Discovering Nairobi on Two Wheels: A Cycling City Tour
Bike it or Hike it • August 26, 2024
Nairobi, known for its vibrant urban life and the wild beauty of its national parks, is quickly becoming a popular destination for cycling enthusiasts. Exploring Nairobi by bike offers a unique way to experience the city's blend of modernity and nature. This blog takes you through some of the best cycling routes in the city, what you can expect to see, and tips for making the most of your cycling tour.
Why Cycle in Nairobi?
Cycling is more than just a mode of transport in Nairobi—it’s a way to connect with the city’s pulse, see hidden gems, and enjoy an eco-friendly means of getting around. Unlike traditional city tours that might limit you to busy streets and tourist spots, cycling allows you to venture into quieter neighborhoods, discover local markets, and take in scenic views that are often overlooked.
Top Cycling Routes in Nairobi
1. Karura Forest
- Distance: Approximately 15 km of trails
- Highlights: One of the most popular spots for cycling, Karura Forest offers serene trails amidst lush greenery. You can cycle past waterfalls, rivers, and even spot some wildlife. The forest is well-maintained, with marked trails that cater to both beginner and seasoned cyclists.
- What to Expect: As you pedal through the forest, you might encounter monkeys swinging from trees, numerous bird species, and serene spots perfect for a quick rest. There are also picnic sites, making it a great spot for a day out.
2. Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary
- Distance: Variable trails ranging from 5 km to 10 km
- Highlights: Located just outside the city center, Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary is a haven for those seeking a quick escape from urban life. The trails are moderately challenging, offering a mix of flat and hilly terrains.
- What to Expect: Expect to cycle through dense forest areas, open fields, and alongside streams. The sanctuary is also a great place for bird watching and photography.
3. Nairobi Arboretum
- Distance: Approximately 3 km of trails
- Highlights: Ideal for a leisurely ride, the Nairobi Arboretum provides a calm environment with over 350 species of indigenous and exotic tree species. It’s a favorite spot for families and couples looking to enjoy a relaxing day outdoors.
- What to Expect: The paths are mostly shaded, making it a comfortable ride even on sunny days. It's also a great place to learn about different tree species and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
4. Karengata and Karen Neighborhoods
- Distance: Customizable routes, usually around 20-30 km loops
- Highlights: Cycling through the upscale neighborhoods of Karen and Langata offers a different side of Nairobi. With less traffic and beautiful scenery, these areas are perfect for longer, more relaxed rides.
- What to Expect: You’ll pass by colonial-style homes, coffee plantations, and open spaces. The roads are well-paved, and the neighborhoods are safe, making it an enjoyable route for those looking to cover more ground.
5. Nairobi National Park Perimeter Route
- Distance: Approximately 35 km
- Highlights: If you’re up for a bit more adventure, try the route along the perimeter of Nairobi National Park. This route is ideal for experienced cyclists looking to combine exercise with the thrill of potentially spotting wildlife.
- What to Expect: The terrain can be challenging, with some uneven and hilly sections. However, the views of the park and the possibility of spotting giraffes, zebras, or even lions make it worthwhile.
Tips for a Great Cycling Experience in Nairobi
- Safety First: Always wear a helmet and reflective gear, especially if you’re cycling early in the morning or late in the evening. Nairobi traffic can be unpredictable, so it's crucial to be visible.
- Stay Hydrated: The equatorial climate can be hot and humid. Carry enough water to stay hydrated, especially on longer routes like the National Park perimeter.
- Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules. Stick to designated cycling paths where available, and always signal your intentions to other road users.
- Bike Maintenance: Make sure your bike is in good condition. Check the brakes, tires, and gears before setting off. Many bike rental shops in Nairobi also offer maintenance services, so take advantage of these to keep your bike in top shape.
- Hire a Guide: If you’re unfamiliar with the routes or the city, consider hiring a local cycling guide. They can provide insights into the best routes, hidden spots, and ensure your safety.
Renting a Bike in Nairobi
Nairobi boasts several bike rental shops catering to both casual riders and serious cyclists. One popular option is Cycling Accessories and Parts, where you can find a variety of bikes for rent, as well as cycling gear and accessories. These shops often provide route maps, cycling tours, and repair services, ensuring you have everything you need for a fantastic cycling experience.
Conclusion
Cycling in Nairobi is more than just a mode of transport—it’s a journey into the heart of the city. Whether you’re pedaling through the serene paths of Karura Forest, exploring the lush Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary, or cruising through the leafy Karen neighborhoods, each route offers a unique glimpse into Nairobi’s diverse landscape. So, grab a bike, put on your helmet, and explore Nairobi like never before. Happy cycling!
Best cars for taxi business in Kenya
Best car for Uber/Bolt in Kenya 2025
Affordable cars for car hire business in Nairobi
Cheap cars for taxi business in Kenya
Car loan for taxi business in Kenya
Asset finance for car hire business Kenya
Best fuel efficient cars for taxi in Kenya
Used cars for Uber or Bolt Kenya
How m
Riderentals.co , Kenya’s award-winning car rental platform, is quietly powering a new revenue stream for businesses across the hospitality, real estate, fintech, and travel industries — through a simple widget or SDK integration. Whether you run a hotel, manage furnished apartments, or operate a fintech app, this one integration allows your customers to book self-drive or chauffeured cars while earning you passive income. Here’s how real partners are using it to drive revenue, boost guest experience, and offer next-level convenience. 1. Urban Nest Apartments, Nairobi: “We Turned Guest Transport Into Profit” “We used to refer guests to third-party drivers. Now, we earn a commission on every car they book — all with a simple widget on our guest app.” — Sophie, Manager – UrbanNest Apartments Challenge: UrbanNest regularly received requests for airport transfers and weekend rides from its guests. Referrals to outside vendors brought no benefit to the business. Solution: By integrating the Riderentals.co widget into their web-based guest portal, Urban Nest enabled guests to book trusted, verified cars directly. Results: Earned commission on over 70 rentals in the first 3 months Guests rated it as one of the most useful services in post-stay surveys Zero operational hassle — booking, dispatch, and payment handled by Riderentals 2. Zunguka Safaris: “We Offer More Than Just Tours” “We now let travelers build their own trips with car rental add-ons. The Riderentals SDK plugged right into our website — no dev team needed.” — Brian, Founder – Zunguka Safaris Challenge: Zunguka wanted to allow clients to book standalone vehicles for safari and city excursions — but managing cars in-house wasn’t scalable. Solution: By embedding Riderentals SDK into their booking funnel, clients could book the right vehicle directly from Zunguka’s site. Results: Higher client satisfaction from DIY trip planning Earns a flat commission per rental Zero capital spent on fleet ownership 3. Jirani Suites: “No More Guests Asking for Drivers at Midnight” “Guests always asked for cars late at night. Now they just tap ‘Book a Car’ on our guest WiFi landing page.” — Lilian, Reception Supervisor – Jirani Suites Challenge: Front desk staff were constantly sourcing ad-hoc drivers — especially for airport runs or urgent errands. Solution: With the widget added to their welcome WiFi page and check-in emails, guests now self-serve car bookings. Results: 90% drop in staff transport requests Over Ksh 32,000 earned in commissions within 90 days Better guest experience with predictable, verified vehicles 4. NikoApp (Lifestyle Fintech): “New Service, New Revenue” “Our users are urban, mobile, and always moving. Adding car rentals into our app keeps them coming back — and spending.” — David, Product Lead – NikoApp Challenge: NikoApp wanted to launch value-added services beyond finance to increase app usage and retention. Solution: Using the Riderentals Android SDK, they embedded a "Book a Car" feature accessible from their lifestyle tab. Results: In-app engagement up 12% Users book for business meetings and airport drops Revenue split drives consistent monthly earnings 🔧 Why Partners Love the Riderentals Widget & SDK Commissions You Can Track: Real-time earnings and reports Plug & Play Setup: 10-minute widget or full SDK available Nationwide Coverage: Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, and all major airports Trusted Fleet: Verified vehicles and vetted drivers Scalable Revenue: From guest houses to super apps, Riderentals fits all platforms 💡 Is It Right for You? If you’re in any of the following, you should consider adding the Riderentals widget: Hotels, Airbnbs, or serviced apartments Travel and tour agencies Real estate platforms or tenant portals Fintech or lifestyle apps Logistics and fleet-light mobility companies 🚀 Become a Partner Today Integration takes minutes. Earnings begin immediately. 📞 Call or WhatsApp: +254 714 877948 🌐 Visit: www.riderentals.co/partners 📩 Email: customerservice@riderentals.co
Whether you're cycling through Karura Forest, running the Ngong Hills, swimming at Diani, or hiking Mt. Kenya — Kenya is full of adventure. But with adventure comes risk. What happens if you're injured, unconscious, or unable to communicate in an emergency? This is where Emergency ID wristbands and medical ID tags come in. These small but powerful accessories could literally save your life. 🚴🏃♂️🏞️ For Cyclists, Runners, Hikers, Campers, and Adventurers If you're a: Cyclist taking on the Limuru loops or Karura Forest trails, Runner pounding the pavement in Nairobi or Eldoret, Hiker exploring Aberdare, Mt. Longonot or Hell’s Gate, Camper heading to Maasai Mara or Lake Naivasha, Swimmer diving into the waters of Diani or Kisumu, Triathlete competing in Iten or Kilifi, Or a multisport enthusiast training for your next endurance race… You need to have some form of emergency identification on you. In case of a crash, fall, dehydration, or medical emergency, your Emergency ID wristband or tag becomes your lifeline . Get Customized emergency bands from bike it or Hike it Adventures. Call +254726729737 🩺 Medical Emergencies Happen – Be Prepared If you have any condition like: Asthma Diabetes Epilepsy Hypertension Severe allergies Autism Heart disease …you should never leave home without a medical alert bracelet or emergency ID tag . These tags can clearly display: Your full name Blood type Medical condition(s) Allergies Emergency contact name & number Even your hospital/insurance info First responders and good Samaritans can instantly know who you are and what to do. Get Customized emergency bands from bike it or Hike it Adventures. Call +254726729737 🧒 For Kids, Seniors, and People With Special Needs Emergency ID wristbands are also ideal for: Children on school trips, playdates, or amusement parks Senior citizens with memory loss or dementia People with disabilities or non-verbal conditions Pet ID tags in case your furry friend goes missing during an outdoor excursion These personalized ID tags help reunite lost individuals (or pets) with their loved ones and offer instant clarity in critical moments. 🔍 What Kenyans Are Searching Online Many people are already looking for ways to stay safe outdoors. Popular Google searches in Kenya include: “Emergency ID wristbands Kenya” “Medical ID bracelets Kenya” “Buy emergency wristbands online Kenya” “Custom ID tags Nairobi” “ICE (In Case of Emergency) tags Kenya” “Personalized medical ID tags Kenya” “Child safety ID wristbands Kenya” These searches show a growing awareness of the importance of personal safety and identification. 📌 Where to Get Emergency ID Wristbands in Kenya There are several places you can buy: Emergency wristbands in Nairobi - 0726729737 Medical alert tags in Kenya - 0726729737 Custom ID tags online Kenya- - 0726729737 Child safety wristbands Kenya - 0726729737 Make sure to choose high-quality, waterproof, durable, and comfortable options — ideally with engraved or printed info , and even a QR code linked to your medical file or ICE contact. ✅ Why You Shouldn’t Delay In an emergency, seconds count . Paramedics may not have time to search for your phone or ID. A visible, easy-to-read emergency wristband or tag can speak for you when you can’t. It’s a small investment with life-saving potential . Whether you're a lone trail runner, weekend hiker, long-distance cyclist, or active kid at a school event — make Emergency ID part of your gear. 💡 Bonus Tip for Race/Event Organizers If you’re planning a cycling event , marathon , triathlon , or outdoor adventure retreat — consider giving all participants branded Emergency ID wristbands. Not only does it improve safety, but it's also a powerful branding tool. 👟 Adventure With Confidence Don’t let uncertainty keep you from exploring Kenya’s stunning outdoors. With a reliable emergency ID tag , you can focus on your passion — knowing you're prepared for the unexpected. ✅ Search Today. Buy Today. Stay Safe Tomorrow. Search on Google or Facebook using: "Emergency ID wristbands Kenya" "Medical alert ID tags Nairobi" "Where to buy emergency tags Kenya" "Custom ID wristbands Kenya" "Affordable medical ID bracelets Kenya" Get yours now, and encourage your fellow athletes, outdoor friends, and family to do the same.
