Paradise Lost

The basics

Paradise Lost offers loads of activities, from cave tours to coffee-farm experiences. You can also go horseback or camel riding or rent a boat and paddle out on the lake. Independent visitors are welcome to come, and tours from Nairobi that include door-to-door transportation are a convenient way to visit the park, but they don’t all include admission tickets or fees for individual activities.

Things to know before you go

• Paradise Lost is a must-do for families and nature lovers.
• If you plan to go horseback riding, bring along shoes or boots with heels to help keep you safe in the stirrups.
• Pack sun protection and comfortable clothes and shoes.
• For coffee, tea or a full meal, there’s a restaurant on-site.

How to get there

Paradise Lost is about a 20-minute drive from Nairobi via Kiambu Road. You can take a taxi there, but you might have a harder time finding one to take you back. Bus line 100 is an option, too, but the easiest way to visit is to join a tour that includes round-trip transportation from your hotel.

When to get there

The best time to visit Paradise Lost is between June and October, when the weather in Nairobi is at its most pleasant. There’s usually not too much rain this time of year, and temperatures are typically mild. There’s also a second dry season in January and February, but the weather is typically a tad warmer.

Hiking in the Ngong Hills

Outdoorsy travelers won't want to miss the chance to hike in the Ngong Hills, about an hour's drive from Nairobi. This ridge on the edge of the Great Rift Valley offers great views of Nairobi and Nairobi National Park, fantastic bird-watching opportunities, and plenty of scenic viewpoints, ideal for mid-hike picnic breaks.