Just 3 km from the city center, the 30+ hectare Nairobi Arboretum is one of the best central running locations in Nairobi. The brick and dirt trails here are not super-lengthy, but there is a good 2.5 km loop around the outskirts of the jointly run Friends of the Nairobi Arboretum and Kenya Forest Service park. Runners can make the route longer by winding around the park’s many cross-paths. In addition to the numerous plant and tree species here, visitors can glimpse a variety of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. Note: 50 Ksh entry fee for adults to visit the park, and hours are between 6 am and 6:15 pm.
Jennifer Wu
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Essentials
- 2.5 km loop
- 25 meters
- Arboretum Drive
- Shell/Arboretum Bus Stop
Current Weather & Forecast
Nairobi, KE
7:18 am,
Jun 3, 2026
overcast clouds
15°C
L: 15°
H: 15°
Daily ForecastHourly Forecast
Tomorrow
12:00 am
24° / 33°°C
1 mm
100%
8 mph
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Friday
12:00 am
22° / 33°°C
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9 mph
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Saturday
12:00 am
23° / 31°°C
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9 mph
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Sunday
12:00 am
23° / 31°°C
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9 mph
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Monday
12:00 am
22° / 32°°C
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6 mph
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Today
9:00 am
25° / 25°°C
0.8 mm
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4 mph
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Today
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24° / 24°°C
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2 mph
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Today
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24° / 24°°C
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4 mph
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Today
6:00 pm
27° / 27°°C
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7 mph
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Today
9:00 pm
33° / 33°°C
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8 mph
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Tomorrow
12:00 am
28° / 28°°C
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7 mph
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Tomorrow
3:00 am
25° / 25°°C
1 mm
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6 mph
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Other Routes in Nairobi, Kenya
Two popular city parks in the center of Nairobi, Uhuru and Central Parks can be combined for loops up to 3.6 km. Interior paths make for multiple length options and great views of the city skyline. Can combine w/Arboretum run.
The beloved running spot for locals, this escape just north of the city is full of smooth and rolling dirt forest roads. The Kenyan Forest Service, which maintains the park, has mapped out 5, 10, and 15 km routes.
Get your hill training in at the Ngong Hills Nature Reserve, where runners can jog across the Great Rift on a dirt road with great views for up to 22 km out and back. It's not technical but there are some steep sections.
On the west end of Nairobi, the Ngong Forest Sanctuary is home to several scenic trail running options. Favorites include the 5 km perimeter loop and the trail from the Dagoretti Police Station.
This affluent area of north Nairobi features kilometers of nice sidewalks past gardens and impressive homes, but runners can also escape to the villages and coffee fields on the outskirts of the neighborhood.
Another fantastic neighborhood for running in Nairobi, the Karen/Langata area roads with good sidewalks, some nice homes, and some quieter more rural roads as well. The 5 km Oloolua Nature Trail in the area is great for a trail run.
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