Brakenhurst
In the lush and beautiful Limuru lies Brackenhurst – a retreat centre about 30 KM from Nairobi. Brackenhurst has a long history dating back to the early 20th century when it was established as a colonial tea farm. Over the years, it has transformed into a vibrant conference and retreat centre while preserving its natural beauty and historical charm. The centre offers a range of facilities to accommodate conferences, workshops, retreats, and other events. These include conference halls, meeting rooms, accommodation options (such as cottages and guest rooms), dining areas, and outdoor spaces for recreational activities such as nature walks and bird watching. In addition to hosting events and conferences, Brackenhurst Nairobi offers various activities and excursions for guests to enjoy during their stay. These include guided nature walks, visits to nearby attractions (such as the Limuru Tea Plantations or the Ngong Hills), cultural experiences, and team-building exercises.
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.
KCB Karen Masters
The KCB Karen Masters is a prestigious golf tournament held annually in Nairobi, showcasing top golf talent from around the region and providing a platform for professional and amateur golfers to compete.
Padel Tennis
For fast-paced sport lovers, padel tennis is one of the new recreational activities in Nairobi combining elements of tennis and squash.
Bowling
Bowling alleys have made a comeback in Nairobi after a brief disappearance. This sport has become a favourite for families and teenagers, especially on the weekends. This is especially because bowling helps people escape the hustle of Nairobi life while socialising. Most bowling alleys come with a restaurant, a bar and games such as pool tables. Most of the bowling alleys are located in malls, primarily Strikez at Westgate Mall, Village Bowl at Village Market, PlayLand Amusement Park at Next Gen Mall and Pins at Sarit Centre.
Nairobi National Park
Located at the edge of Nairobi, the Nairobi National Park is a wonder. It is 117 sq km and hosts the world’s densest concentration of black rhinos as well as the big 4 (Lions, buffalos, leopards and rhinos), among others. For bird lovers, the National Park has over 500 bird species, including seasonal European migrant birds. The park also has other experiences such as the Nairobi Animal Orphanage which is located in the park and rehabilitates wild animals such as cheetahs, hyenas and birds such as parrots, cranes and ostriches, the Nairobi Safari Walk which is ideal for families with children. For food lovers, there’s no need to fret – the park has picnic areas and yes, these areas are well protected from monkeys.
The Carnivore
A local Kenyan favourite, Carnivore is popular for it’s grilled meats, especially perfect for large groups and tourists who want a taste of African grilling.
Mawimbi Seafood
For seafood lovers, you don’t need to go to the coast. Mawimbi Restaurant has what you need!
Kenya National Archives
For history lovers, The Kenya National Archives in Nairobi is a repository of historical items preserving the nation’s heritage and providing resources for research and education.
Nairobi Marathon
For running enthusiasts, the Nairobi Marathon is one of the best events in the year creating community and showcasing the best parts of Nairobi.