Top 10 Unique Day Trips from Nairobi (Private + group trips)
In this article, we will look at unique and adventurous day trips from Nairobi. Buckle up for a thrilling expirience in the backyard of the city.
About an hour’s drive from the heart of Nairobi, you can find yourself bike-riding in a National park, exploring caves, sightseeing, catching a glimpse of the big five or viewing the beauty of the Rift Valley from the height of a stratovolcanic mountain all within easy reach of your hotel in Nairobi.
Here is the best part, each one of these activities can be done in less than 12 hours and even better, ON A BUDGET.
If you have a day to spare in Kenya, or you want to get away from the city noise and refresh your mind in nature, I have put together the best day trips from Nairobi for a full experience.
Most unique day trips from Nairobi
The following is a list of all the unique day trips that you can take from Nairobi. We will later look at each in detail including what you get from each tour plus our top pick. Keep it here.
Note that these are side tours if you have visited the National Parks. If not, see our National Parks day trips from Nairobi.
- Hells Gate Park + Lake Naivasha day trip
- Nairobi historical walking tour
- Giraffe Centre, elephant orphanage, and Bomas of Kenya day tour from Nairobi
- Maasai Village Day tour
- Nairobi storytelling tour with street children; Explore downtown Nairobi (Most rated)
- Day tour to Crescent Island Naivasha
Hell Gate National Park + Lake Naivasha day trip
The Hells Gate National Park is one of the best places in Naivasha. It is a landmass of approximately 68 square kilometres which can be explored by bike.
While touring the park, you are most likely to come across a giraffe, baboons, African buffalos, hartebeests, gazelles, and zebras.
Fun fact: It’s one of the few National parks in Kenya that you can explore on a two-wheeler.
North of Hellgate National Park lies Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake inhabited by the African hippos. The lake can be explored on a boat.
The trip takes approximately 8 hours to complete.
Maasai Village Day tour
The Maasai ethnic group has one of the most outstanding cultural practices that they have preserved for decades. They are globally known for hunting lions as a right of passage and for their prowess in beadery and pottery.
While visiting the Maasai village, you might milk a goat, weave a necklace/wrist band and learn how they prepare their food.
Day tour to Crescent Island Naivasha
The Crescent Island is the Greatest Of All Times (G.O.A.T) of hideouts in Kenya. I never thought I could find an island in inland Kenya full of wildlife.
It’s an animal sanctuary in Naivasha and is only accessible via boat through Lake Naivasha.
On the island, you can walk amidst giraffes, gazelles, zebras, Waterbucks, impalas, spotted hyenas, buffalos, crocodiles, rock pythons, hippos, and more. A tour guide will accompany you through your trip.
Giraffe Centre, elephant orphanage, and Bomas of Kenya day tour from Nairobi
Giraffe Centre and Elephant Orphanage is the place to be for a one-on-one interaction with giraffes and elephants respectively.
The giraffe centre is an interesting place to visit. You will get a chance to hand-feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes. The only downside of the giraffe centre is overcrowding with tourists.
The elephant orphanage is under the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which cares for baby elephants before their release back into the wild. You will get the chance to see them get fed and their cunning nature.
The last place to visit will be the Bomas of Kenya. A lot happens here. From traditional dances to learning about the traditions of Kenyans’ 42 tribes.
National Parks Day trips
The following are some of the most preferred park day trips from Nairobi city.
Nairobi National Park
At the backdrop of Nairobi, a full-fledged day trip awaits you at the Nairobi National Park. You can opt to go for a safari drive or walk tour. Either way, you will get to see the big five and experience wildlife like never before.
Amboseli National Park Day tour
The Amboseli National Park is 215 kilometres from Nairobi and It has the largest herd of elephants in Kenya.
The park also offers a breathtaking view of Mt Kilimanjaro which is even better during sunset or when backdropping elephants.
Winding Up
When planning your day trip from Nairobi, consider your interests, duration, budget, transport, and security.
Are you ready for an unforgettable escape? Wishing you all the best in your adventure.
