Picnics in Karura Forest Reserve may be enjoyed at one of the five designated picnic sites — near the KFEET Centre, adjacent to Amani Garden, at the Ruaka Swamp, in Sigiria near the Obstacle Course, and in Karura Gardens on Kiambu Road.
Note that a picnic is defined as a small (not more than 15 persons max( including children) due to Covid-19 social gathering guidelines) packed-snack affair for family and friends, and must neither involve catering nor erecting temporary structures such as tents (see Events, below).
For locations of picnic sites see the map by clicking the link below, or buy the official Karura Forest Map for only KES 200/= from any forest gate.
Weekend picnics must be booked a day in advance (not later than 1800hrs) via email:
Picnic fees do note include forest Entry and Parking Fees. Entry and Parking fees must be paid separately.
Picnics are restricted to Amani Gardens, KFEET Centre, Ruaka swamp, Sigiria Picnic Site and Karura Gardens, Kiambu road.
Accompanied minor 4-12 years inclusive. Kids 1-3 years enter free. Youths over 12 years pay Adult rates.
Please note that a ‘picnic’ is NOT a ‘barbecue’. According to the Oxford Dictionary:
Picnic: An occasion when a packed meal is eaten outdoors especially during an outing OR a packed meal eaten outdoors. [Note: No mention of cooking, grilling or roasting.]
Barbecue: A meal or gathering at which meat, fish or any other food is cooked outdoors on a rack or open fire. Note: No mention of picnic.
Please remember that Karura Forest is Plastic Free, and don’t forget to take your rubbish out of the forest when you are finished with your picnic.
Download the Annual Pass Application Form below
The Friends of Karura is a Community Forest Association comprising Kenyans and other champions of participatory forest management who are dedicated to protecting for future generations the city’s largest green area, the Karura Forest Reserve.
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