Nairobi City Tour and What to Expect: Nairobi is a fascinating combination of modernism and rich cultural heritage in the heart of a lively city. You will explore Kenya’s interesting capital city’s urban appeal and untamed wildlife. Prepare to be overwhelmed in a sensory feast the moment you step foot in Nairobi. This city is a study in contrasts with shiny modern skyscrapers rising against broad savannah plains and lively markets throbbing with the intense rhythms of Kenyan culture. Nairobi’s rich history, stretching from colonial times to the present, invites visitors to explore its cultural icons including museums showcasing Kenya’s unique cultures.
Nairobi city instigated in 1899 as a rail depot and trading centre for Kenya’s coffee, tea and sisal industries. It later grew to become the administrative capital of Kenya as well as the main gateway for East African Safari holidays. Nairobi got its name from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi, meaning ‘‘Place of Cool Waters’’ – in reference to the river. Enkare Nairobi was contracted to Nairobi and today this huge city is also fondly called, ‘The Green City in the Sun’. It is the largest city between Johannesburg in South Africa and Cairo in Egypt. It is known in the world as the only city to have its own game park – Nairobi national park. Its official languages are English and Swahili which are spoken in the country. Nairobi is a vibrant city with a mix of races and cultures, providing the visitor with several sightseeing options such as museums, a National Park, Golf courses, resorts and posh night clubs.
The Best Places to Visit on a Nairobi City Tour
The Elephant Orphanage
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage is a world-renowned rescue and rehabilitation center located near Nairobi National Park in Lang’ata. The orphanage provides a safe haven to orphaned baby elephants that are rescued from parks and reserves. It is famous for its pioneering milk formula, the orphanage rescues and raises orphaned baby elephants before slowly reintegrating them into the wild.
The Entry fee is US$20 per person that must be pre-booked online before the actual visit and the daily visiting hours are from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Giraffe Center
The Giraffe Centre is a world-famous wildlife conservation and nature education sanctuary located in the Lang’ata suburb of Nairobi, Kenya. This center was stablished in 1979 by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, its primary mission is to breed and protect the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe while educating school children and tourists about environmental conservation. Visitors can hand-feed these gentle animals from an elevated observation platform, bringing them eye-to-eye with the world’s tallest land animals. The center is open daily from 9am to 5pm including weekends and holidays, and the entry fee is USD $15 per person. Guests receive a complimentary bowl of specially formulated nutrient pellets upon entry to safely hand-feed the giraffes.
Karen Blixen House and Museum
Karen Blixen Museum is a colonial-era farm house, where Danish author Karen Blixen lived with her husband. She became famous by her memoir, the Oscar winning movie “Out of Africa” which was based on Karen Blixen’s life in Kenya, based on her autobiographical book. The house was built in 1912 and bought by the couple in 1914 to 1931, and it became the farm house for their 4500-acre farm, of which 600 acres were used for coffee farming. A visit to this museum offers an opportunity to step back in time and take a glimpse into this renowned woman’s life. Views of the Ngong Hills can be admired from the beautifully landscaped gardens of the museum.
Maasai Shopping Market, Nairobi
The Maasai Market is a vibrant, rotating open-air craft market in Nairobi where local artisans sell authentic beadwork, wood carvings, paintings, and textiles. Because it is not a single permanent location, the market moves to different venues across the city throughout the week, typically operating from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The open-air Maasai shopping market is arguably the best place to shop if you are a first-time traveller looking for affordable, beautiful and colourful Kenyan souvenirs to take back home with you.
Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum is Kenya’s flagship cultural institution, celebrating the country’s rich history, diverse contemporary cultures, palaeontology, and natural heritage. Located on Museum Hill Road just outside the city center, it serves as a central hub for travellers and researchers eager to learn about East Africa.
This is a captivating place to learn about Kenya’s history and culture, the National Museum aims to share Kenya’s rich cultural heritage with visitors to the city through a variety of exhibits, including Kenyan art, a hall dedicated to the Kenyan Independence war, and the prehistory of man, among others. You’ll spend approximately an hour and a half here.
Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is a renowned cultural center and tourist village in Lang’ata, Nairobi, established in 1971 to preserve, promote, and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Kenya’s ethnic groups. The word boma translates to “homestead” in Kiswahili. The village offers an interactive “Kenya in miniature” experience through reconstructed traditional homesteads and vibrant performing arts. In addition to re-creations of traditional housing and displays of traditional arts and crafts, your tour will include a fascinating presentation of tribal dance and music that you must not miss out on.
Nairobi national park
Nairobi National Park is Kenya’s oldest national park, that was established in 1946, and globally famous as the only protected wildlife reserve bordering a capital city. Located just 7 kilometres from Nairobi’s central business district, it offers the unique pictorial contrast of wild animals wandering in front of a modern city skyline.
Nairobi National Park, has different wild animals to see which includes; gazelles, warthogs, ostriches, black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, lions, buffaloes, hippos, and over 400 bird species. If you are really lucky, you might see cheetahs and leopards.
Kazuri Beads and Pottery Centre
Kazuri Beads and Pottery Centre is a demonstration of self-determination, creativity and the Kenyan spirit. Kazuri means “small and beautiful” in Swahili. The beads and other ornamentation produced here are truly very beautiful. Originally founded by the late Lady Susan Wood in 1975, she created employment for struggling single mothers in the community. Kazuri Beads Factory is still located in its’ original setting in Karen. So far, the workshop has now employed over 300 local women. Kazuri Beads specialize on Hand Made Ceramic Beads, Pottery and Genuine Leather Bags.
What To Expect on A Nairobi City Tour
A Nairobi city tour offers a vibrant mix of bustling urban life and incredible wildlife, as it is the only city in the world with a national park on its doorstep. Expect a full-day adventure combining cultural landmarks in the Central Business District with world-famous conservation centers.
Where to stay in Nairobi City
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport (5-star comfort right inside the airport boundary with a free shuttle).
Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport
Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport (highly-rated option featuring a rooftop pool with airport views)
Giraffe Manor
An iconic, bucket-list boutique hotel where endangered Rothschild’s giraffes visit you at the breakfast table.
Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi
A secluded, modern forest-view sanctuary tucked away near Gigiri with high-end luxury vibes.
Emara Ole-Sereni
Located near the airport and city, it features balconies with 360-degree views of Nairobi National Park.