Nairobi Arboretum Forest | Opening Hours, Entry Fees, and Fun Stuff

Nairobi Arboretum is probably my favourite place in the city. An overlooked gem, the forest offers peaceful tranquility, fresh air, and a chance to reconnect with nature… just 10 minutes from the hustle of Westlands.

Stop by on your way home from work to sit on a bench and completely unwind. Or take your friends here for a picnic on a Saturday and watch the day disappear. 

You can spend countless hours aimlessly wandering along the forest paths, stopping to snooze in a quiet corner, or joining one of the fitness classes dotted throughout the gardens.

History

Nairobi Arboretum was established in 1907 by the British colonial administration to trial the introduction of exotic tree species to Kenya. The construction of The Lunatic Express railway was depleting indigenous trees to the point of extinction.* So, the British hoped they could find an alternative source for wood.

After the railway was completed, the Arboretum continued to grow, with new tree species being added regularly. In 1932, the British gazetted the Arboretum as a Forest Reserve, creating 30.7 hectares of protected land. It has remained open to the public ever since. 

*This is just of many examples of deforestation and environmental destruction committed during British rule in Kenya. You can learn more about the long-lasting implications and ongoing effects of these policies in Wangari Maathai’s beautiful memoir, Unbowed.

Location

Nairobi Arboretum lies at the intersection between Kilimani, Kilileshwa, State House Rd. and Westlands. It’s easily accessible from each neighbourhood, via two entrances.

Main Entrance

The main entrance is in the southeast of the Arboretum. It has a large car park and a few stalls selling snacks and refreshments. There’s also a small restaurant and a toilet. 

Second Entrance

The second entrance is well known and is only accessible by foot. It’s basically a gap in the northern perimeter of the Arboretum with a small ticket office. 

It’s easy to miss, so look out for it next to the footpath close to the intersection of Arboretum Drive and Ring Road Kilileshwa. If you live north of the forest, this is the more convenient of the two entrances.

(1) Arboretum’s Main Entrance. (2) Arboretum’s 2nd entrance

Entry Fees

Adults50 Kshs
Children20 Kshs
Photography (per camera)1,000 Kshs
Videography (per camera)2,500 Kshs
Ground hire (for events)50,000 Kshs

Entry fees for the Arboretum can be paid at both entrances. You can only pay with MPESA. Cash is not accepted.

Activities

Every time I visit the Arboretum, I find people doing something new: gospel choirs practicing their hymns, friends playing cricket, media students asking me to join their photoshoots. 

Ther’s plenty of space for everyone, whether you’re here, get active and break a sweat, or laze on a shuka and have a snooze.  

The most popular activities in Nairobi Arboretum include: 

  • Yoga
  • Workout
  • Jogging
  • Exercise boot camps
  • Picnic
  • Cricket
  • Photoshoots
  • Team building, corporate training, and workshops
  • Group games
  • Prayer groups, gospel choirs, and religious activities
  • Concerts

Note: alcohol is banned in Nairobi Arboretum, and you won’t be allowed in with any. 

For the nature fans amongst you, the Arboretum has plenty to keep you busy. The forest is home to Sykes and Vervet monkeys, over 100 resident and migrant bird species, and over 300 species of exotic and indigenous trees.

Opening Hours

Nairobi Arboretum is open 365 days a year, including public holidays. 

Visiting hours: 6.00 am to 6.15 pm

Forest Office Hours: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm

If you’re in the park after 5.00 pm, a security guard will come around and ask you to prepare to leave before 6.00 pm so they can close on time.

Arboretum Contacts

Nairobi Arboretum is managed by the Kenya Forest Service and Friends of Nairobi Arboretum

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Arboretum Open?

Nairobi Arboretum is open 365 days a year, from 6.00 am to 6.15 pm.

What does ‘arboretum’ mean?

The word ‘Aboretum’ meaning a botanical garden comprised almost entirely of trees.

About The Author

Related Posts

Comments

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *