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Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park
The largest urban memorial park in Kenya, Uhuru Gardens was erected after the country gained its independence from British colonizers. Uhuru, Swahili for “freedom,” is comprised of verdant, grassy fields with three major landmarks, and is frequented by local families who like to picnic there on the weekends.
The basics
One of the historically significant landmarks within the gardens is the Mũgumo tree, which was purportedly planted in the exact spot where the first Kenyan flag was raised in1963, officially noting the country’s birthplace. There is also an official commemorative monument—a 78-foot-high (24-meter-high) column topped by a set of hands holding a dove of peace—that celebrates the country’s independence as well as the inauguration of Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta.
Things to know before you go
*While the park is a nice place to go for a walk, it is still an urban spot and opportunistic thefts have been known to happen. Consider carrying only a small amount of cash and pay extra attention to your surroundings. *The president holds political rallies from time to time in the gardens, so check the event schedule before proceeding to the park *Many walking tours make a pit stop at Uhuru before exploring the rest of Nairobi.
How to get there
Located along Langata Road, Uhuru Gardens is a 15-minute drive from Nairobi’s city center. And while you will do plenty of walking on a guided tour, some operators offer hotel pickup and drop-off.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The gardens are open daily from 8am to 6pm, but it is recommended to visit the grounds during daylight hours.