Family Reunion Venues in and Around Nairobi

When the whole family finally agrees on a date, the next question is always the same: where do we put everyone? A home compound can only stretch so far. Once the cousins, in-laws and grandchildren are counted, you need somewhere with space, parking, food and a place for the elders to sit comfortably.

This guide lists venues in and around Nairobi that can handle a big family day. None of them markets itself only for reunions, so we have chosen places that host similar gatherings, such as birthdays, traditional events and large celebrations, and that have the space and facilities a reunion needs. Confirm the details with each venue before you book.

What a reunion venue needs

Family reunions are different from weddings. Guests range from babies to great-grandparents, and the day is long and loose. Look for:

• Room to spread out. Separate areas for eating, talking and playing stop the day feeling crowded.
• Catering that suits you. Decide whether you want the venue to cook, bring in your own caterer or have the aunties handle it.
• Tents and seating. Shade and enough chairs for older relatives are not optional.
• Parking. Families arrive in many cars, often from far away.
• Something for the children. A pool or play area keeps them busy while the adults catch up.
• Beds nearby. If relatives are travelling from upcountry, accommodation on site saves a lot of logistics.

Venues worth a call

Natare Gardens, Karen

Natare Gardens is a garden venue that takes up to 800 guests at a banquet. It hosts birthday parties, kids' parties, graduation parties and weddings, and the facilities suit a large family day: parking, security, a pool, a PA system for speeches, tents and chairs, and in-house catering.

Maro Gardens, Karen

Maro Gardens has gardens for up to 500 guests at a banquet. It provides tents and chairs and in-house catering, with parking and security on site. It lists birthday parties and graduation parties among its events, so it is used to mixed-age celebrations.

Marula Manor, Karen

Marula Manor is a garden venue that hosts birthday parties, graduation parties, private dinners and weddings. There is parking and a generator. Ask about capacity and catering when you call.

Naiposha Gardens, Limuru

If you are happy to drive a little out of town, Naiposha Gardens takes up to 1,000 guests standing. It lists traditional events and birthday parties among others. It is flexible on food and drink: outside caterers are allowed, you can bring your own alcohol and decor is allowed. There is marquee space, water, parking, security, a generator and wheelchair access, which helps for elderly relatives.

Eden Spot Gardens, Ruiru

Eden Spot Gardens has garden lawns, a covered reception area and a swimming pool, plus a play area for children. It hosts birthday parties, kids' parties, graduation parties and retreats, with parking and in-house catering. Alcohol is not served and you cannot bring your own, which some families will see as a plus.

The Last Village Lodge, Athi River

For a reunion that runs over a weekend, The Last Village Lodge offers accommodation alongside a garden, a poolside area and a private event room. It hosts birthday parties, kids' parties, graduation parties and retreats, with in-house catering, parking, security and a PA system. Decor is allowed and alcohol is served.

Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages, Karen

Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages suits a smaller reunion that wants some comfort. Under the Canvas holds up to 300 guests standing and The Atrium up to 50 at a banquet. There is accommodation, in-house catering, parking and wifi.

A simple plan for organising a reunion

Form a small committee. Three or four people, ideally from different branches of the family. One person holds the money.

Agree the date early. Holiday periods are popular and venues fill up. Send a save-the-date as soon as you have one.

Count heads honestly. Ask each household to confirm numbers, including children. Venues price and plan by headcount.

Set a contribution. Decide what each household will contribute and collect it before you pay deposits. Keep a simple record of who has paid and what has been spent.

Plan a loose programme. Arrival and greetings, a meal, a short session for family news or a prayer, games, a group photo, then free time. Don't over-schedule.

Give the elders a role. A welcome, a blessing or a story from the family's history makes the day meaningful.

Think about the children. Assign a few older cousins to run games, and keep them well away from any pool unless an adult is watching.

Get the photo. Book a photographer or nominate someone with a good camera. Plan the big group photo early, before people start leaving.

Questions to ask each venue

• How many guests can you take, and in what layout?
• Do we have to use your catering, or can we bring our own?
• Are tents, chairs and tables included?
• Is there a play area or pool, and is it supervised?
• How much parking do you have?
• Is there accommodation nearby or on site?
• What time do we need to leave?

Find more options

Browse birthday party venues for other spaces that suit family celebrations, or search an area such as venues in Karen. When you have a shortlist, contact the venues directly and confirm the details before you collect contributions.