Nairobi Arboretum

The Nairobi Arboretum began in 1907, when a forestry officer named Batiscombe planted it to test which tree species would grow well in the area. It was gazetted as a national reserve in 1932 and has since matured into a shady park of tall trees and winding paths about 3 km from the city centre, between State House Road and the residential area of Kileleshwa.

It is a place to slow down rather than to tick off sights, and because it began as a forestry trial plot it is as much a tree collection as a park. The paths loop through mature woodland, and the managers encourage visitors to walk quietly, pause and watch for wildlife, especially birds and butterflies. Bring binoculars and a camera if you enjoy birdwatching, along with water and comfortable walking shoes. Weekday mornings are usually the quietest time to visit.

The rules are simple and reflect its role as a protected area: stay on the paths, do not feed or disturb animals, do not light fires, leave plants and tree labels alone, avoid unnecessary noise and take your litter away or use the bins. It suits solo travellers looking for an easy walk, couples, families with young children and anyone needing a green break between museum visits.

Visitors can enter between 06:00 and 18:15 every day of the year, and the office is staffed on weekdays from 09:00 to 16:00. Entry fees are paid through M-Pesa or Airtel Money on eCitizen or by bank card; cash is not accepted, so have a payment option ready. Allow an hour or two for a relaxed loop, and check the website's events and environmental education pages for anything planned during your stay.

There are two entrances. The main gate is next to the Kenya Girl Guides headquarters at the end of Arboretum Drive, which leaves State House Road and has a car park. The lower gate is on the Kileleshwa side. On foot from the centre, follow State House Road past St Paul's Cathedral and the University of Nairobi halls. By matatu, route 48 through Kileleshwa leaves from Latema Road near Tom Mboya Street and stops at the Shell petrol station beside the lower gate. The Nairobi National Museum on Museum Hill is a short drive away.