Local Tourism Just Got Better. Try These 10 spots in Nairobi

The COVID-19 pandemic has immensely affected the travel industry in our country, and the world over. The current cessation of movement to and out of Nairobi means you can’t enjoy road trips, game drives and any other tourist attractions outside the city. But all is not lost for travel lovers in Nairobi because the beauty of nature lazes right here within the city. Here are a few places you should tour while in Nairobi during this pandemic.

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Giraffe Manor

The Giraffe manor hotel is an iconic historic site that goes way back to the early 1930s. Located in Lang’ata, one of the major suburbs of Nairobi and just 30 min drive from Nairobi CBD. This renowned place built a sanctuary for giraffes since the early 1970s when two travelers kept an orphaned Rothchild’s giraffe. Giraffe Manor has since seen many giraffes, making it a tourist attraction site over the years. What’s incredible about this historic site is the significant number of Rothchild’s giraffes. Before they head back to their sanctuary, the giraffes roam about the hotel every morning and evening, poking their long necks in the hotel windows – hoping to get a treat from the visitors.

The Nairobi National Park

The Nairobi national park is 7 km from the Nairobi CBD; that is about 10 minutes drive from Nairobi town. The park has been in existence since 1946. Located in the South of Nairobi, it has since been the pride of Kenya as it is the most tourist visited park in Nairobi. It is the only national park in the world located within the city. The park is home to a variety of wildlife. The visitor’s attractions include; Bird species, hyenas, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, rhinos, elephants, etc. This attraction site charges Ksh 500 for an adult citizen and Ksh 300 for citizen children. For the resident adults, the park entry fees include Ksh 1,200 and children Ksh 600. Park entry fee for the non-resident adult is USD 50 and USD 25 for children.

The Masai Ostrich Farm

The Masai Ostrich farm was established in the 1990s. It is known to be the largest farm in East Africa, best known for Ostrich farming. Its location is just 45 km from Nairobi on the Kitengela plains. This farm ships ostrich products such as feathers, skin, and meat around Kenya, and countries beyond. This farm has two breeds of ostriches; the blue neck ostrich (also known as the Somali ostrich) and the Masai ostrich, identified by pink necks and legs. Ostriches are known to be the world’s most giant birds recently domesticated, thus the emergence of ostrich farming in the early 1800s. It only costs you Ksh 500 to ride the Somali ostrich at the Masai Ostrich Farm in Kitengela. Entry fees into the farm is Ksh. 300.

Ngong Hills

Ngong Hills are crests of a chain of hills located along the Great Rift Valley. Just 25 km from Nairobi, these hills are about 1hr 20 minutes drive from the Nairobi CBD. Its nature reserve is best suited for hiking. The Ngong forest covers an area of 3077 ha. Near these hills is the Ngong town. The Ngong Hills wind power station is built on these hills, and it is the first wind station in the country. Ngong Hills is a ‘should visit place’, especially for residents and tourists around the country. It’s most common for walking, picnics, and later introduced the zip lining activity to keep the visitors amused. These Ngong Hills featured in the movie ‘Out of Africa’ which was based on the book Out of Africa by Karen Blixen in 1985.

Nairobi Mamba Village

The name Mamba is a Swahili name meaning Crocodile. It is located along Lang’ata North road in Nairobi, Kenya. It is best known for its over 50 Nile crocodiles. They are known to be the worlds dangerous and the largest of the crocodile species. There are five crocodile pens in this village. On this farm, you will find an ostrich park with Masai ostrich strolling around the farm. You will also find the peacock shelter, a few giraffes, and a variety of bird species, which are also tourist attractions. The rates are relatively fair. The entry fee to the farm is Ksh 200 for all. Crocodile watching is Ksh 150 for adult citizens.

Karura Forest

Karura Forest is an urban forest north of central Nairobi, bordering the suburban sprawl of Muthaiga, Gigiri, and Runda. It occupies an area of 1063 ha. It is home to various animal species; monkeys, bushbucks, bush baby, porcupine, bush pig, dik-dik, etc. Karura Forest is known for activities such as; bike riding, picnics, hiking, events, and school parties. Forest entry fees for citizen adults is Ksh 100 and Ksh 50 children. For the residents, adult entry fees are Ksh 200 and Ksh 100 children. For Non-residents, entry fees are Ksh 600 adults and Ksh 300 Children. The activity rates vary depending on the type of activity.

Whistling Morans

For the Go-karting sports enthusiast, this place is meant specially for you. Whistling Morans is located in Athi River, just 1 hour 30 mins drive from Nairobi. The primary sport at Whistling Morans is Go-karting. This motor racing sport intensively competitive, and is contested heavily.