Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya, is not just a bustling metropolis; it is also surrounded by some of the most stunning natural landscapes and cultural sites in East Africa. These locations make for perfect day trips, whether you’re looking to escape the city’s hustle, explore wildlife, immerse yourself in culture, or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery. In this guide, we’ll explore 13 of the best day trips from Nairobi, detailing who each trip is best suited for, what to expect, how long it takes to get there, and the activities you can enjoy. In the end, we’ll highlight the best overall day trip based on the criteria discussed.
1. Nairobi National Park
Who It’s Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts, families with children, photographers
What to Expect: Nairobi National Park is unique as it is located just a short distance from Nairobi’s city center, making it one of the easiest day trips. This park offers an authentic safari experience, where you can see a variety of animals, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos, all against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Travel Time: 30 minutes from the city center
Activities:
- Game drives: Ideal for spotting wildlife early in the morning or late afternoon.
- Safari walks: A more intimate way to explore the park and its smaller creatures.
- Bird watching: With over 400 species of birds, this is a haven for bird lovers.
- Visit the Ivory Burning Site Monument: Learn about Kenya’s conservation efforts.
2. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Who It’s Best For: Families with young children, conservationists, animal lovers
What to Expect: The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a world-renowned elephant orphanage that rescues and rehabilitates baby elephants. Visitors can watch the adorable elephants during their feeding and mud-bathing sessions, making it a heartwarming experience.
Travel Time: 45 minutes from the city center
Activities:
- Elephant feeding: Observe and even interact with baby elephants during their feeding times.
- Adopt an elephant: Support conservation efforts by adopting an orphaned elephant.
- Learn about conservation: Educational talks provide insight into elephant conservation.
3. Giraffe Centre
Who It’s Best For: Families with children, animal lovers, photographers
What to Expect: The Giraffe Centre is home to the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Visitors can feed and interact with these gentle giants, making it an ideal trip for families and those interested in conservation.
Travel Time: 45 minutes from the city center
Activities:
- Feeding giraffes: Experience the thrill of feeding giraffes from a raised platform.
- Nature trail: Take a walk through the adjacent nature trail to spot birds and smaller wildlife.
- Educational talks: Learn about giraffe conservation and efforts to protect this endangered species.
4. Karura Forest
Who It’s Best For: Nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts, families, couples
What to Expect: Karura Forest is an urban forest offering a serene escape from the city’s noise. The forest is well-maintained and offers a variety of activities such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking.
Travel Time: 20 minutes from the city center
Activities:
- Hiking and walking trails: Explore over 50 kilometers of trails, including a beautiful waterfall.
- Cycling: Rent a bike and ride through the forest’s designated paths.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a peaceful picnic in one of the many designated areas.
- Visit the caves and waterfall: Discover hidden gems within the forest.
5. Ngong Hills
Who It’s Best For: Adventure seekers, hikers, fitness enthusiasts
What to Expect: The Ngong Hills offer a challenging yet rewarding hike with panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley on one side and Nairobi on the other. This is a perfect trip for those who enjoy outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes.
Travel Time: 1 hour from the city center
Activities:
- Hiking: Tackle the undulating hills, with each peak offering stunning views.
- Photography: Capture the picturesque scenery of the valley and surrounding landscapes.
- Picnicking: Settle down at the summit for a well-earned picnic with a view.
6. Hell’s Gate National Park
Who It’s Best For: Adventure lovers, cyclists, nature enthusiasts, families
What to Expect: Hell’s Gate National Park is known for its dramatic landscapes, including towering cliffs, gorges, and geothermal hot springs. The park offers a unique experience where visitors can walk or cycle among wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and buffalo.
Travel Time: 2 hours from Nairobi
Activities:
- Cycling: Rent a bike and cycle through the park’s trails, a thrilling way to explore.
- Rock climbing: Scale the famous Fischer’s Tower or the park’s cliffs.
- Gorge walks: Explore the park’s stunning gorges with a guide.
- Wildlife viewing: Spot animals on foot or by bike.
7. Lake Naivasha
Who It’s Best For: Bird watchers, nature lovers, photographers, families
What to Expect: Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. The lake is home to a large population of hippos and over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours from Nairobi
Activities:
- Boat rides: Take a boat ride to see hippos up close and enjoy bird watching.
- Crescent Island: Walk among wildlife on this peaceful island within the lake.
- Bird watching: Spot a variety of birds, including fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers.
- Visit nearby attractions: Combine your trip with a visit to Hell’s Gate National Park or Crater Lake.
8. Mount Longonot
Who It’s Best For: Experienced hikers, adventure seekers, nature lovers
What to Expect: Mount Longonot is a dormant stratovolcano that offers a challenging hike with rewarding views from the crater rim. The hike is demanding but provides a sense of accomplishment as you take in the panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley.
Travel Time: 2 hours from Nairobi
Activities:
- Hiking: The main activity is the hike up to the crater rim, which takes about 4 to 5 hours round trip.
- Crater rim walk: For the adventurous, you can walk around the entire crater rim.
- Wildlife viewing: Spot animals such as zebras, giraffes, and antelopes within the park.
9. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Who It’s Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts, families, conservationists
What to Expect: Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a premier wildlife sanctuary known for its pioneering conservation efforts, including being home to the last two northern white rhinos on earth. The conservancy offers a rich wildlife experience and is an ideal day trip for those passionate about conservation.
Travel Time: 3 hours from Nairobi
Activities:
- Game drives: Enjoy a safari experience with opportunities to see the Big Five.
- Visit the chimpanzee sanctuary: Learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of chimpanzees.
- Rhino encounters: See the last two northern white rhinos and learn about the efforts to save this species.
- Night game drives: For a different experience, consider a night game drive to see nocturnal animals.
10. Kiambethu Tea Farm
Who It’s Best For: History buffs, tea lovers, families, couples
What to Expect: Kiambethu Tea Farm is one of Kenya’s oldest tea farms, offering a glimpse into the history of tea production in Kenya. Visitors can tour the farm, learn about the tea-making process, and enjoy a relaxing day in the cool highlands.
Travel Time: 1 hour from Nairobi
Activities:
- Farm tour: Learn about the history of tea in Kenya and see how tea is grown and processed.
- Tea tasting: Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea while overlooking the lush tea fields.
- Walk through indigenous forest: Explore the surrounding forest with a guide to learn about the local flora and fauna.
- Lunch in the garden: Enjoy a traditional Kenyan meal in the serene garden setting.
11. The Great Rift Valley
Who It’s Best For: Geology enthusiasts, nature lovers, photographers
What to Expect: The Great Rift Valley is a stunning geological feature that offers breathtaking views and numerous activities. A day trip here allows visitors to appreciate the valley’s vastness and explore some of its highlights, such as lakes, craters, and viewpoints.
Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours from Nairobi
Activities:
- Photography: Capture the dramatic landscapes and panoramic views of the valley.
- Hiking: Explore trails around various lakes and craters within the valley.
- Visit lakes and hot springs: Visit Lake Elementaita, Lake Nakuru, or the hot springs at Lake Bogoria.
- Bird watching: The valley is a haven for bird species, especially flamingos.
12. Amboseli National Park
Who It’s Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers
What to Expect: Amboseli National Park is famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its large herds of elephants. It is one of the best places in Kenya to see these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat. The park also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, with the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro providing a dramatic backdrop.
Travel Time: 4 hours from Nairobi
Activities:
- Game drives: Spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, and a variety of other wildlife.
- Photography: Capture the iconic images of wildlife with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
- Bird watching: Amboseli is home to over 400 bird species, including pelicans, kingfishers, and crakes.
- Cultural visits: Visit a Maasai village to learn about the local culture and traditions.
13. Lake Nakuru National Park
Who It’s Best For: Bird watchers, wildlife photographers, families, nature lovers
What to Expect: Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned for its vast flocks of flamingos that famously line the shores of Lake Nakuru, creating a pink-hued spectacle. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and leopards, making it a great destination for both bird watching and wildlife viewing.
Travel Time: 2.5 to 3 hours from Nairobi
Activities:
- Bird watching: Witness thousands of flamingos and other bird species, making it a birder’s paradise.
- Game drives: Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and spot animals like rhinos, lions, and buffalo.
- Visit Makalia Falls: A picturesque waterfall located within the park, perfect for photography.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic by the lake while surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.
Choosing the Best Day Trip from Nairobi
Each of these day trips offers a unique experience, catering to different interests and preferences. However, if we were to choose one “best” day trip based on accessibility, the diversity of activities, and the overall experience, Amboseli Day Trip stands out as the top pick.
Why Amboseli National Park is the Best Day Trip
Stunning Scenery: Amboseli National Park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, dominated by the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The sight of wildlife roaming freely against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountain is an iconic image that captures the essence of African safaris. The park’s open plains, swamps, and acacia woodlands create a diverse and picturesque setting that enhances the overall experience.
Close Wildlife Encounters: Amboseli is famous for its large herds of elephants, often seen in close proximity to visitors. The elephants here are known for their tolerance of vehicles, allowing for intimate viewing and photography opportunities. In addition to elephants, the park is home to a variety of other wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and giraffes, making it a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts.
Cultural Experience: A visit to Amboseli also offers the chance to interact with the local Maasai community. The Maasai people, with their vibrant traditions and customs, add a rich cultural dimension to the day trip. Visiting a Maasai village provides insights into their way of life, traditional dances, and crafts, making your trip both educational and memorable.
Photography Opportunities: Amboseli is a paradise for photographers. The combination of abundant wildlife, diverse landscapes, and the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro offers unparalleled opportunities for capturing stunning images. The park’s unique light, especially during sunrise and sunset, creates dramatic and beautiful scenes that are a photographer’s dream.
Accessible Yet Remote: Although it’s a bit further from Nairobi compared to some other day trips (around 4 hours by road), Amboseli’s remoteness contributes to its appeal. The journey itself is an adventure, taking you through scenic landscapes and rural communities. Upon arrival, the park’s expansive wilderness offers a true sense of escape from the city’s hustle, making the effort to get there well worth it.
Variety of Activities: Amboseli offers more than just wildlife viewing. Visitors can engage in bird watching, enjoy a picnic in the wild, or explore the park’s swamps and observation points for panoramic views. The park’s ecosystem, which includes five different habitats, ensures that every visit is filled with diverse and exciting experiences.
Conservation Success Story: Amboseli is also a testament to successful conservation efforts. The park is managed in a way that balances the needs of wildlife with those of the local communities, making it a model for sustainable tourism. Visitors to Amboseli not only enjoy an exceptional safari experience but also contribute to the ongoing conservation of this unique environment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist visiting Nairobi, these 13 day trips provide a wonderful escape into the natural and cultural wonders surrounding the city. From the wild savannas of Amboseli to the tranquil tea plantations of Kiambethu, there’s a trip here to suit every taste and interest.