Top 12 Day Trips From Nairobi, Kenya - Updated 2024

Victor
Victor 
Updated
| 5 min read

Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is a good base to launch your exploration of East Africa. It is a culturally diverse city with a plethora of things to see and do which will leave no room in your itinerary if you are just visiting for a couple of days. Knowing where to stay can also improve your vacation experience. There are plenty of hotels in Nairobi that are sure to pamper you after a day out, However, there comes a time when you need to step away from the concrete jungle or explore what else is available beyond the city’s borders. This is where day trips come in. The beauty of Nairobi is that there is a myriad of interesting attractions that are just a few hours’ drive away. Scroll down below for some of the top day trips from Nairobi, Kenya.

1. Kiambethu Tea Farm (from USD 141.0)

Kenya is one of the producers of the best tea in the world. If you are a drinker of this beverage, then there are very good chances that you have drank Kenyan tea on more than one occasion. Kiambethu Tea Farm is less than a two hours’ drive from the capital. It is a great day trip destination for anyone who needs a breather from the city, and most importantly, those who want to learn more about tea – from how it is grown to how it ends up in your cup. Apart from the fascinating education aspect of this trip, you will also marvel at the beauty of the tea plantations, and the photos you take by the plantations will be among the most beautiful you will ever take in your life.

Visited this place?

Private Day Trip to Kiambethu Tea Farm in Limuru from Nairobi

Duration: 6 hours

31 reviews

2. Lake Nakuru National Park (from USD 195.0)

Lake Nakuru National Park is about 170 km (105.63 mi) from the capital, and you can easily reach it by car in less than three hours. If you love wildlife, care about endangered species of animals, and have been wanting to visit a Safari in Kenya, a visit to this park will be an exciting journey for you.

The park has a superfluity of animals and birds, including all the “Big Five” - lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and African buffalo. Most interestingly, it is home to the highly endangered black and white rhinos. Also, the shore of the lake is a favorite breeding spot for flamingos. There are just so many things that you will fall in love with at this park, and it is a trip you should endeavor to take if you can spare a day in Nairobi.

Visited this place?

Lake Nakuru National Park Safari: Private Tour from Nairobi

Duration: 9 to 10 hours

92 reviews

3. Ol Pejeta Conservancy (from USD 360.0)

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is about 200 km (124.27 mi) away from the capital and on a good day with perfect weather, you need no more than 3.5 hours to get to it by road. The conservancy is mainly known for its chimpanzee sanctuary, though it is home to a multitude of birds and other wildlife. Apart from the chimps and the birds, a day trip to this conservancy will treat you to some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, including a view of snow-capped Mount Kenya.

Visited this place?

Ol Pejeta Conservancy Day Tour from Nairobi

Duration: 1 day

15 reviews

4. Giraffe Center (from USD 61.0)

Make your holiday in Nairobi, Kenya, more memorable by visiting Giraffe Center. You don’t need any elaborate planning to visit this place since it is just a few-minute drive from the city center. The center is primarily a giraffe sanctuary. You get to see and interact with giraffes in a way you have never imagined. You will get a chance to feed and pet them, and also take selfies with them.

If you wonder what a kiss from a giraffe feels like, then this is where to get the experience with a simple day trip.

Visited this place?

Tour to Giraffe Center from Nairobi

Duration: 3 hours

20 reviews

Nairobi Tour Guide

Lewenei Japhet

Lewenei Japhet

I am 26, born and raised in Kenya. In the year 2015, I started my journey in the Travel & Tour Industry :- Tour Consultancy and Safari guiding. I established Happy Feet Travel in 2019 and have been operating private and small group tours in Kenya and Tanzania - planning, organizing, guiding and leading the ultimate, unique and exclusive safari to key destinations in East Africa. I have ... Read more

Tours by Lewenei

5. Naivasha (from USD 175.5)

naivasha

Naivasha is not just a day trip destination, but also one of the most popular tourist destinations near the capital. The town is about 100 km (62.13 mi) away from the capital – just less than 2 hours away by car. Though there are plenty of attractions here, the ones that make a good case for a day trip are swimming at the natural Olkaria Geothermal Resource spa, interacting with animals at Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, and enjoying various adventures at Hell’s Gate National Park.

Visited this place?

Nairobi to Lake Naivasha Day Tour with Crescent Island

Duration: 8.0 hour

4 reviews

6. Lake Magadi (from USD 650.0)

If you can spare about 2 hours to cover approximately 110 km (68.35 mi) between Nairobi and Lake Magadi, then you will have another wonderful gift for a day trip. This is where we find Olorgesailie – one of the most important archeological sites located on the floor of the Eastern Rift Valley. Then there is also the pink waters of the lake believed to have some healing powers, so be sure to swim along the beautiful water body. Other major attractions here are the natural hot springs, also with healing powers; if only you take a dip in them. Finally, this is a Massai land and you will have a unique chance to interact with these awesome communities of people and learn more about their culture.

Visited this place?

Lake Magadi Day Trip

Duration: 10 to 12 hours

7. Mount Kenya

The light was so good I almost wept with happiness. Nature's flex is way too strong. . . Via @andreyjosephs . . #mtkenya...

Posted by Mount Kenya Trust on Tuesday, 10 December 2019

No destination is more deserving of a slot in your travel itinerary in Kenya than Mount Kenya. This extinct stratovolcano is about 270 km (167.77 mi) from Nairobi. It is the tallest mountain in Kenya and the second largest in the continent. A road trip to this region will be a great chance to sample the varying and beautiful landscapes of the region and the country.

Also, at Mount Kenya National Park, you will have plenty of sightings of wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and baboons among others. Also, you will encounter hundreds of bird species that will delight the heart and soul of every bird watcher.

Visited this place?

8. Amboseli National Park (from USD 200.0)

Amboseli National Park is about 220 km (136.70 mi) from the capital, and on a good day, you will access it in less than 4 hours by road. It is a national park that is majorly known for its great herds of elephant. At this park, you are bound to see elephants of all sizes and in very close proximity. If it is a clear day, you will also have a chance to view the spectacular peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. If you can spare some time, you should try the game drives, the bush lunches and the sundowner parties usually held within the park.

Tip from tour guide

Lewenei

Lewenei
Nairobi

Amboseli National Park

I recommend spending a chilly morning atop Amboseli observation hill, which has striking 360 views of the area. From here, you can appreciate the lakes and cold breeze bringing the smell of elephants.

Visited this place?

Amboseli Park & Kilimanjaro views Day tour

Duration: 13 to 14 hours

4 reviews

9. Aberdare National Park

Posted by Aberdare Park on Thursday, 8 August 2019

Aberdare National Park is about 170 km (105.63 mi) from Nairobi. It is a day trip destination you should consider if you love outdoors and the wild. Apart from viewing wildlife, you will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, bird watching, safari drives, and fishing in the moorlands. The greenery and the freshness around the park is a complete contrast to the chaos you left behind in Nairobi, and you will wish that you had more than just a day to spend at this place.

Visited this place?

10. Maasai Village (from USD 100.0)

Stepping into a Maasai village is like stepping into a world of captivating traditions, ancient rituals, and a close-knit community that has thrived for generations. Experience the warmth of Maasai hospitality as you are welcomed with open arms into their homes, known as bomas. Immerse yourself in their unique way of life, learning about their customs, beliefs, and traditional practices.

Witness the Maasai’s vibrant attire, adorned with colorful beads and intricate patterns, symbolizing their identity and heritage. Engage in cultural activities such as traditional dances, where the rhythmic chanting and graceful movements will transport you to a different time. Delight in a traditional Maasai meal prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from their surroundings.

Visited this place?

Maasai Half-Day Village Experience Tour from Nairobi

Duration: 6 to 8 hours

40 reviews

11. Mount Longonot National Park (from USD 100.0)

The majestic Mount Longonot National Park is a natural wonder in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. This iconic park is home to the mighty Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano that is a testament to the earth’s volcanic activity. Embark on an exhilarating trek to the summit of Mount Longonot and be rewarded with panoramic views that will take your breath away. The challenging hike through lush forests and rugged terrain is a thrilling adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.

Immerse yourself in the park’s diverse ecosystem, teeming with wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive buffalos and colobus monkeys that inhabit this enchanting landscape. As you explore the park, marvel at the magnificent crater formed by volcanic activity centuries ago. The sight of the steep walls and the lush vegetation within the crater is a sight to behold.

Visited this place?

Day tour to mount Longonot park from Nairobi

Duration: 11 hours

13 reviews

12. Hell’s Gate National Park (from USD 195.0)

Hell’s Gate National Park is about 130 km (80.77 mi) from Nairobi – about 3 hours’ drive from the capital depending on the prevailing weather conditions. The park is famous for its wildlife and beautiful natural rock formations. Plenty of lions, zebras, baboons, leopards, hyenas, and gazelles among other wildlife roam the park freely. It also has over 200 bird species making it a real paradise for bird watchers. Other notable features of this part are the cave systems and the canyons that were formed thousands of years ago. If you are an energetic and adventurous soul, then this park will feel like heaven for you.

Tip from tour guide

Lewenei

Lewenei
Nairobi

Hell's Gate National Park Hell's Gate National Park Hell's Gate National Park

Hell's Gate National Park also boasts scenic cliffs, wide tracks, and majestic rock formations. Lying to the south of Lake Naivasha, the park gives you the opportunity to wander around the region on a bicycle, also known as a cycling safari.

Visited this place?

Hells gate national park Day trip

Duration: 8 to 12 hours

Enjoy these gems in proximity to Nairobi

Make the bold decision to explore the gems that reside away from the capital’s boundaries. Check out the above top day tours from Nairobi, Kenya for a perfect break from the city.

Frequently asked questions about the day trips from Nairobi, Kenya


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Victor firmly believes that writing is a skill anyone can develop, and he is a living testament to that philosophy. With a genuine love for writing, he finds it to be a powerful means of sharing...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Nairobi
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.