City Park Nairobi in Parklands, Nairobi: Hours, Facilities and Family Guide
Parks, beaches and nature in Parklands, Nairobi
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City Park is a protected indigenous forest in Parklands, a few minutes' drive north of the Nairobi CBD. Entry is free, with a small fee to use the toilets. It is open daily from early morning to evening, and the trails, monkeys and picnic lawns suit a relaxed outing.
What is City Park Nairobi?
City Park is a protected urban forest in Parklands, a few minutes' drive north of Nairobi's CBD. It began in 1921 as a zoological garden and became a public park in 1925. Today it is known for its indigenous trees, birdlife and troops of Sykes' monkeys, with shaded nature trails and open lawns that fill with picnickers at weekends.
Entry is free. The county's environment department keeps a large plant nursery in the park, where you can buy plants, and a few hawkers sell snacks near the open areas. A survey by Friends of City Park recorded 988 species of plants and animals here.
The park dates from 1921 and was made a public park in 1925. Friends of City Park recorded 988 species of plants and animals here, and the remaining forest has been protected as an urban green space.
💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Entry is free Trails, picnics and monkey-watching cost nothing | Bring your own food
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | Okay | Short picnic on the lawns with an adult | 3–5 years |
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Key details
- Address
- City Park Road, off Limuru Road, Parklands, Nairobi (bounded by Limuru, Forest and Muranga Roads), Nairobi
- Opening hours
- Daily about 6am to 6pm
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Walk-in
What to expect when you visit
Walk in through the park entrance, and follow the shaded trails through the indigenous forest. Sykes' monkeys and many birds live in the park, so keep your food covered.
The open lawns are popular for picnics, and the nursery in the park sells trees and plants.
Family essentials
- Safety notes
Visit in daylight and stay on busier paths; some trails are quiet. Keep food covered around the monkeys.
Tickets and costs
- Free entry rules
- Yes
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Toilet use (small fee); plants from the park nursery
Plan your visit
- Busiest times
- Weekends and public holidays
- How to get there
Between Limuru Road (west), Forest Road (south) and Muranga Road (east), with Muthaiga to the north. A few minutes' drive north of the CBD.
- By car
- About 4 km from the CBD, depending on traffic
- Public transport
Matatus 11A, 11B, 11C, 106, 107 and 108 run along Limuru Road; 100, 44 and 45 along Muranga Road (older list)
- What to bring
Picnic mat, water and snacks, comfortable walking shoes
What to pack
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Frequently asked questions
- Is City Park Nairobi free to enter?
- Yes. There is no entry fee for adults or children at City Park Nairobi.
- What are the City Park Nairobi opening hours?
- Daily about 6am to 6pm. Busiest: Weekends and public holidays.
- How do you get to City Park Nairobi?
- About 4 km from the CBD, depending on traffic. Public transport: Matatus 11A, 11B, 11C, 106, 107 and 108 run along Limuru Road; 100, 44 and 45 along Muranga Road (older list) Between Limuru Road (west), Forest Road (south) and Muranga Road (east), with Muthaiga to the north. A few minutes' drive north of the CBD.
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