The Only Capital City in the World with a National Park
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is renowned as the world’s wildlife capital. With its café culture, bustling markets, and colonial-era architecture, it’s a cosmopolitan African city pulsating with energy and rooted in history. East Africa’s largest city is also a hub for luxury safari experiences, with numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks located within the city or just outside of it. Its subtropical highlands boast spectacular mountains and lush valleys, as well as vast, grass plains dotted with acacia trees, making it the perfect backdrop for the quintessential African safari destination.
Nairobi’s accommodation embraces the personalized service of a bygone area with high-end, modern amenities. Giraffe Manor, an exclusive boutique hotel with a stately façade, is a bucket-list stay thanks to its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes. While the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel offers luxurious suites with old-world sophistication and elegant, contemporary design, and the five-star Hemingways Nairobi, with its grand balconies overlooking the verdant Ngong hills, provides utmost tranquility and comfort.
Nature is Nairobi’s heartbeat, and the city is the ideal base from which to start a luxury safari.
Nature is Nairobi’s heartbeat, and the city is the ideal base from which to start a luxury safari. Time spent here means that unforgettable, tailored excursions like hikes in hidden, urban forests and marveling black rhino grazing on wide-open grass plains are only a short distance away. Conservation is also at the heart of Nairobi’s wildlife experiences. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Orphanage is one such organization undertaking phenomenal work in rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned, baby elephants and rhinos. Watch quietly as keepers bottle-feed these fledgling giants, and you might receive a mischievous trunk-bump greeting in return.
What is the region known for?
Discover Nairobi, Kenya’s wildlife capital, where luxury accommodations, diverse cuisine, and bespoke safaris await in a vibrant cosmopolitan setting.
Wildlife: Safari Experience
While Nairobi is known as a bustling city, it also offers unique wildlife experiences. In addition, Nairobi National Park, located just outside the city, provides the opportunity to see a range of African wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and buffalo.
Scenic Beauty: Pristine Landscapes
Nairobi is surrounded by beautiful landscapes despite being a bustling metropolis. The Karura Forest, situated in the northern part of the city, offers tranquil walking and biking trails, a waterfall, and local wildlife. The Ngong Hills and nearby Mount Kenya provide stunning mountainous backdrops for scenic views and outdoor activities, adding to the city’s natural beauty.
Luxury Accommodation: Exclusive Retreats
The luxury accommodations available in Nairobi are the perfect complement to a high-end sightseeing and safari experience. Palatial accommodation provides top-class amenities, sumptuous dining, and personalized services that cater to your every need. Soothing spa services and private fine dining in the Capital are the perfect way to end a day of exploration.
Cultural Diversity
Nairobi is a melting pot of cultures, with people from various ethnic backgrounds and nationalities residing in the city. This diversity is reflected in the city’s cuisine, music, art, and festivals. Nairobi is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous art galleries, theaters, and cultural events taking place throughout the year.
Cuisine: Exotic Flavors
Nairobi’s culinary scene offers a variety of flavors. Restaurants such as Carnivore provide a first-class dining experience with their meat-focused menus, including exotic meats like crocodile and ostrich. Talisman and The Lord Erroll offer fine dining experiences with a mix of African, Asian, and European cuisine, while Tatu Restaurant presents a blend of Kenyan and international dishes.
Exclusive Sightseeing
Nairobi offers exclusive sightseeing opportunities beyond its urban environment. Prime attractions include the Karen Blixen Museum, dedicated to the author of “Out of Africa,” and the Nairobi National Park, where visitors can spot African wildlife just outside the city limits. The Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust provide up-close encounters with the orphaned giraffes and elephants.
Wildlife Conservation
Visitors can explore wildlife sanctuaries within the city, such as the Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where they can interact with giraffes and orphaned elephants.
Nairobi journey inspiration
Best of East Africa Safari
Embark on an extraordinary luxury East Africa safari experience, showcasing the highlights of the region. Explore the world-famous Masai Mara, witness the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, and roam the vast plains of the Serengeti Grumeti. This all-inclusive journey offers once-in-a-lifetime moments, including the wildebeest migration, thrilling Big Five safaris, and captivating cultural interactions.
Destinations
MASAI MARA
NGORONGORO CRATER
SERENGETI
Duration
9 NIGHTS
Price from
28,600
Per person sharing
Kenya travel guide
The magic of the Masai Mara
Wide-open plains provide a sanctuary for a plethora of wildlife, sprinkled with acacia trees, the Masai Mara is a renowned destination in East Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Nairobi?
Nairobi can be visited year-round due to its pleasant climate. However, the best time to visit is during the dry seasons, which occur from January to March and July to October. These months offer comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. The wet seasons, from April to June and November to December, bring lush greenery that comes with the annual rainfall in the region. Nairobi’s high altitude results in cooler temperatures compared to other parts of Kenya, so it’s advisable to pack layers for the varying weather conditions
What wildlife can be seen in Nairobi?
Nairobi National Park is home to a host of African wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope. The Giraffe Centre allows visitors to interact with and feed the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust provides the chance to witness baby elephants being rehabilitated before their release into the wild. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy spotting over 550 species in Nairobi National Park, including ostriches, secretary birds, and colorful migratory birds.
What are the most luxurious accommodations available in Nairobi?
Nairobi offers exclusive retreats and luxury accommodations for discerning travelers. Hemingways Nairobi is among the best, 5-star-rated hotels in the city. There are many others including Giraffe Manor, an iconic boutique hotel that provides a luxurious experience and a chance to interact with the resident giraffes. The Palacina is a family-owned hotel that gives guests the choice between luxury suites and apartments. Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi is a 5-star hotel, which boasts its seamless blend of European luxury and Kenyan hospitality.
What kind of terrain can be expected in Nairobi?
Nairobi’s terrain is diverse, ranging from the urban landscape of the city center to the surrounding natural areas. While the city itself is mostly flat, it is surrounded by hills and mountains, including the Ngong Hills and Mount Kenya. These natural features offer stunning backdrops and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, safari game drives and nature walks.
What are some activities and attractions in Nairobi?
Nairobi offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Wildlife enthusiasts can embark on game drives and guided walks in Nairobi National Park, where they can encounter diverse African wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras. They can also learn more about the animal conservation initiatives in and around the city.
It’s not all about wildlife, Kenya has a rich cultural history, which you can experience at several locations in Nairobi. There’s the Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park that celebrates Kenya’s independence. The Nairobi Gallery showcases various artifacts from the personal collection of the late Vice President and curator of African Heritage, Joseph Murumbi.
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