With Nairobi’s warm weather and a multitude of open green spaces, a picnic over the weekend is a great way to pass time. The city has many picnic sites, all of them on different sides of the city. Some of them offer views of wild animals, others are found in places with waterfalls and similar features. Some are right at the heart of Nairobi city but away from all the noise. Here are the top ten picnic sites in Nairobi for your upcoming day out.
1. Amani Garden, Karura Forest
Located inside one of Nairobi’s most famous forests, Amani Garden is the best way to end a Karura Forest hike. The site has sitting areas where you can place your food and seat off the ground. You can also spread your picnic mats on the grass. Enjoy lots of fresh air and a beautiful view inside Amani Garden.
Location: Karura Forest, off Limuru Road
Opening hours: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm daily
Google Rating: 4.7 stars, (190 reviews)
2. Ivory Burning Site and Picnic Area
Attracting both local and foreign visitors, the Ivory Burning Site is popular for its tranquility. Visitors get to contribute to the preservation of wild elephants by visiting a zone free from poaching. The place is quiet with lovely natural views. You get to experience a park within a city.
Location: Nairobi National Park
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Google Rating: 4.6 stars, (152 reviews)
3. Nairobi National Park
The Nairobi National Park offers more than just a handful of picnic sites within the reserved area. You can start with a game drive through the wild and see lions, elephants, and zebras in their natural habitat. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic with your loved ones with a view of Nairobi City
Location: Langata Road, Nairobi
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Google Rating: 4.5 stars, (8,742 reviews)
4. Oloolua Nature Trail
Tucked away from the city in Karen, Oloolua is the perfect getaway for an experience in nature. The trail is great to hike along, with a scenic waterfall and beautiful caves. After your nature walk, you can have a picnic within the forest at one of the designated areas. The entrance fee is Kshs 200 for citizens.
Location: Oloolua Forest, Karen Road, Nairobi
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm daily
Google Rating: 4.5 stars, (1,728 reviews)
5. The Nairobi Arboretum
When you are in search of trees, tranquility, lots of fresh air, and grass, look no further. The Nairobi Arboretum offers all these perks at an entrance fee of Kshs 65 for citizens. It is great for picnics with small and large groups as well.
Location: Kilimani Arboretum Road, Off State House Road, Nairobi
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:30 am daily
Google Rating: 4.4 stars, (5,484 reviews)
6. The Nairobi Safari Walk
Make your picnic memorable by visiting the Nairobi Safari Walk where you can interact with animals like giraffes. Children also get to enjoy a tour of the children’s museum within the vicinity.
Location: Karen, Langata Road
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
Google Rating: 4.4 stars, (4,636 reviews)
7. Evergreen Park and Garden
Evergreen is a great campground off Kiambu Road that is perfect for small events and picnics. At an entrance fee of Kshs 300, you can bring your food and drinks and have a picnic spread. The garden also has a shaded section in case you want to create an entire set-up with decor and lighting.
Location: Kiambu Road, Nairobi
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Google Rating: 4.4 stars, (144 reviews)
8. Uhuru Gardens
Uhuru Gardens is one of Nairobi’s most popular recreational centres. Although it is largely known for hosting events and music concerts, it is also a great place to have a picnic with friends. It is a serene space with lots of open-air and an epic view of the sky.
Location: Nairobi
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Google Rating: 4.2 stars, (2,683 reviews)
9. Langata Botanical Gardens
Yet another serene location in Nairobi, Langata Botanical Gardens can host weddings and picnics. It has extensive green grass cover for your spreads, and warm weather all year. Moreover, it has great seating areas that can also host large groups.
Location: Nairobi West, Langata South Road
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
10. Uhuru Park
This open area is popular for picnics as well as child-friendly activities like boat riding and face painting. Located right next to the Central Business District, it is very easy to reach. It also provides space for larger public gatherings and would be perfect for picnics with big groups. The entrance is free.
Location: Nairobi City
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:30 pm daily
Google Rating: 4.1 stars, (19,587 reviews)
Summary
Living in rental houses in Nairobi does not mean you should not enjoy open green spaces. Picnic sites are a nice way to experience the environment away from the apartments. If you are in search of picnic sites in Nairobi, you can never exhaust all your options. Find open gardens with trees and animals or even restaurants where you can sit outside on the grass. Whatever you need, this list has the perfect fit.
