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.
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.
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.
Oloolua
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.
Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a world-renowned wildlife conservation area located in southwestern Kenya, contiguous with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. It’s famous for its extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), as well as the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals traverse the plains in search of greener pastures. The Maasai Mara offers unforgettable safari experiences, with opportunities for game drives, hot air balloon safaris, cultural visits to Maasai villages, and breathtaking views of the savannah landscape dotted with acacia trees.
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.
Mahali Mzuri
Mahali Mzuri is a luxury safari camp located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Located in the world-famous Maasai Mara ecosystem in the path of the annual Great Migration, the camp is within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. The camp is strategically positioned to offer you prime game viewing opportunities during the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and other animals. The camp features luxurious tented suites designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment while providing modern comforts and amenities. Each tent offers spacious living areas, en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and panoramic views of the savannah. Other than the game drives, you also have the opportunity to experience Mara via hot air balloon, as well as star gazing at night and more.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy
A private wildlife sanctuary adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, renowned for its pristine landscapes and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Olare Motorogi Conservancy is a private wildlife conservancy located adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. It’s situated on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara ecosystem, covering an area of approximately 35,000 acres. It shares a border with the Maasai Mara National Reserve, offering you easy access to both areas. The conservancy is dedicated to wildlife conservation, habitat preservation, and community development. It works closely with local Maasai communities to promote sustainable land management practices and wildlife protection initiatives. It’s home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), as well as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various antelope species. The conservancy’s expansive grasslands, acacia woodlands, and riverine habitats provide ideal conditions for wildlife viewing.
Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is a community-owned wildlife conservancy located in the Maasai Mara ecosystem of Kenya. It is part of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The conservancy is owned and managed by the local Maasai community, who are stewards of the land and partners in conservation. The conservancy operates under a community-based conservation model, where the community derives direct benefits from wildlife tourism while actively participating in conservation efforts. Visitors to Ol Kinyei Conservancy pay conservation fees, which directly support community development projects, wildlife conservation initiatives, and sustainable livelihood programs for the local Maasai community. These fees play a crucial role in funding the conservancy’s operations and contributing to its long-term sustainability.
Big Cat Safari Experience
Experience a special journey in some of the finest wildlife areas in the world to see the majestic big cats. Take in four very diverse habitats and immerse yourself in an authentic wildlife and cultural safari among pioneering and globally recognized conservancies that are engaging communities in a meaningful way.