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. 

Filled with beautiful trails that are surrounded by trees, birds, waterways, and cool sitting spots, Karura Forest is the perfect place to unplug and recharge.

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 Times

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

Gates are locked at 7:00 pm.

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 100 Ksh for a Kenyan citizen, 200 Ksh for a Kenyan resident, and 600 Ksh for a non-resident.

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

No children under 12 are allowed without an adult.

A parking fee at the entrance costs 200 Ksh for a Personal car, 400 Ksh for a Minivan, 600 Ksh for a Minibus, and 1000 Ksh 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 visiting frequently, you can register for an annual membership with the Friends of Karura, which costs 5,000 Ksh.

What to Carry with You for a Run to Karura Forest

• Comfortable running gear(clothes and shoes)
• Drinking water in your water bottle
• Phone, Mpesa, Visa/master/credit card
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant

Running Trails in Karura Forest

Karura Forest has many running routes, but the main ones are three, all well-marked with different colours 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.

Other activities in Karura Forest

• Nature Walks along streams, a waterfall (15 meters long), and caves which are considered to be sacred and were used as hideouts by the Mau-Mau freedom fighters during the struggle for independence in 1952-1960.
• 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
• Eco-tours
• 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. There’s a restaurant nestled in the forest called The River Cafe that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and drinks.

6. 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 6 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.

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.

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