Karura Forest
Karura Forest
4.5
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Karura Forest Reserve is an urban upland forest on the outskirts of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. This remarkable geographical location and natural resource is one of the largest gazetted forests in the world fully within a city limits. It covers an area of about 1,000 ha (2,500 ac) and today is a shining example of how country-based corporate social responsibility and individual philanthropy can serve to secure and protect a country's natural resources. The forest offers eco-friendly opportunities for Kenyans and visitors to enjoy a leafy green respite from the hustle and bustle of the city to walk, to jog, or simply to sit quietly and experience the serenity of nature in all its diversity.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Jose MLethbridge, Canada173 contributionsLovely Oasis in the heart of cityI spent over 3 hrs running and walking on a hot morning. It's quite a dense forest and the shade was great. Since I went there at 7:30am, there were hardly any people. The solitude was alluring. Great place to spend few hours away from the crowd. For an active person this is paradiseVisited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 21 February 2024
- Maricha vWorcester, South Africa201 contributionsA walk in the parkAfter a very frustrating trip in an Uber which took ages it was a pleasure to dit down yo a coffee and American pancake stack (far to generous) and then to go on a hike. Cycling is permissible which we would’ve enjoyed. The walk was lovely. Many people walking, chatting or just sitting on a bench enjoying nature. I loved my hike and met a lovely lady who joined me and we twittered along until we’d completed our hike and went our separate ways. Highly recommendedVisited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 23 February 2024
- Elvira BThe Netherlands99 contributionsNice walk in the forestStaying at Trademark hotel for a few days, I could use some physical exercise: luckily this forest is pretty close by! I decided to walk from the hotel. A quiet walk through very protected area (daytime). The forest is not very big but there are several trails to choose from. Because of rainy season, options were limited for muddy and slippery conditions. However if you bring good walking shoes then this shouldn’t be a problem. Bear in mind the altitude. All in all I walked around 10 miles/17 kms this morning. But if you take a taxi, you can opt for 2 miles/3 km to around the 3 or 4 fold of this, in different trails.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 12 May 2024
- simangelemmsweli6 contributionsAmazing trip with Charles R. Wall Young African Policy FellowsWe had a group trip with the 15 Charles R. Wall Young African Policy Fellows from across the African continent. We explored the caves, waterfall and had a picnic. Great work to Friends of Karura Forest!Visited July 2024Travelled on businessWritten 27 July 2024
- Suwilanji SLusaka Province, Zambia5 contributionsKarura Forest the home of rich biodiversityThe well-maintained trails are ideal for walking, running, or cycling, and they cater to all levels of fitness. I particularly enjoyed the tranquility of the forest, interrupted only by the soothing sounds of birds and the rustle of leaves. One of the highlights of my visit was the stunning Karura Waterfall. The sight and sound of the cascading water amidst the greenery were mesmerizing. Additionally, the forest is home to several caves and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the region's past. The facilities are excellent, with clean restrooms and well-marked trails. The security is also commendable, ensuring a safe experience for all visitors. For those interested in more active pursuits, there are picnic spots, a bamboo forest, and even a butterfly lake. I was also impressed by the environmental conservation efforts in place. Karura Forest is a testament to the successful reforestation and community-driven conservation projects that have transformed it into a thriving ecosystem. Overall, Karura Forest is a haven of peace and natural beauty. It provides a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and education, making it a top destination in Nairobi. Whether you're a nature lover, a fitness enthusiast, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, Karura Forest will exceed your expectations.Visited July 2024Travelled on businessWritten 27 July 2024
- Mbaire k1 contributionWhen Access Benefit Sharing meets sane managementVisited Karura Forest as part of an eco tour to learn about intersection of policies and implementation of conservation of biodiversity. It is very awespiring to witness the mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure fair and equitable sharing of resources, especially with communities. The work is commendable and we hope it can only continue.Visited July 2024Travelled on businessWritten 27 July 2024
- Baecation Adventures KenyaNairobi, Kenya25 contributionsKarura Forest Nairobi Cycling - with Baecation AdventuresKarura Forest Nairobi Cycling Embark on a thrilling cycling adventure through the lush, serene landscapes of Karura Forest in Nairobi, Kenya. Our all-year-round cycling package offers adult cycling enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to explore one of Nairobi’s most treasured green spaces at their own pace. Karura Forest, renowned for its tranquil beauty and rich biodiversity, provides the ideal backdrop for a self-guided cycling expedition. Without the confines of a tour guide, you have the freedom to navigate the forest trails, discovering hidden gems and scenic spots along the way. This package is designed for those who cherish the autonomy of solo or group cycling while immersing themselves in nature.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 8 August 2024
- holidaylover55Nairobi, Kenya301 contributionsBreath of Fresh AirI discovered Karura Forest through my running club. This is truly a special place in the heart of Nairobi. We comfortably did a 18 km run in the forest it’s so big. The forest is well marked with various colored routes with distances. This is a great place for a run , romantic walk or ride on your bike. I recently got a permit for my dog for Karura. They even have off leash areas. You have to present your dogs rabies vaccination card. I find the best time is early in the morning, this is when you can see a lot of the wild life in the Forest. This is also a great place to go for a walk and have breakfast at the Cafe located in the forest. You will love the caves , small waterfalls and meandering streams. Just remeber with gets very muddy in the rainy season.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 August 2024
- Polly U5 contributionsGreat experience in NairobiI arranged for a private walking bird tour for my husband and I, and ended up with a delightful guide named Ken. We learned so much about the development of the forest, and were able to see many birds we don't get to see back in the US. Highly recommended!Visited October 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 October 2024
- Noelia JChicago, Illinois16 contributionsMind clearing, lung cleansing, soul soothingGreat escape from hectic Nairobi. This side was my favourite - quiet, beautiful and calm. But you can cross the road into the other bit - just remember to keep your receipt when you buy your ticket. Gets muddy after rain so boots recommended. Oh and no plastic water bottles allowed in the reserve!Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 29 October 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,106 reviews
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Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands6,573 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Protests of students and environmentalists eventually secured the forest as a nature reserve. Fenced and guarded it is a safe zone and one can enjoy flora and even some wildlife. I saw monkeys and birds, but no duikers or other animals. Most people visit the small (lily) lake and the waterfalls, but the Mau Mau caves are often also included in a loop from Gate A on Limuru road. I walked the larger round to C gate and back. It took me about 2 and a half hours. Great experience.
The park is also suitable for jogging and cycling.
Entrance fee for foreigners 600 Kes (4USD)
100 Kes for locals
The park is also suitable for jogging and cycling.
Entrance fee for foreigners 600 Kes (4USD)
100 Kes for locals
Written 4 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana B
21 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Fun, easy nature walk. Great bike trails. Having looked at the map online, I thought entering at Gate C would be best but it seemed like this is not a common entry point. Our Uber driver had never heard of it, and then when we finally found it, paid our entry fee, and entered, we had to walk around a school before we got to the park. Not complaining, but it was a little confusing. I'd recommend the main entry instead!
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anonymous855
Trabuco Canyon, California1,791 contributions
May 2023
You should be somewhat "fit" to tackle the circuit as it is often quite muddy and can be quite slippery going up and down the steps along the way to the waterfall & caves. We are older but regular walkers and managed it fine with caution. I loved the forest canopy and although it was a Sunday and a holiday, the crowd was moderate. Don't wear shoes you want to protect! There were lot of butterflies and an occasional bench. We used the bathrooms at the cafe but I saw there was one available near the waterfall (unsure about condition or if open). I would recommend this activity to get outside and get exercise in a safe place.
Written 30 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tino C
Milan, Italy146 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
always pleasant forest, relaxing to visit, but too expensive for non-residents (600 shillings each, about 4 euros). The cost of the ticket would actually not be high if adequate services were offered. There is no assistance and alarm system in case a visitor was ill or had an accident. Yet we see a lot of personnel. He is at the entrance (I'm talking about gate F) chatting, doing nothing, looking at his phone. I'm not talking about the bicycle service: they are old, poorly maintained, rusty. a danger for those who rent them

Written 5 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vaishalee
Nairobi, Kenya6 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
I am a Kenyan citizen and a frequent visitor at Karura Forest , Sigiria Gate F. On 23rd Feb I went for my usual morning walk, parked my car and went for an hours walk. Upon return I found my car missing from the spot where I parked. Looking around I found my car on the exit lane randomly left blocking the road. Clearly it’s been an attempted theft of my vehicle. Upon reporting to the security team at the gate I received a very cold response, no reaction from the senior in charge as she was too busy and even refused to walk and check with me on how my car had been left in the middle of the exit path. I was told to write an email to the office to report the incident and I received a response at the end of the day saying that CCTV shows that my car moved on its own. Following up with a phone call an officer says they cannot share the CCTV footage, the operator is away on leave and that I should take time to go and see it so that I can see that my car moved on its own away from the parking slot. Good friends of Karura please be warned and take measures to safeguard your vehicle as there seems to be scheme going on and you will get no support in case it goes missing.
Written 23 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jolly g
2 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
Karura is a great place but I think you should.
1. Update your website. Let us know that if you bring snacks you MUST pay for the picnic charges, let us know that you also don't issue a receipt for the gate entrance fee coz you giving me a receipt without all my total payments will lead me to assuming the amount not receipted is pocketed by the guys charging at the gate (this was Limuru gate).
2. Change your staff. I only met one polite and helpful staff, sorry i have no better words for this but he was a 'mwalalo' forest guard, the rest were very rude and seemed to not want our presence around especially at the bicycle center. We were also given one of the staff's personal bicycle that he uses to commute to work instead of the ones stored there specifically for clients and it was issued for one and a half hours. When i asked why it isnt two hours as they have stated at the center and in your website, we were told 'hiyo one hour ya juu hukua bonus mia tano ni ya one hour'.
Anyway we still went for the bike ride and unfortunately got abit lost but luckily stumbled upon two scouts....the male had a sprained wrist and we asked for directions via the shortest route back to the bike center and we get directed to this certain direction that is apparently 6kms away from the center when there was an alternative route of about 3kms. This we found out after realising that we are walking closer to the sounds of heavy traffic and stopped a jogger to confirm our direction. In Short Karura is a great place with some very rude, unhelpful and unaccommodating staff that will make you feel like its not all worth it but if you can avoid much contact with them then you will get to enjoy yourself.
1. Update your website. Let us know that if you bring snacks you MUST pay for the picnic charges, let us know that you also don't issue a receipt for the gate entrance fee coz you giving me a receipt without all my total payments will lead me to assuming the amount not receipted is pocketed by the guys charging at the gate (this was Limuru gate).
2. Change your staff. I only met one polite and helpful staff, sorry i have no better words for this but he was a 'mwalalo' forest guard, the rest were very rude and seemed to not want our presence around especially at the bicycle center. We were also given one of the staff's personal bicycle that he uses to commute to work instead of the ones stored there specifically for clients and it was issued for one and a half hours. When i asked why it isnt two hours as they have stated at the center and in your website, we were told 'hiyo one hour ya juu hukua bonus mia tano ni ya one hour'.
Anyway we still went for the bike ride and unfortunately got abit lost but luckily stumbled upon two scouts....the male had a sprained wrist and we asked for directions via the shortest route back to the bike center and we get directed to this certain direction that is apparently 6kms away from the center when there was an alternative route of about 3kms. This we found out after realising that we are walking closer to the sounds of heavy traffic and stopped a jogger to confirm our direction. In Short Karura is a great place with some very rude, unhelpful and unaccommodating staff that will make you feel like its not all worth it but if you can avoid much contact with them then you will get to enjoy yourself.
Written 9 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jayesh Saini
6 contributions
May 2022
If you’re in Nairobi and haven’t visited the Karura Forest, you’re wasting your time. It’s one of the most beautiful and relaxing places in Kenya. Every hike in this forest connects me back to nature. There’s a lot to explore here, from the waterfall to the Mau Mau caves.
The forest is well preserved and the authorities take their job seriously. There are no plastics allowed in the forest (that includes plastic water bottles as well) so plan accordingly. Most residents of Nairobi city come here for morning jogs. It’s completely safe and you can even explore it all alone.
It doesn’t matter what day you’re visiting this place; it will always have its charms. This is the most relaxing getaway park in the world.
The forest is well preserved and the authorities take their job seriously. There are no plastics allowed in the forest (that includes plastic water bottles as well) so plan accordingly. Most residents of Nairobi city come here for morning jogs. It’s completely safe and you can even explore it all alone.
It doesn’t matter what day you’re visiting this place; it will always have its charms. This is the most relaxing getaway park in the world.
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samuel R
Nairobi Region, Kenya2 contributions
Mar 2022
bicycle riding through the green leafy pathways was just an exciting and calming expedition away from the city noise.
for travelers remember this is a green sensitive environment they are very strict on plastic ban. carry your recyclable water bottle with you.
for travelers remember this is a green sensitive environment they are very strict on plastic ban. carry your recyclable water bottle with you.
Written 21 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akinyi
4 contributions
Jul 2020
The trails leading to the caves and the waterfall were blocked off when I went, they had been for about two months, with no explanation or projected reopening date.
Either way, the experience was great. Karura Forest is very scenic and relaxing, with lots of trees and soothing hiking trails. Great biking trails too.
Casual clothing with comfortable walking shoes is recommended. Do not bring anything plastic (bottles, packaging, etc), it will be confiscated. There is a restaurant therein.
Either way, the experience was great. Karura Forest is very scenic and relaxing, with lots of trees and soothing hiking trails. Great biking trails too.
Casual clothing with comfortable walking shoes is recommended. Do not bring anything plastic (bottles, packaging, etc), it will be confiscated. There is a restaurant therein.
Written 21 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adela
Labin, Croatia21 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
Amazing place for a short walk or easy hike. We went from gate D to waterfalls, caves and the Lily lake and ended in the River Cafe, which is beautiful open air modern restaurant in the nature. The whole walk was approx 7 km and mostly in the shadows and nice forest climate.
Written 11 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi anyone know how far is water fall and caves from gate C (kiambu road opposite DCI headquarters )
Thanks
Nikos
Written 6 February 2025
About 30to45min on a moderate pace.
Written 7 February 2025
Hi
which entrance is close to water falls and caves at karura forest? which bus should i board from village market ?
thanks
Nikos
Written 6 February 2025
From maringo using a public vehicle where should it drop me to get the karura forest vehicles easily
Written 21 August 2024
Ask to be dropped on Limuru road gate C
Written 31 August 2024
I do not know. Probably not. Anyway there are places where they sell drinkable water.
Written 22 August 2024
Muri's B
Nairobi, Kenya
Can I bring a bike? Secondly can I reach the waterfalls through Gate C?
Written 18 October 2022
Yes, there are bikes you can hire at Karura Forest 👍
Written 27 September 2022
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