Nairobi tours and excursions

Nairobi tours

Bird-watching tours

Nature Kenya organises bird-watching walks from the National Museum every Wednesday. Without leaving Nairobi's city limits, you can expect to see black kites, Marabou storks, sacred ibises, hornbills, bee-eaters and sunbirds. Nature Kenya also run weekend nature walks, including a very popular dudu (insect) crawl.

Tel: +254 20 374 6090.
Website: http://www.naturekenya.org

Walking tours

Several agencies offer walking tours of Nairobi's city centre with a local guide, visiting the Parliament buildings, the city market and the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), Nairobi's signature building, which offers stunning views towards Nairobi National Park from its rooftop helipad. Try East Africa Shuttles on Muindi Mbingu Street or Uniglobe Let's Go Travel, which has offices on Waiyaki Way in Westlands and in the Crossroads Shopping Centre in Karen.

Tel: +254 20 224 8453; +254 20 444 7151
Website: http://www.uniglobeletsgotravel.com

Nairobi excursions

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

On a plot in Nairobi National Park, this private charitable trust cares for orphaned elephants and rhinos, rescued from poachers or saved after being abandoned by their parents. It is the world's leading bank of expertise on hand-rearing these large herbivores, using a specially created milk formula. Each orphaned youngster receives 24-hour care from an amazingly dedicated team of keepers. Once healthy and old enough, the orphans are rehabilitated and returned to the wild. It is possible to visit the trust for an hour daily and see the young animals up close, a truly heart-warming experience.

Tel: +254 20 230 1396
Website: http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

Nairobi National Park

The nearest national park to Nairobi starts just 7km (4 miles) from the railway station – you can even see big game from some of the taller buildings in the centre. Covering 117 sq km (44 sq miles) of marshland and savannah, Nairobi National Park is home to black rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyena, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and over 400 species of birds. In July and August, this surprisingly accessible, underrated park is also the setting for the second largest migration of wildebeest and zebras in Kenya. It's easy to arrange an independent trip in a hired vehicle, but most safari agents offer half-day safaris.

Tel: +254 20 242 3423
Website: http://www.kws.go.ke

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Hotel Ambassadeur Nairobi

Standards have slipped slightly since the days when this tall tower hosted politicians and presidents, but it's still a cut above the competition. The comfortable rooms are well appointed, and there's a good bar and restaurant. It's a popular venue in Nairobi for weddings and conferences, so book ahead.

Sarova Stanley

One of the most historic hotels in Nairobi, the Sarova Stanley first opened its doors in 1902, and boasts a rich history of famous former guests, among them Ernest Hemingway. Rooms are well appointed and soundproof, and there's a gym, sauna, rooftop pool and bar. Don't miss out on the legendary Thorn Tree Cafe either, a travellers' haunt since British times.

Nairobi Serena Hotel

One of the more elegant options in Nairobi, this sophisticated place draws on influences from across Africa, and the interiors are full of tribal sculptures, textiles and wooden furniture. The spotless rooms have marble bathrooms and views over the grounds and lush gardens. There is also a swimming pool, health club and shops. Although the hotel itself is very secure, adjacent Central Park and Uhuru Park are not safe to walk around at night.

Central YMCA

This is a well-appointed, central hostel in Nairobi. Good-value rooms, reasonable food, swimming pool, tennis courts and an aerobics studio make this feel more like a small hotel, and you don't have to be male or Christian to stay here.

Sentrim 680 Hotel

This reasonably priced mid-range hotel in Nairobi is in a decent location. It is a bit shabby and not much to look at, but is safe, has clean rooms with en-suite bathrooms, useful facilities, a restaurant and its own bar. Rooms facing the main road can cop a bit of noise, so ask for one at the back.

Upper Hill Campsite

Part campsite for overland groups, part backpacker hostel, this expansive place is a hike from the centre of Nairobi, but it makes up for this with excellent facilities. Staff can organise all sorts of safaris and excursions, and the spacious, secure compound has its own bar, restaurant and games room.

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