What are the Nairobi Arboretum opening hours?

Daily 6:00 am – 6:15 pm. Open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. Office hours are weekdays 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. No seasonal variation found. Busiest: Weekends and public holidays are busier especially in the afternoons. The arboretum is not overcrowded.

What payment methods does Nairobi Arboretum accept?

Nairobi Arboretum accepts M-Pesa, Card. It does not accept cash.

Is Nairobi Arboretum accessible, and is there parking?

Access and parking: Stroller friendly, Paid parking, Public transport nearby.

What is the best time to visit Nairobi Arboretum?

Early morning or late afternoon. The arboretum is cool and shaded. Weekday mornings are the quietest. It is busiest Weekends and public holidays are busier especially in the afternoons. The arboretum is not overcrowded.

How do you get to Nairobi Arboretum?

About 3 km from Nairobi CBD. Drive time is 10–15 minutes off-peak. Allow extra time during peak hours. There is a car park at the main entrance. Ride-hailing: Uber and Bolt are available. A ride from the CBD costs roughly KES 300–600. Public transport: Matatu 48 to Lavington via Kileleshwa. Board at Latema Road near Tom Mboya Street. Drop at Shell petrol station and the lower gate is adjacent. The Arboretum is 3 km from Nairobi CBD. From the city centre get onto State House Road at the junction of Uhuru Highway and University Way. Go past St Paul's Cathedral YMCA Nairobi Central and University of Nairobi Halls of residence. At the point where State House Road makes a sharp left turn take the little road that goes straight ahead. The main entrance is about 300 m ahead.

What is the picnic fee?

A picnic booking costs KES 2,390 for organised events. For casual family picnics, entry fees apply.

Yes. Car parking is KES 100. Minibus or van is KES 200. Private school bus is KES 500.

Yes. Personal photography is allowed. A photography fee of KES 1,372 applies for commercial or organised photography.

Is there a playground?

The arboretum has open spaces and picnic spots. There is no dedicated playground.

Nairobi Arboretum: Entry Fees

Parks, beaches and nature in Kileleshwa, Nairobi

Last updated: 14 October 2026. Prices verified from the official Nairobi Arboretum charges page. Opening hours from the official visitor information page. Parking fees and activity charges from the official charges page. Accessibil

Nairobi Arboretum is a 30-hectare protected forest reserve 3 km from Nairobi CBD with paved walkways, picnic spots and shaded walks. Kenyan citizens pay KES 242 per adult and KES 63 per child (ages 3–13). It is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:15 pm, and most families spend 1 to 3 hours. Payment is by M-Pesa or card via eCitizen — no cash accepted.

📍 Location

Arboretum Drive, Nairobi, Kileleshwa, Nairobi

GPS: -1.2895, 36.8078

🗺️ Open in Google Maps

What is Nairobi Arboretum?

The Nairobi Arboretum is a 30-hectare protected forest reserve situated about 3 km from Nairobi city centre. It was established in 1907 and is managed by the Kenya Forest Service. The arboretum serves as a green lung for the city and is a living museum of trees from Kenya and around the world.

It has paved walkways, picnic spots, park chairs, garbage bins and public bathrooms. The environment is peaceful and quiet, attracting families, joggers, couples and birdwatchers. It is a good place for a picnic, a nature walk or a relaxed family afternoon. The arboretum is open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. It is easily accessible on foot from the city centre or by matatu.

The arboretum is a protected forest reserve managed by the Kenya Forest Service. It is a living museum of trees and supports environmental education and conservation.

Family cost snapshot: KES 710 for 2 resident adults + 2 resident children + parkingResident adults KES 242 each. Resident children (3–13 years) KES 63 each. Under 3: free. Non-resident families pay KES 1,890 for the same group (716 × 2 adults + 179 × 2 children). Food, activities and rentals are extra. Prices checked 14 Oct 2026.

Nairobi Arboretum ticket prices 2026

Visitor type	Adult	Child (3–13 years)	Under 3
Kenya / East African resident	KES 242	KES 63	Free
Non-resident	KES 716	KES 179	Free

Entrance fees inclusive of 16% VAT and eCitizen convenience fee are KES 242 for citizen adults and KES 63 for children aged 3–13. Resident rates are KES 479 for adults and KES 121 for children. Non-resident rates are KES 716 for adults and KES 179 for children. Activity charges are photography KES 1,372, videography KES 3,356, advert photography KES 5,850, filming KES 46,450, event KES 58,050, and picnic KES 2,390. Car parking is KES 100, minibus or van is KES 200, public school bus is KES 100, and private school bus is KES 500.

Family cost calculator

Estimate your total visit cost in seconds. Set your family size, choose your residency status and add optional extras. The calculator uses the same rates shown above.

Calculate your visit cost

Residency status

Kenya / East African resident Non-resident

AdultsAdult rate

ChildrenAges 3–13 years

ToddlersUnder 3 — free entry

Optional extras Add return transport estimateKES 100 flat. Matatu 48 to Lavington via Kileleshwa. Board at Latema Road near Tom Mboya Street. Drop at Shell petrol station and the lower gate is adjacent.

Total

Estimates only, based on the rates above (checked 14 Oct 2026). Extras vary.

💡 Money-saving tips for families

Go on a weekday Weekdays are quieter and picnic booking is not required
Carry your own snacks and water No cafe on site and this is cheaper than buying food nearby
Bring binoculars The arboretum is good for birdwatching and butterfly watching
Walk from the city centre The arboretum is 3 km from the CBD and easily accessible on foot
Children under 3 free No entry fee for toddlers

Is it right for your child's age?

Age group	Verdict	What to expect
0–2 years	Good with a stroller. Paved walkways are mostly flat.
3–5 years	Suitable. Short walks, picnic spots and playground areas.
6–9 years	Very suitable. Easy trails, birdwatching and space to run.
10–12 years	Very suitable. Longer walks, running and educational activities.
13+ years	Excellent. Full trail network, running and quiet study spots.

Perfect visit planner

How much time do you have? Pick your window and we'll show you the ideal sequence.

Choose your time window

06:30

Arrive and payEnter at the main gate on Arboretum Drive. Show your eCitizen confirmation.

06:40

Paved walkwayWalk the main loop at an easy pace.

07:15

Picnic breakRest at a designated picnic spot.

07:30

Depart

Key details

Address

Arboretum Drive, Nairobi, Nairobi

GPS coordinates

-1.2895, 36.8078

Opening hours

Daily 6:00 am – 6:15 pm. Open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. Office hours are weekdays 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. No seasonal variation found. Closed now

How long to plan

1 to 3 hours

Suitable ages

All ages

Setting

Outdoor

Booking

Walk-in

Payment accepted

M-Pesa
Card

Phone

0755838999

What to expect when you visit

Plan for a 1 to 3 hour visit. Enter at the main gate on Arboretum Drive, next to the Kenya Girl Guide Headquarters. Show your eCitizen payment confirmation at the gate.

Pick a walk based on your children's ages. The paved walkways are flat and manageable with younger children and strollers. The lower gate in Kileleshwa is accessible by matatu 48.

Picnicking is allowed. There are designated picnic spots and park chairs. A picnic booking fee of KES 2,390 applies for organised events. For a casual family picnic, entry fees apply.

Birdwatching and butterfly watching are popular. Bring binoculars and a camera. The arboretum has a high biodiversity of trees and wildlife.

Most families spend 1 to 3 hours. The environment is peaceful and quiet. There is no cafe on site, so pack your own snacks and water.

What if...?

The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.

Can I pay with cash?

No. All payments are via M-Pesa, Airtel Money, bank or swipe cards through the eCitizen platform.

Is it suitable for toddlers?

Yes. The paved walkways are stroller friendly and toddlers can enjoy the open space.

Do I need to book in advance?

Not for general entry. For organised events, picnics or weddings, book in advance through the arboretum office.

Is it open on public holidays?

Yes. The arboretum is open 365 days a year including public holidays.

Is there a cafe?

No. There is no cafe on site. Bring your own snacks and water.

Family essentials

Suitable age bands

0–2 years
3–5 years
6–9 years
10–12 years
13+ years

Minimum age

No minimum age

Facilities

Toilets
Picnic allowed

Access and parking

Stroller friendly
Paid parking
Public transport nearby

Safety notes

Supervision required. Do not feed wild animals. Do not start fires. Keep to designated tracks. Avoid unnecessary noise.

Tickets and costs

Parking: KES 100
Free entry rules: Children under 3
Extra costs (activities, rentals, food): Environmental education with prior booking. Tree learning. Bird watching. Butterfly watching. Running. Picnicking. Corporate events with prior booking. Concerts. Team building. Weddings with prior booking. Religious activities.

Plan your visit

Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon. The arboretum is cool and shaded. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
Busiest times: Weekends and public holidays are busier especially in the afternoons. The arboretum is not overcrowded.
How to get there: The Arboretum is 3 km from Nairobi CBD. From the city centre get onto State House Road at the junction of Uhuru Highway and University Way. Go past St Paul's Cathedral YMCA Nairobi Central and University of Nairobi Halls of residence. At the point where State House Road makes a sharp left turn take the little road that goes straight ahead. The main entrance is about 300 m ahead.
By car: About 3 km from Nairobi CBD. Drive time is 10–15 minutes off-peak. Allow extra time during peak hours. There is a car park at the main entrance.
Uber / Bolt estimate: Uber and Bolt are available. A ride from the CBD costs roughly KES 300–600.
Public transport: Matatu 48 to Lavington via Kileleshwa. Board at Latema Road near Tom Mboya Street. Drop at Shell petrol station and the lower gate is adjacent.
Combine with: Nairobi National Museum is about 2 km away with a separate ticket. Snake Park is about 2 km away with a combined ticket with the museum. Nairobi Gallery is about 3 km away with a separate ticket.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, drinking water, binoculars, camera, wildlife books, snacks, sun hat, insect repellent, and picnic mat.

Accessibility deep dive

Here is what to expect on the ground.

♿ Wheelchair access

The arboretum is listed as wheelchair accessible by GetYourGuide and Expedia, with all areas and surfaces wheelchair accessible. The official website mentions paved walkways but does not give a detailed accessibility statement. Confirm by phone.

Combine your visit

Plan the perfect day

Nairobi National Museum Museum with cultural and natural history exhibits Separate ticket

Snake Park Reptile park Combined ticket with museum

Nairobi Gallery Art gallery Separate ticket

Nairobi Arboretum, Nairobi National Museum, and Snake Park make a good half-day city nature and culture circuit.

What to pack

Tick off what you have. Your list saves automatically on this device.

Family day bag checklist

Comfortable walking shoes Drinking water Binoculars Camera Snacks Sun hat Insect repellent Picnic mat

What visitors say

Family verdict

Curated reviews from parents who visited with children.

★☆☆☆☆

Kids' reviews

"" — Families can use the shaded paths and open areas for a low-key outdoor outing. Bring snacks and supervise children near roads, uneven ground or wildlife.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to visit Nairobi Arboretum?: Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 242 and resident children (ages 3–13 years) pay KES 63. Non-resident adults pay KES 716 and non-resident children pay KES 179. Children under 3 enter free. Entrance fees inclusive of 16% VAT and eCitizen convenience fee are KES 242 for citizen adults and KES 63 for children aged 3–13. Resident rates are KES 479 for adults and KES 121 for children. Non-resident rates are KES 716 for adults and KES 179 for children. Activity charges are photography KES 1,372, videography KES 3,356, advert photography KES 5,850, filming KES 46,450, event KES 58,050, and picnic KES 2,390. Car parking is KES 100, minibus or van is KES 200, public school bus is KES 100, and private school bus is KES 500. Prices checked 14 Oct 2026.
What are the Nairobi Arboretum opening hours?: Daily 6:00 am – 6:15 pm. Open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. Office hours are weekdays 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. No seasonal variation found. Busiest: Weekends and public holidays are busier especially in the afternoons. The arboretum is not overcrowded.
Is Nairobi Arboretum suitable for toddlers and young children?: Minimum age: No minimum age. Supervision required. Do not feed wild animals. Do not start fires. Keep to designated tracks. Avoid unnecessary noise.
How long do you need at Nairobi Arboretum?: Plan for 1 to 3 hours.
What payment methods does Nairobi Arboretum accept?: Nairobi Arboretum accepts M-Pesa, Card. It does not accept cash.
Is Nairobi Arboretum accessible, and is there parking?: Access and parking: Stroller friendly, Paid parking, Public transport nearby.
What is the best time to visit Nairobi Arboretum?: Early morning or late afternoon. The arboretum is cool and shaded. Weekday mornings are the quietest. It is busiest Weekends and public holidays are busier especially in the afternoons. The arboretum is not overcrowded.
How do you get to Nairobi Arboretum?: About 3 km from Nairobi CBD. Drive time is 10–15 minutes off-peak. Allow extra time during peak hours. There is a car park at the main entrance. Ride-hailing: Uber and Bolt are available. A ride from the CBD costs roughly KES 300–600. Public transport: Matatu 48 to Lavington via Kileleshwa. Board at Latema Road near Tom Mboya Street. Drop at Shell petrol station and the lower gate is adjacent. The Arboretum is 3 km from Nairobi CBD. From the city centre get onto State House Road at the junction of Uhuru Highway and University Way. Go past St Paul's Cathedral YMCA Nairobi Central and University of Nairobi Halls of residence. At the point where State House Road makes a sharp left turn take the little road that goes straight ahead. The main entrance is about 300 m ahead.
What is the picnic fee?: A picnic booking costs KES 2,390 for organised events. For casual family picnics, entry fees apply.
Is there parking?: Yes. Car parking is KES 100. Minibus or van is KES 200. Private school bus is KES 500.
Can I take photos?: Yes. Personal photography is allowed. A photography fee of KES 1,372 applies for commercial or organised photography.
Is there a playground?: The arboretum has open spaces and picnic spots. There is no dedicated playground.