LISTED: Picnic Sites to Enjoy in Nanyuki, Nairobi & Mombasa This Valentines

A photo collage of Paradise Lost in Kiambu County, Diani Beach in Mombasa and the Tree Trotters in Nanyuki.
A photo collage of Paradise Lost in Kiambu County, Diani Beach in Mombasa and the Tree Trotters in Nanyuki.
General Mwangi

Welcome to this week's edition of LISTED where we chronicle a list of those little pleasures you know you love.


Valentine's season is nigh and conversations on possible plans for the hyped day have resurfaced. The month of February has for ages been associated with romance among couples where partners stretch their means to prove affection to one another.

From picnics and nature walks to dinners and candlelit parties, couples have always found a way to express affection and make memorable experiences on this day.

This article has analyzed a selection of some of the most ideal sites for a picnic with your partner. 

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Nairobi Arboretum located along State House Road in Kilimani, Nairobi
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Nairobi Arboretum  

The Nairobi Arboretum is one of one the most celebrated picnic sites in the City of Nairobi. The Kenya Forest Service-managed amenity is located in the Kilimani area of Nairobi, adjacent to the State House. 

The Arboretum sits on 30.4 hectares of land and hosts an array of features including the Kirichwa River, shaded walkways surrounded by green lawns, and over 300 species of plants.

In addition, the arboretum domiciles multiple species of birds and monkeys to provide the requisite auspicious environment for romance. The shade provided by the towering trees further provides calmness away from the scorching sun and noise in the city. 

Tourists who have visited the arboretum in search of pleasure describe it as a tranquil and ideal site for nature walks and picnics. Watching the birds hopping from one tree to another and their chirping sounds help to make the experience memorable, just what is needed for Valentine's day. 

Nairobi Botanic Gardens 

The Nairobi Botanic Gardens is situated adjacent to the Nairobi National Museum and borders the Nairobi River. It is owned and managed by the National Museum as part of its project which was purposed to showcase an array of vegetation species.

The amenity provides multiple green spaces designed to showcase diverse species of vegetation. The pathways surrounded by green spaces and shade provide a cool environment and tranquillity that would only warrant a partner to complement it.

Testimonies from tourists who have into the botanic gardens describe it as one of the cleanest parks to justify that a picnic in the park would be worthwhile. 

Trout Tree- Nanyuki

Away from Nairobi and a short journey to one of Kenya's main destinations for tourists, Nanyuki boasts several worthwhile destinations for an exquisite couple's experience. 

The Trout Tree Restaurant, for example, provides a rare find environment featuring a floating restaurant surrounded by a forest- among other natural features. 

Trout Restaurant is built on the gigantic branches of fig trees which constitute a large portion of the restaurant and provides the ambience needed to create a lifelong memory. 

In addition, the sight of the Columbus monkeys which call the Mount Kenya Forest home further completes the creativity used to design a floating hotel. 

 

 

Entrance to the Mau-Mau Cave in Nanyuki
Entrance to the Mau-Mau Cave in Nanyuki, Laikipia county

Diani Beach- Mombasa

Mombasa has put Kenya on the map of prominent tourist destinations in the world. The Coastal City domiciles some of Kenya's most crucial aspects of Kenya's identity and heritage over the years. 

However, one destination stands out from the destinations and has received accolades for its tranquil appearance. Diani has been voted as one the most attractive beaches in the world which qualifies it as an ideal destination for Valentine's.

The beach is located 30 kilometres south of Mombasa and is known for hosting multiple resorts. It stands out from the public beaches due to its clean white sands for sunbathing and other activities. 

Others include;

Ngare Ndare Forest in Nanyuki

The Ngare Ndare Forest in Nanyuki also ranks high on the list of tourist destinations in Kenya. The forest borders Mount Kenya and provides shelter for elephants and a multiplicity of animal species.

Ngare Ndare is popular for its features comprising waterfalls and an elevated wooden walk path surrounded by the thick indigenous forest. This view makes the park perfect for photography and other activities.

In addition, the park provides a rare experience of swimming under waterfalls to qualify its status as a worthwhile option.

The Sweetwaters Game Reserve in Nanyuki

Sweetwaters Game Reserve in Nanyuki is known to provide an array of features including horse rides, game walks and safari drives. In addition, the reserve features sanctuaries of some of the world's endangered species including chimpanzees. 

The Lolldaiga Hills comprising cave paintings overlooking Mount Kenya and the Aberdares.

With 17 kilometres of beautiful white sand, Diani Beach has been awarded the best beach destination in Africa for 7 years running and is popular with families and water-sports enthusiasts alike.
With 17 kilometres of beautiful white sand, Diani Beach has been awarded the best beach destination in Africa for 7 years running and is popular with families and water-sports enthusiasts alike.
Magical Kenya