Nairobi
Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya and the capital. It’s also the regional commercial center. Nairobi is the first point of call for a tour in Kenya. It houses Nairobi National Park, the one of a kind park located within a city the only one in the world.
Excursions around Nairobi
Nairobi National Park - "The World's Wildlife Capital"
Located only 7Km from the city Centre, Nairobi National Park is a unique ecosystem by being the only protected area in the world close to a capital city. You don’t need to leave the city for a safari adventure, it has it all. Over 50 species of mammals can be found here including four of the “Big Five” (lions, leopards, buffalo and black rhinos), with the exception of elephants. The park has a rich and diverse range of birdlife with 400 species recorded, however all species are not always present and some are seasonal.
Nairobi Animal Orphanage
The Nairobi Animal Orphanage was set up to offer rehabilitation and shelter to wild animals that were orphaned or badly injured. Most of the animals are returned to the wild once they are fully recovered. Visitors to the orphanage therefore get the chance to see a wide variety of animals including leopards, chimpanzees, lions and a variety of antelope species.
Nairobi Safari Walk
Taking a walking adventure in Nairobi Safari Walk is an exciting activity. It’s a great way to experience African wildlife and nature on foot. Some unique plants and animals that are locally extinct or threatened, such as the rare bongo, white rhino, albino zebra, and a collection of cats, antelopes and primates can be observed.
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Located just outside the Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage was established in memory of David, a pioneer conservationist in Kenya. The orphanage caters for the welfare of orphaned Elephants who are raised in the sanctuary and eventually released back to the wild. The special care is so intense that they have to sleep with their keepers just like in the wild whilst with their mother. All the elephant orphans raised by the Trust are gradually rehabilitated back into the wild elephant community of Tsavo National Park when grown, a transition that is made at their own pace and in their own time. The wildlife trust opens doors at 11.00am and closes at 12.00am.
Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is a sanctuary for the rare and protected Rothschild Giraffe, one of the 3 races of giraffes found in Kenya. Both adults and children delight at being able to touch, and feed by hand the beautiful giraffes that live in the private reserve of the Giraffe Manor. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with giraffes and take great pictures as well.
Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is a must visit to all visitors. Situated 10 km from Nairobi city center, Bomas of Kenya lets you see the wonderful diversity of cultures that make up this fascinating country. At Bomas different aspects of Kenyan culture are displayed including living styles, crafts, music and dancing. The word Bomas was derived from “Boma”-a Swahili word for enclosed homestead and there are now many different “Bomas”, each one representing one of Kenya’s major ethnic groups. If you are in a hurry and you want to experience a cross-section of all the cultures that Kenya has to offer, you cannot afford to miss the most exciting traditional dances and acrobatic shows. Hours: (Traditional Village – weekends and public holidays 10am-6pm) (Cultural Dances – Mon-Fri 2:30-4 pm, weekends and public holidays 3:30-5:15 pm)
Karen Blixen Museum
This tour includes a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, 2 hours of studying the life and history of the famous Karen Blixen the author of the popular book “Out of Africa”. Karen Blixen Museum is the former home of the famous Out of Africa author. She lived in the house from 1917 to 1931 where she ran a coffee plantation. Today, visitors can tour the well-preserved colonial farmhouse, a kitchen in a separate building, a coffee-drying plant in the woodland, and an agricultural college on the grounds. Furniture that belonged to Karen Blixen and her husband is on display, as well as photographs, and books owned by Karen and her lover, Denys Finch Hatton. Enthusiastic guides bring the story of Karen Blixen and colonial Kenya to life.
Kazuri Beads Factory
Kazuri Beads Factory – KAZURI, which means “small and beautiful” in Swahili, began in 1975 as a tiny workshop experimenting on making handmade beads. The factory is located in what used to be part of the Karen Blixen Estate. Buy original souvenirs from self-help women projects where hand-made ceramics and jewelries are produced.
Carnivore Experience - Lunch/Dinner
Nairobi Carnivore Experience Kenya is ranked among the top 50 Restaurants in the world; the famous Carnivore is a must for anyone who loves Barbeque. This is a Barbeque with a difference in that not only do they serve your normal beef, pork and chicken but Game meat as well. Giraffe, Gnu, Zebra, Crocodile, Hartebeest and Ostrich are some of the specials that you will find on the menu; hence dubbed “the meat eaters” paradise. The meat is roasted on traditional Maasai swords (skewers) over a huge charcoal pit which dominates the entrance of the restaurant. It also offers a vegetarian menu with a wide range of salads and vegetables, along with exotic sauces. The meal is an excellent complement to a holiday especially as a welcome or farewell dinner.
Panoramic city tour followed by a visit to the national museum and snake park
The drive-by tour gives you the chance to see some of Nairobi’s more interesting landmarks, such as the City Market, the Parliament buildings and Mausoleum of Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta and the City Square where you can climb the Kenyatta International Conference Centre Tower for a better view of Nairobi. Some time is spent at the renovated Nairobi National Museum, where there are interesting and varied displays of early man, tribal regalia and flora and fauna of Kenya. The tour also includes a visit to the adjacent Snake Park which has impressive examples of some of the region’s more interesting reptile species, including cobras, vipers, adders, pythons and the 3 mamba species. There is also a small aquarium, with both marine and freshwater animals on exhibit.