The gateway to Kenya is its capital city, Nairobi. Being the hub of a country that strives for its natural beauty and prowess, Nairobi does not disappoint. A safari in Nairobi is not the most favorable but both the city and its surroundings are well worth exploring.
On a clear day, you can see Kenya’s two largest mountains – Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. While also home to the Giraffe Manor and the Nairobi National Park, Nairobi is clearly a beautiful city that takes full advantage of its natural beauty.
Here are our favorite safaris in Nairobi and its surroundings.
Looking for more options? Why not read our favorite Kenyan Safaris guide.
Safaris in Nairobi
As the capital of a safari destination, Nairobi has just as much to offer and more.
Safari Tour in the Nairobi National Park
This is a real safari experience that’s only a short drive outside Nairobi’s CBD with an open grass plain with a backdrop of the city’s scrapers. In the Nairobi National Park a safari tour on an open-top safari vehicle is a must. Get an early morning start, in cooler temperatures when the animals are at their most active. You drive around with an experienced guide helping you spot free-roaming animals in a natural setting.
Animals that can be spotted at the Nairobi safari are the endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and over 400 bird species.
Prices start from: US$ 54
Duration: Half-day packages available (approximately 7 hours)
Nairobi Elephant Orphanage | Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The Nairobi Elephant Orphanage is dedicated to giving a home to all rescue elephants. The aim of the orphanage is to rescue and rehabilitate elephants and they do it very successfully. Although the time frame of the tour is not that long, it is a beautiful experience to see elephants get fed and bathed right in front of you.
The orphanage also offers you the ability to adopt an elephant, which will give you extra time to spend with the amazing mammals.
Prices start from: US$ 39
Duration: 1 hour daily from 11:00 – 12:00 and 17:00 – 18:00 for ‘Foster Parents’
Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is dedicated to sustain the environment and educate people in conservation. Situated on the outskirts of Nairobi, the Giraffe Centre is focused on breeding the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Other than having regular school tours for school kids, they are also open to the public.
This is a great opportunity to not only feed the giraffes and see them in their natural habitat but also to learn how to conserve the environment for animals all over.
Prices start from: US$ 8 for children and US$ 15 for adults
Duration: 30 min tours anytime from 09:00 – 17:00
Bomas of Kenya
A more cultural experience than a safari, the Bomas of Kenya is a tourist attraction that houses various ethnic groups from Kenya. It was established to preserve, maintain and promote their diverse culture.
You’ll have a tour of their housing and have the chance to interact with them if you only decide to visit. But you can experience their traditional dances, music, and storytelling through tour operators.
Prices start from: US$ 5 for kids and US$ 10 for adults for visits. Tour prices start around US$ 70
Duration: Open from 14:30 – 16:00 and tour duration is approximately 5 hours.
Safaris near Nairobi
Nairobi has so much to offer but if you are looking for more to do in the surrounding areas, then these are for you.
Overnight Safari to Aberdare National Park from Nairobi
Ideally for a tourist who is short on time, the safari tour starts in Nairobi and you slowly make your way to Aberdare. You’ll have a guide that will assist you with all your questions while having to stop at coffee and tea plantations on your way. After your lunch on the reserve, enjoy the afternoon game drive.
Animals that can be found at the Aberdare National Park range include the black rhino, baboons, monkeys, and some elusive antelopes, while lions are rare to find. For birders, there are more than 250 bird species.
Prices start from: US$ 380
Duration: 1 – 2 day safari tour
3-Day Amboseli Safari from Nairobi
Explore Amboseli National Park all the way from Nairobi. A package that can be tailored to your personal preference. Options on your type of accommodation from a luxurious lodge or a classic tent or even grouping with other travelers. You can book in groups or even get private one-on-one attention from a personal guide.
The Amboseli Park is commonly home to black and white rhinos, elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos while some other safari animals are harder to spot such as the lions, wild dogs, and leopards.
Prices start from: US$ 490
Duration: 3 days but can be tailored for shorter periods
Overnight Masai Mara Private Safari from Nairobi
A fast-paced and quick safari tour. Straight from the plane in Nairobi, take a trip to Masai Mara voted as the world’s best safari destination by World Traveller magazine. This is a great private safari for anyone who only has two days left on holiday.
As soon as you arrive in Masai, you’ll start a safari drive. The following day, after breakfast you will go on a morning game drive to spot animal behaviors in the morning. Then you can visit the Masai tribe before heading back to Nairobi.
Masai Mara hosts elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, cheetahs, and hyenas while spotting wild dogs, leopards, and black rhinos is a bit more difficult.
Prices start from: US$ 375
Duration: 2 days, but can be tailored for a longer or shorter stay
Set off on your own Nairobi Safari Tour
As you can see, Kenya safaris from or in Nairobi are always a natural and cultural experience. With the city of Nairobi acting as a backdrop to its beautiful endless plains, it’s safe to say that Nairobi is a safari destination.
We believe Nairobi safaris should be highly considered, as the starting point or the main attraction of your adventure.
