Fun Activities Kenyan Parks Offer
Thinking of having fun, going out with family or friends, well here's a list of parks and the activities they offer. Places where you can go calm and relax your mind, have a picnic with friends or just go and pray. Today we will look at the different parks in Nairobi and other regions you can go for enjoyment.
Hiram
1. Karura Forest
Located in Limuru road just after the Belgian Embassy, Karura forest is 1,041 hectares and is managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). Its patron the late Professor Wangari Maathai really fought for it not to be used for any developmental purposes like putting up of buildings. In her own words ''A place for all people to enjoy quietly and contemplate the importance of our environment.'' There are a lot of activities that can be done in Karura Forest; jogging, tree planting, horse riding, picnics, bird watching. It is also a good place for team building and bonding as a family.
You can carry your own food and drinks for picnics. The charges as of 2021 are shillings 100 and 50 for Kenyan adults and children respectively, 200 and 100 for resident adults and children, 600 and 300 for adults and children that are foreigners. It opens from 6 am- 6pm Monday to Sunday.
2. Kereita Forest
Have you ever thought of zip lining, well Kereita is the place to be. Here they have the longest zip lines in East Africa as they stretch over two kilometres. Kereita Forest is part of the Arberdare ecosystem and has a waterfall in it. Apart from zip lining, they offer other activities such as; archery, mountain biking, paint balling and you can also have nature walks. It is located 60 kilometres from Nairobi.
You dont need to carry food as it has a huge restaurant that offers a variety of buffet and is fitted with a bar that serves drinks. They open everday except on Mondays from 8.30 am t0 5.30 pm. Entry into the forest is absoulutely free but one is charged for the activities in the forest.
3. Evergreen Park and Gardens
It is located on Kiambu road, a kilometre away from the Northern Bypass Overpass. It has a dam that is sorrounded by tall bamboo trees. It is cost friendly as the gatepass is shillings 300 and 200 adults and children respectively. In the parks there are small Bakuti houses where you can cook and have picnics with friends and loved ones. You however need to carry your own food because they dont offer any catering services. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm Monday to Sunday. It is not the best place when looking for adventure but it is a good place to host meetings, weddings, picnics and family gatherings.
4. Nairobi Arboretum
Located only three kilometres from the city centre, it covers 30 hectares and has over 350 species of indigenous plants. It also houses over 100 species of birds and has a large number of sykes and velvet monkeys. You can have avariety of activities here such as; long walks, bird watching, team buildings, running, picnics, exercise boot camps and also praying. People come here to pray.
It is cost friendly, as of 2021 they charge shillings 65 adults and 27 children respectively for entry. When having picnics and cocerts taking photos with your smartphone is free. However there are charges when using cameras, for camera photography they charge shillings 1,322 and 3,306 for videography respectively.
When you have had a long day at work and need to get away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city, you can come and umwind at the arboretum. It opens at 6am- 5pm throughout the week.
5. Hell's Gate National Park
This is not the first time your hearing about Hell's Gate, well I'm here to remind you. Located in Naivasha town in Nakuru County, it filled with natural landscapes, towering cliffs, camping sites, natural geothermal springs and the Hell's Gate Gorge. There are a bunch of activities you can do here; biking,bird watching, camping game viewing, hiking, rock climbing and a natural spur on top of it. You should definitely consider taking a trip here in the future. Opening hours are between 9am to 6pm.
