Nature
Kenya offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse traditions, customs, and lifestyles of its various ethnic communities. There are estimated to be around 42 different ethnic groups, each with its own unique language, culture, traditions, and customs.
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park was East Africa’s and Kenya’s first ever National park. The park is an ideal green space; its not only the jewel of Nairobi being the only city with a national park but also a crown of Kenya’s conservation activities. The park boasts of over 80 species of mammals, 500 species of plants, 400 species of birds, and 40 species of reptiles and amphibians.
Karura Forest Reserve
Karura Forest Reserve is one of the largest gazetted forests in the world located within a city, covering an area of 1041 hectares. In 1932, Karura became a forest reserve when the colonial government set it aside as a source of fuelwood for the Ugandan railway. Three quarters of the forest was felled and replanted with exotic species.
City Park
The park is sandwiched between Limuru Road, Forest Road and the Parklands surburbs, city park is the heart and lungs of Nairobi’s Central Business District. Previously known as the Nairobi Forest Reserve and the Municipal Forest; City Park acquired its present name in 1923 and offers a scenic and perfect retreat for Nairobians day to day hustle and bustle. Kibagare sream flows through the lower part of the park.
Nairobi Arboretum
Tucked away off State House road, the Nairobi Arboretum is a beautiful masterpiece that has a stunning collection of trees, ranging from exotic to indigenous. Occupying 30.4 hectares, the arboretum was established in 1907 by Mr. Battiscombe, the Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests; it was later gazetted as a Forest Reserve in 1932.
Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary
One of the few remaining natural sites in Nairobi, the Ngong Road Forest extends from the Dagoretti suburbs in the west to the Kibera Estate to the east. The forest is an ideal spot for birdwatchers with a known breeding site for the African-crowned eagle, one of Africa’s largest eagle.
Ololua Forest
Located in the leafy suburbs of Karen, the Ololua Forest was established by the National Museums of Kenya that also works with the Institute of Primate Research; within which it is situated. The Mbagathi River runs through the Ololua Forest which is a haven for indigenous trees and shrubs.
Uhuru Park
Located adjacent the Central Business District, Uhuru Park is a recreational park that is one of the lungs of the towns. The park was opened in 1969 by the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. The park has an assembly ground that is popularly used for religious and political meetings. There is also a man-made lake that offers boat rides and ideal romantic sites for couples.
Uhuru Gardens
Uhuru Gardens is located along Lang’ata Road, bordering Carnivore Restaurant, Wilson Airport and the northern bypass. The gardens was declared a National Monument in 1966 because of its historical importance. The inaugural ceremony for Kenya’s first president, President Jomo Kenyatta was conducted at this park on 12 December 1963 when Kenya gained its independence
Others
August 7th Memorial Park
The Memorial park is located within the Nairobi CBD, where the former American Embassy stood. The park has a visitors centre that hosts the Peace Memorial Museum that was created to tell the stories of those who lost their lives and those who survived following the bombing.
Giraffe Centre
Located in the lush leafy suburbs of Karen, the giraffe centre is Africa’s pride of international celebrity. Since its founders, Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, rescued a baby giraffe named Daisy from a heavily poached area of western Kenya in 1974, their home has become a must visit amongst wildlife lovers.
Nairobi Botanical Gardens at Nairobi Museum Grounds
Located within the grounds of the National Museum of Kenya’s, the Nairobi Botanical Garden is about one and a half kilometers from the Nairobi CBD. The garden is a collection of thematic displays of different live plant species and their habitats.
