Karura Forest
Karura Forest
4.5
Nature & Wildlife AreasHiking TrailsForests
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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Karura Forest and nearby attractions

See what travelers are saying

  • Diana B
    21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun, easy nature walk to waterfalls. Great bike trails.
    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!
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 10, 2023
  • Robert O
    Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,716 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fine forest on the northern outskirts of Nairobi
    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
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written January 4, 2024
  • Jose M
    Lethbridge, Canada169 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely Oasis in the heart of city
    I 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 paradise
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written February 21, 2024
  • Maricha v
    Worcester, South Africa192 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A walk in the park
    After 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 recommended
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written February 23, 2024
  • Elvira B
    New Orleans, Louisiana88 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice walk in the forest
    Staying 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 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written May 12, 2024
  • simangelemmsweli
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing trip with Charles R. Wall Young African Policy Fellows
    We 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 2024
    Traveled on business
    Written July 27, 2024
  • Suwilanji S
    Lusaka Province, Zambia5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Karura Forest the home of rich biodiversity
    The 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 2024
    Traveled on business
    Written July 27, 2024
  • Mbaire k
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    When Access Benefit Sharing meets sane management
    Visited 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 2024
    Traveled on business
    Written July 27, 2024
  • Baecation Adventures Kenya
    Nairobi, Kenya9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Karura Forest Nairobi Cycling - with Baecation Adventures
    Karura 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 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 8, 2024
  • holidaylover55
    Nairobi, Kenya288 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Breath of Fresh Air
    I 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,093 reviews
Excellent
663
Very good
377
Average
39
Poor
11
Terrible
3

jolly g
2 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written December 9, 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.

Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,716 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
Written January 4, 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.

Jayesh Saini
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written June 17, 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.

Keith S
31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Great place to go to escape the hustle and bustle of Nairobi - very peaceful and serene. The waterfalls are lovely. I went with a guide but felt that you could easily do this alone as the trails are well marked and security is tight
Written February 8, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 March 11, 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.

k3iiferz56
63 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
Karura Forest is a great place to venture for a nature walk. It's a very calm and relaxing place where you can get away from the city life of Nairobi (for a few hours).
Reminder: wear proper attire. I have seen too many people where high heels and dress shoes only for them to get destroyed by the mud.
Written July 29, 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.

Vaishalee
Nairobi, Kenya6 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
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 February 23, 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.

Anonymous855
Trabuco Canyon, California1,737 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 May 30, 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.

Samuel R
Nairobi Region, Kenya2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written February 21, 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.

Diana B
21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 November 10, 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.

…
Showing results 1-10 of 1,014
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Karura Forest - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

All Nairobi HotelsNairobi Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Nairobi
All things to do in Nairobi
Day Trips in Nairobi
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars