Nairobi ArboretumAbout Nairobi Arboretum
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.
Nearby Attractions to Nairobi Arboretum
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 14° - 27° | 20° | 60 mm | some cloud | 63% | 2.3 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.1h |
| February | Excellent | 14° - 28° | 21° | 51 mm | some cloud | 59% | 2.5 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Very Good | 14° - 28° | 21° | 90 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 2.7 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 15° - 26° | 21° | 244 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.6 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| May | Good | 15° - 24° | 20° | 195 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| June | Very Good | 13° - 23° | 18° | 41 mm | overcast | 70% | 2.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
| July | Very Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 22 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 2.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| August | Excellent | 12° - 23° | 18° | 21 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 1.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.0h |
| September | Excellent | 13° - 25° | 19° | 28 mm | partly cloudy | 59% | 2.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Very Good | 14° - 26° | 20° | 62 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 2.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| November | Very Good | 14° - 25° | 20° | 136 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| December | Very Good | 14° - 25° | 19° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 2.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.1h |
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.