There are so many fabulous things to do in and around Nairobi! Should you check out a nature reserve? How about a day on the coast of Mombasa? It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices. Here is an easy guide to the best day trip locations in Nairobi.
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Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya. The reserve is famous for its incredible wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras, as well as its breathtaking scenery. Take a guided game drive to see the animals and enjoy the spectacular views. Or, go on a hot air balloon safari for a truly unique experience.
Maasai Mara also offers a range of cultural experiences, including visits to Maasai villages. If time permits, take part in traditional dance performances, enjoy a bush dinner, or even participate in a Maasai ceremony. Here are some great tours to Maasai Mara from Nairobi:
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is located just a few minutes from the city center. This is a popular destination for those looking for a quick and easy escape. The park is home to lions, leopards, buffalos, and more. Nairobi National Park is unique in that it is located only 7 km from city center. So, you can literally see wildlife with a city scape backdrop. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is really just a glorified zoo. The animals run (and hunt) wild here. The park is fenced on three sides to protect the city, the open southern boundary allows migrating wildlife to move between the park and the adjacent Kitengela plains.
There is also a park museum that offers a fascinating look at the history and ecology of the area. Take time for a little bird watching. You can see some of the more than 400 species of birds that live in the park. Take a guided game drive or go on a walking safari to see the wildlife. Hungry? You can even enjoy a picnic in the park.
Nairobi National Park is the easiest day trip destination in Kenya and a great way to squeeze in a fabulous game drive on your trip to Nairobi. Guided morning game drive tours are often combined with tours to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center for a full day experience. Here are some tour options:
- Nairobi National Park Half Day Tour
- Early Morning Nairobi National Park, Elephant Orphanage, & Giraffe Center Private Tour
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is a popular destination for those looking for a true wilderness experience. The park is home to elephants, lions, and buffalo. Take a guided game drive, go on a walking safari to see the wildlife, or enjoy a picnic in the park. There are a number of lodges and campsites in the park. Extend your stay to spend a night in the wilderness and wake up to the sounds of the African bush. One tour option is the Ol Donyo Sabuk Private Hiking Tour.
Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is known for its unique geothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, and steam vents. Take a guided hike through the park to see these incredible geological wonders, or go rock climbing and abseiling in the park’s many cliffs and gorges. In addition to its geological wonders, Hell’s Gate is also home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons and buffalo. There are also a number of lodges and campsites in the park if you want to extend your stay. If you like biking, take the Hell’s Gate National Park Private Bike Tour.
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake just a few hours from Nairobi. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and is home to hippos, buffalo, and a variety of bird species. Take a boat tour to see the animals, or go on a guided hike through the nearby forests.
In addition to its stunning scenery and rich wildlife, Lake Naivasha is also famous for its flower farms. Take a tour of one of the many flower farms that surround the lake. Here you can learn about the process of growing and exporting flowers to countries around the world.
This tour combines two of our Nairobi day trip options in one: Lake Naivasha and Hells Gate!
Mount Longonot National Park
Mount Longonot National Park offers visitors the chance to hike up one of the most spectacular volcanoes in Kenya. The hike to the top of the mountain takes several hours and is strenuous, but the views from the top are truly breathtaking. At the summit, you can see the crater of the volcano, as well as the surrounding countryside. The park is also home to baboons and buffalo. Book this Private Tour to Mount Longonot & Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha to experience the park.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is known for its incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs.
You will see herds of elephants throughout the park as well as hippos and rhinos. Take a guided game drive or go on a walking safari to see the wildlife. This is another great place to visit a Maasai village and is a favorite day trip destination from Nairobi. Book the Amboseli Private Day Tour for complete control over your itinerary.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its incredible bird watching opportunities. The park is home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks. Take a guided game drive to see the park’s other wildlife, including lions, leopards, and buffalos. There are also a number of lodges and campsites in the park if you want to extend your stay. Get there by booking the Lake Nakuru National Park Private Tour.
Mount Kenya National Park
Enjoy a scenic hike through bamboo and rosewood forests and heather meadows and cross the equator at Mount Kenya National Park. Just a few hours from Nairobi, Mount Kenya National Park is a hiker’s paradise. The stunningly beautiful trail is quite an ascent to the two tallest peaks, Nelion and Batian. Book the Hike Mt. Kenya tour to experience it.
The park itself is a pristine wilderness with lakes, glaciers, springs, forests, and an abundance of rare and endangered wildlife. Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.
Aberdare National Park
The Aberdare National Park is a protected area in the Aberdare Mountain Range in central Kenya just east of the East African Rift Valley. Known for its steep forested ravines and open moorland, it is a wonderful habitat for elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, baboons, and other wildlife. It is home to the second largest herd of black rhinos in Africa, making it much more likely to see this elusive creature.
History lovers will note that Queen Elizabeth II honeymooned in the famous Treetop Hotel in Aberdale National Park. It is here that she received word about her father’s death and essentially became the Queen of England.
The Aberdale National Park Tour will take you there.
What are you waiting for? Get packing!
These top day trips from Nairobi are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the incredible experiences that await you in Kenya. So be sure to take advantage of all that this incredible country has to offer. Venture beyond Nairobi and explore at least some of the many amazing day trip destinations.
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