47 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.

Going shopping with Josephine and helping her preparing traditional Kenyan food in her kitchen was one of the most authentic experiences we had in Nairobi.
She is kind and easygoing, took us to a local market where we would have never gone by ourselves. We caught a local bus, which was an adventure itself. When we got back to her place she explained what food we would make and let us help her, she even sent us the recipe afterwards.
Josephine was a great host, communication was easy with her and she obviously enjoys getting to know people from around the world.
I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who is not only interested in Kenyan cuisine but also would like to have an interesting conversation with a friend from this beautiful country.

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!

I loved everything about this experience -- the trip to the market, which was fascinating, the meal itself (I guess I was supposed to help cook, but i just talked and watched) and the conversation. I will do this again when I return!

I would recommend anyone that wanted delicious food to take this class. We booked two days before and Josephine responded to the request almost immediately. She is very attentive and caring.

We met by a mall and took the public bus to the local market where we picked up veggies and fruits. Prepare to walk a little bit and wear something comfortable.

We then made our way back to her home where she showed us how to cook such amazing food! I feel confident I can replicate what we did, she is really a great charismatic teacher. The afternoon was full of laughs and discussion about food from our different backgrounds.

Hands down one of my favorite things was making the chapati! It was really good to eat some fresh food. Next time I come to Kenya I will definitely do a morning class with her to learn how to make samosas! I will also book through Airbnb probably as this site doesn’t pay up immediately and she deserves it!

10/10 I would do it again. Thank you Josephine! We had a really fantastic time with you.

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!

Josphine was amazing, I had a great time with Josphine’s cooking class. First, we went to a local market by a local public transportation (Bus). It was a really unique experience!! Visiting market was really interesting experience. She got some stuff for our cooking. I also got some veggies and fruits! It was really good deal!! She helped my shopping:) After visiting market We went her place to cook! We made traditional Kenyan meals. Chicken curry, Chapati, Ugali, Samosa, etc… She taught me local spots, Kenyan lifestyle, culture, I really enjoyed her accompany and chatting with her! Most of us come Nairobi for Safari, Giraffe, Elephant, and to see more animals! But Nairobi has deep food culture as well! I would definitely recommend to add Josphine cooking class for your itinerary! You can really see and feel what locals life in Nairobi!

This experience was my intro to Nairobi. I set it for my 1st full day in the country and it was the best decision. I was able to see the community in an intimate way. I love markets and we visited a market by way of public bus. It was an easy and quick ride. The market was sooo massive that I don’t think I would have tackled it alone without a Kenyan resident but with Ms. Josephine, I felt comfortable and free. We picked our produce for our meal and I was able to get a few extra delicious pieces of fruit “my favorite things, mango and avocados”. It was great. We set out to her home to start our cooking project. We prepared a beef curry dish with a few other sides that I enjoyed but there names escape me, oh yeah and chapatti “flat bread similar to naan”. I really enjoyed my experience and the food was tasty.

This was by far one of my favorite experience's while visiting Nairobi. Josephine was a warm and welcomed presence from the very beginning. Traveling around the city and navigating the public transportation system, local markets, and neighborhood streets felt safe, doable, and relaxing with her as my guide. I went in with an open mind and an expectation to eat lots of delicious Kenyan food, but I was rewarded with the full blown hospitality of her family- we cooked, danced to reggaeton, and enjoyed a meal with her family as she would any other night of the week. Josie definitely embodies the strong, independent self-made spirit that I encountered throughout Nairobi and I think understanding this character makes a trip to the city absolutely more rewarding and meaningful. :)

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.

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.

Was an amazing trip from start to finish Nairobi is an intimidating place But with a local like Josphine it was an amazing journey into the the Kenyan market culture The market is a shock to the senses so be prepared. The locals were amazing and I got called chuck Norris John Cena and finally Arnold ! So they definitely know how to stoke the ego The Bus trip was incredible with the Reggaton tunes blasting Josphine cooked an amazing meal and shared some stories about life in Nairobi Was a unique experience

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!!

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.