The Nairobi Arboretum










Basic Information
Venue Name: The Nairobi Arboretum
Tagline: “The Green Lung of the City”
Secondary Tagline: “An oasis close to the heart of the city centre”
Type: Botanical Garden & Urban Forest Reserve
Property Size: 30.4 hectares of wooded landscape
Established: 1907 by Mr. Batiscombe, Deputy Conservator of Forests
Gazetted: 1932 as a national reserve
Management: Kenya Forest Service in collaboration with Friends of Nairobi Arboretum (FONA)
Dining & Restaurants
1 On-Site Dining Option:
Restaurant at Main Entrance: Basic dining facility
Location: Near main entrance gate
Services: Food and soft drink sales
Hours: Available during arboretum operating hours
Note: Visitors are permitted to bring their own food and soft drinks
Key Features & Amenities
Botanical Collections
Over 350 species of indigenous and exotic trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses
Centuries-old native and exotic trees
Broad-leaved drought-deciduous trees
Bamboo trees and specimens from various parts of the world
Well-marked trees with didactic panels indicating species names
Scientific collections for research, conservation, display and education
Recreation & Wellness
Extensive nature trails meandering through different plant life
Well-laid walking paths crisscrossing the 30-hectare space
Multiple picnic areas scattered throughout the arboretum
Open spaces with benches for relaxation
Popular jogging and running trails
Meditation and yoga spaces
Prayer gathering areas
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Over 100 resident and migratory bird species (African black ducks, varied sunbirds, olive thrushes)
Bronze Sunbird, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, African pied wagtail
Baglafecht weaver and Montane White-eye
Vervet and Sykes monkeys visible throughout the park
Beautiful butterfly species including Golden Piper butterfly
Green-banded swallowtail and Green-veined Charaxes butterflies
Various insects, reptiles, and small mammals
Business Facilities
The Tree Centre: Administrative office and meeting facility
Ground hire available for events and group activities
Event spaces for workshops, conferences, and corporate functions
Educational facilities for school groups and learning institutions
Additional Services
Security and safety measures throughout the park
Clean restroom facilities
Photography and videography permissions available
Educational tours and programs
Conservation and environmental education initiatives
Event Types
Weddings: Outdoor wedding ceremonies in natural botanical settings
Corporate Events: Workshops, team-building activities, and corporate retreats
Educational Programs: School visits and environmental education tours
Private Events: Birthday parties, family gatherings, and celebrations
Photography Sessions: Professional photography and videography shoots
Recreational Activities: Picnics, nature walks, and outdoor gatherings
Religious Gatherings: Prayer meetings and spiritual gatherings
Conservation Activities: Tree planting and environmental awareness programs
Unique Selling Points
One of Nairobi’s few remaining green spaces
Established in 1907, over 117 years of botanical heritage
Living laboratory for testing exotic tree species viability
Multi-functional facility with environmental, scientific, educational and recreational objectives
Home to centuries-old trees and diverse plant collections
Safe and secure urban oasis in the heart of Nairobi
Equal pricing for all visitors regardless of nationality
Key player in regional biodiversity and natural resource protection
Adjacent to State House, prestigious Kilimani location
Guest Experience Highlights
“What a beautiful walk this was – getting in touch with nature. It is a must-visit”
“Safe and secure in the middle of Nairobi”
“One giant forest in the middle of the city. Well preserved”
“Very beautiful native and exotic trees, some of which are at least centuries old”
“The paths are very well laid out, and didactic panels indicate the names of different trees”
“Very fine birds with colorful feathers and funny groups of vervet and Sykes monkeys”
“Many places in the arboretum set up for picnics”
“Perfect place to get some rest and lovely green feeling”
Location Benefits
Located in prestigious Kilimani area, 3km from Nairobi city centre
Adjacent to State House (Kenya’s presidential residence)
Easy accessibility by foot or vehicle from city center
Close proximity to major hotels including Radisson Blu
Bounded by Kirichwa Kubwa River and Arboretum Drive
Near Kenya Girl Guide Headquarters
Accessibility Features
Two main entrances: Main gate and Lower gate in Kileleshwa
Well-maintained walking paths throughout the facility
Benches and rest areas scattered throughout
Parking available at main entrance
Public transport accessibility via Matatu 48
Easy navigation with marked trails
Security presence ensuring visitor safety
Awards & Recognition
Nationally gazetted reserve since 1932
One of Nairobi’s most important green spaces
Key regional player in biodiversity conservation
Historic botanical significance dating to colonial period
Multi-award winning conservation initiatives
Popular destination for both locals and international visitors