Karura Forest Nairobi: Entry Fees, Hours, Trails & Family Tips
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Karura Forest is Nairobi's largest urban forest, with over 50 km of walking and cycling trails, two waterfalls, Mau Mau caves, and five picnic sites. Kenyan citizens pay KES 174 per adult and KES 116 per child (ages 2–12), plus VAT and a KES 50 eCitizen fee. The forest is open daily from 06:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:45), and most families spend 2 to 5 hours. Payment is by M-Pesa only via eCitizen — no cash accepted.
What is Karura Forest?
Karura Forest is one of the largest urban forests in the world, covering about 1,041 hectares in northern Nairobi. It is managed by the Kenya Forest Service in partnership with the Friends of Karura Forest, a community-based organisation that supports conservation, security, and visitor facilities.
The forest has more than 50 km of walking and cycling trails, two waterfalls, the Mau Mau caves, and five designated picnic sites. Wildlife includes monkeys, bushbucks, duikers, and over 200 bird species. The forest is fully fenced with controlled entry and ranger patrols.
Facilities include the River Cafe, playground areas, tennis courts at the KFEET Centre, and water purification points at gates and picnic sites. Single-use plastic water bottles are banned.
Karura Forest is managed by the Kenya Forest Service with support from the Friends of Karura Forest, a community-based organisation. The forest is fully fenced, patrolled by rangers, and has emergency telephone booths along trails. Single-use plastic water bottles are banned and confiscated at the gate. Drones, alcohol, smoking, and feeding animals are prohibited.
Karura Forest ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (2–12) | 1–3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 174 | KES 116 | Free |
| Non-resident | KES 850 | KES 450 | Free |
Kenya/EAC residents pay KES 232 per adult and KES 116 per child. Children aged 1–3 enter free at picnic sites. All prices exclude 16% VAT and a KES 50 eCitizen convenience fee per transaction. Parking is KES 295 per vehicle. Bike hire is KES 500 for two hours. Picnic fee is KES 174 per adult and KES 116 per child (excludes entry and parking). Map is KES 200 at any gate. Payment is by M-Pesa only via eCitizen — no cash accepted. Paybill number 222222.
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Estimates only, based on the rates above (checked 2 Oct 2026). Extras vary.
💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Carry a reusable water bottle Plastic bottles are banned and will be confiscated at the gate. Water purification points are available at gates and picnic sites.
- Visit on a weekday Picnic booking is not required on weekdays and the forest is much less crowded.
- Buy an annual pass If your family visits more than four times a year, the individual adult annual pass at KES 8,700 or family adult pass at KES 17,400 works out cheaper than paying per visit.
- Pack your own picnic River Cafe prices are not published, but packing your own food at a designated picnic site is the cheapest option.
- Bring your own bike Bike hire is KES 500 for two hours. Bringing your own bike avoids this cost.
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | Good with a stroller | Main paths are mostly flat gravel. The waterfall trail is not suitable for strollers. Children aged 1-3 enter free at picnic sites. |
| 3-5 | Suitable | Playground areas, short flat trails and picnic sites work well. Allow 2-3 hours. |
| 6-9 | Very suitable | Obstacle courses, easy trails and the waterfall walk with close supervision. |
| 10-12 | Very suitable | Longer trails (5 km yellow), biking with an adult, and the Mau Mau caves. |
| 13+ | Excellent | Full trail network (10 km blue, 15 km green), biking, running and tennis. |
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Key details
- Address
- Limuru Road, Nairobi
- Opening hours
- Daily 06:00–18:00. Last entry 17:45. Gates closed at 19:00. No seasonal variation found. Trails may close temporarily after heavy rains. Closed now
- How long to plan
- 2–5 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Walk-in
- Payment accepted
- M-Pesa
- Phone
- +254111944846
What to expect when you visit
Plan for a 2–5 hour visit. Start at Gate A on Limuru Road if arriving by car — this is the main entrance with the most facilities. Show your eCitizen payment confirmation at the gate; staff will scan it before letting you through.
Pick a trail based on your children's ages. The yellow 5 km loop is flat and manageable with younger children. The blue 10 km and green 15 km routes suit older children and adults. The trail to the waterfalls and Mau Mau caves descends steeply to the river — hold children's hands on this section, especially after rain.
Bike hire is available at the gate for KES 500 for two hours. The cycling trails are separate from walking paths, which makes it safer for families with mixed ages.
Picnicking is only allowed at five designated sites (KFEET Centre, Amani Garden, Ruaka Swamp, Sigiria, and Karura Gardens). On weekends and public holidays, book at least one day in advance. No open fires or barbecues. Bring your rubbish out with you.
The River Cafe inside the forest serves meals, but no prices were found online. Packing your own food and using a picnic site is the cheaper option. Single-use plastic water bottles are banned — bring a reusable bottle instead. Water purification points are available at gates and picnic sites.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Can I pay with cash at the gate?
No. Payment is by M-Pesa only via the eCitizen platform. Have your phone ready at the gate.
I have a toddler. Is there anything for them?
Main paths are stroller-friendly in sections and playground areas suit young children. Children aged 1-3 enter free at picnic sites. The steep waterfall trail is not suitable for strollers.
Do I need to book in advance?
Not for general entry. For weekend and public holiday picnics, book at least one day in advance by 5:00 pm through the Friends of Karura Forest office on 0728-501333.
What happens on public holidays?
The forest follows standard hours (06:00-18:00). Picnics on public holidays must be booked in advance, same as weekends. Expect larger crowds.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Toddler suitability
- Great for toddlers
- Minimum age
- 0
- Facilities
- Toilets
- Baby changing
- Drinking water
- Cafe or food on site
- Picnic allowed
- First aid
- Access and parking
- Stroller friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accessible toilets
- Paid parking
- Public transport nearby
- Safety notes
Supervision required;Steep waterfall trail;No swimming;Do not feed monkeys;No single-use plastic;No drones;No alcohol;No smoking
Tickets and costs
- Parking
- KES 295
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Bike hire KES 500 for 2 hours;Picnic fee KES 174 adult / KES 116 child;Map KES 200;Tennis included with entry
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Early morning 06:00–09:00. Cooler air, active wildlife, fewer crowds.
- Busiest times
- Weekends and public holidays 09:00–13:00, especially at picnic sites and near the waterfalls.
- How to get there
Gate A is on Limuru Road, opposite the Belgian Embassy. Gate C (Sharks Gate) is on Kiambu Road. Gate D off UN Avenue is pedestrian only.
- By car
- About 6 km from Nairobi CBD. Drive time 15–30 minutes in normal traffic. Allow 45–60 minutes during peak hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:30–19:00).
- Public transport
Matatu numbers 11B, 106, 107, 116 for Limuru Road (Gate A). Matatu numbers 100, 120, 121 for Kiambu Road (Gate C). Fare approximately KES 100. Gate A is directly opposite the Belgian Embassy.
- Combine with
Village Market
- What to bring
Reusable water bottles;Comfortable closed shoes with grip;A hat and sunscreen;Insect repellent;A packed picnic;A charged phone with M-Pesa loaded;A light rain jacket (trails can be muddy after rain)
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
The Sigiria Trail is 1.5 km of paved, wheelchair-accessible path.
Available at gates and key sites.
Main paths are mostly flat gravel and dirt. Some sections are stroller-friendly. Rugged trails to caves and waterfalls are not.
Not confirmed. Call ahead.
KES 295 per vehicle. Available at Gate A and Gate C.
Combine your visit
Plan the perfect day
Village Market is 3.7 km away
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
Family verdict
Curated reviews from parents who visited with children.
"The yellow trail is perfect for young children. Flat and shaded. The playground at KFEET Centre kept them busy for an hour."
"Beautiful forest but the waterfall trail is steep. Not for toddlers. The bike hire is good value."
Kids' reviews
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Karura Forest?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 174 and resident children (ages 2–12) pay KES 116. Non-resident adults pay KES 850 and non-resident children pay KES 450. Children 1–3 enter free. Kenya/EAC residents pay KES 232 per adult and KES 116 per child. Children aged 1–3 enter free at picnic sites. All prices exclude 16% VAT and a KES 50 eCitizen convenience fee per transaction. Parking is KES 295 per vehicle. Bike hire is KES 500 for two hours. Picnic fee is KES 174 per adult and KES 116 per child (excludes entry and parking). Map is KES 200 at any gate. Payment is by M-Pesa only via eCitizen — no cash accepted. Paybill number 222222. Prices checked 2 Oct 2026.
- What are the Karura Forest opening hours?
- Daily 06:00–18:00. Last entry 17:45. Gates closed at 19:00. No seasonal variation found. Trails may close temporarily after heavy rains. Busiest: Weekends and public holidays 09:00–13:00, especially at picnic sites and near the waterfalls.
- Is Karura Forest suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Yes. Karura Forest is great for toddlers. Minimum age: 0. Baby changing facilities are available. Supervision required;Steep waterfall trail;No swimming;Do not feed monkeys;No single-use plastic;No drones;No alcohol;No smoking
- How long do you need at Karura Forest?
- Plan for 2–5 hours.
- What payment methods does Karura Forest accept?
- Karura Forest accepts M-Pesa. It does not accept cash.
- Is Karura Forest accessible, and is there parking?
- Access and parking: Stroller friendly, Wheelchair accessible, Accessible toilets, Paid parking, Public transport nearby.
- What is the best time to visit Karura Forest?
- Early morning 06:00–09:00. Cooler air, active wildlife, fewer crowds. It is busiest Weekends and public holidays 09:00–13:00, especially at picnic sites and near the waterfalls.
- How do you get to Karura Forest?
- About 6 km from Nairobi CBD. Drive time 15–30 minutes in normal traffic. Allow 45–60 minutes during peak hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:30–19:00). Public transport: Matatu numbers 11B, 106, 107, 116 for Limuru Road (Gate A). Matatu numbers 100, 120, 121 for Kiambu Road (Gate C). Fare approximately KES 100. Gate A is directly opposite the Belgian Embassy. Gate A is on Limuru Road, opposite the Belgian Embassy. Gate C (Sharks Gate) is on Kiambu Road. Gate D off UN Avenue is pedestrian only.
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