GREAT PICNIC SITES IN NAIROBI - Part I

There are people who enjoy going out for picnics and would at times not know which sites are best for picnics.  Nairobi has various sites as given below.

1.      Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost is said to be the largest picnic site in the city, it offers a myriad of attractions.  It has this ancient caves eroded by the waters of Gichi River and a spectacular waterfall.

Location of Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost is Located off Kiambu Road just after the Evergreen Centre.  For those who would like to visit the site using public means, board matatu No.100 from opposite St Peter Claviers Catholic church or near OTC /Salvation Army areas

Entry Requirements

Visitors are required to pay an entrance fee.  All activities are included in the entrance fee except for the pony, boat riding, horse riding, and camel riding.

2.      Oloolua Nature Trail

Oloolua provides an oasis of tranquility for city residents looking to escape the city hustle and bustle. It is a good site for different activities including just for a relaxing picnic.

Locating Oloolua Nature Trail

Oloolua Nature Trail is located in Karen. For those who would like to visit the site using public means; board Matatu No.24 at Railways Bus Terminus or at Kencom House bus terminus and alight at the junction of Bogani Road and Karen Road near Karen Blixen Museum.  Oloolua Nature Trail is 600 meters to your left.

When to Visit

The Nature Trail can be visited any day from 9a.m to 6p.m

Entry Requirements

There is a fee charged for one to enter, the fee is varied on whether one is a citizen, student or Resident. The fee is also charged depending on whether people are going to camp, Team building, or other activities such as church, commercial, meetings, parties e.t.c

3.      Ngong Hills

It is a very popular weekend destination for visitors.  It is ideal for people coming for picnic or other activities.

Locating Ngong Hills

If using public means from Nairobi to visit the site, board matatu No.111 from Railway Station terminus. You can then walk or hire a boda boda (motorbike) to get to Ngong Police Station, the starting point for this hike.

Entry Requirements

There is a fee per person to be paid to Kenya Wildlife Service at their office near the Ngong Police Station, or at the KWS barrier on the trail.

Caution: When visiting Ngong Hills please be cautious as security is a major concern, there have been reported incidents of criminals attacking visitors.  It would be advisable to get armed escort from the KWS rangers.

4.      Karura Forest

Karura is a safe haven for nature-lovers and one can take pleasure in the biking trails.  It has walking paths, waterfalls, a natural lake, caves and picnic spots.  

Locating Karura Forest

Karura Forest can be found along Limuru Road, for those who would like to visit the site using public means; board Matatu No.107A at Koja (Old Nation House) bus terminus

As you can see, you don’t need a lot of money for you to go out and relax. The fresh air and tranquility allows you to unwind from the week’s hassles.