Thing to do
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery Visit
A one-hour daily visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's elephant nursery, where orphaned calves come in for their midday milk feed and mud bath.
Karura Forest
A large protected forest on Nairobi's northern edge with more than 50 km of trails for walking, running and cycling, a waterfall and caves used by Mau Mau fighters.
At a glance
- Type
- Urban forest with walking and cycling trails
- Area
- Muthaiga and Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
- Opening
- Open daily · 06:00–17:30
- Official site
- friendsofkarura.org
Good to know
- Walking and running trails
- Cycling
- Dog walking paths
- Picnic areas
- Waterfall
- Parking at Gate A
Why we recommend it
Karura Forest is one of the largest urban forests anywhere, covering roughly 1,000 hectares on the northern side of Nairobi between Muthaiga, Gigiri and Runda. It was gazetted as a forest reserve in 1932, and in the late 1990s it became the focus of a famous campaign led by the Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, who was attacked in 1999 while protesting against plans to clear land for housing. The forest survived, and since 2009 the Friends of Karura Forest community association has managed it with the Kenya Forest Service.
The trail network is the main draw. More than 50 km of paths wind through forest, bamboo and marshland, and they are popular with walkers, runners, cyclists and dog owners. Highlights include a waterfall, an old church and natural caves that sheltered Mau Mau fighters during the 1950s and were used by people much earlier as Stone Age shelters. Around 200 bird species have been recorded, and you may see bushbuck or colobus monkeys among the trees.
The forest suits almost anyone looking for a break from traffic. Families can picnic in designated areas, solo travellers can walk or run in a secure fenced environment, and cyclists have dedicated routes. There are also tennis courts and organised eco-tours. Dogs are welcome on designated paths, especially from Gate C on Kiambu Road.
The forest opens at 06:00 and last entry is 17:30, with gates locking at 19:00. Entry fees are paid only by M-Pesa through eCitizen, so international visitors should set up a payment method in advance or come with someone who can pay. Allow two to three hours for the waterfall and caves loop at a comfortable pace, and bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes, as some paths are steep or muddy after rain.
Gate A on Limuru Road, opposite the Belgian Embassy, is the main entrance, with parking and access to the forest office. Gate C, known as Sharks Gate, is on Kiambu Road, while Gate F on Thigiri Lane leads to the separate Sigiria section with parking inside. The UN offices at Gigiri are next door, and the restaurants and shops of the Village Market and Westlands are a short drive away for lunch afterwards.
Karura Forest FAQs
What are the opening hours?
The forest opens at 06:00 and last entry is at 17:30. Gates lock at 19:00.
How do I pay the entry fee?
By M-Pesa only, through the eCitizen platform.
Which gate should I use?
Gate A on Limuru Road, opposite the Belgian Embassy, is the main entrance with parking. Gate C on Kiambu Road is good for cycling and dog walks.
How long are the trails?
There are more than 50 km of trails for walking, running and cycling.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on designated paths. Gate C is recommended for dog walking, and annual dog passes are available.
What are the highlights?
The waterfall, the bamboo and marsh areas and the caves used by Mau Mau fighters in the 1950s.
How long should I allow?
Two to three hours for a relaxed walk to the waterfall and caves.
Who manages the forest?
The Kenya Forest Service, together with the Friends of Karura Forest community association.