
Best Parks & Green Spaces in Nairobi, Kenya
1. Nairobi National Park
A unique wildlife sanctuary bordering the city, offering a chance to see lions, rhinos, and hippos up close.
- Proximity to City: Ideal for urban explorers seeking wildlife experiences in the heart of Nairobi
- Wildlife Diversity: Boasts an impressive variety of African animals, making it a must-visit destination
- Safari Drive Experience: Experience the thrill of a safari in an urban setting
2. Uhuru Park
A lush green oasis in the city center, featuring a large lake and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Central Location: Perfect for travelers staying near the city center to unwind
- Lake and Greenery: Ideal for picnics, relaxing walks, or boating on the lake
- Monument Viewing: Home to the iconic Uhuru Monument and Independence Avenue
3. Arboretum National Park
A forested reserve showcasing over 500 tree species, perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers.
- Tree Diversity: A unique collection of indigenous and exotic trees
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Attracts a rich variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for avian enthusiasts
- Educational Walks: Offers guided walks to learn about the different tree species and their significance
4. Nairobi Arboretum
A peaceful green space featuring diverse plant species and a children's play area.
- Family-Friendly: Ideal for families seeking a fun day out with kids
- Botanical Diversity: Showcases a wide variety of plant species, making it a great spot for botany enthusiasts
- Educational Tours: Offers guided tours to learn about the plants and their uses
5. Karura Forest
A sprawling forest reserve offering hiking trails, picnic spots, and a peaceful ambiance.
- Hiking Opportunities: Ideal for adventure-seekers looking to explore the forest on foot
- Nature Retreat: A tranquil escape from the bustling city life
- Iconic Dam: Home to the scenic Mwaita Dam, popular for picnics and fishing
6. Langata Botanical Garden
A botanical garden featuring a variety of indigenous and exotic plant species, as well as a snake park.
- Exotic Plantlife: Showcases a diverse array of exotic plants from around the world
- Snake Park Attraction: Home to a snake park, offering education and conservation efforts for these fascinating creatures
- Beautiful Layout: Features picturesque layouts and landscaping that make it an enjoyable visit
7. Central Park Westlands
A modern green space with a play area, gym equipment, and outdoor seating.
- Urban Recreation: Perfect for fitness enthusiasts looking to work out in the open air
- Family-Friendly: Ideal for families seeking a fun day out with kids, featuring a play area and outdoor games
- Modern Amenities: Includes modern gym equipment, restrooms, and food vendors
8. Joggers' Park
A popular park for jogging, walking, and outdoor workouts, with a scenic lake and gym equipment.
- Workout Spaces: Features exercise stations for outdoor workouts
- Scenic Lake: Boasts a scenic lake perfect for relaxing walks or birdwatching
- Jogging Trails: Offers numerous jogging trails for fitness enthusiasts
9. Lake Nakuru National Park (Day Trip from Nairobi)
A popular national park, famous for its flamingo population and rhino sanctuary.
- Flamingo Spectacle: Home to thousands of pink flamingos, creating a breathtaking spectacle
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including the 'Big Five'
- Day Trip Destination: Ideal as a day trip destination from Nairobi
10. Ngong Hills
A picturesque hill range offering hiking trails and stunning views of the Rift Valley.
- Scenic Hikes: Ideal for scenic hikes with panoramic views
- Natural Beauty: Boasts a natural beauty that is hard to find elsewhere in Nairobi
- Rift Valley Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Rift Valley and its surrounding landscape
11. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) Elephant Orphanage
A sanctuary for orphaned elephants, offering daily feeding times and educational tours.
- Elephant Conservation: Supports the conservation of African elephants through rehabilitation efforts
- Daily Feeding Times: Features daily feeding times, allowing visitors to interact with the elephants
- Educational Tours: Offers educational tours and insights into elephant conservation efforts
12. Nairobi Elephant Orphanage (NEO)
Another sanctuary for orphaned elephants, providing a safe haven and rehabilitation.
- Elephant Rehabilitation: Provides a safe haven and rehabilitation for orphaned elephants
- Daily Visits: Offers daily visits to observe the elephants being cared for
- Conservation Education: Promotes conservation education and awareness about African elephants
13. Nairobi Safari Walk
A walkthrough wildlife sanctuary, featuring a variety of African animals in enclosures.
- Urban Wildlife Experience: Offers an urban wildlife experience within the city
- Close Encounters: Allows for close encounters with various African animals in enclosures
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts for African wildlife through education and awareness
14. Nairobi Animal Orphanage
A sanctuary for injured, orphaned, and abandoned wildlife, offering educational tours.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation: Provides rehabilitation for injured, orphaned, and abandoned wildlife
- Educational Tours: Offers educational tours to learn about wildlife conservation efforts
- Diverse Species: Boasts a diverse array of species, including monkeys, birds, and small carnivores
15. Mamba Village Snake Park
A snake park featuring a variety of snakes, educational displays, and feeding shows.
- Snake Diversity: Showcases various species of snakes found in Kenya
- Educational Displays: Offers educational displays about snake conservation and their significance
- Feeding Shows: Features feeding shows for a closer look at these fascinating creatures