Mokoyiet Picnic Site: Plan Your Perfect Picnic & Day Trip

I’ll be honest. I’d always driven past the Mokoiyet Picnic Site. Yes, I’d been to the Nairobi National Park a gazillion times, but my focus was always on the game drive. Ian, a guide I often work with, kept insisting, “You have to stop at Mokoiyet…. Just stop,”.

Till one Friday afternoon, I finally did. And it caught me off guard.

So, I get to the park, park my car, and walk over the edge, and the world just… Opens up. The endless plains… Nairobi’s skyline… Ngong Hills in the distance… The view is insane… And there and then, I finally get it. This wasn’t just a picnic spot; it was a front-row seat to the magic of the park.

In this article, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about the Mokoiyet Picnic Site… How to get there, what to expect, and why it’s worth your time.

Where exactly is the Mokoyiet Picnic Site?

Mokoyiet picnic site is located in the southeastern part of Nairobi National Park, overlooking the stunning Mbagathi River gorge. This strategic location offers visitors not just a place to eat, but a front-row seat to some of Kenya’s most spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

My Tips on Getting to Mokoyiet Picnic Site

You have two main options to reach this beautiful picnic area:

Via Langata Road Main Gate: This is the classic route. The one most people use. From Nairobi CBD, head to Langata Road and enter through the main gate near the Nairobi Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage. Once inside, follow the signs to Mokoyiet. It’s approximately 19 kilometers from the gate and takes about 47 minutes driving, making it a convenient stop during a half-day or full-day safari.
Via Southern Bypass Gate: This has become my favorite route, especially if I’m coming from Karen or that side of town. It’s about 23 kilometers to Mokoyiet, but since the road is paved, it takes less than 40 minutes to get there.

Either way, while a 4WD isn’t always necessary in the dry season, I just feel more confident in one. The last thing you want is to get stuck in the mud for hours after a surprise shower.

The Mokoyiet Experience: What Makes This Spot So Special

Breathtaking Scenery (This is the #1 Reason)

This is it. The real reason I come here. It’s not just a good view. It’s the put-your-phone-down-and-look kind of view.

And because you’re high on a plateau, you literally see everything. Mbagathi River carving its way through the gorges below, the endless rolling plains… It’s magical.

During my last visit in early 2025, I spent hours just soaking in the scenery. The way the light transforms the landscape into a palette of rich hues during early morning or late afternoon is something you have to experience for yourself. On clear days, you can even see the distant Ngong Hills, adding an extra layer of majesty to the already awe-inspiring scenery.

Wildlife Encounters: Nature at Your Doorstep

One of the coolest things about Mokoiyet is the wildlife doesn’t seem to mind you. You’re on a cliff, and they’re often below you, so you’re not disturbing their space.

You’ll often spot giraffes, buffalo, and various antelope species grazing in the distance, while lions and other predators may occasionally be seen in the surrounding plains. For bird watching enthusiasts, Mokoyiet is a paradise where you can observe raptors, including vultures and eagles, soaring overhead or perched in nearby trees.

Now, about the big cats… My friend Sarah was visiting from the UK last year, and I took her to Mokoiyet for her ‘welcome to Kenya’ lunch. So we’re scanning the plains with our binoculars when she just freezes. “Is that… A leopard?” At first, I think she’s bluffing, or mistaking it with some other wildlife, but sure as sunrise, there it is…. Lying low in the tall grass and staring right at us.

Side Note: While I can’t promise you’ll see the Big Five during your visit, the chances of memorable wildlife encounters are high.

Facilities and Amenities: Comfort in the Wild

What to Expect at Mokoyiet Picnic Site

Let’s get this out of the way: you’re not coming here for five-star service. Mokoiyet’s charm is what I like to call “comfortably wild.” Here you’ll find.

Shaded tables and picnic benches: Simple wooden tables and benches are available for guests to use, making it easy to sit down and enjoy a meal while surrounded by nature. My pro tip? Get there early to snag one of the prime spots right on the edge.
Thatch-roof shelters: These provide natural shade, offering protection from the sun, especially during the hotter parts of the day.
Washrooms/latrines: Basic toilet facilities are available for visitors’ convenience.
Extensive parking: I’ve never had an issue finding a spot, even when there are few safari trucks around.
Waste bins: Though they provide waste bins, I’m a firm believer in “pack it in, pack it out”. I always bring my own trash bag and take everything home with me.

Activities and Experiences: Beyond Just Picnicking

Perfect for… Pretty Much Everything

I’ve used Mokoiyet for so many different occasions, ranging from;

Family picnics: The spacious area and safe environment make it ideal for family picnics in Nairobi.
Birthday parties: We hosted my bestie’s 30th birthday celebration here. We all drove in a convoy, music blasting, and everyone buzzing with excitement. When we got there, we spread a Maasai kikoi and had a potluck.
Team building activities: The open space and inspiring environment make Mokoyiet perfect for corporate team building exercises.
Corporate events: I’ve seen countless corporate groups here. It’s a great way to impress your clients or reward your employees with a day out in this exceptional location.
Bush dinners: Forget expensive dinners in fancy restaurants. This here is the real deal. Just pack a good meal, some fruit, and wine, and let the view do all the magic for you.
BBQ at Mokoyiet: Bring your own cooking equipment and enjoy a barbecue in the wild.

My Typical “Mokoiyet Day” Plan

For me, the picnic is the highlight, not the whole show. Here’s how I usually plan it.

Morning Game Drive: I get to the park early, at around 6 AM, do a 3-4 hour game drive, when the animals are most active.

Mid-morning picnic: At around 10 or 11 AM, I’ll head to Mokoiyet for a big brunch or early lunch.

Binocular-Watching: This is my moment to just sit, eat, and use my binoculars to scan the plains.

Photography: I’m not an expert, but honestly, it’s hard to tae a bad pic here

P.S. You can easily combine your visit to Mokoyiet with other attractions in Nairobi National Park, such as the Nairobi Animal Orphanage or the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, both of which are dedicated to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.

Planning Your Visit: The Practical Stuff

Wait… You know you can’t just drive to Mokoiyet, right? You have to pay the Nairobi National Park entry fee at the gate. The picnic site itself is then free to use.

Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change, so make sure to check the KWS website.

Entry Fees and Costs

To visit Mokoyiet picnic site, you’ll need to pay the Nairobi National Park entry fees, which vary depending on your residency status:

For Non-Residents (as of 2025):

Low season: USD 40 per adult per day and USD 20 per child under 12 years
High season: USD 60 per adult per day and USD 20 per child

For East African Residents and Kenya Citizens:

Low season: Ksh 400 per adult
High season: Ksh 500 per adult
Children and students: Ksh 215

Payment can be made via Visa, Mastercard, or the local Kenyan Mpesa phone payment system. Cash is not accepted. Remember to carry identification and proof of residence if you’re eligible for resident rates.

Best Time to Visit

Nairobi National Park can be visited year-round, but your experience at Mokoyiet picnic site will vary depending on when you go:

Dry Season (June to October and January to February): This is generally considered the best time for wildlife spotting as animals gather around water sources and the vegetation is less dense.
Wet Season (March to May and November to December): While the landscape is lush and green during these months, wildlife viewing can be more challenging as animals disperse and vegetation grows taller.

The park opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM daily. For the best experience at Mokoyiet, I recommend arriving early in the morning or planning your visit for late afternoon when the light is golden and animals are more active.

Booking and Reservations

For regular visits to the Mokoyiet picnic site, no advance booking is necessary – you simply pay the park entrance fee at the gate. However, if you’re planning a special event like a corporate event or birthday party, it’s advisable to contact Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in advance to make arrangements.

You can make bookings through the KWS eCitizen portal for park entry, though specific picnic site reservations may require direct contact with the park management.

What to Bring

To make the most of your picnic at Mokoyiet, consider bringing:

Food and drinks (there are no food vendors at the site)
Picnic blanket (in addition to the available tables)
Sunscreen and hats
Insect repellent
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Camera for capturing the stunning views
Trash bags to help keep the site clean
Warm clothing for early morning or evening visits as temperatures can drop

When I visit, I always pack a cooler with sandwiches, fruits, and plenty of water. There’s something special about enjoying simple food in such a magnificent setting – it somehow tastes better with that view!

Rules and Regulations: Respecting Nature

Park Rules to Follow

When visiting Mokoyiet picnic site, you must adhere to the Nairobi National Park rules:

Respect wildlife and their habitat at all times
Do not feed the animals as it disrupts their natural diet
Maintain a minimum distance of 20 meters from wildlife
Stay inside your vehicle except at designated areas like picnic sites
Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing wildlife
Observe the speed limit of 40 kph (25 mph) within the park
No littering – carry out all your trash
No drunk driving or hooting within the park
Park gates open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM – plan accordingly

These rules are in place to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the wildlife, so please respect them during your visit.

Accommodation Options: Extending Your Stay

While there are no accommodation facilities within Nairobi National Park itself, several excellent options are available nearby if you wish to extend your visit:

The Emakoko: A luxury lodge set on the southern border of the park, offering stylish rooms with panoramic views.
Ololo Safari Lodge: Another luxury option near the southern border of the park.
The Boma Hotel: A modern mid-range hotel with great amenities, located a short drive from the park.
Ole Sereni Hotel & Emara Ole Sereni: A high-end hotel overlooking the park, perfect for those who want to combine city convenience with wildlife views.

Staying overnight near the park allows you to enter early in the morning when wildlife is most active, maximizing your chances of memorable sightings before heading to the Mokoyiet picnic site.