Nairobi: Best Hiking & Trail Routes
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Safety note: hike with a guide rather than alone, there have been past safety concerns on unguided routes like the Ngong Hills, and Nairobi’s general street-crime picture, mugging, carjacking, smash-and-grab at traffic lights, means arranged transport to and from any trailhead beats hailing a street taxi. Check your government’s current travel advisory before you go.
Nairobi isn’t a hiking destination in the way the Rift Valley highlands further afield are, but a handful of routes close to the city are genuinely worth lacing up boots for, from a in-city forest to a day hike with Rift Valley views.
Ngong Hills
About 30km southwest of the city (driving-distance estimates vary depending on the measured point, roughly 22-35km), the Ngong Hills are known for seven rolling peaks, “the Seven Knuckles,” topping out around 2,460m. Hiking the full ridge is a moderate 4-6 hour trek with the Great Rift Valley to the west and Nairobi’s skyline to the east, one of the best panoramic vantage points near the city. Karen Blixen made the hills famous in her memoir (“I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills…”), and the Karen Blixen Museum sits at the same foot of the range, an easy pairing for the same day. Guides are recommended given past safety concerns on unguided hikes here, arrange one rather than heading up solo.
Karura Forest
A roughly 1,000-hectare gazetted urban forest in northern Nairobi, one of the largest urban forests in Africa, with around 50km of walking and biking trails. The main draw beyond the trail network is the roughly 15-meter Karura waterfall on the Karura River (plus a smaller Ruaka waterfall), and historic Mau Mau-era caves used as hideouts during the independence struggle. Entry is low, roughly KES 100-700 depending on residency tier, bike rental around KES 500, open roughly 6am-6pm with ticket sales stopping around 5:30pm. Among the safest, easiest green escapes close to the centre, a good pick if Ngong Hills feels like too much for the day.
Nairobi Arboretum
Smaller and more central than Karura, the Arboretum holds over 350 labeled plant species across curated trails, plus over 100 recorded bird species, foot traffic only, open roughly 6am-6pm. Less of a destination hike than Karura or Ngong, more a quick, low-effort walk if you’re staying centrally and want a short green break between sightseeing.
Nairobi National Park’s walking option
Most of Nairobi National Park is a vehicle-only game drive, not a hiking trail, given the wildlife present, but it remains a rare example of walking safaris being offered in specific, guided sections near the park boundary. Check current options directly with a park operator rather than assuming general access, this isn’t a route to attempt independently given the animals present.
Practical notes
Carry water, sun protection, and a hat regardless of route, Nairobi’s high altitude (around 1,795m) means cooler air than the equatorial latitude suggests, but the sun is still strong at midday. Wear proper hiking shoes on Ngong Hills specifically, the terrain is rougher than either forest route.
Read more: our nature spots guide covers Karura Forest and the Arboretum in more depth, and the main Nairobi guide has the full rundown of the city’s core sights.