Nairobi’s Jogging Hotspots

Nairobi residents are on a constant quest to keep fit. Here we list the best places to jog in Nairobi that are not only convenient but are also scenic and offer great company.

Oloolua Nature Trail - Karen.

The National Museums of Kenya has established a 5 km nature trail in the indigenous Oloolua forest that is also home to it bio-medical research facility, the Institute of Primate Research. The trail meanders through the forest and in some places follows the course of River Mbagathi. The experience culminates with a magnificent view of a 20 foot high waterfall. Along the trail, there’s also an area with benches, toilets, trash bins and a camp-site for individuals, couples or groups wishing to rest or enjoy a meal. The Oloolua Nature trail is in Karen, 20 km from the City Center. It’s situated 600 metres from the junction of Karen and Bogani roads.

Nairobi Jaffery Sports Club - Lavington

The Nairobi Jaffery Sports Club in Lavington has made its jogging/walking track available to the public to stroll, walk or jog. In 2009, the club invested in a spongy walking track that cushions users from nasty scrapes in case of any accidents caused during workouts and is much gentler on bare-feet if one decides to feel the ground beneath their feet. The club is open as early as 5 am and joggers continue till as late as 9pm.

The Nairobi Jaffery Sports Club is located in Lavington next to Nairobi Jaffery Academy, off James Gichuru road.

Karura Forest- Kiambu Road

Karura Forest, synonymous with Wangari Maathai’s Green Belt Movement, is one of the best places in Nairobi to walk, hike, jog or ride. Aside from the waterfalls and the famed caves once used as a hideout by the Mau Mau, the forest offers over 50 km of nature trails and a marshland filled with a wide range of birdlife. The forest perfect for a jog or walk any day of the week, allows dogs along certain trails and has bikes for hire to the public.

Karura Forest’s five entrances are: Gate A off Limuru Road across from the Belgian Embassy, Gate B (pedestrian only) at the end of Old Kiambu Road, off Kiambu Road, Gate D (pedestrian only) at the end of the ICRAF access lane, Gate E (pedestrian entrance) to Sigiria section of the forest off Limuru Road and Gate F at end of Thigiri Lane off Thigiri Ridge Road.

The Nairobi Arboretum- Kileleshwa

An Arboretum is an area specifically set aside for the study, display and preservation of trees. The Nairobi Arboretum, established in 1907, has become a favourite for Nairobi joggers thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Nairobi Arboretum (FONA). Broad walkways, ark benches and public toilets have heled make this a haven for the cardio work out enthusiasts right near the city and paved paths outside the arboretum allow for routes that loop through the park out one entrance and in through another.

The Nairobi Arboretum is accessible via Arboretum Drive in Kileleshwa near State House.

By Adam Kiboi