If you’re looking for a great place to picnic, Nairobi has plenty of options. There’s something for everyone, from gardens and nature reserves to city parks and lakeside spots. Here are 25 of the best picnic sites in Nairobi.
Before we get started, here are a few tips to make sure your picnic goes well:
1. Choose a location that suits your group. If you’re picnicking with young children, you’ll want to choose a spot close to amenities like restrooms and playgrounds.
2. Make sure you have all the essentials – blanket, food, drinks, cutlery, etc. – packed and ready to go before you leave home.
3. If you’re picnicking in a public space, consider other park users and clean up after yourself.
4. And last but not least, relax and enjoy the excellent food and company.
Read Also: Places to Visit in Kenya.
10 Best Picnic Sites in Nairobi.
Now that you know what to do (and what not to do), here is a list of the best picnic sites in Nairobi.
1. Karura Forest
If you’re looking for a peaceful, nature-filled picnic spot, look no further than Karura Forest.
This forest reserve is just a short drive from the city center and offers plenty of picnicking spots among its towering trees.
Karura Forest is perfect for a leisurely afternoon picnic. It’s home to various plants and animals and several walking and hiking trails.
2. Nairobi Arboretum
The Nairobi Arboretum is another excellent option for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
This tranquil spot is home to various plants, trees, and a lovely rose garden.
The Nairobi Arboretum has various plants and trees, small ponds, and a playground for the kids.
The Arboretum makes for a peaceful picnic spot and is a great place to spend an afternoon surrounded by nature.
3. KICC Rooftop
Want to picnic with a view? Head to the rooftop gardens at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.
This popular spot offers panoramic views of Nairobi from its vantage point in the city center, making it the perfect place to enjoy a sunset picnic.
4. Ngong Hills Forest Reserve.
This lovely reserve is located about 30 minutes outside of Nairobi and offers stunning views of the cityscape, Ngong Hills, and the surrounding countryside.
Plenty of shady spots to picnic under the trees and hiking trails to explore.
If you’re looking for a more rural picnic spot, the Ngong Hills Forest Reserve is worth visiting.
5. Nairobi National Park.
After an animal-filled picnic spot, look no further than Nairobi National Park.
This park is a must-visit for nature lovers. It has a wide variety of wildlife and beautiful landscapes and is just minutes from the city center. It’s the perfect place for a day trip or an afternoon picnic.
This 117-square-kilometer park is home to lions, elephants, giraffes, and other animals, making it a popular destination for safari enthusiasts.
Plenty of space to spread your blanket and enjoy a good picnic lunch.
6. Uhuru Park.
Uhuru Park is one of Nairobi’s most popular picnic spots, and it’s easy to see why.
The park also has a playground, a few small ponds, and a variety of trees that provide shade on hot days.
Uhuru Park has a serene atmosphere and lovely landscaping and is right in the city’s heart. It’s a great place to bring a blanket and picnic lunch while enjoying the views.
7. Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park
The Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park is another excellent option for a scenic picnic spot in Nairobi.
This park is located just north of the CBD and offers stunning views of the city skyline.
The park is also home to some monuments, including the Kenyatta Mausoleum, making it the ideal spot for a history-filled picnic.
8. Central Park.
Central Park is another excellent option for picnicking in Nairobi. This park is slightly smaller than Uhuru Park but just as beautiful.
The well-manicured gardens and lawns make it a perfect spot to relax with a good book or have a friendly game of cricket or frisbee.
This park is perfect for those looking for a quick and easy picnic spot, as it’s centrally located and easy to get to.
The park has a playground, shady trees, and plenty of benches to sit on and enjoy lunch.
9. Karen Blixen Museum
The Karen Blixen Museum is worth visiting if you want to learn more about Kenyan culture.
This museum has various exhibits, including furniture, art, and clothing.
The Karen Blixen Museum is also home to the former farmhouse of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, who lived in Kenya from 1917 to 1931.
The museum is located on the outskirts of Nairobi and offers stunning views of the Ngong Hills.
The museum grounds are beautifully landscaped and make for a perfect picnic spot.
10. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a wildlife orphanage home to animals, including elephants, rhinos, and warthogs.
The trust is located just outside of Nairobi, allowing visitors to picnic among the animals.
Read also Most Famous Landmarks in Kenya.
Top 20 Picnic Sites in Nairobi.
11. Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is another unique picnic spot in Nairobi.
The Giraffe Centre is located just outside Nairobi and is home to some endangered Rothschild giraffes.
This educational center is dedicated to preserving giraffes, allowing visitors to hand-feed these gentle creatures.
The center also has a lovely garden setting, making it the perfect place for an afternoon picnic surrounded by giraffes.
12. Picnic Sites in Nairobi – Nairobi Safari Walk
If you’re looking for a more hands-on animal experience, the Nairobi Safari Walk is worth visiting.
This open-air wildlife park is home to various animals, including lions, elephants, and warthogs.
Visitors can walk through the park and get up close and personal with the animals.
There’s also a picnic area to enjoy a meal while watching the animals roam around.
13. Bomas of Kenya.
The Bomas of Kenya is a cultural center that allows visitors to learn about Kenya’s different tribes and cultures.
With its vibrant setting and traditional buildings, Bomas of Kenya offers visitors a chance to experience Kenyan culture firsthand.
The center has a variety of exhibits, including traditional huts, dance performances, and craft demonstrations.
The Bomas of Kenya is also a great place to picnic. There are several large grassy areas where you can spread a blanket and enjoy the day while taking in the sights and sounds of traditional Kenyan culture.
14. Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum is one of Africa’s oldest and largest museums.
This museum is home to exhibits, including a replica of an ancient hominid skull, an extensive collection of East African art, and a section on Kenyan history.
The museum also has a large picnic area to enjoy a meal while taking in the sights and sounds of ancient African culture.
15. Top 25 Picnic Sites in Nairobi- IMAX Cinema
The IMAX Cinema is located in the Nairobi CBD and allows visitors to watch movies on a giant screen.
The cinema also has a large picnic area to enjoy a meal while watching your favorite film.
16. Oloolua Nature Trail.
Oloolua Nature Trail is a beautiful nature trail located in Karen, Nairobi. The path is about 3 kilometers long, and it takes about 2 hours to complete the course.
The trail is perfect for a stroll or a more vigorous hike. You can spot several animals on the route.
There’s also a picnic area to enjoy a meal while enjoying the stunning views.
17. Kenya National Archives
The Kenya National Archives is located in Nairobi. It was established in 1963 as one of Africa’s largest historical records repositories.
The archives contain a wealth of information on the history of Kenya, from its colonial past to the present day.
There are some picnic sites within the grounds of the Kenya National Archives, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a romantic picnic for two.
18. Nairobi Railway Museum
The Nairobi Railway Museum is a museum that’s dedicated to the history of transportation in Kenya.
The museum is near the central business district and is easily accessible by public transport.
This museum has various exhibits, including locomotives, railway cars, and photographs.
There is also a café and a gift shop at the museum.
19. Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
The Nairobi Animal Orphanage offers a stunning picnic site with plenty of open space and greenery, a haven for animals and nature lovers.
The perfect place to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family, the orphanage also offers a variety of animal exhibits for visitors to enjoy.
See also Choosing a Safari Company.
20. Paradise Lost.
Hidden in the heart of Nairobi, Paradise Lost is a serene and beautiful spot that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
With its tranquil setting and stunning views, Paradise Lost is the perfect picnic spot for relaxing and unwinding.
21. Picnic Sites in Nairobi – Lunar Park.
Located in the heart of Nairobi, Lunar Park is a popular spot for locals and visitors.
Boasting a variety of entertainment options, including a children’s play area and a wide range of food and drink stalls, Lunar Park is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled picnic with friends or family.
22. August 7th Memorial Park Museum.
This large park is perfect for a picnic with friends or family.
The park is home to several historical monuments and a museum dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the 1998 bombing of the US Embassy.
23. Ostrich riding at Maasai Ostrich Farm in Kitengela.
This is a must-do for all first-timers in Kenya. Kitengela is only about 30 minutes from Nairobi but feels like a world away.
The farm has several ostriches you can ride, and it’s a great way to get up close and personal with these majestic birds.
24. Murumbi Art Gallery along Kenyatta Avenue.
The Murumbi art gallery is located on Kenyatta Avenue and is home to an African art collection.
The gallery also has a café where you can enjoy a meal or coffee while admiring the artwork.
25. Picnic Sites in Nairobi – Malls.
Nairobi has many malls, including the famous Sarit Centre, Thika Road Mall, Two Rivers Mall, Garden City, and Westgate Mall.
These malls are perfect for a picnic as they have many shops, restaurants, cafes, and other activities, such as cinemas and children’s play areas.
Nairobi is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind or a more active setting, there’s sure to be a picnic spot that’s perfect for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the best that Nairobi has to offer!
