The Nairobi Arboretum

The Nairobi Arboretum is a 30.4-hectare wooded park in Kilimani, about 3 km from Nairobi's city centre and next to State House. Started in 1907 to trial forestry trees for Kenya, it now holds around 350 species of indigenous and exotic trees and other plants, and more than 100 species of birds. It is run jointly by the Kenya Forest Service and the Friends of Nairobi Arboretum, a group formed in 1993 under Nature Kenya to restore the grounds.

This is an outdoor setting rather than a conventional venue. The Arboretum hires out lawns and special areas within the park for events and group activities, and visitors also use its scattered picnic sites, marked walking trails and a shelter banda with seating. The website doesn't name the event lawns or publish a capacity for any of them, so the size of a gathering is something to settle with the office when booking.

The Arboretum lists weddings, corporate events, concerts, team building and religious gatherings among the events it hosts, and the grounds are popular for photoshoots, picnics, birdwatching, running and yoga. Some activities need booking in advance. Professional photography and filming carry their own fees, set out on the charges page.

No catering, furniture or sound equipment is advertised, so hosts should plan to bring in their own suppliers and confirm what is permitted. A car park sits at the main entrance, next to the Kenya Girl Guides headquarters on Arboretum Drive, off State House Road, and a second gate opens on the Kileleshwa side. Parking and entry are charged per vehicle and per person, and payment is through the e-Citizen platform by M-Pesa, Airtel Money or card, as cash isn't accepted. Matatu 48 towards Lavington via Kileleshwa stops nearby. Enquiries go to the Arboretum office by phone or email.

Ask the venue

• Outdoor space
• Parking

From KSh 58,050 · venue hire per event

Event charge on the Arboretum's charges page, inclusive of 16% VAT and the e-Citizen fee; what it covers and for how long isn't stated. Entry fees (adult citizens KES 242) and parking (KES 100 per car) are extra. Payment by M-Pesa/Airtel via e-Citizen or card; no cash.

Price checked Nov 2026 · confirm with the venue

Arboretum Drive, off State House Road, Kilimani, Nairobi

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