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Safaris From Nairobi - Compare 1,908 Tours

Nairobi is the starting point of just about every Kenya safari, and the possibilities of where you can go from Kenya’s capital are rich and varied. Roads fan out across the country from Nairobi, while both the main international airport and smaller Wilson Airport have a range of flights to towns and remote airstrips in national parks, reserves and conservancies nationwide. Remember that Kenya is the birthplace of the East African safari, and choosing which parks to visit and matching these to the animals you most wish to see requires careful planning. And it will absolutely be worth it.

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5 Questions About Safaris From Nairobi

 
 

5 Questions About Safaris From Nairobi

Answered by Anthony Ham

Where can I go on a safari from Nairobi?

“You can go anywhere in Kenya on safari from Nairobi. That’s because the capital is where most people arrive in the country, and most parks or reserves are an easy drive (or a much shorter flight) from here. Best of all, Nairobi is one of few cities in Africa that has a world-class wildlife park (Nairobi National Park) in the city’s outer suburbs. Make sure you visit the park before heading out to the other parks that are farther away. The most popular safari destinations from Nairobi are the Masai Mara National Reserve to the west, Lake Nakuru National Park to the northwest and Amboseli National Park in the southeast. If you’re visiting Amboseli, then Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks are not far away. Close to Lake Nakuru you’ll find the other Rift Valley lakes, such as Lake Naivasha. Out west, the Masai Mara is surrounded by community conservancies that are also outstanding places to go on safari. If you’re willing to travel a little farther, in the north there’s Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Meru National Park, all of which have fabulous wildlife.”

1

How much time do I need for a Kenya trip from Nairobi?

“How you answer this question will depend on how much time you have to spare and how much money you have to spend. That’s because you could easily spend a month or two on safari in Kenya and still not see everything. Count on spending at least 1 day in and around Nairobi, although Kenya’s capital really does deserve at least a couple of days. If you decide to visit Amboseli or Lake Nakuru National Parks, 2 days for each is really a minimum. For Amboseli, add a couple of extra days each for Tsavo West and Tsavo East. For the Masai Mara, plan on a minimum of 3 days, but ideally you should dedicate more time here. And remember, when calculating the length of your safari you’ll need to allow for the time you spend traveling to and from each destination. Many travelers also combine time spent on safari with a beach holiday, so you might wish to factor that in too, if that’s a priority.”

2

Can I see the Big Five animals on a trip from Nairobi?

“Seeing the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) is certainly possible on a safari from Nairobi. One of the best places to see the Big Five is Ol Pejeta Conservancy, up on the Laikipia Plateau and within a half-day’s journey from Nairobi. Also in the north, Meru National Park is a top choice. Often it is the rhino that is the most difficult of the Big Five to see. Apart from the Laikipia Plateau (Ol Pejeta, Lewa or Borana Conservancies, for example) and Meru NP, the easiest places to see rhinos are Nairobi National Park or Lake Nakuru National Park. Both of these parks have four of the Big Five; neither has elephants. If you were to combine one or more of these parks with the Masai Mara, Amboseli or one of the Tsavos, then you would have a good chance of seeing the five species (in addition to so many other animals).”

3

Should I go for a road or fly-in safari from Nairobi?

“The major factors when considering whether to make your trip a road or fly-in safari are time and money. Flying has a number of advantages. One is that it will get you where you want to go so much more quickly, maximizing the amount of time you get to spend in the parks themselves (as opposed to traveling between the parks). Many of Kenya’s major roads are clogged with traffic and none too beautiful, so you won’t be missing much if you fly. And you have the added benefit of enjoying remarkable views on your way to wherever it is that you’re going. It may take longer but traveling by road will be much more affordable for many travelers. That’s because flying doesn’t come cheap. If you travel by road, you also get to see more of the country up close, which is a great way to meet locals (something which is less likely if you travel by air).”

4

How much will this safari cost?

“It depends on the possible tours and packages on offer, but there is endless variety when it comes to the price of a safari from Nairobi. The cheapest safari could cost US$100 per person per day for a budget camping safari, and it could rise to 10 times that for a high-end luxury safari trip. Factors to take into account when considering potential costs are whether you travel in high or low season; which kind of accommodations you choose; whether you travel on a private or a cheaper group safari; how long you plan to be on safari; and whether your safari includes any flights. When you receive a quote from a tour operator, always make sure that you understand what’s included. Most quotes should include park entry fees, transfers, meals, some drinks, accommodations (including camping equipment, where needed), vehicle, driver, game drives and a guide.”

5

Kenya Safari Reviews

4.6/5 1,575 Reviews
Expert
Mike Unwin  –  
United Kingdom UK

Mike is an award-winning wildlife writer, former editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife.

The Home of Safari
5/5

Kenya, to most people, is safari. This is where it all began, after all, and from ‘Out of Africa’ to ‘Big Cat Diary’ the country has provided the images that define visitors’ idea of Africa. Certainly, when it comes to game...

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Expert
Nana Luckham  –  
United Kingdom UK

Nana is a travel writer and author of multiple guidebooks, including the Lonely Planet guides to Africa, Zambia & Malawi and South Africa.

From Game-Packed Hot Spots to Little-Known Wilderness
5/5

Kenya’s stunning landscapes include rainforest, beaches, deserts and mountains, but it’s the first-class wildlife watching that keeps so many visitors flocking back. Not only is it one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five,...

Full Review

Karl Ove Mikael Sjöman  –  
Sweden SE
Reviewed: May 31, 2025
Beautiful country, friendly people and accesible wildlife.
4/5

Kenya for me was a beautiful experience when it comes to wildlife and scenery. I had a nice safaritrip with my son in may 2025. I have been there before during the high season but to be honest was this trip even better because of the green...

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Laura Rodriguez Mena  –  
Argentina AR
Reviewed: May 24, 2025
Kenya is pure magic — wild, beautiful, and unforgettable
5/5

My husband and I travelled to Kenya with tour agency Spirit of Kenya as part of our honeymoon. Our trip was absolutely unforgettable. From the stunning landscapes to the incredible wildlife and the warmth of the people, everything exceeded...

Full Review

Mrs Jolita Jenciuleviciene  –  
United Kingdom UK
Reviewed: May 22, 2025
Beyond my expectations
5/5

We did 6 days safari in the beginning of May, it was rainy season, but we didnt get much rain ,just a few times.It was good choice,less tourists, so at camp in Masai Mara we were just only tourists. We saw a lot animals,met nice local...

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Lee O. Savage  –  
United States US
Reviewed: May 16, 2025
Safari 2025
5/5

I was in Kenya for 2 weeks. I was there to help out an orphanage, born again children's home. I've been to Kenya three times now and I don't think I would go back in May simply because of all the rain but on the Safari. We had good weather...

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