Nairobi Arboretum
Park Urban arboretum preserving diverse tree species in Nairobi
Near Nairobi’s city centre, the Nairobi Arboretum maintains planted groves of indigenous and exotic trees with paths for walking, picnics and urban birdwatching.
The Nairobi Arboretum is an urban arboretum and public green space in Nairobi, Kenya, established to conserve a diverse collection of trees and provide recreational space in the city. It functions as both a living collection and an informal botanical resource.
Shaded paths, picnic areas and labelled tree specimens form the core visitor experience, with informal trails suitable for walking and birdwatching. The arboretum provides an accessible natural area within the urban fabric of Nairobi.
Created to preserve and showcase tree diversity and to provide a public green space, the arboretum’s collection has grown through deliberate plantings and introductions over the decades. It is maintained as a city-managed open space used by residents and visitors.
Situated close to Nairobi’s city centre near State House and within easy reach of downtown, the arboretum is a short drive from central Nairobi and integrated into the city’s network of parks and green corridors.
- Size and tree collection: Contains more than 350 species of indigenous and introduced trees across roughly 30 hectares, offering easy city access and shaded walking paths.
How to Get to Nairobi Arboretum #
The Nairobi Arboretum is near State House Road, about 3 km west of the central business district. It’s an easy 10-15 minute drive from central Nairobi (depending on traffic) and accessible by taxi or matatu (local minibus). Walk-in visitors can use the main entrances off State House Road or the Arboretum Road gates.
Tips for Visiting Nairobi Arboretum #
- Visit early morning for birding-the arboretum records over 100 species and is quieter at dawn.
- Buy a tree-planting or membership certificate at the gate if interested in supporting the arboretum's conservation programs.
- Walk the labeled trails to see the wide variety of indigenous and exotic species; the small pond is good for kingfisher and heron sightings.
Best Time to Visit Nairobi Arboretum #
Dry season (Jun-Sep) for comfortable walking and birdwatching; mornings are best year-round.
Weather & Climate near Nairobi Arboretum #
Nairobi Arboretum's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 12°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1041 mm/year), wettest in April with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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March
March is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (244 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (195 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 21 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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