Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary: Entry Fees, Trails, and Family Tips
Parks, beaches and nature in Ngong Road, Nairobi
Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary offers shaded walking, jogging and cycling trails through indigenous forest right off Ngong Road. Entry fees are modest (confirm current rates), and the forest is open daily during daylight hours. Plan 1.5 to 3 hours.
GPS: -1.316422, 36.741703
What is Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary?
Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary is a large urban indigenous forest managed with the local community forest association. Marked trails for walking, jogging and mountain biking wind through indigenous trees with monkeys, rich birdlife and quiet picnic clearings.
It is one of the cheapest green escapes in Nairobi and a popular spot for teaching kids to ride bikes away from traffic. Entry is KES 200 for Kenyan citizen adults and KES 100 for children under 12. Residents pay KES 300 per adult, and non-residents pay KES 600. Parking is KES 100 per vehicle, and bicycle hire costs KES 500 if you do not bring your own. Dogs are welcome at the sanctuary for a KES 100 entry fee.
Payment at the gate is by M-Pesa, so carry a charged phone. Adults must carry a valid ID to claim citizen rates. The forest is generally open daily during daylight hours, but it is best to arrive early and leave well before dusk
The sanctuary is one of Nairobi's last large indigenous forests, protected by decades of community effort through the Ngong Road Forest Association. Its trails double as conservation education, and the forest acts as a green lung and bird corridor between the city and the Ngong Hills.
Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 200 | KES 100 |
| Non-resident | KES 600 | KES 300 |
Picnic: 300 (Citizens) / 400 (Residents) / 700 (Non-residents).
Child Rate Age: The official rule is “Half rates apply for children below 12 years”. This means the child ticket covers ages 0 to 11.
The published schedule only lists individual daily, monthly, and annual passes. For school groups, you must contact the Ngong Road Forest Association directly. For citizen or resident rates, carry a valid Kenyan ID or proof of residency.
Official Contact: Phone +254 20 2113358 for any rate or booking confirmation before your visit.
Multiple visitor reports confirm that payment at the gate is by M-Pesa. Carry a charged phone with sufficient balance.
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Estimates only, based on the rates above (checked 22 Oct 2026). Extras vary.
💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Go early Cooler, quieter and better for birds
- Bring everything No vendors inside the forest
- Cycle it Wide main trails are ideal for teaching kids to ride
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | Okay | Carrier or sturdy stroller on main paths |
| 3-5 years | Good | Short loops from the main gates |
| 6-9 years | Great | Cycling and monkey-spotting |
| 10-12 years | Great | Longer trail loops and bike rides |
| 13+ years | Great | Trail running and mountain biking |
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Key details
- Address
- Ngong Road, Nairobi (several gates along the road), Nairobi
- GPS coordinates
- -1.316422, 36.741703
- Opening hours
- Daily, daylight hours (confirm at gate) Open now
- How long to plan
- 1.5 to 3 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Walk-in
- Payment accepted
- M-Pesa
- Phone
- 0104 141 475
What to expect when you visit
Enter through one of the gates along Ngong Road and pay the access fee.
Choose a trail loop to walk, jog or cycle; the main paths are wide and well kept, with monkeys and birdlife along the way.
There are no vendors inside ? bring your own water and snacks and carry all litter out.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
How much is entry?
Kenyan citizen adults pay KES 200 and children under 12 pay KES 100. Residents pay KES 300 for adults and KES 150 for children. Non-residents pay KES 600 for adults and KES 300 for children.
How do we pay?
Payment at the gate is by M-Pesa only. Carry a charged phone with sufficient balance.
Is it safe?
Stick to marked trails and busier morning hours; go in a group where possible.
Can we cycle?
Yes — the main paths are popular with family cyclists. You can bring your own bikes, or hire them at the gate for KES 500.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome at the sanctuary for a daily entry fee of KES 100.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Toddler suitability
- Some toddler activities
- Minimum age
- No minimum age
- Facilities
- Picnic allowed
- Shaded seating
- Access and parking
- Public transport nearby
- Safety notes
Confirm current entry fees before visiting; stick to marked trails; no vendors inside ? carry water.
Tickets and costs
- Parking
- KES 100
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Bike hire occasionally available at events
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Early mornings for birds and cooler air
- Busiest times
- Weekend mornings with cyclists and runners
- How to get there
Multiple gates along Ngong Road between the CBD and Karen
- By car
- ~7-12 km from CBD depending on gate
- Uber / Bolt estimate
- KES 300-600 one way
- Public transport
Matatus along Ngong Road stop near the main gates
- Combine with
The Hub Karen (lunch); Junction Mall; Karen Blixen Museum
- What to bring
Water, snacks, walking shoes, insect repellent
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
Cool even at midday
Wide main paths for family cycling
Parking at main entrances
Combine your visit
Plan the perfect day
Resident family of 4 estimate for the day: ~KES 2,000 including lunch
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 200 and resident children pay KES 100. Non-resident adults pay KES 600 and non-resident children pay KES 300. Picnic: 300 (Citizens) / 400 (Residents) / 700 (Non-residents). Child Rate Age: The official rule is “Half rates apply for children below 12 years”. This means the child ticket covers ages 0 to 11. The published schedule only lists individual daily, monthly, and annual passes. For school groups, you must contact the Ngong Road Forest Association directly. For citizen or resident rates, carry a valid Kenyan ID or proof of residency. Official Contact: Phone +254 20 2113358 for any rate or booking confirmation before your visit. Multiple visitor reports confirm that payment at the gate is by M-Pesa. Carry a charged phone with sufficient balance. Prices checked 22 Oct 2026.
- What are the Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary opening hours?
- Daily, daylight hours (confirm at gate). Busiest: Weekend mornings with cyclists and runners.
- Is Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Partly. Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary has some toddler activities but suits older children better. Minimum age: No minimum age. Confirm current entry fees before visiting; stick to marked trails; no vendors inside ? carry water.
- How long do you need at Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary?
- Plan for 1.5 to 3 hours.
- What payment methods does Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary accept?
- Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary accepts M-Pesa. It does not accept cash.
- Is Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary accessible, and is there parking?
- Access and parking: Public transport nearby.
- What is the best time to visit Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary?
- Early mornings for birds and cooler air. It is busiest Weekend mornings with cyclists and runners.
- How do you get to Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary?
- ~7-12 km from CBD depending on gate. Ride-hailing: KES 300-600 one way. Public transport: Matatus along Ngong Road stop near the main gates Multiple gates along Ngong Road between the CBD and Karen
- Do we need to pay for parking?
- Yes, parking is KES 100 per vehicle.
- Can we hire bikes there?
- Yes, bicycle hire is available at the gate for KES 500.
- Are dogs allowed in the forest?
- Yes, dogs are allowed but require a daily entry fee of KES 100. Horses are also permitted for KES 200.
- What is the best time to arrive?
- Early mornings (around 7:00 am) are best for cooler air, active birdlife, and avoiding the weekend cycling crowds.
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