Karura Forest is a natural forest within the city limits of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. It was gazetted in 1932 and is managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in partnership with a community forest association called the Friends of Karura Forest. 

Karura Forest was my first-ever trail run in 2021, and I was hooked on running in forests.

Transportation to Karura Forest from Nairobi CBD

To get to Karura Forest through Kiambu Road from the Nairobi city centre, you board a matatu at Odeon to Kiambu, which will drop you off at the Kiambu Road Gate C entrance.

It is right after the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) gate.

The transport is 100KES ($1$).

To go through Limuru Road, you board a matatu at Koja to Limuru, which will drop you off at gate A. It is right across from the Belgian Embassy.

The transport is also 100 KES.

The directions are the same if using a private vehicle.

Karura Forest Opening and Closing Time

Karura Forest opens to the public at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 7:00 p.m.

After payment, your ticket is only valid for that day.

Karura Forest Entrances

Karura Forest has six gates. Gate A – the Limuru Gate. Gate C-Kiambu Gate. Gate D- Pedestrian Gate. Gate E- Sigiria Gate. Gate F- Thigiri Gate and Gate K- KFS Main Gate.

Limuru and Kiambu Roads are the public’s main forest access gates.

Karura Forest Charges

Entering Karura Forest will cost 100KES for a Kenyan citizen, 200KES (2$) for a Kenyan resident, and 600KES (6$) for a non-resident.

If you’re travelling with children, the charges per child are 50KES for a child citizen, 100KES for a Kenyan resident, and 300KES for a non-resident child.

No children under 12 are allowed without an adult.

A parking fee at the entrance costs 200KES for a Personal car, 400KES for a Minivan, 600KES for a Minibus, and 1000KES for a Bus.

Note

No cash payments are accepted in Karura Forest. All payments are made with your phone through M-Pesa or bank transactions.

Tip Time

If you plan on being a frequent visitor, you can register with the friends of Karura for an annual membership, which costs 5,000 KES (50$).

Running Trails in Karura Forest

Karura Forest has many running routes, but the main ones are three, all well-marked with different colors to prevent runners and walkers from wandering and getting lost.

The longest running trail is 15km, marked with green, 10km with blue, and 5km with yellow.

Karura forest trails are runnable even for a new runner. They are narrow and wide, and the terrain is a mixture of flat and moderate uphills and downhills.

In addition to running, other activities that take place in Karura Forest include:

• Nature Walks along streams, waterfalls, and caves.
• Dog walks. Dogs must always be kept on a leash except in dogs-off-leash areas.
• Bike rides. Bike ride services are accessible from gate c. To rent a bike, you pay ksh 500 for one hour.
• Bird watching
• Picnics
• Tennis

Frequently Asked Question

Is it Safe to Run in Karura Forest?

Yes, it is safe to run in Karura Forest. The routes are well-marked, and forest rangers keep watch.

However, for your first time, I recommend you run with a friend or group to familiarize yourself with the trails and the environment.

Related: 5 Features of a Safe Trail Running Route

More Helpful Points to Note

1. There’s a huge parking space at all entrance gates.

2. There are washrooms at each entrance and in the forest.

3. There is a tap with flowing water at the gate c. Carry your water bottle.

4. A fully colored and detailed A-3 map is sold at the entrance for 200KES.

5. There are comfortable green benches all over the forest to sit and connect.

5. The Karura Forest guards are friendly and knowledgeable if you have any questions.

Karura Forest Rules

1. The gates open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. The last person enters the gate at 5:45 p.m.

2. Karura management does not allow water bottles inside the forest to prevent littering. Thus, carry water in your water bottle instead of buying it.

3. No smoking, drones, fires, loud noise, or music in Karura.

4. Visitors are only allowed on designated routes.

For more information about Karura Forest, check out this website.

Read This Next

Oloolua Forest Guide: How to Get There, Entrance Fee, and Sightseeing

Running in Makueni County: Mbooni Forest Guide

How We Turned A Traumatic Run in Oloolua Forest Into One of Our Best Dates

5 Most Breath-taking Running Events in Kenya. Run in the Wild

Annual Trail Running Events in Kenya Supporting a Good Cause