Explore 15 exciting day trips from Nairobi, offering a variety of adventures from wildlife safaris and scenic hikes to cultural tours and adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or culture enthusiast, these day trips promise unforgettable experiences just a short drive from the city.
1. Day Trips From Nairobi: Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake known for its abundant birdlife and resident hippos. During your visit, you’ll enjoy a relaxing boat ride, where you’ll be able to spot hippos and various bird species. Afterward, you will visit Crescent Island, a beautiful wildlife sanctuary where you can take a walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and other animals in their natural habitat. This peaceful and scenic experience is one of the most popular day trips from Nairobi offering an excellent introduction to Kenya’s natural beauty.
Activities:
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
- Visit Crescent Island for wildlife encounters
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 12,750
- For Non-Residents: $160
2. Day Trips From Nairobi: Hell’s Gate National Park
One of the day trips from Nairobi that features a range of activities is Hell’s Gate National Park. It is famous for its dramatic scenery, including the Hell’s Gate Gorge. The park offers a great mix of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and rock climbing. As you explore the park, you will encounter various wildlife such as buffalo, giraffes, and gazelles. The landscape is truly stunning, with towering cliffs and geothermal activity adding to the park’s unique atmosphere.
Activities:
- Scenic hike through the park
- Visit the Hell’s Gate Gorge
- Wildlife viewing
- Optional rock climbing
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 16,000
- For Non-Residents: $138
3. Day Trips From Nairobi: Kiambethu Tea Farm
Another of the popular day trips from Nairobi is a visit to Kiambethu Tea Farm. It is an ideal place for those interested in learning about tea cultivation and the process of making tea. Located in the beautiful tea-growing region, the farm offers a guided tour where you will discover how tea is grown, harvested, and processed. After the tour, enjoy a scenic walk around the farm and sample freshly brewed tea during a tasting session. It’s a relaxing and educational experience surrounded by lush landscapes.
Activities:
- Guided tea farm tour
- Tea tasting
- Scenic walks
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 10,000
- For Non-Residents: $120
4. Day Trips From Nairobi: The Forest Ziplining
The Forest Ziplining experience in Kereita Forest offers an exhilarating adventure among the treetops. Enjoy the rush of ziplining while taking in breathtaking views of the lush forest below. For those seeking additional outdoor fun, you can opt for horse riding or a relaxing nature walk. It’s the perfect combination of adrenaline and nature, ideal for adventure enthusiasts.
Activities:
- Ziplining adventure
- Horse riding
- Nature walks
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 11,000
- For Non-Residents: $98
5. Day Trips From Nairobi: Swara Plains Conservancy
Swara Plains Conservancy is located on the outskirts of Nairobi, offering a serene environment for wildlife viewing and cycling. You’ll ride through the conservancy and spot wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, and gazelles while enjoying panoramic views of the Ngong Hills. The area is peaceful, with the Ngong Hills serving as a beautiful backdrop for an unforgettable day outdoors.
Activities:
- Cycling through the conservancy
- Wildlife sightings
- Scenic views of Ngong Hills
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 15,000
- For Non-Residents: $130
6. Nairobi National Park Half Day Trip
Nairobi National Park is unique as it is a wildlife reserve located just outside Nairobi’s bustling city center. It offers an incredible opportunity to spot lions, rhinos, and leopards with the city skyline in the background. A safari here is one of the few places in the world where you can see such iconic wildlife in a city setting, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Activities:
- Safari within the park
- Wildlife spotting (lions, leopards, rhinos)
- Nairobi skyline in the background
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 14,750
- For Non-Residents: $128
7. Day Trips From Nairobi: Gatura Purple Tea Farm
Located in Gatura, the Purple Tea Farm offers a unique opportunity to learn about the cultivation of purple tea, a rare and flavorful tea variety. On a guided tour, you’ll explore the farm and see how purple tea is grown and processed. The tour ends with a tasting session, where you can enjoy the distinct taste of purple tea while surrounded by the beautiful farm setting.
Activities:
- Visit the Purple Tea Farm for a guided tour
- Learn about purple tea cultivation and processing
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 10,000
- For Non-Residents: $128
8. Day Trips From Nairobi: Champagne Ridge
Champagne Ridge offers stunning panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley, making it an ideal spot for a scenic picnic. The area is quiet and peaceful, perfect for relaxing while enjoying lunch with incredible views. For those looking for a more luxurious experience, nearby accommodations offer the option for an overnight stay, adding a touch of elegance to your adventure.
Activities:
- Scenic views of the Great Rift Valley
- Picnic lunch
- Optional luxury accommodation
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 12,750
- For Non-Residents: $112
9. Day Trips From Nairobi: Kitengela Hot Glass
Kitengela Hot Glass is a fascinating glassblowing studio where artisans create stunning glass art and sculptures. You’ll have the chance to see the glassblowing process up close and admire the beautiful creations. It’s also a great place to shop for unique souvenirs, making it a perfect stop for art enthusiasts and collectors.
Activities:
- Visit the glassblowing site
- Admire glass art and sculptures
- Shop for unique souvenirs
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 9,750
- For Non-Residents: $104
10. Day Trips From Nairobi: Lake Elementaita
Lake Elementaita is a soda lake located in a scenic area known for its diverse birdlife, including flamingos. The lake is a great spot for bird watching, and you can also visit nearby Soysambu Conservancy for more wildlife sightings. The area offers beautiful views and is perfect for photography and relaxation.
Activities:
- Visit Lake Elementaita
- Bird watching (flamingos)
- Wildlife spotting in Soysambu Conservancy
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 13,250
- For Non-Residents: $132
11. Rafting on the Sagana River
For adventure enthusiasts, the Sagana River offers thrilling white-water rafting opportunities. The river’s rapids provide an adrenaline-pumping experience for those seeking excitement. You can also enjoy kayaking or ziplining if you prefer different water-based adventures.
Activities:
- White-water rafting
- Kayaking
- Optional ziplining
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 16,250
- For Non-Residents: $140
12. Day Trips From Nairobi: Ngong Hills Hiking Adventure
Ngong Hills is a beautiful and tranquil destination perfect for a hiking adventure. The hills offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, and after a refreshing hike, you can enjoy a relaxing picnic at the summit, taking in the fresh air and sweeping landscapes.
Activities:
- Hike in the Ngong Hills
- Picnic with views of the countryside
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 13,000
- For Non-Residents: $114
13. Day Trips From Nairobi: Mount Longonot Hiking Expedition
Mount Longonot, an active volcano in the Great Rift Valley, provides a challenging yet rewarding hike to its crater. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the valley, and you may even spot wildlife within the crater. This hike is perfect for those seeking adventure and stunning natural views.
Activities:
- Hike to the crater
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley and wildlife
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 16,250
- For Non-Residents: $140
14. Giraffe Centre and Sanctuary Half Day Trip
At the Giraffe Centre, you can meet and feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes. The center is dedicated to the conservation of this species, and visitors can learn about the giraffes’ biology and behavior. It’s a great place to interact with these gentle giants and support conservation efforts.
Activities:
- Feed and interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 10,250
- For Non-Residents: $92
15. David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Half Day Trip
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is one of the best places to meet baby elephants and learn about elephant conservation. The orphanage rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants, and visitors can feed them, watch them play, and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these amazing animals.
Activities:
- Meet baby elephants
- Feed them
- Learn about elephant conservation
Pricing (Per Person Sharing for 2 People):
- For Residents: Ksh 12,250
- For Non-Residents: $108
Conclusion
Gemfinders Safaris offers all the exciting day trips from Nairobi mentioned above and more, ensuring a memorable adventure for every traveler. If you’re seeking nature, culture, or wildlife, these day trips from Nairobi will provide you with unforgettable experiences. For more information or to book, reach out to safaris@gemfinderssafaris.com or call/WhatsApp 0742 324593.
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