Discover Nairobi Day Tours & City Tours
Kenya Day Trip
Experiences
You might be a business traveler / solo traveler in Nairobi looking for the best way to spend a free day and you’d be surprised how much you can experience in a day.
Nairobi is the gateway to so much that’s good about Kenya and the starting point for many an unforgettable safaris in Africa. If you are looking for amazing things to do in Nairobi, it’s also an ideal base for an exciting day trip due to its magical proximity to nature.
Although a proper African safari should at least include a few nights in the bush, sometimes there is the need for a 1-day Kenyan safari. While you could reach many of the bigger national parks, such as Amboseli or Lake Nakuru National Parks on one day safaris in Kenya and be back in Nairobi by nightfall, instead we’ve prepared some of the best daytrips combinations from Nairobi for you, so get ready to explore some of the continent’s best safari country.
What To Expect
Discover some of our top ways to experience Kenya day trip tours.
Nairobi National Park
Experiences
An essential part of our listed Nairobi short daytrips. The park promises more excitement given its unique position in the outskirts of Nairobi City Centre.
The park has incredible wildlife, to be sure: there’s an excellent chance that you’ll see lions and rhinos, as well as wildebeest, zebra, impala, buffalo, hippo, crocodile and giraffe.
What’s remarkable about safari experiences in Nairobi National Park is the appealing creatures that roam completely wild and free with city skyscrapers in the background.
Safari Tip – Taking an early morning game drives recommended; afternoons in the park can be very crowded.
Day Trip To Amboseli
National Park
Enjoy our full-day guided one day tours in Kenya’s iconic Amboseli National Park, famous for its dramatic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the immense herds of big-tusked elephant families marching against the backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro with sightings of big cats (lions, and sometimes cheetahs).
Set off in the early morning, accompanied by your expert guide, and spend the entire day in search of exceptional wildlife sightings, stopping only to enjoy a picnic lunch.
It’s a beautiful park with lots of wildlife, including flamingos and an easy-to-find hyena dens, buffalo, wildebeest, plains zebra and gazelle are all very common. Amboseli is also an ideal location for a host of birds and keen birdwatchers can observe more than 400 species during their trip.
The landscapes in this photographer’s paradise include a large stretch of lush swamps, which attract a number of unusual wildlife species.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Experiences
Kenya’s most popular national park and with good reason. The park offers great black and white rhino sightings, with tree climbing lions and leopards very possible.
Centered on a large, shallow lake that supports great birdlife, including pelicans and flamingos, the park has experienced dramatically fluctuating water levels in recent years. This can affect the flamingo populations.
Other Nakuru sightings include; Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo and hippo are numerous as well. Lucky visitors might see tree climbing lions and leopards are present if you’re lucky you’ll spot one on this day trip to Lake Nakuru National Park.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Experiences
Ol Pejeta is another incredible experience worth including on your list of Kenya day tours.
Ol Pejeta combines fantastic wildlife viewing with exciting scenery, home the last two northern white rhino left on earth, the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees which are nursed back to good health.
You can also visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and meet and touch ‘Baraka’ the blind black rhino, as you stop by the informative visitor center at Morani.
All of Africa’s Big Five are here (but don’t count on seeing leopard) the sightings of both black rhino and white rhino are common amongst the likes of buffalo, rhino, elephant, beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra.
Another highlight of Ol Pejeta Conervancy is that on a clear sky you can catch views of snow-capped Mt. Kenya and also mark the unique moment when we cross the Kenyan equator.
Day Trip To Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha Attractions
Lake Naivasha is famous for its high populations of hippos, flamingos, eagles, kingfishers. There are over 1,200 hippos in the area, and you are almost guaranteed to see one.
The lake is a prime destination for birders from all over the world, home to over 400 bird species. Lesser and greater flamingos flock to the lake, forming a wash of bright pink across the lake’s surface.
A day trip to Lake Naivasha promises plenty of adrenaline activities and a good chance to explore Kenyan attraction areas on foot.
Crescent Island is one of the most popular attractions in the Lake Naivasha area, named because of its crescent moon shape and it was the primary filming location for the 1985 romantic drama ‘Out of Africa’.
Crescent Island tours last between 1.5-3 hours.
Crescent Island highlights include;
We’ll take a guided walking tour as we watch the buffaloes, wildebeest, gazelles, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and waterbucks which can be sighted in the immediate surrounding area of Lake Naivasha, around Crescent Island.
Boat safaris are one of the most popular activities at Lake Naivasha.
Jetting out onto the lake is the best way to get up close to the hippos and flamingos while you are gliding along the calm surface of Lake Naivasha in your safari boat. If you look to the shores, you may see zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes strolling at Crescent Island.
A typical boat safari on Lake Naivasha takes around an hour (1hr), and the lake’s sheer size means that you will not be distracted by the rumble of other boat engines.
A small park near Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park is very popular for inspiring Disney’s “The Lion King,” and contains geothermal activity of geysers and hot springs, the park also offers one-of-a-kind bicycling safaris!
The best activities are hiking (including scrambling through the rocks and river of lower Gorge), cycling, and mountain biking and rock climbing.
Yes, enjoy your mountain bike riding among buffalos, giraffe, zebra, eland, coke’s hartebeest and Thomson’s gazelle are common. Olive baboons are often seen hanging on the cliffs, while a good spotter might pick up a pair of klipspringers.
The park is more in the scenery with its impressive cliffs and volcanic outcrops. These provide the backdrop to some brilliant activities including rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking.
Best Short African safaris
Top 7 Best Kenya Day Trips
Questions About Kenya Day Trips
Nairobi being the capital city of Kenya is a gateway to many nearby 1 Day Nairobi trips & city sightseeing tours. Get answers to all of your questions about the above listed Nairobi day trips, tailor made by African Vulture Safaris.
Our one of a kind Nairobi City tours offer the ideal way of getting out and experiencing the sights, smells, and sounds of this vibrant city life and its surroundings, displaying to you the real character and people of the ever-fascinating Nairobi.
On these one-day safaris, we’ll be journeying to the wildlife parks of your choice. Explore our favorite Nairobi short trips each designed to be a complete safari package offering you a fair chance to explore the top attractions in Nairobi.
These selection of one day tours and day trips to Kenya will take you no longer than a couple of hours, and will guarantee that you will feel a million miles away from the bright city lights of Nairobi. Head north-west to the Great Rift Valley, filled with dormant volcanoes, soda and freshwater lakes and an abundance of wildlife. The eastern part covers Nairobi National Park and the southern part has Amboseli National Park.
Also, day trips in Kenya parks would allow you to see the animals during the middle of the day, which is not a great time for spotting wildlife, an overnight safari can maximize this experience.
We offer a number of day trips that available from Nairobi. Serving as the main starting point for any Kenyan safari, if you only have a day to spare there is a lot you can do in and around the city, all of these can all be visited on long day trips.
If you don’t have the time for a long stay safari, or you’d just like to explore one or two Kenyan national parks, African Vulture Safaris has the perfect Nairobi day tours solution for you.
Some of the things to do in Kenya include visits to;
- Nairobi National Park – lies within sight of the city. With a good opportunity to visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage which is also highly recommended.
- The Giraffe Centre – Where you can get into close contact with the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. You are allowed to feed them pellets.
- Amboseli National Park – which has excellent elephant and wildlife viewing in front of Mt Kilimanjaro.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy – offers close-ups of rhino and other Big Five animals.
- Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya’s most popular Rift Valley Lake with plenty of wildlife sightings.
- A day trip to Lake Naivasha allows you to enjoy boat rides, some flocks of flamingo, and nearby Hell’s Gate National Park is also worthwhile.”
Yes! On your 1 day safari from Nairobi you have a good chance to witness the Big Five – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos – all in a well-planned safari adventure.
Remember many of the parks and reserves are home to the Big Five, but it won’t always be likely to see all of them on a day trip.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a Big Five destination and can be visited on a long day trip from Nairobi. However, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a better base for a big 5 day trip experience while Nairobi National Park remains the most popular wildlife destination for day trips out of the capital.
“There are plenty of day trips on offer from Nairobi to some of Kenya’s popular parks and game reserves within easy & short driving distances from the city centre. Daytrips to Masai Mara? It is, however, not possible to book a 1 day safari from Nairobi to Masai Mara given the time and distance to be covered.
The safari parks that can be visited on a daytrip tour in Kenya include;
- Amboseli National Park:
One of the most accessible safari destinations for day trips from Nairobi. Known for its awe-inspiring views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli offers a captivating landscape where vast grasslands meet the snow-capped mountain. These short safari tours in Kenya fit all types of travelers who have a spare day in Nairobi City.
- Lake Naivasha:
What to do in Nairobi includes a day trip to Lake Naivasha which offers a delightful getaway from Nairobi’s hustle and bustle. This freshwater lake is teeming with life, and a boat ride allows you to encounter an abundance of birdlife, including the African fish eagle and majestic pelicans. Hippos also call this lake home, and you can spot them basking along the shores. Crescent Island, located within Lake Naivasha, offers a unique walking safari experience where you can get close to giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and more. Lake Naivasha is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts seeking a serene day trip adventure.
- Hell’s Gate National Park:
For adventure seekers, a daytrip to Hell’s Gate National Park is an exciting safari destination. The park offers exciting rock climbing and hiking opportunities. Enjoy a guided hike through the park’s dramatic gorges and witness the enchanting Fischer’s Tower.
Hell’s Gate is popular for inspiring Disney’s “The Lion King,” with its breathtaking landscape cliffs which resemble the movie’s setting. Wildlife such as buffalo, baboons, and gazelles roam freely, making your day trip an unforgettable journey through nature’s wonders.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy:
Ol Pejeta Conservancy another top Kenya safari destination for spotting the Big Five on your one day Nairobi excursions. The conservancy is well known to for its unique sightings of both black and white rhinos up close. The conservancy ensures a thriving wildlife population, including elephants, lions, and buffalo.
- Kiambethu Tea Farm
In the rolling green hills northwest of Nairobi, this tea estate is easy to reach, yet a world away from the noise and bustle of the capital. The tours at 11am take you through how tea is made, and there’s a chance to walk in the indigenous forest on the farm. Stay for lunch where chefs prepare meals made from local ingredients. Tea tasting is also a big part of the appeal of a visit here.
Distance from Nairobi – ¾-hour drive
Tip: Advance bookings are important.
From witnessing majestic elephants at Amboseli National Park to encountering the Big Five at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, each of Nairobi City excursions promises an unforgettable exposure to adventure.
In conclusion, Nairobi City offers an excellent gateway to a range of Kenya’s top safari parks for day trips.
“Booking day trips in Kenya are very safe. Almost all day trips in Kenya start in Nairobi City Centre.
If you have a day spare and would like to explore, we recommend you book a 1 day safari from Nairobi. You will be collected and dropped off at your hotel or the airport, and your safety will be in good hands throughout the day.
Depending on the number of people, our safari day trips from Nairobi uses the following safari vehicles;
Customized 4×4 jeeps, mini-van safari vehicles with pop-up rooftops or comfy saloon cars. These well-maintained vehicles are well equipped with, providing excellent visibility for wildlife spotting and capturing stunning views of the Kenyan landscapes.
To enhance your safari day trip experience, you will be in the company of expert safari guides. Their expertise ensures that you don’t miss any exciting sightings and maximizes your chances of spotting the Big Five and other wildlife on your day trip from Nairobi.
On your safari daytrip to Kenya, enjoy convenient pick-up and drop-off services whether it is the hotel or airport, for your departure and return.
“If you find yourself with a day to spare while in Mombasa, there are several great options for the recommended day trips. This is also the case if you would like to break up your holiday at one of the stunning beach resorts south of the city.
- Shimba Hills National Reserve.
- Tsavo East National Park, a wild Big Five destination, can be visited on a long day trip from Mombasa but an overnight stay would be preferable.
- Another option for a day trip from Mombasa takes you out to sea for dolphin spotting (and possibly a swim with them), snorkeling and lunch on Wasini Island.
The best day trips from Nairobi include visits to:
- Amboseli National Park – Renowned for its iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large elephant herds.
- Lake Naivasha – A serene escape with opportunities to spot hippos and a variety of birdlife and adrenaline activities.
- Crescent Island – Offering a unique walking safari experience amidst giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests.
- Hell’s Gate National Park – Providing thrilling adventures with rock climbing and hiking options.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Perfect for encountering the Big Five, including rhinos, in their natural habitat.
Each destination promises an unforgettable experience, making these one day tours around Nairobi a fantastic option for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you seek stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, or exhilarating activities, these day trips will leave you with lasting memories of Kenya’s natural wonders.
Our half-day trips from Nairobi usually return to the city in the early evening. For example, an Amboseli day trip from Nairobi promises an unforgettable adventure from the morning dawn until sunset. Departing from Nairobi around 4:30 AM, the early morning drive allows you to witness the enchanting African sunrise as you venture towards Amboseli National Park.
Safari day trips from Nairobi offer flexible departure times to accommodate varying schedules and preferences. Usually, the day trips start very early in the morning – at times such as 4.30am or 5.00am – ensuring that you make the most of the day and maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities.
The timing of these one day trips around Nairobi not only allows you to witness the captivating morning wildlife activities but also offers the chance to experience the magic of the day and some activities beyond.
The best one day wildlife tours around Nairobi allows you enjoy opportunities to explore the park’s diverse habitats, spot various wildlife species, and enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amidst the wilderness.
Even though it’s a one day trips from Nairobi, this opens up a world of diverse safari experiences that cater to different preferences and interests.
- Game Drives in 4×4 Safari Jeeps
One of the most popular safari experiences, game drives in 4×4 safari jeeps offer an immersive and comfortable way to traverse the national parks near Nairobi.
- Walking Safaris with Experienced Guides
For those seeking a more intimate and immersive connection with nature, walking safaris offer an unparalleled experience. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you’ll set off on foot to explore the bush, learning about the flora and fauna up close. Walking safaris provide a chance to spot smaller creatures, tracks, and signs of wildlife that may be missed on game drives.
- Birdwatching Safaris
Kenya is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 1,000 bird species. Birdwatching safaris are designed for ornithology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Accompanied by experienced bird guides, you’ll have the chance to spot a diverse array of birdlife, from striking flamingos in Lake Naivasha.
- Photography Safaris
For photography enthusiasts, Kenya’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife offer an ideal setting for capturing breathtaking moments. All our safaris are led by expert guides who understand the best angles and lighting to capture the perfect shots. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting, these safaris provide the opportunity to create an impressive wildlife portfolio.
Whether you opt for a classic game drive, a walking safari, or a photography-focused adventure, each type of safari promises to leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes.
Yes, on an Amboseli day trip from Nairobi with African Vulture Safaris, you can catch a breathtaking glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The top attractions in Nairobi include the following;
- Nairobi National Park
- Giraffe Centre
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- Bomas of Kenya
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Nairobi National Museum
- Kazuri Beads Factory, Nairobi
- Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) – KICC Rooftop
- The Kenya National Archive
- Snake Park, Nairobi
- Giraffe Manor, Nairobi
- Carnivore Kenya
- Kenya Railway Museum
The experiences in Nairobi include the following;
- Nairobi Activities
- Nairobi Tours
- Nairobi Nature & adventure
- Nairobi Outdoor activities
- Nairobi Family-friendly activities
- Nairobi Safaris & wildlife activities
- Nairobi National parks
- Nairobi Natural Attractions & National Parks
- Nairobi Family-friendly activities
- Nairobi Guided tours
- Nairobi Day trips
- Nairobi Photography tours
- Nairobi Sightseeing
- Nairobi Zoos & aquariums
- Nairobi Jeep & 4WD tours
- Nairobi Small group activities
Gain insights to some of the most asked questions about our Nairobi’s one day safari trips.
Having Trouble?
Have any further question about your Africa safari that we haven’t answered above? Contact our office and we’ll be more than happy to answer any of your queries.
