Ngong Hills Hike
A short drive from Nairobi city, Ngong Hills is home to one of the most fantastic views in the country. Not only is it a natural wonder, Ngong Hills is also a popular location for adventure lovers. With breathtaking scenery, surrounded by rolling green hills and lush grasslands, Ngong Hills is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, antelopes, and monkeys. The Ngong Hills attracts outdoor enthusiasts and hikers seeking to explore the scenic trails that crisscross the hills. Ziplining, hiking, trekking, and birdwatching are popular activities, offering people an opportunity to experience nature and enjoy panoramic views of Nairobi and the Rift Valley. One of the most notable things about the hills is the large wind turbines that make the area cooler and make the landscape even more interesting.
Oloolua Nature Trail
Oloolua Nature Trail is a scenic nature reserve located in Nairobi. It’s located in the Karen-Langata area and is popular for its beautiful views, indigenous trees and calm atmosphere. Oloolua is ideal for nature walks and bird watching and has a few beautiful waterfalls that drain into the Mbagathi River that flows through the trail. The trail offers hiking opportunities suitable for all skill levels and people can explore the winding paths that meander through the forested areas and along the riverbank. There are also designated picnic spots where visitors can relax and enjoy food immersed in nature. The trail is also popular for events, photo shoots, and camping and is also a historical site through the natural caves that are 37 metres deep into the forest surface. The trail also has a bamboo resting point and a papyrus swamp that is a usual visitor favourite.
Arboretum
The Nairobi Arboretum is a botanical garden in Nairobi. It covers 74 acres and is managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). Arboretum is a popular area for residents who enjoy fresh air and nature. The arboretum is home to a diverse collection of trees, plants, and shrubs, both indigenous and exotic, and visitors can explore the garden through guided tours. Visitors can also explore walking, jogging, picnicking and birdwatching – with well-maintained paths and trails winding through the garden, the arboretum is perfect for a well-deserved break in the middle of the city. The Arboretum also holds events and cultural activities such as tree planting events, environmental awareness campaigns and concerts. If you’re planning a visit, the Arboretum has the right facilities to make the experience easier such as restrooms, picnic areas, benches, parking areas and a small cafe where you can enjoy drinks and snacks.
Karura Forest
Karura Forest is a protected urban forest in Nairobi. It covers about 2.570 acres and consists of 3 parts and 5 gates of entry. It’s one of the largest forests in the world and it plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance in Nairobi. At Karura, visitors can participate in multiple activities, the most popular being walking, jogging, cycling, tennis (Bikes can be hired) and picnicking. The forest also has several caves and waterfalls, one of the most beautiful being the Karura Forest Waterfall. The forest is managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in collaboration with the Friends of Karura Forest, a community-based organisation dedicated to the conservation and protection of the forest. Their efforts include tree-planting initiatives, conservation education programs, and wildlife monitoring. Karura is also a big favourite for dog owners who can be seen mostly on weekend mornings with their favourite pets going for long walks. Accessing the forest is easy with all their entry points but it is important to note that entry is not free and more information can be found on their website.