Short Excursions
Exciting and noticeably cosmopolitan, Nairobi is the social hub of East Africa, and we provide your VIP ticket into the heart of it. The Nairobi safari activities offer the ideal way of getting out and experiencing the sights, smells, and sounds of this vibrant city and its surroundings, uncovering the real character and people of the ever-fascinating Nairobi.
From wildlife encounters at Nairobi National Park to heartwarming interactions with baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, these day trips offer a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and culture. Discover the hidden gems that lie just beyond Nairobi’s urban boundaries, as we unveil the enchanting wonders that await you on these extraordinary journeys.
Nairobi City Tour
For those who are an enthusiast of city life, Kenyan cities are a must-see when visiting the country. Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and the largest city in Kenya. The name is derived from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi, which translates to “ a place of cool waters”. Besides its impressive skyscrapers, fun nightlife, fantastic restaurants, bars and admirable urban culture, Nairobi is famous for being the only capital city in the world with a national park only a short drive from the central business district. Nairobi National Park hosts a variety of wildlife and over 400 bird species.
When you land in Kenya before starting or at the end of your safari adventure or beach holiday, spend a night or two in a city hotel and explore a multi-faceted city from the wealthy suburbs to the busy central business district and Africa’s largest slum, it is a city worth exploring. Many activities for families travelling with young children will keep them engaged, including
David Shedrick’s Elephant Orphanage
Visit Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) in Kenya, which operates the world’s most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program.it is a pioneering conservation organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife. The Orphans project offers hope for the future of Kenya’s threatened elephant and rhino populations as they struggle against the threat of poaching for their ivory and horn and loss of habitat due to human population pressure and conflict, deforestation and drought. Today, the trust has successfully raised over 316 elephant orphans. Learning and seeing orphan baby elephants interact and play up close during feeding time is a rare opportunity. You can foster or adopt a baby elephant, giraffe and rhino with as little as £ 35 a year. Once you adopt, you will be issued an adoption certificate and monthly email updates about your baby.The place is open everyday from 11:00am-12:00noon.
Giraffe Center
Giraffe Center is the creation of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, a non-profit organisation for endangered wildlife whose primary purpose is educating people about wildlife conservation. Visiting the place, you will get an opportunity to be in close contact with the world’s tallest species, “the giraffe.” You will also get to touch and feed them. Make the acquaintances of the following giraffes: Daisy IV, Betty, Kelly, Margaret, Edd, Nandi, Lilly, Olerai, Mtwapa, Mpingo and the famous Salma II if you are up for sloppy kisses; she won’t hesitate to lick your whole face. It is a fun and educative activity which is a must-try for anyone visiting the country.Feeding time is between 9:00am to 5:00pm.
For those seeking to spend more quality time in the company of giraffes, book your stay at the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, an exclusive boutique hotel and one of the most unique places in the world. The herd of resident Rothschilds giraffes may pay you a visit in the morning during breakfast, poking their long necks into your window, hoping to get a kiss and treat before retreating to their habitat for the day.
Karen Blixen Museum
Visit the Karen Blixen Museum, named after a Danish author, Karen Blixen, famously known for her 1937 book “Out of Africa”. Its history dates back to 1914, during the First World War, with the arrival of Karen Blixen from Denmark. At the foot of Ngong Hills, Karen Blixen established herself as a farmer. After her departure in 1931, the suburbs retained the commemorative home of Karen, which is now a museum located on the outskirts of Nairobi. It is a beautiful farmhouse with guided tours of her house, featuring rooms designed in the original décor and props from the Out of Africa movie filmed in 1985, though not where the film was made.
Bomas of Kenya
Visit Bomas of Kenya and experience a rich diversity of traditional Kenyan music, dance and cultural performances of over 50 dances from various ethnic communities, with live percussion string and wind instruments and authentic, energetic dancing. Through the performance, you will journey through Kenya’s past and present. Experience the famous Maasai dance, Eunoto dance, the extravaganza Chuka drummers, the Kikuyu Circumcision dance, Swahili Taarab, Coastal Sengenya and Gonda dances NubiDholuka dance, among others. If you visit between Thursday and Sunday, other performances include Mambo Jambo acrobats showcasing their best acrobatics, including balancing, rope skipping, juggling, fire limbo, etc. See a collection of traditional artefacts from various ethnic groups from everyday use, such as stools, food, and beverage containers. See artefacts for special ceremonies, such as traditional circumcision knives, ritual masks, etc.
Maasai Market
Suppose you want to buy affordable, authentic, beautiful and colourful souvenirs. Visit Nairobi Maasai Market, one of the most alluring places to visit and buy colourful African artefacts from different ethnic communities in Kenya, which include woodcarvings, paintings, jewellery, clothing bags, pots, pans, table mats, sandals, etc., which are handmade in Kenya. You can buy souvenirs and gifts for your friends and loved ones. The fascinating part is the bargaining power between the buyer and the seller, which is always a fun experience to watch. In terms of affordability, it is the best place to buy things. Some hotels and lodges have souvenirs and gift shops, but they are expensive compared to the open-air market. The markets open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Tuesdays to Sundays. The market moves in different malls throughout the city each day. While going to the market, dress casually and bring your bargaining skills. Your negotiation skills will determine the price for your unique piece, as the prices are not listed. If you feel the price is too high, pretend to walk away, and they will reduce it.
Nairobi Safari Walk/ Nairobi Animal Orphanage
“The closest you can get to the wild”.Nairobi Safari Walk is only a short drive from the city centre. The Orphanage showcases wildlife one can expect while visiting national parks, reserves, and conservancies. When you visit the orphanage, you will get a chance to catch a glimpse of the rare bongo, white rhino, and albino zebra. The orphanage is built on a raised wooden boardwalk, giving you uninterrupted views of the animals.
Carnivore Restaurant
Enjoy lunch or dinner at Carnivore, an internationally acclaimed restaurant. Your meal will consist of meats roasted on traditional Maasai swords over a giant charcoal pit dominating the restaurant entrance. The rough-hewn beams combine the rustic feel of a rural setting with that of a medieval banqueting. Enjoy mouthwatering and unique meats from ostrich, crocodile, beef sirloin, leg of lamb, sausages, spare ribs, etc. The meats are accompanied by a selection of side dishes, soups, and salads, similar to the concept of a Brazilian steak house.
Nairobi National Museum
If you enjoy learning about the history and culture of the local people, pay a visit to Nairobi National Museum. The museum showcases Kenya’s rich heritage with four distinct themes representing the country’s culture, nature, history and contemporary art. Other attractions adjoining the museum include a snake park, botanical gardens and a state-of-the-art auditorium. The trip takes around 2-3 hours.
Kazuri Beadwork Factory
Kazuri means “small and beautiful” in Swahili. Lady Susan Wood founded Kazuri Beads to provide employment opportunities for single mothers in villages within Nairobi. The sustainably handmade jewellery reflects the culture and Kenyan wildlife, with each piece handcrafted and painted in unique colours, making it unique and special. The place employs over 300 single mothers. Visit Kazuri Beads Factory and witness how these colourful handcrafted jewellery are made with clay from beginning to end. You will also get to interact with the women. You can also buy jewellery from their shop or online store. The centre is open daily from 9:00 am-5:00 pm.
