Of Chows and Dhows

Updated in March 2025

Living in an urban jungle can take its toll on a person. The noise, fumes, and hustle and bustle of any city can tire you. Recharging becomes necessary because our minds and bodies can only take so much. We are human. For me, the best way to recharge is to reconnect with nature, and one of my favourite spots for this is Karura Forest. Just a few minutes away from the Nairobi CBD stands the beautiful urban forest, Karura, 1,063.0 ha of gazetted forest land. It is the largest forest in Nairobi, and the best place to re-energise, if I do say so myself. Think scenic views, fresh air, and quiet trails.

Here is everything you need to know about visiting Karura Forest.

Activities

You can walk, jog, walk your dog, ride bikes, plant trees, and play tennis. The forest is also a hub for bird watching. Karura Forest is perfect when you need to take some time out for a walk, exercise or go on a picnic date.

Karura Forest

There are caves in the forest, but sadly, they are not open to the public. The forest houses a man-made lake and a gorgeous waterfall, which was the highlight of my walk.

Getting to Karura

Karura Forest can be accessed from several gates, the most popular being Limuru Road Gate D or the Kiambu Road Gate C (opposite Sharks Palace). If using public transport, take Matatus going to Limuru road- either Numbers 11B, 106, 107, or 116 and alight at the Belgian embassy or take Matatus to Kiambu- either number 100, 120, 121, or 116. If going to the River Cafe, use the Limuru Road entrance.

Opening hours are from 6 am to 6 pm, and the last forest entry is 5:45 pm.

You can get maps from the main gates at KES 200 or have a guide accompany you at KES 300 for two hours. I did neither and did not get lost as the trails are well marked.

The best time to visit is on weekdays because, on holidays and weekends, Karura is packed. I went on a Saturday, and there were quite a few people. I had to wait for quite some time to take pictures at the waterfall.

It is pretty affordable too.

Things to do in Karura Forest

• Walking/ Jogging
• Trail biking
• Dog walking
• Horse riding
• Tennis (KFEET Centre grounds)
• Picnics
• Tree planting
• Bird watching

Karura Forest Charges:

Parking fees:

Picnics:

Bike Hire:
There are three trail bike depots: one on the KFEET grounds best accessible through Gate A (Limuru Road) or Gate D (off the end of the ICRAF access Road); a second rental point at Gate C (a.k.a. “Sharks”) off Kiambu Road; and another at Gate F off Thigiri Ridge Road, the main entrance to Sigiria Gate.

KES 580 for two hours.

I enjoyed my walk. In such serene environs, time just slows down, and the fresh air instantly calms you.
Reconnect. Reenergize. Rejuvenate.

2021 Update: Visiting Karura Forest during the COVID-19 Update

Karura Forest is still open for visits. Operating hours are between 6:00 am and the gates are closed at 5:00 pm. Charges remain the same.

Find more information about Karura Forest here.

Have you been to Karura Forest before? Are you planning to go? Where is your favourite escape spot? Let me know in the comment section below! Here is a short video of the place.

Catch up on other posts here.

And as always,

Stay winning!