43 Best Local Tours in Nairobi

I had an extra day in Nairobi and needed something to do. Friends recommended Nairobi National Park, but I saw this programme with cycling. Sitting in a car is not always my idea of fun, so I chose this trip to hell's Gate canyon and was not disappointed.

From my hotel in Nairobi the drive took about 2.5 hours and we stopped briefly along the way at the great rift valley viewpoint. There was a bit of people poking me to buy stuff, but after showing adequate disinterest, they left me alone. Spectacular scenery.

We arrived nearby Hell's gate national park and a bicycle was arranged for me. There was a 1km uphill ride to the park gate that would be tiring if you were really out of shape or inexperienced in cycling.

Hell's gate canyon park is said to be the only national park in Kenya where you can walk or cycle (i.e. do not need to be in a vehicle). The experience was amazing by bike, with warthogs, several species of antelope, zebras, giraffes and other animals nearby to see clearly. We surprised a few giraffes and zebras, but because were were on bike, they were not too concerned. We had excellent opportunities for photography. The geology here is also fantastic with both soaring cliffs and deep gorges to experience by bike and foot. The guide, Ibrahim, was friendly, knowledgeable and spoke several languages.

After the cycling, went to Lake Naivasha, which was less interest to me initially. Unfortunately there was an extra charge of 3000 shillings because I was a solo traveler for the boat. I agree with other commenters that the boat ticket should be included with the price of the trip.

Saw tons of wildlife at the lake. Hippos and giraffes were the main mammals, birds were plentiful including small ducks, cormorants, eagles, storks, herons and more. Had a meal after the boat trip then headed back to Nairobi.

Overall a very satisfying trip. Enjoyed it very much, especially the physical component and closeness to animals and geology. Thanks to my driver, Francis, who was punctual, safe and friendly.

Tour guide Francis was phenomenal. After being picked up, we first stopped at the Giraffe Center. Francis insured my fellow traveler and I got to have personal time with the beautiful giraffes on the raised deck before the other tourists arrived. I even got a giraffe kiss! We quickly moved on to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage which is personally special since I'm a "foster parent" to two of the baby elephants. Francis insured we stood in a good viewing spot when the elephants came out for their feeding. After a brief but delicious lunch, Francis then took us to a Kazuri bead factory where we saw first hand how the beautiful jewelry beads are made and how they benefit the women who make them. Finally, we made it to the. Bomas, the cultural homesteads of the many tribes represented in Kenya, to include a fun and fascinating performance by dancers and singers. I was even pulled into final performance to participate. Truly a great first full day spent in Nairobi, doing a little bit of everything, including shopping at a nearby gift shop.

I had a great time and found my guide Mrembe to be very professional. This tour opened my eyes to a different part of Nairobi and allowed me to see and explore areas I wouldn’t have felt comfortable to visit on my own.

I never felt pressured or unsafe during the tour and ending with some local cuisine was a great. All the guides were very open and willing to answer and questions you had about anything.

It was definitely an eye opening experience and highlighted some obvious differences between what I take for granted in my own country.

5/5. Highly recommend this trip. Asante sana. 🤙🏼

As in all big cities around the world, it is critical to see and understand as many sides as possible--not just the "tourist traps" and wealthy enclaves. Kibera is one of many communities we call slums but that people like my young guides also call home. Musa and Jack showed me the good, the bad and the ugly--with heart and enthusiasm. And I came away richer for it!

Myself and a friend only had one day in Nairobi before our tour started. We wanted to see the highlights of what Nairobi had to offer and this was the perfect package fitted into one day. Our driver picked us up from our hotel early to ensure you get prime positions for all your stops with the animal encounters. Our guide even acted as a paparazzi for us, taking photos at any opportunity. The animals encounters were amazing- once in a lifetime opportunities, and the bead factory was a incredible opportunity to learn how females have been trained and given employment through these factories. We finished off our busy day with Bomas cultural village and dance performance- a high energy vibrant show showing us the insight into African culture. Our guide was more than accommodating, helping us at any opportunity and had a wealth of knowledge to share with us. A fantastic day, well worth the money!

I took part at the one-day excursion to Hell's Gate and lake Naivasha. We cycled in Hell's Gate National Park where we saw many zebras, antilopes, warthogs at a very close distance. After the cycling we went to Lake Naivasha where we saw many birds, hippos and we had fish from the lake for lunch. It was a very well organised excursion and our driver Boni was very professional he picked me up from my hotel and returned me there at the end of our tour. I just had one suggestion for Grace after the cycling we were all very hungry so it could help if there are some small snacks available after the cycling to get some energy.
So to sum it up it was a very nice experience and I would recommend it to everyone.

It was my first day in Kenya. The close encounter with the giraffes and the visit to the elephant orphenage were mind blowing. Steven started the day with me picking me up in the hotel and driving to the Giraffe Center before the crowd arrived. He was also kind enough to take pictures and lead me to the best spot to see the baby elephants. Patrick, a collegue of his, a very nice, easy going, good hearted man took over for the second half of the day. They both were knowledgeable and went out of their way to please all of us tourists in the van. I also enjoyed the tribal dance performance and the tour at the Bomas.
I was happy to be there with those great guides.

Our trip to Hell's Gate National Park and the surrounding Naivasha area was absolutely perfect. The day started promptly on time and the trip started with a stop at the Great Rift Valley. Riding bicycles through Hell's Gate National Park was amazing -- we saw giraffes, boars, impalas, zebras, and many other animals. Our day was only made better by Kelvin, our fantastic guide. He answered each and every question I had, drove from and to Nairobi with impeccable skill, and made the day all the more enjoyable. If you have a spare few days in Nairobi, plan a trip to Hell's Gate, and plan it with Kelvin and Co.

As a white man living in Nairobi some parts of the city are so called "no go areas".This tour gave me the unique oportunity to enter another "world" of Nairobi accompanied by a guide who realy knows well the old town giving me a new view to the people and their living. The stories that he shared with me had been impressive and made me feel very near to the reality that he had been living along many years as a street kid in the downtown area. Important for me was also that I felt safe during the whole visit.Very intresting and impressive!
Klemens (from Germany)

We had a excellent day in Hell's Gate and Lake Naivashu. Cycling within metres of zebras and giraffes was a wonderful experience and felt very unique. The animals are wild but do not run away, allowing for very nice pictures. Our driver for the day Francis was extremely knowledgable about Kenyan nature, was very caring about our needs and was good fun to be around. Our guide for the cycling trip Ibrahim was also very knowledgable. If you're in Nairobi and feel like an adventurous day out of the city, this is a really good choice.

This tour was a great glimpse into Nairobi culture. I enjoyed feeding the giraffes, watching others feed the elephants, and the dancing performances. I also liked visiting the bead-making facility, as well as the Lovebirds Community Gift Shop, where I bought masks. The dinner was great - I had never had rabbit before. Our guide, Steven, made the day memorable. He ensured that we experienced prime viewing at the elephant feeding and dance performance. I'm glad that we booked this tour - it was my best day in Kenya.

I really enjoyed this tour of the Kiambethu Tea Farm. The owner led the tour of the grounds and she was a guide. We also got to tour the surrounding forest and learn about the indigenous plants. My favorite part was definitely the tea and food, though! Both come from the farm and they are delicious. Also, the driver who picked me up from the hotel (Albert) was really nice and it was fun talking with him during the hour-long trip each way. He was also very knowledgeable about the city.

It’s a must even if you went to the Safari. Would highlight Francis our tour guide that went way and beyond to make our visits just perfect. He knew the best timing, info, spots to be and was extremely nice, funny and reliable. Big ten for him.

Only downside, and not Francis fault, was lunch st the Bush Garden Restaurante for lunch. Bad food even worst service. Take this restaurant out of the recommended ones !!

Wonderful tour and Guide!!

The tour was simply amazing. We were able to see and know a part of Nairobi city that would be impossible to see without this tour. Guides were pontual, extremely professionals and made us feel completely safe. Each person has a guide for its one which give us a lot of protection. They explained us a lot and answered all our questions. I deeply recommend this tour.

Our driver was Albert. Good conversation on the way to the farm. The tea farm is breathtaking. Enjoyed all parts of the day. I love tea but they even accommodate non tea drinkers. Fiona, the owner, is a very welcoming host. Julius gave an awesome tour of the forest. The Buffett lunch was wonderful with great staff to meet your needs.

My driver Fred was very kind and helpful, we had a nice talk during the one hour drive to get there. The place is very quiet and charming, and the locally grown food is quite fresh and tasty. Beautiful lanscape, interesting inputs about tea farming and natural medecines one can find in the forest nearby.

This was an opportunity to walk the streets of Nairobi that we would never see. It was an opportunity to hang out with ex street kids, eat the local food and to hear their stories.

All three showed the two of us around. We felt safe and well looked after on the walking tour.

Highly recommend.

The tour was great and Steven, my guide, was friendly, knowledgeable and took great care of me.

The whole day was fabulous, but especially the giraffe's and the elephants. I would recommend it to anyone.

I was a single traveller and felt well looked after all day.

We had such a special tour with these guys. Their stories are hard to believe and really touched me. So much power and persistence that they survived. It so important to learn more about this part of Kenya. I really wish them all the luck with their great mission

Excellent tour
Positive points
One to one guide and visitor
Excellent insight into the conditions that the street boys grew up in.
Excellent English
Excellent Sense of humour
Met many of Mwas.s friends and contacts along the way

Highly recommended