A 5-kilometre Nature Run in The Nairobi Arboretum
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Located in the suburbs of Kileleshwa, Nairobi Arboretum is about three kilometres away and a 10-minute drive from the city centre.
It was founded in 1907, gazetted in 1932, and is 30.4 hectares in size.
The Kenya Forest Service, in collaboration with Friends of Nairobi Arboretum, manages it.
If I could describe the Nairobi Arboretum in two words, it would be “nature sanctuary.”
It is filled with various trails, both paved and unpaved, that are surrounded by different species of trees and vast greenery that promote a sense of peace, calmness, and refuge from the noise and rush of the city.
How to Get to Nairobi Arboretum from Nairobi CBD
Through Public Transport
Head to the Maximum Miracle Centre building; right below, you’ll see big colourful buses. Look for bus number 48, which heads to Kileleshwa.
We paid Ksh 50 each.
Ask the bus conductor to drop you at the Shell gas station.
Nairobi Arboretum Entrances
The Arboretum has two entrances.
The first gate is accessible through State House Girls Road and is best suited for private vehicles because it has a parking space.
The second gate is located near the Shell petrol station, and is convenient for public transport.
Once you alight at Shell, go back a few meters. You will see a bridge on your right. Walk on it for about ten steps and on your right, you will see the Arboretum Gate.
The Nairobi Arboretum Entry Fee
As of 26th May 2025, the Nairobi Arboretum entry charges are as follows.
| Visitor Category | Adults | Children (3-13 yrs) |
| Kenyan & EAC Citizens | 242.00 | 63.00 |
| Residents | 479.00 | 121.00 |
| Non-Residents | 716.00 | 179.00 |
The Nairobi Arboretum Opening and Closing Hours
The arboretum opens every day at 6.00 am and closes at 6.30 pm.
Running in the Nairobi Arboretum
The Nairobi Arboretum trails are short, well-maintained, and marked. They’re a mixture of paved and unpaved, flats, downhills, and gentle uphills.
They are suitable for all runners and fitness lovers.
We arrived around 8 a.m., and to our surprise, many people were already there walking and jogging.
The paved route is the longest, at 1 kilometre. It goes around the arboretum, touching both gates.
The mini-unpaved trails are each less than a kilometre long and all branch from the paved trail.
To finish 5km, we ran around the paved route 5 times.
Other Activities To Enjoy at The Nairobi Arboretum
i. Picnics
The arboretum is an excellent picnic spot around Nairobi. It has beautiful, spacious surroundings, and visitors can carry food and drinks.
There are plenty of litter bins around to ensure cleanliness.
ii. Bird Watching
Even on our run, we could hear plenty of birds calling and see some flying in the air and hopping across the trees.
According to research, there are 100 recorded bird species in Nairobi Arboretum.
iii. Tree Learning
According to a Kenya Forest Ranger we asked, there are approximately 350 species of trees in the Nairobi arboretum, both indigenous and exotic, including herbs, shrubs, and other plants.
After our run, we had a stroll, and I can confirm that the trees are all well-kept and named.
iv. Playing
Let your inner child out to play.
The Nairobi Arboretum is a great and safe place to connect with kids and loved ones through play.
It has several swings, slides, and huge spaces for games and other fun activities.
v. Sit Spotting
Sit spotting is just sitting and allowing yourself to be.
The Nairobi arboretum has cute, unique sitting spots where you can comfortably sit while reflecting and connecting with yourself and your surroundings.
vi. Earthing/Grounding
Grounding, aka earthing, is physically and intentionally connecting with the earth’s surface.
It’s a healthy way to let go of negative energy and let in peace, calmness, and positivity.
Sitting on the ground, walking barefoot, sitting against a tree, or lying on the ground. All these are great ways to connect to the earth at the Nairobi Arboretum.
Points to Note as You Plan to Visit the Nairobi Arboretum
- There’s a huge parking space in the State House Road entrance, and shops next to the parking
- There are restrooms inside the arboretum. They are wheelchair accessible
- Children under 13 years must be accompanied by an adult
- No alcoholic drinks or smoking inside the arboretum
- No climbing trees, cycling, driving, or camping in the arboretum
- Bluetooth speakers are not allowed in the arboretum
- No plucking or pruning plants
- No ball games in the park
- Kenya Forest Service rangers patrol inside the arboretum in case you might need help or have a question answered.
Have you been to the Nairobi Arboretum? What other fun activities did you do?
Please share below in the comment section.
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