How to Experience Wildlife in the Green City in the Sun
If you’re short on time in Kenya but still want to experience the magic of safari, Nairobi is the perfect place. Known as the “Green City in the Sun,” Nairobi is the only capital city in the world that borders a national park, making it possible to enjoy a full wildlife adventure in just one day.
This guide is based on my own experience from dozens of personal safari trips, as well as years of taking visitors around Nairobi and Kenya. This itinerary is designed to give you a smooth, fun, and affordable way to experience the best of a Nairobi Safari.
Why Choose a Nairobi Safari?
Unlike other safari destinations in Kenya that require long drives or internal flights, Nairobi offers a truly unique opportunity. Within minutes of leaving your hotel, you can be face-to-face with lions, rhinos, giraffes, and more. All of this incredible wildlife is set against the surreal backdrop of the Nairobi city skyline.
And it’s not just about Nairobi National Park. The surrounding Karen and Langata areas are filled with conservation centers, wildlife sanctuaries, and cultural attractions, making it possible to enjoy a complete safari day trip without leaving the city.
Your Nairobi Safari Itinerary
Here’s a full one-day plan to make the most of your Nairobi adventure.
5:30 am – Early Start
Safari days always begin early. Set your alarm, grab a quick coffee, and be ready to leave by 5:30 am. The earlier you get to the park, the better your chances of spotting predators before the day heats up. To speed things up, I would suggest preparing a quick breakfast or even a picnic breakfast the night before.
6:00 am – Enter Nairobi National Park
Head to the main Langata Road gate as soon as it opens. From 6 am until mid-morning, you’ll have the best chance to spot lions hunting, rhinos grazing, and herds of zebra and giraffe moving across the plains.
There are plenty of reasons why Nairobi National Park is one of the key places to visit on any trip to Nairobi:
- Wide variety of wildlife including lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and crocodile
- The best rhino sanctuary in Kenya with over 100 rhinos
- Stunning photos of wildlife with Nairobi’s skyline in the background
Important Tip: Tickets must be booked in advance via the KWS eCitizen platform. Entry costs $43 for adults and $22 for children. This ticket is also required for the next stop at the Sheldrick elephant nursery, hence why it is worth visiting Nairobi National Park as well.
Spend about 4 hours game driving through the park before heading to your next stop. Some great spots to visit to look for animals or enjoy the views are the Mokoyeti River, Hyena Dam and Impala Observation Point.
10:30 am – Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery
Exit the park at Banda Gate and make your way to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. This world-famous conservation project rescues and rehabilitates orphaned baby elephants. The public session runs daily from 11 am – 12 pm (except Christmas Day), where you’ll watch the elephants being bottle-fed, splashing in mud baths, and playing with each other.
Important Tip: Tickets must be reserved in advance by contacting them through the SWT website. They cost $20 per adult and $5 for children under 12. You’ll also need a valid Nairobi National Park entry ticket, so plan your morning game drive accordingly.
12:30 pm – Lunch in Langata
By now, you’ll be ready for a good meal. The Langata and Karen areas are packed with great restaurants:
- Karen Blixen Garden Restaurant – historic, beautiful, and a great cultural experience. It may be a bit more of an expensive option.
- Matbronze Wildlife Gallery Café – set in a tranquil sculpture garden, perfect for lunch or afternoon tea.
- The Hub or Galleria Mall – for casual dining, including local favourites like Java House and ArtCafé.
1:30 pm – The Giraffe Centre
After lunch, head to the Giraffe Centre. This sanctuary for endangered Rothschild giraffes gives you the chance to feed them by hand from a raised walkway. It’s a family-friendly, interactive stop that also supports important conservation work.
- Open daily 9 am – 5 pm
- Entry: 1500 Ksh ($12) for adults / 750 Ksh ($6) for children
3:00 pm – Afternoon Options
To round off your Nairobi safari day, you have a few great options to pick from:
- Nairobi Animal Orphanage – Located at the KWS headquarters, this facility rescues and rehabilitates orphaned or injured wildlife. Entry: $22 adults / $13 children.
- Mamba Village – See crocodiles and other reptiles up close. This has gone a little downhill in recent years due to poor management. So be advised that it is not as well maintained or as impressive experience as the Giraffe Centre or Elephant Orphanage.
- Galleria Mall Maasai Market – Perfect for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
5:00 pm – Sundowners with a View
There’s no better way to finish your Nairobi Safari than with a sunset drink overlooking the park. Several hotels sit right on the park boundary and offer incredible views:
- Ole Sereni – A rooftop bar with panoramic views of Nairobi National Park.
- The Panari Hotel Sky Lounge – An excellent sunset spot overlooking the park.
- Fifteen Rooftop – A stylish and modern bar with savannah views
Stay for dinner and soak in the last moments of your safari day before heading back to your accommodation.
How to Get Around Nairobi for Your Safari
The best option is to hire a private safari vehicle with an experienced guide. Public transport isn’t practical for this itinerary, and using taxis for each stop quickly adds up. A safari vehicle also gives you better visibility inside Nairobi National Park.
If you prefer something hassle-free, companies on platforms like GetYourGuide offer full-day Nairobi safari tours (often including tickets and bookings), though they usually come at a premium.
For shorter transfers outside the park, apps like Uber work well and are widely available.
Final Thoughts on a Nairobi Safari Day Trip
A Nairobi Safari is the perfect way to experience Kenya’s wildlife if you’re short on time. In just one day, you can:
- Spot lions, rhinos, and giraffes in Nairobi National Park
- Visit orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- Feed giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
- Explore cultural, shopping, or conservation experiences in Karen and Langata
- End your day with a sunset drink overlooking the savannah
It’s a rare chance to combine the energy of a modern African capital with the raw beauty of safari—all in a single day.
If you plan ahead, book your tickets in advance, and start early, you’ll be rewarded with a day you’ll never forget. As always, reach out to me if you have any questions or need further recommendations. I’m always happy to help!
