What are the Tropical Gardens opening hours?

Hours not confirmed. Confirm by phone. Busiest: Weekends are busier.

What is the best time to visit Tropical Gardens?

Weekday mornings are quieter. It is busiest Weekends are busier.

How do you get to Tropical Gardens?

About 20 km from Nairobi CBD. Drive time is 30–40 minutes off-peak. Ride-hailing: Uber and Bolt are available. A ride from the CBD is roughly KES 800–1. Public transport: 200. Tropical Gardens is at the toll station just after Kimbo along Thika Road, on the shores of Lake Ruiru.

Tropical Gardens in Nairobi: Hours, Facilities and Family Guide

Parks, beaches and nature in Nairobi

Last updated: 14 October 2026.

Photo: Auto-generated feature card

Tropical Gardens is a serene garden on the shores of Lake Ruiru along Thika Road, popular for boat riding and picnics. Entry costs KES 350 and boat riding costs KES 250 per person. The garden is open daily. Plan 2 to 3 hours for a visit.

📍 Location

Thika Road, Ruiru, Nairobi, -1.1500, 36.9667

🗺️ Open in Google Maps

What is Tropical Gardens?

Tropical Gardens is a garden located at the toll station just after Kimbo along Thika Road, on the shores of Lake Ruiru. The garden is large and offers plenty of space to explore. It is known for its riot of colour and serene lake views. Visitors can enjoy boat riding, picnics and relaxing by the water. There are chairs, tents and lawns for seating. The garden does not have a restaurant, so visitors should bring their own food or buy from nearby restaurants before entering. The entrance fee is KES 350. Boat riding costs KES 250 per person.

Drinking water. Snacks. Picnic mat. Sun hat. Sunscreen.

Perfect visit planner

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

Choose your time window

Go on a weekday

Weekdays are quieter

Bring your own food

There is no restaurant on site

Try boat riding

Boat rides on Lake Ruiru are a highlight

Bring a picnic mat

The garden has lawns and tents for seating

Key details

Address: Thika Road, Ruiru, Nairobi
Opening hours: Hours not confirmed. Confirm by phone.
How long to plan: Wed
Suitable ages: 2 to 3 hours
Phone: -1.1667,36.9333

What to expect when you visit

Cash

Family essentials

Minimum age: Yes
Safety notes: Free parking

Tickets and costs

Child entry: Kenya / East African resident: KES 350
Adult entry: non-resident: KES 312
Toddler entry (0 if free): KES 100
Ages that pay the child rate: 0
Free entry rules: 0
Prices last checked: 14 Oct 2026

Plan your visit

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings are quieter.
Busiest times: Weekends are busier.
How to get there: Tropical Gardens is at the toll station just after Kimbo along Thika Road, on the shores of Lake Ruiru.
By car: About 20 km from Nairobi CBD. Drive time is 30–40 minutes off-peak.
Uber / Bolt estimate: Uber and Bolt are available. A ride from the CBD is roughly KES 800–1
Public transport: 200.
Combine with: Matatu routes along Thika Road serve the area. Confirm the exact stop.
What to bring: Vipe Fun Park is nearby in Ruiru with a separate entry fee. Stedmak Gardens is in Karen with a separate fee. Confirm booking rules.

Accessibility deep dive

Here is what to expect on the ground.

09:30 Arrive and pay

Enter the garden at the toll station on Thika Road. Pay the entry fee.

09:45 Explore the garden

Walk along the lake shore and find a picnic spot.

10:30 Boat riding

Take a boat ride on Lake Ruiru.

11:30 Picnic

Eat your packed food by the lake.

12:30 Depart

What visitors say

Family verdict

Curated reviews from parents who visited with children.

★☆☆☆☆

"Not confirmed. The garden has uneven ground. Confirm by phone."

Kids' reviews

"Roller skating and pool" — Vipe Fun Park

"Animal park and pool" — Stedmak Gardens

Frequently asked questions

What are the Tropical Gardens opening hours?: Hours not confirmed. Confirm by phone. Busiest: Weekends are busier.
Is Tropical Gardens suitable for toddlers and young children?: Minimum age: Yes. Free parking
How long do you need at Tropical Gardens?: Plan for Wed.
What is the best time to visit Tropical Gardens?: Weekday mornings are quieter. It is busiest Weekends are busier.
How do you get to Tropical Gardens?: About 20 km from Nairobi CBD. Drive time is 30–40 minutes off-peak. Ride-hailing: Uber and Bolt are available. A ride from the CBD is roughly KES 800–1. Public transport: 200. Tropical Gardens is at the toll station just after Kimbo along Thika Road, on the shores of Lake Ruiru.