NAIROBI
The Pulse of Kenya, The Heart of Africa
Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital, stands as the safari capital of the world, offering an exciting mix of urban energy and wildlife adventure. This bustling metropolis, with a population of over 4 million, sits 5,500 feet above sea level, ensuring pleasant weather year-round. From its humble beginnings as a railway outpost, Nairobi has blossomed into one of the largest cities between Johannesburg and Cairo.
As the commercial hub of East Africa, Nairobi is a dynamic intersection of cultures and commerce. Its international airport, Jomo Kenyatta International, connects the city to the rest of the world, making it a gateway for global and regional travelers. The city is home to world-renowned wildlife experiences, including the only national park situated within a capital city’s limits. Nairobi’s rich history, vibrant culture, and thriving economy continue to attract tourists and international organizations like UNEP and UN-Habitat.
Nairobi is a blend of contrasts—modern skyscrapers sitting side by side with traditional markets and rich ethnic diversity, making it a city of endless discoveries. Whether you’re exploring its iconic wildlife, enjoying the lively nightlife, or engaging in business ventures, Nairobi offers something for everyone. With a growing range of hotels and resorts, the city caters to both luxury and mid-range travelers.
8:00 AM – Nairobi National Park
Embark on a thrilling game drive in Nairobi National Park, a truly unique wildlife sanctuary located just 7 kilometers from the heart of the city. Spanning over 117 square kilometers, this is the only national park in the world bordering a capital city, making it a remarkable fusion of urban life and untamed wilderness.
As you explore the open savannahs and acacia-dotted plains, you’ll have the chance to spot a wide range of wildlife including lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, cheetahs, and over 400 species of birds. The park is particularly renowned for its success in black rhino conservation, offering one of the best chances to see this critically endangered species in its natural habitat.
What makes Nairobi National Park even more fascinating is the dramatic contrast between the wildlife and the city skyline in the background—a surreal sight that captures the essence of Nairobi itself: wild and urban, all at once.
With well-maintained game-viewing roads, picnic sites, and viewpoints, the park offers a convenient yet immersive safari experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Kenya or a returning traveler, Nairobi National Park is a must-see destination that delivers the magic of the wild—right on the city’s doorstep.
11:00 AM – David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage)
Witness the heartwarming feeding session of orphaned elephants at this renowned sanctuary. The center focuses on the rescue and rehabilitation of elephants orphaned by poaching and human-wildlife conflict. Visitors can watch
the elephants play in the mud and interact with their caretakers. Note that visits are by advance booking only and are held daily from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Nairobi City Tour
Begin your day with a guided exploration of Nairobi’s vibrant city center. Visit the iconic Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from its rooftop
helipad. Explore the historic Parliament Buildings and the National Archives, home to fascinating exhibits on Kenya’s political and cultural history.
Stroll through the bustling and colorful City Market, a hub for local crafts, produce, and souvenirs. Pause at Uhuru Park Viewpoint for a scenic overlook of the city’s skyline—perfect for photos and a moment of reflection amidst the urban energy.
Next, dive into the country’s rich transport heritage at the Nairobi Railway Museum, located adjacent to the Nairobi Railway Station. The museum features a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives and carriages, highlighting the development of rail transport in East Africa. Notably, one of the locomotives on display—301 (2301)—was featured in the 1985 film Out of Africa.
Conclude your tour at the National Museum, which showcases Kenya’s diverse cultural and natural history. Explore exhibits on early human fossils, tribal artifacts, and indigenous wildlife. Just next door, the Snake Park offers an up-close look at a variety of reptiles, including snakes, crocodiles, and tortoises.
This immersive city tour offers a well-rounded experience of Nairobi’s heritage, culture, and everyday life.
Take a rejuvenating walk through Karura Forest, one of Nairobi’s most beloved green spaces and a shining example of urban conservation. Spanning over 1,000 hectares, this peaceful forest offers a welcome escape from the city’s bustle—yet it’s just minutes from the city center.
Wander along well-marked walking and cycling trails that wind through lush woodland, bamboo groves, and open meadows. As you explore, you’ll encounter shimmering waterfalls, serene lily-covered ponds, and historic caves believed to have once sheltered freedom fighters during Kenya’s colonial struggle.
Karura is home to an impressive array of birdlife, butterflies, and small mammals, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers. It’s also a popular spot for jogging, picnicking, dog walking, and even meditation, thanks to its safe, clean, and well-maintained environment.
Managed by the Kenya Forest Service and the Friends of Karura Forest, this once-threatened woodland has become a symbol of civic pride and ecological restoration. Whether you’re looking for a quiet solo stroll or a refreshing group walk, Karura Forest offers a peaceful retreat that reconnects you with nature—right in the heart of Nairobi.
The Giraffe Centre – Wildlife Encounters
Interact with the endangered Rothschild giraffes at this conservation center. Visitors can feed giraffes from a raised platform and learn about the conservation
efforts to protect this unique species. The center also offers educational programs on giraffe ecology and conservation.
Karen Blixen Museum – Cultural Experience
Visit the former home of Danish author Karen Blixen, best known for her book Out of Africa. The museum offers a glimpse into colonial-era Kenya and Blixen’s life on her coffee farm. The beautifully preserved house and lush gardens provide a tranquil setting for reflection.
Stedmak Gardens, Karen – Fun, Relaxation & Dining in One Spot
Located in the heart of Karen, Nairobi, Stedmak Gardens is a vibrant destination offering fun for all ages, relaxation, and a unique dining experience.
Enjoy thrilling activities at the amusement park, explore the animal and snake parks, dive into virtual reality gaming, or take a dip in the heated swimming pool. For dining, their floating restaurants offer a scenic and intimate setting with a mix of African, Asian, and continental cuisines.
Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Visit Kenya’s oldest animal rehabilitation center, located within Nairobi National Park. Here, you’ll encounter rescued lions, cheetahs, monkeys, and a variety of bird species, all cared for in a semi-natural environment.
The orphanage plays a vital role in wildlife conservation and public education.
Nairobi Safari Walk
Take an engaging walk along raised wooden boardwalks through this unique conservation facility. Get up close to rhinos, big cats, antelope, and reptiles in carefully designed naturalistic enclosures. The walk offers insights
into Kenya’s diverse ecosystems and ongoing conservation efforts, making it a favorite for families and nature enthusiasts.
Kazuri Beads – Karen, Nairobi
Cap off your day with a stop at Kazuri Beads Factory, a renowned social enterprise nestled in the heart of Karen. “Kazuri,” meaning small and beautiful in Swahili, was founded in 1975 to provide
sustainable employment to disadvantaged women, particularly single mothers and widows.
Today, over 300 women handcraft beautiful ceramic beads, pottery, and jewelry. Take a guided tour of the workshop to see the bead-making process and browse the on-site shop for unique, handmade souvenirs — each piece telling a story of empowerment, craftsmanship, and community.
Morning
City Centre Exploration
Begin with a guided tour of Nairobi’s bustling city center. Visit the iconic Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC)
and enjoy panoramic views of the capital from its rooftop. Pass by the historic Parliament Buildings, explore the National Archives
with exhibits on Kenya’s political and cultural evolution, and stroll through the colorful City Market for local crafts and produce. Stop briefly at
Uhuru Park Viewpoint for a scenic overlook of Nairobi’s skyline.
Nairobi Railway Museum
Located next to Nairobi Railway Station, this museum features a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives and carriages, offering a glimpse into East Africa’s rail history. Among the highlights is
Locomotive 301 (2301), famously featured in the 1985 movie Out of Africa.
National Museum & Snake Park
Explore the National Museum of Kenya, home to a wide range of exhibits on early human fossils, tribal cultures, Kenyan wildlife, and art. Adjacent to the museum is the
Snake Park, where you can view snakes, crocodiles, and other reptiles in a safe, educational setting.
Late Morning – Conservation Highlight
11:00 AM – David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage)
Visit this world-renowned sanctuary for orphaned elephants rescued from poaching and human-wildlife conflict. Watch their playful mud baths and feeding sessions while learning about the center’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
(Visit limited to 11:00 AM–12:00 PM; advance booking required.)
Afternoon – Nairobi National Park Game Drive
Nairobi National Park Safari Experience
Embark on a game drive through Nairobi National Park
, just 7 kilometers from the city center. This unique sanctuary spans over 117 square kilometers and offers a surreal mix of wildlife and urban views. Spot a variety of species including rhinos, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes
, and over 400 bird species.
Enjoy the stark and beautiful contrast of untamed savannahs set against Nairobi’s skyline—an unforgettable safari experience that captures the essence of Kenya’s capital.
….Must-See Attractions Around Nairobi….
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Nairobi National Park is a unique wildlife haven where visitors can watch animals roam freely against the backdrop of the city skyline. Known as the “Kifaru Ark” for its protection of rhinos, this park is home to over 50 black rhinos and a range of predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
BOMAS OF KENYA
Experience the vibrant cultures of Kenya at the Bomas of Kenya, a living museum showcasing the traditions of the country’s diverse tribes. Visitors can enjoy colorful dance performances and explore traditional homesteads, each representing a different ethnic group.
KAREN BLIXEN MUSEUM
Step back in time at the Karen Blixen Museum, once home to the Danish author of Out of Africa. The house, situated at the foot of the Ngong Hills, offers a glimpse into the life of the author and her time in Kenya. The museum preserves her legacy, featuring personal artifacts and the stunning landscapes that inspired her writing.
DAPHNE SHELDRICK ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE
Home to orphaned elephants, the center runs a successful rehabilitation program, with the elephants eventually being released back into the wild. Visitors can interact with the elephants, watch them play, and learn about their life stories.
GIRAFFE CENTRE
The Giraffe Centre is dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Visitors can feed these graceful creatures and learn about efforts to protect their species. For a truly unique experience, stay at the adjacent Giraffe Manor, where giraffes roam freely around the property.
KARURA FOREST
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting Karura Forest, an expansive urban forest offering a tranquil retreat. Located within Nairobi’s limits, it’s perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or simply soaking in nature. Highlights include waterfalls, nature trails, and the chance to spot friendly colobus monkeys.
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