Nairobi blends city life with the wild. Skyscrapers sit alongside giraffes, rhinos, and zebras, while the city serves as the gateway to Kenya’s top parks like Maasai Mara and Amboseli for unforgettable safari adventures.
byTrisha Pillay
Dec 17, 2025
9 min read
Nairobi, Kenya, is often called Africa’s “Safari Capital.” Unlike most cities, it combines an active urban environment with wildlife on its doorstep. Lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras can be seen with the city skyline as a backdrop, making Nairobi a truly unique safari city. From here, travellers can quickly access sprawling savannahs, immerse themselves in Kenya’s untamed landscapes, and embark on multi-day safaris that reveal the country’s incredible biodiversity.
For travellers, Nairobi isn’t just a stopover; it’s a city worth exploring. You can see wildlife nearby, wander colourful markets, try local dishes, and soak up the culture, all in a short visit. Seven-day safari trips here can start from around $3200 per person, including lodging and meals.
Aerial view of the Great Migration herd in the green landscape of the Maasai Mara, Kenya.
Where is Nairobi, and how big is it?
Located in south-central Kenya, Nairobi sits at an altitude of roughly 1,795 metres (5,889 feet) above sea level and about 140 km south of the equator. It is the country’s capital and largest city, with a metropolitan population of over 5.7 million people. Spread across approximately 696 square kilometres (269 square miles), Nairobi is both a busy urban hub and a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Africa.
Its central location makes Nairobi the ideal starting point for travellers wanting to go on a safari in Kenya. From here, you can easily reach the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and other famous wildlife reserves. What truly sets Nairobi apart is that you don’t have to leave the city to experience wildlife firsthand.
Zebras in Nairobi National Park with cityscape behind, Kenya safari.
Nairobi’s status as a safari city comes from its combination of wildlife access, conservation efforts, and proximity to major safari destinations. Unlike most African cities, where a safari requires hours of travel, Nairobi has Nairobi National Park, just 10 kilometres from the city centre. Here, visitors can literally see lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and elephants roaming against the backdrop of city skyscrapers, a surreal experience that blends city and wilderness like nowhere else in the world.
Let's take a look at what makes it unique:
Nairobi National Park
The Nairobi National Park is one of the few parks in the world bordering a capital city. Covering 117 square kilometres, it hosts over 400 species of animals and birds, including lions, cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and elephants. The park has two main ecosystems, which are the savannah and woodland, plus walking trails for guided exploration. A visit to Nairobi National Park allows travellers to experience the thrill of seeing predators and prey in their natural habitat while city skyscrapers rise in the distance. It’s an extraordinary contrast that is unique to Nairobi.
Black rhinos grazing in Nairobi, Kenya.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a sanctuary for orphaned elephants. Founded nearly five decades ago from one family’s passion for Kenya and its wilderness, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) has grown into one of Africa’s most respected conservation organisations. Best known for its Orphans’ Project, the world’s first and most successful elephant orphan rescue and rehabilitation programme, SWT leads the way in protecting wildlife and preserving habitats across East Africa. Every initiative it undertakes, from rescuing orphaned elephants to safeguarding endangered species, reflects a commitment to the long-term conservation and protection of Kenya’s natural heritage. Visitors can watch elephants being fed and learn about rehabilitation efforts. This experience combines conservation education with close wildlife encounters.
Tourists getting up close and personal with a calf at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage during a Kenya safari.
Giraffe Centre
Located just outside Nairobi, the Giraffe Centre offers visitors a rare opportunity to feed and interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes, one of the tallest and most majestic species in the world. Founded by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W. Kenya), the centre was established with a dual purpose to provide hands-on wildlife experiences for local and international visitors, and to educate Kenyan schoolchildren and youth about the country’s unique wildlife and fragile environment.
Visitors can walk along raised platforms to feed the giraffes by hand, gaining an up-close perspective that goes far beyond traditional wildlife viewing. The experience is both educational and unforgettable, fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts in Kenya. Home to the Rothschild giraffe, the Giraffe Centre demonstrates how effective wildlife protection can be when combined with public engagement and environmental education.
These attractions highlight why Nairobi is more than just a stopover for travellers. With experiences like the Giraffe Centre, the city offers a full safari adventure without leaving its boundaries, blending urban accessibility with authentic wildlife encounters.
A visitor's hand being licked by Rothschild's giraffe on the bridge at the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
Top safari highlights in and around Nairobi
Nairobi is not just about the national park within the city. Its location allows easy access to world-class safari destinations. Let's look at some of the top safari highlights:
Maasai Mara National Reserve – Four to six hours from Nairobi, home to the Great Migration and abundant wildlife.
Amboseli National Park – Famous for large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro, about four hours away.
Nakuru National Park – Known for flamingos and rhinos, two hours from Nairobi.
Samburu National Reserve – Unique northern Kenya wildlife like Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk.
Tsavo East and West National Parks – Vast landscapes ideal for longer safaris.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy – A conservation hotspot with the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa.
Aberdare National Park – Forests, waterfalls, and rare wildlife.
Lake Naivasha – Hippos, birds, and boat safaris, just two hours from the city.
Hell’s Gate National Park – Dramatic gorges, walking safaris, and cycling among wildlife.
Meru National Park – Remote park with diverse species, including elephants, lions, and rhinos.
Laikipia Plateau- Just a few hours north of Nairobi, offers a quieter, more exclusive safari experience with rolling savannahs, rugged hills, and seasonal rivers. Home to elephants, lions, leopards, and rare species like the African wild dog, it combines intimate wildlife encounters with sustainable conservancy practices.
These parks offer a range of experiences, from short day trips to extended safaris, all accessible from Nairobi. Schedule a call with our team, and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Nairobi is the hub for planning any safari in Kenya. If you're flying to Maasai Mara or driving to Amboseli, the city’s central location saves travel time. Local safari companies, including Follow Alice, offer packages starting at $2200 for seven days, including accommodation, meals, and guided tours. Visitors can also combine urban exploration with day trips to nearby parks, making Nairobi a versatile safari base.
Nairobi remains remarkably safe for tourists who take standard precautions, and most visits pass without incident. The city is well-prepared for international travellers, with hotels, safari lodges, and tour operators experienced in guiding visitors through both urban and wildlife environments. While Nairobi is accessible, travellers should follow practical safety guidelines:
Getting around: Stick to licensed taxis, hotel-arranged transport, or rideshare apps such as Uber and Bolt. While the city centre and tourist areas are generally secure, it’s best to avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar neighbourhoods. For day trips to parks or conservancies, guided transport is recommended, both for convenience and safety.
Health considerations: Nairobi sits at an altitude of 1,795 metres, so mild altitude adjustment is usually enough for most visitors. Vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A are recommended, along with malaria prophylaxis if you plan to travel outside the city or to rural areas. Carrying hand sanitiser and staying hydrated are simple but effective ways to stay well during your safari adventures.
Money and currency: The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the local currency, and ATMs are widely available across the city. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and safari lodges, but it’s wise to carry some cash when visiting markets, rural parks, or small towns.
Wildlife experiences: Attractions such as Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and the Giraffe Centre are professionally managed with strong security and safety measures. Guided safaris in these locations ensure both visitor safety and minimal disturbance to the animals.
Local advice: Nairobi’s locals are friendly and accustomed to tourists, and most are happy to provide directions or recommendations. Learning a few Swahili phrases, such as “Asante” (thank you) and “Habari” (hello), can help with your interactions and show respect for local culture.
With common-sense planning and adherence to basic precautions, Nairobi offers a seamless blend of city exploration and wildlife adventure.
The ideal months for a safari are October to March, when temperatures are cooler, and wildlife viewing is at its best. The dry season concentrates animals near water sources, making sightings easier. Even during the wet season, wildlife is visible, and the landscapes are lush and green, offering excellent photography opportunities.
An infographic to see the best times to visit Kenya.
Nairobi, a safari city like no other
Nairobi combines city life, culture, and wildlife into a single destination. From the lions at Nairobi National Park to the Maasai Mara plains just hours away, it’s the perfect starting point for a Kenya safari. With accessible flights, practical safari packages, and a wealth of wildlife and cultural experiences, Nairobi earns its title as Africa’s best safari city. Begin your African safari in Nairobi with Follow Alice. From up-close encounters with wildlife to exploring Kenya’s iconic reserves and rich cultural heritage, every moment promises discovery and adventure.
