, KENYA.
TOP 10 NATIONAL PARKS WITHIN AND NEAR NAIROBI.
TOP 10 SAFARI LODGES IN KENYA.
TOP 10 THINGS KENYA IS FAMOUS FOR.
TOP TEN GLAMPING SITES IN KENYA.
TOP 1O CHOICES ON WHERE TO EAT IN MOMBASA
TOP 10 HIKING SPOTS AROUND NAIROBI
I am a bubbly extroverted 25 year old currently living and studying in Nairobi. I enjoy travelling and trying out new places to eat. My favourite place to be is anywhere by the beach, with a beer. You will most likely find me with my nose in a book or dining alone, like most extroverts do, of course.
I am a bubbly extroverted 25 year old currently living and studying in Nairobi. I enjoy travelling and trying out new places to eat. My favourite place to be is anywhere by the beach, with a beer. You will most likely find me with my nose in a book or dining alone, like most extroverts do, of course.
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