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