Nairobi Safaris: Your Gateway to Kenya’s Wildlife Adventures with Annest Kenya Safaris
Nairobi stands as the renowned capital of safaris in Kenya and across Africa. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the largest in Kenya, is also the busiest in East Africa, accommodating many international, regional, and domestic airlines. On average, it welcomes around 20,000 travelers daily from diverse regions including Africa, the Middle East, Asia, China, Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and beyond!
Most safari adventures in Kenya, combined Kenya/Tanzania tours, Gorilla trekking, and mountain hikes in East Africa, commence and conclude in Nairobi. After your thrilling Nairobi safari tour adventure, you have the option to fly to stunning beach destinations such as Mombasa, Diani, Watamu, Malindi, and Lamu, or even venture further to the idyllic islands of Zanzibar, Seychelles, or Mauritius for a well-deserved beach getaway to relax and rejuvenate after your safari experience.
Nairobi is truly the starting point for your journey. Dubbed The Cosmopolitan Heart of East Africa, it is not only the safari capital of Kenya but also a vibrant city teeming with life. Renowned for its rich cuisine, diverse culture, and exciting nightlife, Nairobi also offers unique opportunities to connect with wildlife at the famous Baby Elephant Sanctuary Sheldrick Trust, the Giraffe Centre, and Nairobi National Park. With an abundance of attractions, you will find plenty to explore in this dynamic city.
As your natural gateway to Kenya Safaris, Nairobi provides access to Kenya and Tanzania safari tours, treks up Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, as well as Gorilla treks in Uganda and Rwanda, alongside the beautiful beach resorts of Kenya and Zanzibar.
For your safari tours departing from Nairobi, transportation to the parks and game viewing will be conducted in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser Jeep, the standard vehicle for safaris, known for its elevated seating and robust all-wheel drive capabilities. This Land Cruiser Jeep is always included in our tours, exemplifying the exceptional value we provide at Annest Kenya Safaris.
Explore our Nairobi to Nairobi safari tour guide below for a range of road and flight itineraries, along with competitive pricing for your Kenyan safari adventure.
Short 2–4 Day Safaris from Nairobi
Short on time but still want to experience Kenya’s breathtaking wildlife? Short safari tours are the perfect solution! Departing from Nairobi, these quick getaways take you straight into the heart of nature, offering a chance to see incredible wildlife without traveling far. One top spot is Nairobi National Park, where you can watch lions and giraffes roam against the stunning backdrop of the city skyline—an unforgettable sight!
Ready to explore the best safari near Nairobi?
L. Nakuru, Naivasha day tour
L. Nakuru, Naivasha tour
Masai Mara Safari Tour
Tsavo East & Amboseli Safari
4 Days Tsavo East, Tsavo West & Amboseli Safari
4 Days Masai Mara safarii
Lake Nakuru & Naivasha Masai Mara Safari
Medium-Length 5–6 Day Safaris from Nairobi
Want to fully immerse yourself in Kenya’s wild beauty? A 5–6 day Nairobi safari is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation! Explore legendary spots like the Masai Mara, where thrilling game drives bring you up close to the Big Five, or Lake Nakuru, famous for its flamingo-covered shores. If you’re craving something different, head to Tsavo East and West—home to breathtaking landscapes and elephants dusted in striking red soil.
Masai Mara Game Reserve & Amboseli
Amboseli , Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara
Ol Pejeta Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara
Amboseli , Naivasha, Nakuru & Masai Mara
Tsavo West, Amboseli , Naivasha & Masai Mara Safari
Long 7–12 Day Safaris from Nairobi
Ready for the ultimate safari adventure? A 7–12 day Nairobi safari tour lets you dive deep into Kenya’s most breathtaking landscapes.
From Amboseli’s stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro to the endless wilderness of Tsavo and the world-famous Masai Mara, this journey takes you through the best of Kenya’s national parks. Along the way, you’ll experience incredible wildlife encounters and rich cultural moments that make the trip truly unforgettable.
Looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation? The Safari & Beach Combo combines thrilling game drives with a laid-back retreat on the white-sand beaches of Mombasa or Diani.
Whether you choose a private luxury tour or an affordable group safari, these expertly planned experiences promise a once-in-a-lifetime escape into Kenya’s beauty.
Amboseli, Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, and the Masai Mara One week safari
Samburu, Aberdares, Lakes Nakuru & Naivasha, and Masai Mara
Fly in Style: Our Exclusive Flight Safaris
Save Time. Elevate Your Adventure.
Skip the long drives and soar over Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes with our exclusive flight safaris from Nairobi. Departing from the convenient Wilson Airport, our flights offer a fast, scenic, and stylish way to reach your favorite wildlife destinations.
In just minutes, you’ll be en route to Samburu, Amboseli, or the Maasai Mara, where unforgettable safari experiences await. Let us take care of the details while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the ultimate aerial adventure!
4 Days Masai Mara Fly-In Safari
Nairobi Safari FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip
Kenya is a dream safari destination, and Nairobi serves as the perfect gateway to thrilling wildlife experiences. Whether you’re eyeing the legendary Masai Mara, the scenic Amboseli, or the vast Tsavo, this guide answers all your burning questions about Nairobi safaris.
From must-visit national parks to the best ways to travel, wildlife sightings, and accommodation options, this FAQ guide ensures you’re well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure.
Let’s dive in!
Safari from Nairobi FAQS
Nairobi is surrounded by some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife parks. Here are the top safari destinations you can visit:
1. Nairobi National Park
- Located just 15 minutes from the city center, it's the only national park in the world within a capital city.
- Home to lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and over 400 bird species.
- Perfect for a half-day or full-day safari.
2. Masai Mara National Reserve
- The most famous safari destination in Kenya, about a 5-6 hour drive or a short flight from Nairobi.
- Known for the Great Migration (July–October) and the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo).
3. Amboseli National Park
- Just a 4-hour drive from Nairobi, Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- A great spot for photographers and wildlife lovers.
4. Lake Nakuru National Park
- A 3-hour drive from Nairobi, Lake Nakuru is best known for its flamingos and endangered rhinos.
- Also home to lions, leopards, and buffalo.
5. Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks
- One of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa, about a 5-hour drive from Nairobi.
- Famous for its red elephants, maneless lions, and breathtaking landscapes.
Kenya is home to some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet. Depending on your chosen park, you can spot:
✅ The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo)
✅ Giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and cheetahs
✅ Hippos and crocodiles in riverine areas
✅ Hyenas, jackals, and wild dogs
✅ Flamingos, ostriches, eagles, and hundreds of bird species
For the best wildlife sightings, visit during the dry seasons (June–October and January–February) when animals gather around water sources.
There are several ways to travel between Nairobi and Kenya’s top safari destinations:
🚗 By Road: Most national parks are accessible via well-maintained roads. At Annest Kenya Safari we provide customized 4x4 vehicles with guides.
✈️ By Air: Domestic flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi can take you to Masai Mara, Amboseli, and other parks within 45-60 minutes.
🚆 By Train: The Nairobi-Mombasa SGR train is a scenic and affordable way to reach Tsavo National Park.
🚙 Day Tours: Nairobi National Park and Lake Naivasha are easily accessible for single-day safaris.
Yes! Nairobi National Park is a wildlife paradise right on the outskirts of the city. It’s an excellent choice for travelers with limited time but a big love for nature.
📍 What makes it special?
- You can see lions, rhinos, giraffes, and more against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline.
- Offers half-day or full-day game drives.
- Best visited in the early morning or late afternoon for optimal wildlife sightings.
Other attractions in Nairobi include:
- David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – A rescue center for baby elephants.
- Giraffe Centre – Get up close and feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.
There are multiple ways to book your Nairobi safari:
✅ Online Safari Agencies – You can book directly from our booking form on our website,
or our WhatsApp number or direct email.
💡 Pro Tip: Book in advance during peak season (July–October) to secure the best rates and accommodations.
Here’s a quick distance guide from Nairobi to major safari destinations:
Safari Destination | Distance from Nairobi | Travel Time (By Road) | By Air |
---|---|---|---|
Nairobi National Park | 10 km | 15-30 mins | N/A |
Maasai Mara | 225 km | 5-6 hours | 45 mins |
Amboseli | 240 km | 4-5 hours | 45 mins |
Lake Nakuru | 160 km | 3 hours | N/A |
Tsavo East/West | 300-400 km | 5-6 hours | 1 hour |
🚙 Driving offers a scenic experience, while flights save time for longer safaris.
Absolutely! Nairobi has a range of accommodations for all budgets:
🏨 Luxury Hotels & Lodges – Giraffe Manor, Hemingways Nairobi, The Boma Nairobi
🏡 Mid-Range Hotels – Fairview Hotel, Tamarind Tree Hotel, Sarova Panafric
🛌 Budget Options & Hostels – Wildebeest Eco Camp, Milimani Backpackers
🏕️ Safari Lodges & Camps – For an immersive experience, you can stay in lodges near national parks.
A Nairobi safari is the perfect way to experience Kenya’s breathtaking wildlife and landscapes. Whether you have one day or a week, there’s a safari adventure for every traveler. From the bustling Nairobi National Park to the legendary Masai Mara, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
🔹 Plan ahead, book your safari early, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!