Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that offers a variety of outdoor activities for tourists and locals alike. From wildlife safaris to cultural experiences, Nairobi has something to offer everyone.
Here are the best outdoor activities that you can engage in while in and around the city;
1. Karura Forest Trail Biking
Karura Forest is located just outside of town and is easily accessible for a day of fun. There are a few animal species, caverns, a waterfall, a butterfly paradise, a picnic area, and nature walk pathways in the forest.
Add to it the riding paths that have become popular with locals on weekends and throughout the week. Karura Forest Trail Biking costs Ksh 500 for every two-hour rental.
2. Visit Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum is located on Kipande Road and welcomes visitors with magnificent sculptures and a botanical garden.
The museum is a heritage site, and the many exhibition halls provide insight into the country and continent.
Admission to the National Museum of Nairobi costs Ksh 100 for children and Ksh 200 for adults.
3. Day Hike in the Ngong Hills
The Ngong Hills are a hiker’s dream and a challenge not to be missed. The seven of them are arranged from lowest to highest.
It’s a great time, especially when shared with others. You can take in the breathtaking panorama from the summit of the tallest hill. The entrance fee is Ksh. 200 for adults.
4. Go-Karting
Nairobi offers a thrilling and exciting go-karting experience for both kids and adults. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, several go-karting venues in Nairobi including GP Karting located at Carnivore Road and Madmax Karting at the Two Rivers Mall cater to all levels of expertise
You can hire a go-kart from either establishment at a fair price, and they’ll even outfit you and show you the ropes. It’s perfect for getting together with a group of pals.
Prices typically start at Ksh 2,000 for a session but might go higher for longer sessions.
5. Ziplining
Outdoor thrill seekers will enjoy this new experience. The zip lining in the Kereita Forest next to Kimende on the outskirts of Nairobi is unlike anything else you’ve ever done.
You can slide down the zip line safely with the help of the provided equipment and courteous staff.
The Forest, Kereita entry fee is Kshs 200 for adults and Ksh 50 for students and those under 18 years. Zip lining costs Ksh 1,800 for two lines and Ksh 2,800 for six.
6. The Nairobi National Park Safari
In the thick of things, literally! The National Game Park in Nairobi is the only urban national park in the world.
The park has several free-roaming wildlife species, including lions, buffalo, zebras, and giraffes.
If you find yourself in Nairobi, treating yourself to a half-day safari is a good idea. Adult citizens pay Ksh 400, residents Ksh 400, and non-residents pay USD 35.
7. Take a Road Trip to Ole Polos
Ole Polos is about an hour from the city’s heart, making a day trip with friends or family convenient.
For the uninitiated, Ole Polos is well-known for its delicious Nyama Choma and excellent local beer. You can relax and enjoy yourself here. Free entrance for everyone.
8. Visit the Nairobi Butterfly Centre
In Nairobi’s Karen neighbourhood, you may see thousands of Kenya’s largest and smallest butterflies at this Centre.
The refuge is located in a large greenhouse stocked with tropical trees, and it provides visitors with educational and visually stunning information on butterflies.
Eco-tourists would have a fantastic time here. The entrance fee for Kenyans is Ksh 500, for East Africans is Ksh 500, and non-East Africans, Ksh 1400.
9. See Some Ostriches at a Maasai Farm
About 45 kilometres outside the city centre, in the Athi River plains, you will find an abundance of ostrich.
You can ride the world’s largest bird and dine on ostrich flesh cooked or fried to your liking.
If you’d rather not try ostrich meat, there’s a pool and a continental buffet that will keep you busy.
10. The Giraffe Center is a must-see.
This oasis, which blends conservation with pleasurable activities, is located around 40 minutes from the city centre in Langata.
You may get up close and personal with giraffes, feed them, kiss them, and even snap a selfie from a wooden platform.
The Rothschild giraffes are the main attraction; visitors can learn more about them here.
The entrance fee to Giraffe Centre is Ksh 1,500. The doors are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
11. Try the Kibera Slum
Kibera is an unanticipated addition to your itinerary in Nairobi. The greatest urban slum in Africa is a densely populated area where the poorest of the poor construct makeshift homes out of mud and metal.
Kibera, a slum that comprises less than 7 km squared and is home to at least 250,000 people (though others estimate the figure to be much higher), is located less than 7 km from the centre of Nairobi.
Casual jobs (including cleaning, laundry, and construction) provide most of Kibera’s residents with their daily income estimated to be only Ksh 100.
12. Plunge into a warm pool.
This year you can make a conscious effort to relax and have fun by swimming. You can avoid the risk of hypothermia by visiting facilities that provide heated pools.
Stedmark Gardens, on Karen Road, is one possible choice. You can have lunch and participate in various other outdoor activities without leaving this place. The price is Ksh 1000 shillings for foreigners, Ksh 500 for residents, and Ksh 300 for citizens. There is a discount for kids, Ksh 300 shillings for citizens.
13. Visit Two Rivers theme park
Since its opening, Two Rivers Theme Park has received great attention, and for a good reason.
The Ferris wheel is just one of several rides available; those with a taste for adventure will also enjoy the flume and drop tower. You should also check out the rides and arcade games at Funscape.
While there is no charge to enter the amusement park, there is a small fee for more exciting attractions.
14. Go to Maji Magic
Maji Magic is the best spot to indulge your inner daredevil. Those who enjoy splashing around will enjoy the water park at the Waterfront shopping centre in Karen.
If you’re up for some difficulty, some great courses are here. You may enjoy a variety of exciting pursuits, such as water slides, trampolines, kayaking, and more.
If you want a good time, round up some pals and make a day of it. A one-hour session at the Aqua Park costs Ksh 2000 and includes a life vest and a wetsuit.
15. Langata Botanical Gardens
Langata Botanical Gardens is a terrific place to spend a couple of hours since it is a beautifully designed garden with lush lawns, a lake stocked with colourful fish, and more than 200 indigenous plants.
The gardens are a great place to go for a stroll and see what you can find: some new flowers or trees, some new medicinal herbs, and maybe even some new birds to photograph. You can either pay Ksh 500 for a picnic or get free admission with the requirement that you purchase from their restaurant upon entering.
