Besides city walking tours and wildlife experiences, Nairobi has a lot to offer when it comes to hiking nature trails.

So, when planning a trip to the City, bring your hiking boots – and use them!

Here is a list of 5 hiking trails near Nairobi. A prove it is a city for nature and outdoor lovers, too.

Ngong Hills

Ngong Hills (7 knuckle-shaped hills) is located near Ngong Town in Kajiado County. The distance from Nairobi CBD is about 21 km making it one of the best weekend hiking destinations.

The hills area is managed by the Kenya Forest Service whose wardens are stationed at the main gate.

Why go Hiking the Ngong Hills?

Ngong Hills is a great destination to engage yourself in outdoor activities whether solo, with friends, or with family. The entrance fee is affordable for Kenyan citizens, residents, and non-residents. This makes it a popular location for day hikers.

Ngong Hills Entrance Fees

• Kenyan Citizens: Ksh 232 for adults and Ksh 58 for Children.
• Kenyan Residents: Ksh 464 for adults and Ksh 174 for Children.
• Non-Residents: Ksh 696 for adults and Ksh 174 for Children.

Other Fees

• Cycling: Ksh 116
• Horse Riding: 342
• Ranger Escort: Ksh 1160
• Filming: Ksh 46,400
• Video Shoot: Ksh 2,900
• Camping: Ksh 986

Please note that payments at the Ngong Hills are made with Mpesa or Card (Visa or MasterCard). No Cash!

Ngong Hills Facts Sheet

1. Distance from Nairobi: About 21 Kilometers
2. Starting Point: Ngong Town or KFS Gate
3. Ending point: Corner Baridi Gate
4. Hiking Duration: 3 – 5 hours
5. Hike Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Ngong Hills ~ Kenyan Backpacker

KEFRI Forest Walk

KEFRI Forest is located near Nderi shopping center just after Zambezi town – off the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. The forest’s natural setting makes it a great escape from Nairobi city. Its hiking trail is rated easy to moderate, making it perfect for beginners.

Kefri Forest Hike Details

1. Location: Muguga/Nderi – about 30Km drive from Nairobi.
2. Starting Point: KEFRI Headquarters (Nderi)
3. Difficulty Level: From Easy to Moderate
4. Hiking distance: about 12km (5 hours)

KEFRI Forest ~ KEFRI

Oloolua Nature Trail

The Oloolua nature trail is part of the Oloolua forest located in Nairobi’s Karen area. It is also home to a soothing waterfall and the Institute of Primate Research (IPR). Besides hiking along the unmarked trails of the indigenous forest, the destination is ideal for a weekend camp out. If you are looking for a calm and refreshing environment outside Nairobi city, visit the Oloolua nature trail.

“Calming, clean, and safe since it’s well maned at the entrance. Great place to reconnect with nature, the paths are clear.” ~ TripAdvisor User

Oloolua Nature Trail activities

• Nature walk and hiking.
• Bike cycling and jogging.
• Picnicking and camping.
• Bird watching.
• Visiting caves.
• Listening to the waterfalls.

About Oloolua Nature Trail

1. Location: It is located along Karen road in Karen in Nairobi (close to Karen Blixen Museum)
2. Contact number: 0716 570 010
3. Email: olooluanaturetrail@primateresearch.org
4. Opening Hours: Daily between 09:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Oloolua Nature Trail Entrance Fees

Oloolua Nature Trail is managed by The National Museums of Kenya. And below are the entry fees.

• Kenyan Citizens: Ksh 200 for adults and Ksh 100 for Children.
• Kenyan Residents: Ksh 400 for adults and Ksh 200 for Children.
• Non-Residents: Ksh 600 for adults and Ksh 300 for Children.

Oloolua Nature Trail Entry fees 2022

Karura Forest

Karura Forest is a protected forest on the outskirts of Nairobi City. Gazetted in 1932, the forest is under the management of the Kenya Forest Service and the Friends of Karura Forest. The Forest consists of three parts separated by Kiambu road and Limuru road.

Besides engaging in activities such as cycling and jogging, Karura Forest is a wonderful place for walking and bird watching.

Karura Forest contacts and opening hours

Opening Hours: Karura forest is open daily between 06:00 AM and 6:00 PM
Closing Hours: Last entry into the forest is at 5:45 PM. And gates are closed at 7:00 PM.

1. Website: www.friendsofkarura.org
2. Contacts: 0728 501 333
3. Email: info@karurafriends.org

Activities at the Karura Forest

• Experience the beautiful Karura falls.
• Explore the magic of Nature – like butterflies.
• Take Serene walks enjoying the fresh air while watching birds.
• Go for a run or cycle in the forest.

Karura Forest charges

There are different entry fees at the Karura forest. They include day rates, annual passes, membership subscriptions, school groups, Dog pass, and parking fees. In addition, visitors can buy a guidebook, and a Karura forest map and pay for picnic sites.

Daily entry fees

• Kenyan Citizens: Ksh 100 for adults and Ksh 50 for Children below 13 years.
• Kenyan Residents: Ksh 200 for adults and Ksh 100 for Children below 13 years.
• Non-Residents: Ksh 600 for adults and Ksh 300 for Children below 13 years.

Annual entry passes

• Adults: Ksh 7,500 for individuals and 15,000 for Family
• Juniors (13-23 years): Ksh 7,500 for individuals.
• Friends of Karura life members: Ksh 5,000 for individuals and 10,000 for Family

Check out the Friends of Karura website and download the latest rates and fees.

Nachu Caves

Although not located as close to Nairobi as the rest, Nachu caves are worth chasing. The caves are found near the Lusingeti shopping center in Ndeiya, Kikuyu.
There are no entrance fees to the caves. All you need is good hiking boots and the will to walk and Nachu Caves will be yours for the chase!

Check out my experience hiking Nachu Caves.

Road to Nachu Caves ~ Kenyan Backpacker

Conclusion

Love this article? Explore the ultimate list of places to visit in Nairobi in two days.

And if you fancy a good night’s sleep after a day hike, check out the best places to stay in Nairobi.