Xtreme Republic

Best of Nairobi City Excursion — 1 Day Tour

Overview

Discover the vibrant heart of Kenya on our 1-Day Nairobi City Excursion the perfect way to experience the very best of Nairobi in a single, unforgettable day. From the wild plains of Africa's only in-city national park to the gentle giants at the elephant orphanage, the graceful Rothschild giraffes, a legendary Nyama Choma feast, and a spot of souvenir shopping, this tour packs the full spirit of Nairobi into one seamless journey.

You'll be immersed in the city's rich culture, wildlife, and history as you move between four of its most iconic landmarks: Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, the Giraffe Centre, and the world-famous Carnivore Restaurant. Along the way, you'll also stop at a local craft market or mall to pick up authentic, handmade Kenyan souvenirs because few places on earth make gifts as beautiful as Kenya does.

This excursion is ideal for travelers with limited time in the capital, those on a layover, or anyone craving a true "urban safari" experience without leaving the city limits. Every detail pace, meals, and stops can be tailored to your preferences.

Tour snapshot

Duration:
7 Days

Location:
Nairobi

Tour Type:
City & Culture

Itinerary

6:00 AM

Pick-Up from Your Hotel or Residence

Your professional driver-guide will meet you bright and early in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle, ready for a full day of adventure across Nairobi.

6:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Morning Game Drive at Nairobi National Park

Kick off the day with a thrilling game drive through the only national park located within a capital city anywhere in the world. Watch for lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and over 100 mammal species, all set against the striking backdrop of the Nairobi skyline. Early morning is prime wildlife-viewing time, when animals are most active and the light is at its best for photography.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage

Witness one of Kenya's most heartwarming experiences: rescued baby elephants enjoying their daily mud bath and public feeding. Learn firsthand about the Trust's decades of conservation work, hear the individual rescue stories of the orphans, and discover how you can virtually adopt an elephant to support their care.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Lunch at Carnivore Restaurant

Refuel with a legendary Nyama Choma (meat feast) at the world-famous Carnivore Grounds, a Nairobi institution since 1980. Waiters carve skewers of succulent, chargrilled meats tableside until you signal you're done by lowering your "flag." Vegetarian and vegan options are available on request.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Visit the Giraffe Centre

Get up close with the endangered Rothschild giraffe at this dedicated conservation and breeding sanctuary. Step onto the raised feeding platform to hand-feed — and even "kiss" — a giraffe at eye level, while learning about the species and the Centre's role in protecting it for future generations.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Shopping at a Local Craft Market

6:00 PM

Drop-Off at Your Hotel or Residence

Sit back and relax on the comfortable ride back to your accommodation, wrapping up a day full of wildlife encounters, culture, great food, and unforgettable photos.

Map

Tour Route

Stops: 2

Route: Active

FAQs about Best of Nairobi City Excursion — 1 Day Tour

How long does the Best of Nairobi City Excursion take?

The tour runs for approximately 12 hours, starting with a 6:00 AM hotel pick-up and ending with a 6:00 PM drop-off. The exact timing can be adjusted slightly depending on your hotel's location and traffic conditions.

What is included in the price of the tour?

The tour typically includes private 4x4 transport with a driver-guide, entry fees to Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Centre, a donation-based entry to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and lunch at Carnivore Restaurant. Personal expenses, souvenirs, and gratuities are usually not included

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes. While this itinerary showcases the best of Nairobi in one day, we're happy to adjust the pace, swap stops, or extend the tour into a multi-day experience based on your interests and schedule.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?

Absolutely. It's an easy-paced tour with no strenuous walking, making it suitable for families with children and older travelers. Vehicles are comfortable, and stops are well spaced with breaks in between.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, we recommend booking at least 2–3 days ahead, since the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage has a strict public visiting window (11:00 AM–12:00 PM) and Carnivore Restaurant can get busy, especially during high season.

What animals can I see at Nairobi National Park?

The park is home to lions, black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hyenas, and over 400 bird species. It's one of the few places in the world where you can spot big game with a city skyline in the background.

Why is Nairobi National Park unique compared to other parks in Kenya?

It's the only national park located entirely within a capital city's boundaries, offering a true "urban safari" experience just minutes from downtown Nairobi.

What happens at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?

Visitors watch rescued baby elephants during their public mud bath and milk-feeding session, while keepers share the individual rescue stories of each orphan and explain the Trust's rehabilitation and release program

Can I adopt an elephant at the orphanage?

Yes, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offers a "Foster an Orphan" virtual adoption program, which helps fund the care, milk, and veterinary support for the rescued elephants.

What kind of food is served at Carnivore Restaurant?

Carnivore is famous for its all-you-can-eat Nyama Choma experience, featuring skewers of grilled beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and sometimes game meats like ostrich, carved tableside. Vegetarian and vegan menus are also available on request.

Is Carnivore Restaurant good for vegetarians?

Yes, despite its meat-focused reputation, Carnivore offers a dedicated vegetarian menu with grilled vegetables and plant-based dishes for non-meat eaters.

What is the Giraffe Centre known for?

The Giraffe Centre is a conservation sanctuary dedicated to protecting the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Visitors can hand-feed giraffes from a raised wooden platform, offering a rare, up-close encounter.

Is it safe to feed or touch the giraffes at the Giraffe Centre?

Yes, the giraffes are habituated to visitors and the platform is designed for safe, close interaction, including feeding pellets directly from your hand or lips.

What can I buy at the craft market or mall stop?

At Kazuri Beads or the Utamaduni Craft Centre, you'll find handmade jewelry, wood carvings, batiks, baskets, and other authentic Kenyan crafts made by local artisans. Galleria Mall offers a more modern shopping experience with retail stores and cafés.

Are the craft markets fair trade or locally made?

Kazuri Beads and Utamaduni Craft Centre both work directly with local artisan cooperatives, meaning your purchase supports Kenyan craftspeople and their communities directly.