Nairobi Safari Holidays & Tours
Join us on a safari holiday to Nairobi
Kenya’s capital Nairobi is a city like no other.
The buzzing metropolis is a centre of culture and commerce while also being home to just over four million Kenyans.
However, it’s not just a thriving urban jungle – Nairobi is well known for having Nairobi National Park just to its south, meaning that you can escape the bustle any time with a trip to see some endangered species in a pristine environment. It’s also handily placed to access several of Kenya’s other incredible national parks and safari locations, meaning a Nairobi safari holiday provides a wealth of cultural and culinary highlights as well as some of the most astounding natural scenery you’ll ever see and the chance to spot incredible wildlife.
With Newmarket Holidays all of the logistics will be planned ahead, so when you arrive in this bustling African city you can focus on diving right into the shimmering sea of street food, live entertainment, and wonderful cultural highlights. Your Nairobi safari is also hassle-free – once you’ve booked, all you need to do is prepare to have an unforgettable experience.
Featured Nairobi safari tours
- 7 Excursions Included, 20 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 7 Airports
- 16 Dates - Mar 2024 - Nov 2025
- 6 Excursions Included, 24 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 1 Airport
- 5 Dates - Oct 2024 - Nov 2025
- 7 Excursions Included, 31 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 7 Airports
- 14 Dates - May 2024 - Oct 2025
- 7 Excursions Included, 40 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 7 Airports
- 14 Dates - May 2024 - Oct 2025
Things to do on a Nairobi safari tour
When it comes to things to do, nothing delivers like a Nairobi holiday. From the awe-inspiring natural highlights that encircle the city to its vibrant, fun core, you’ll be utterly spoiled for choice when you visit, and that’s just taking into account all the big highlights. There are countless unforgettable and authentic experiences dotted throughout the city and in the surrounding areas, meaning that the curious will be rewarded. With that said, there are certain things to do on a Nairobi safari holiday that simply cannot be missed.
Spot impressive animals with skyscrapers in the background
Nairobi National Park might be the only place in the world where you can see incredible, rare animals grazing and hunting with the backdrop of a cityscape. Just a short hop from the centre of Nairobi, the park is fenced on three sides, allowing migrating animals to head out to the vast plains to the south of the city but still creating a boundary between civilisation and the wild. Unforgettable doesn’t even begin to cover the experience of visiting this place.
Get some unique souvenirs
The Maasai aren’t Kenya’s largest group by a longshot, but these nomadic people are known far and wide for their unique lifestyle. A large proportion of them live in Kenya, and in the centre of Nairobi lies the sprawling, colourful Maasai Market, where tourists and locals alike can purchase everything from hand crafted jewellery to locally produced kitchenware, all with a distinctive East African flavour.
Take in the Rift Valley and Masai Mara
Rift Valley has to be seen to be believed. Not only does the natural feature remind you of nature’s awesome power, but it’s also home to Kenya’s most stunning scenery and wildlife. After driving through it you’ll reach Masai Mara, where you can spot the famous wildebeest migration. The list of unique animals you’ll be able to spot is near endless, and includes big cats, buffalo, ostriches, and even elephants.
Things to see on a Nairobi safari holiday
Nairobi is positively bursting with things to see. As Kenya’s largest and most populous city, you’ll never be short of iconic attractions to explore, and with the surrounding wilderness you’re only ever a short drive away from seeing incredible animals like rhinos, elephants, and even lions. With that said, there are some must-visits that should be on everybody’s Nairobi holiday wishlist, whether you’re a culture vulture or more of an intrepid traveller.
Food and drink on a Nairobi safari tour
Where to begin with the food you’ll discover on your Nairobi holiday? From the national staple of ugali, a dense maize porridge that you can tear like bread to use with stews and soups, to the flavourful greens like sukuma wiki, there’s plenty of unique and delicious dishes that you’ll wish you could bring back with you.
Stews and grilled meats are a vital part of food culture in Nairobi, and while there is plenty of seafood it takes a backseat in the capital compared to the coastal regions. There’s also lots of Indian influence in many of the dishes thanks to the huge diaspora, meaning you’re never too far from a delicious chapati and curry.
Although Nairobi has a lot of international venues, it’s best to eat local while you’re here, because then you’ll get the chance to sample the farm-to-table food culture of the country. On safari, you’ll be treated to barbeques, packed lunches, and enough local tea and coffee to never be wanting.
Frequent Nairobi safari questions
Here are a few questions you might have.
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Is Nairobi good for safari?
Nairobi is an ideal base for safari for multiple reasons. Not only does it have Nairobi National Park right on its doorstep, but the capital’s relatively central location means you can get to the best safari locations in Kenya with ease.
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How far is Nairobi from Masai Mara?
Nairobi is around a five hour drive from Masai Mara National Park.
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What is the best month to visit Nairobi?
The best month to visit Nairobi is in July, as the city and area you’ll be going on safari in is at its coolest and driest. Any time during summer in the northern hemisphere should be fine, though.
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What is the closest safari to Nairobi?
Technically the closest safari to Nairobi is Nairobi National Park, just 4 miles from the city. However, if you’re looking for some real wilderness then Hells Gate National Park is around an hour away. Masai Mara, one of the most famous game reserves in the world, is around five hours away.
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How many days should you spend in Nairobi?
With so much to do in and around this thriving, bustling capital, you could spend weeks here. However, we’d recommend at least two full days to explore the city’s cultural highlights, and then another two or three to explore around the capital.
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Is Nairobi safe for tourists?
Nairobi is mostly a safe city, as long as you are careful with your valuables and respectful of locals. Generally speaking the middle of the city is very safe and well lit, although like in many large population centres you may be at risk of pickpocketing.
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