Karura Forest Charges: Entrance Fees And Opening Hours

Karura forest charges cover fun outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, running, cycling, and bird and butterfly watching. The forest’s scenic picnic sites also make it a perfect spot for family outings and picnics.

The forest is one of the most extensive urban gazetted forests worldwide. It is a natural wonder that offers visitors a chance to explore its beauty. It features well-marked trails, caves, picturesque waterfalls, and a vast collection of indigenous trees.

Karura Forest Location

Situated in the northern part of Nairobi city, Karura Forest is under the joint management of the Kenya Forest Service and the Friends of Karura Community Forest Association.

Its main entrance is along Limuru road opposite the Belgian Embassy. You can also access it through gate C opposite the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road.

Karura Forest Opening Hours

Karura Forest is open to visitors every day from 6 am to 7 pm, with the last person allowed to enter at 5:45 pm.

Visitors have ample time to explore different sections of the forest before it closes for the day.

However, on Mondays, the forest is closed for maintenance and remains closed for the entire day.

Karura Forest Charges

Karura Forest is a beautiful destination in Nairobi, and visitors are required to pay entrance fees to access the forest.

The karura forest entrance fees vary for different categories of visitors: citizens, residents, and non-residents. Below is a quick

• Citizens: Kes 100 for adults and Kes 500 for children
• Residents: Kes 200 for adults and Kes 100 for children
• Non-Residents: Kes 600 for adults and Kes 300 for children

NOTE: Every visitor should provide their identification documents at the entrance

Apart from the entrance fees, Karura Forest charges also include parking fees. The daily rates are:

• A 4×4 car with 5 doors is Kes 200
• A 12-seater minivan is Kes 400
• A minibus with 14-32 seats pays Kes 600
• A bus with 32+ seats pays Kes 1000

Visitors who frequent the forest can also opt for an annual car pass at Kes 15,000 per specified vehicle for unlimited access to the forest.

When planning a day trip to Karura Forest, it’s important to budget for the entrance and parking fees so there are no surprises.

These entrance fees help in the maintenance and conservation efforts of the forest, ensuring that visitors always enjoy a clean and well-managed environment.

Karura Forest Activities

Nestled in the heart of Nairobi lies the enchanting Karura Forest, which offers visitors a few outdoor activities they can indulge in for fun.

Whether you are a fitness enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking to unwind in a serene and peaceful environment, Karura Forest is the perfect getaway.

Here are some of the top activities that you can immerse yourself in:

Hiking and Nature Walks

Karura has well-marked trails and breathtaking scenery for hiking, nature walks, and jogging.

The forest has various nature trails that appeal to fitness enthusiasts. 

And there is a nice little waterfall and river that is towards the end of the hiking trails.

You can sit and listen to the silence and sounds of the water after your walk/run.

Cycling

For cycling enthusiasts, Karura Forest offers a unique opportunity to explore the forest on two wheels.

Karura bike riding charges are Kes.500 for two hours extendable; visitors can cycle along the marked trails while breathing fresh air and enjoying stunning views.

Picnicking

Karura Forest has several beautifully-manicured picnic sites where visitors can relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends.

The picnic sites offer a tranquil environment, making them the ideal spot for a rejuvenating day out. 

Picnics are only allowed in five designated areas: Near the Karura Forest Environmental Education Trust (KFEET) Centre, at the Ruaka Swamp, adjacent to Amani Garden, in Karura Gardens on Kiambu Road, or Sigiria near the Obstacle Course.

The management only allows groups of up to 15 people. Adults pay Kes.150 per person while children pay Kes.100.

Photography

The forest’s scenic beauty, including waterfalls, caves, and indigenous trees, offer the perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts.

With its diverse flora and fauna, you can capture stunning shots of nature in Karura Forest or take group photos.

Karura Forest photography charges for commercial purposes costs a fee of Kes. 5,000 per day.

Bird Watching

Karura Forest has a rich bird life, making it a paradise for bird watchers.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the nature trails while watching various bird species like the Red-fronted Tinkerbird, African Hoopoe, and Black-and-White-Casqued Hornbill.

You can also grab a copy of the fifth edition of the Karura Forest Map at Kes.200 to help you explore the vast expanse of the forest.

It showcases all the tracks, junctions, and main features, making it easier to navigate the different trails.

You can buy it at the main gates or the Friends of Karura Forest administrative office.

Karura Forest Charges for corporates that prefer to pay annual membership is Kes.25,000, and for life membership, Kes.250,000.

Is There Ziplining In Karura Forest?

There is no ziplining in Karura forest, but you can enjoy the various activities found in Karura forest.

If you are looking for ziplining activities in Nairobi or around Nairobi city, read this article. There are so many of them and I have indicated their prices as well.

READ ALSO: Where Can I Go Ziplining In Kenya?

Conclusion

A visit to Karura Forest is a memorable experience that offers a fun and refreshing escape from busy city life.

With its lush greenery, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife, the forest provides a perfect opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and bird watching.