Are you in Nairobi for just one day and wondering how you'll fit a safari into your schedule? Don't worry - we've crafted the perfect action-packed day trip that combines wildlife, culture and cuisine. From the raw beauty of Nairobi National Park to the enchanting world of the Giraffe Centre, this itinerary packs Nairobi's highlights into one unforgettable day.
Your Nairobi Day Trip Highlights:
Nairobi in a Day: Quick Facts
Duration: 12 hours (7am-7pm)
Price Range: $150-$300 per person
Activity Level: Moderate
Photo Ops: Wildlife, city views, historic home
Morning: Nairobi National Park Safari
Spot lions with the city skyline as your backdrop
See endangered rhinos in their natural habitat
7:00 AM - Hotel Pickup
Your day begins with an early morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel. Our professional guide will brief you on the day's adventures as you travel to Nairobi National Park, just 7km from the city center.
7:30 AM - Game Drive Begins
Enter the park as the gates open to maximize wildlife sightings during the active morning hours. Nairobi National Park offers a unique safari experience with the city skyline visible in the distance.
Wildlife You Might See:
Lions
Black Rhinos
Giraffes
Zebras
Cheetahs
Cape Buffalo
11:00 AM - Picnic Breakfast
Enjoy a delicious bush breakfast at one of the park's designated picnic sites. Our safari package includes:
- Fresh tropical fruits
- Homemade pastries
- Scrambled eggs and sausages
- Freshly brewed coffee/tea
- Bottled water
Photography Tip:
Bring a camera with at least 200mm zoom lens for optimal wildlife shots. The golden morning light creates perfect conditions for photography.
Afternoon: Karen Blixen Museum & Lunch
The historic home of "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen
12:30 PM - Transfer to Karen
After your morning safari, travel to the leafy suburb of Karen, named after the famous Danish author. The journey takes about 30 minutes from the park.
1:00 PM - Lunch at Karen Blixen Coffee Garden
Dine at this charming restaurant set in a colonial-era house surrounded by lush gardens. Our recommended menu includes:
2:30 PM - Museum Tour
Explore the beautifully preserved home of Karen Blixen, author of "Out of Africa." The museum features:
- Original furnishings from the 1910s-1930s
- Photographs and personal artifacts
- Beautiful colonial-era architecture
- Lush gardens with views of the Ngong Hills
"If I know a song of Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon lying on her back, of the plows in the fields and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa know a song of me?" Karen Blixen, Out of Africa
Late Afternoon: Giraffe Centre
Get up close with endangered Rothschild giraffes
For the brave - receive a giraffe "kiss"!
4:00 PM - Arrival at Giraffe Centre
This conservation center is home to endangered Rothschild giraffes. Activities include:
Giraffe Feeding
Hand-feed these gentle giants from an elevated platform
Conservation Talk
Learn about giraffe conservation efforts in Kenya
Nature Trail
Walk through the adjacent Gogo River sanctuary
5:30 PM - Return to Hotel
After an unforgettable day, your guide will return you to your Nairobi hotel by approximately 5:30-6:00 PM, depending on traffic.
Essential Travel Tips
What to Pack
- Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors/white)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and hat
- Binoculars (optional but recommended)
Photography Advice
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with zoom lens (200mm+)
- Extra memory cards and batteries
- Lens cleaning cloth
- Small backpack for camera gear
Health & Safety
- Stay hydrated - drink bottled water
- Use insect repellent
- Follow your guide's safety instructions
Cultural Considerations
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Respect wildlife - keep distance
- Dress modestly when visiting cultural sites
- Learn basic Swahili greetings
Booking Your Nairobi Day Trip
Standard Package
$195/person
- Hotel pickup/dropoff
- Park entry fees
- Game drive in safari van
- Picnic breakfast
- Karen Blixen Museum entry
- Giraffe Centre entry
- Professional guide
Premium Package
$275/person
- All Standard inclusions
- Lunch at Karen Blixen Coffee Garden
- Upgraded 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional photographer guide
- Giraffe Centre adoption certificate
- Complimentary souvenir
Private Tour
$450/group (1-4)
- All Premium inclusions
- Private vehicle & guide
- Flexible itinerary
- Extended game drive time
- Bottled water throughout
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Children of all ages enjoy this tour. We recommend the Premium Package for families as it includes more comfortable transportation and the giraffe adoption certificate makes a wonderful souvenir for kids.
Please contact us in advance. While the game drive portion is wheelchair accessible with advance notice, some areas of the Karen Blixen Museum have stairs. We can customize the itinerary based on your needs.
Absolutely! Popular additions include the Elephant Orphanage (additional $20/person) or a visit to Kazuri Beads factory. Private tours offer the most flexibility for customization.
Why Choose This Nairobi Day Trip?
This carefully crafted itinerary offers the perfect introduction to Nairobi's unique blend of urban sophistication and wild adventure. Where else in the world can you see lions in the morning and be back in the city for lunch? The combination of wildlife, history, and conservation makes this day trip an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Kenya's capital.
Ready to Experience Nairobi?
Our travel experts can help you book this day trip or create a customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule.
About the Author
Meet Nicole Awuor, a dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive at Muthaiga Travel, one of Kenya’s premier travel management companies. With a passion for crafting unforgettable journeys, Nicole brings a wealth of experience and local insight to her role, helping travelers explore Kenya’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Gerd Schwandner
April 15, 2025This was the perfect way to experience Nairobi during my layover! Seeing rhinos with the city skyline in the background was surreal. Our guide Joseph was incredibly knowledgeable.
Mary Mayweather
March 28, 2025The giraffe feeding was the highlight for my kids. We upgraded to the premium package and it was worth every penny for the better vehicle and amazing lunch.