Top Day Excursions From Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, is not only a vibrant city but also a gateway to countless hidden gems waiting to be explored. Just a short drive away, you’ll find a treasure trove of destinations offering diverse experiences, from serene nature escapes to cultural landmarks and thrilling adventures.
Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway to recharge, explore Kenya’s rich heritage, or simply enjoy the outdoors, these day trips promise to leave a lasting impression.
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In this article, we’ll uncover memorable day trips from Nairobi that showcase the beauty, history, and charm of this remarkable region.
[blockquote align=”none” author=”Shanti”]And at the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling.[/blockquote]
Day Trips To Hell's Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha
HEll’s Gate National Park is named after a narrow break in the cliffs, once a tributary of a prehistoric lake taht fed early humans in the Rift Valley. Hell’s Gate Park lies 100 kilometres northwest of Nairobi.
This park is a perfect excursion from Nairobi, particularly for those who enjoy biking. Here, you can rent a bike and ride around the park, which is the ideal method to explore. Later on, head on over to Lake Naivasha and take a boat ride. This is a terrific opportunity to see hippos, eagles, and other animals up close. Hell’s Gate and Lake Naivasha are normally integrated as a trip, which can be scheduled together.
A Visit to Hike Mount Longonot
Mount Longonot NAtional Park is located about 75 kilometres from Nairobi andd provides visitors a chance for adventure and connection with nature. If you enjoy the outdoors, ensure you do not lose out on the hiking here. The trail starts at the park’s gate and follows a significant pathe (with a section of steep stairs) towards the crater’s rim. From there, you can complete a 7.2-kilometre loop around the crater or head back.
This game park has a few of wild animals. You may be able to see gazelles, zebras, and giraffes if you’re fortunate. You’ll also marvel at the crater and have beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes and sights, consisting of Lake Naivasha. If you would like make it around the rim, you’ll spot the tiny crater, which stands on one face of the mountain. Although some experienced hikers underestimate this path, it is difficult, and you need to be well-prepared before attempting the hike. We recommend wearing appropriate gear and beginning early. For a much better experience, you can join an organised trip from Nairobi.
Day Tour to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta is the biggest black rhino sanctuary in East and Central Africa and home to the last 2 remaining northern white rhinos on the planet. It is likewise the only location in Kenya to see chimpanzees, in a sanctuary developed to restore animals rescued from the black market. It has some of the greatest predator densities in Kenya and manages a really successful animals program.
Ol Pejeta is popular for the extraordinary wildlife experience it offers its visitors and is a four-hour drive from the capital. As a wildlife conservancy, Ol Pejeta is eager to receive help from visitors, so be prepared to get your hands dirty. Look for the lions, go birdwatching and even bring out your best David Attenborough impression by identifying various animal tracks.
Karura Forest
Karura Forest is situated near to the city centre, making it an outstanding area for day trips outside Nairobi. It’s popular amongst hikers and nature lovers wanting to get away the turmoil of the city and find some privacy.
With its tranquil atmosphere, Karura is the best location to hang around alone or with friends. It has well-marked trails for biking, strolling, jogging, and hiking. You can see birds, see a waterfall, or explore a cavern during the walk. The forest also has a terrific picnic and team-building spot for larger groups. For novice visitors, checking out Karura Forest with someone who takes pleasure in nature and knows the tracks well is suggested. You can ask the workplace attendant to connect you with a guide or join a day trip.
Savage Wilderness
Savage Wilderness is one for thrill-seekers. Twenty-five years earlier, Mark Savage pioneered whitewater rafting on Kenya’s Athi River. Today, rafting is one of the experience operator’s most popular activities, whith a series of different rapids to match every level.
If you don’t feel like getting wet, there are lots of other activities on offer, from mountain cycling throughout the dry plains to rock climbing up. Novice climbers can practice on a climbing wall before scaling bigger heights. Found in Sagana, this location is a little more afield however the natural environments deserve it. The skilled team of outside specialists will take you along winding rivers and up rock faces for an action-packed experience you will not forget.
Visit to Kitengela Hot Glass Studio
It is one of the few places in the world tath makes glass items from recycled glass. Kitengela Hot Glass is not located in Kitengela but rather in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County. You will not get to Rongai town however you will take a left turn at Maasai Lodge Road. From there, you take the turn to Africa Nazarene University and drive past it. FRom that point, you will see the indications leading to Kitengela Hot Glass.
A trip to Kitengela Hot Glass begins with a slightly nerve-wracking walk along a suspension bridge over a canyon. As soon get across the bridge, enjoy a stroll around the studio premises, which are dotted with colourful sculptures, glass objets d’art, mosaics and the occasional grazing zebra. Make certian to catch one of the remarkable glass-blowing presentations, which show how each piece takes its shape.
Visitors can snap up a variety of vases, glasses, lampshades and more at a reduced rate in the store. Each piece is distinct and made with 100% recycled glass. Later on, take a break at the coffee shop, which serves a choice of yummy snacks and offers visitors an excellent view over the canyon.
Lord Egerton Castle
Lord Egerton Castle is a fortress-style home located 14 kilometres outside of Nakuru, Kenya. The manor house has 52 rooms. Maurice Egerton, 4th Baron Egerton, laid the foundation stone in 1938. Albert Brown was the architect. Building and construction was finished in 1954. The castle’s management was transferred to Egerton University, which ended up being a museum over time. In a gazette notice dated March 25, 1996, it was contributed to Kenya’s list of national monoliths.
While it might be a reasonable trek, situated just over three hours frome Nairobi, near Nakuru, the travel is worth it.
Zaina Falls, Nyeri
Zaina Falls is one of tjhe most awesome waterfalls in Kenya and is considered a lesser-known traveler destination. It is located in the hilly andd green Nyeri County, Kenya, which is on average over 2,000 metres above sea level.
A 10-kilometre drive from Nyeri town westwards at the foot of the Aberdares Ranges in Zaina Forest, is located in Tetu area. Its predominantly agricultural area known for tea, coffee, and dairy farming. The region is home to a hard-working community that puts a lot of effort in nature conservation.
It is to be noted that the late Nobel Prize winner, Professor Wangari Mathai, was born and brought up in this region. Also, the legendary MauMau Field Mashal Dedan Kimathi’s home is 5 kilometres away from Zaina Falls. The landscape near the falls enables a clear view of the River Chania and River Zaina as they wonderfully meander adn confluence in the valley. From the main road to the foot of the falls, it is a 1.5-kilometer hike.
Stunning and natural footpath sandwiched by 2 ranges along the Zaina River Valley, a bushy environment with indigenous trees guarding the entire path to the falls. The magnificent phenomonenon draws nearer and more evident as you get closer. Eventually, the drizzles clean your face, keeping you a few metres from the falling volumes of water. On average the falls are 100 metres in vertical length. Other activities at the falls include bird watching, swimming, and fishing. Zaina Falls has a relaxing environment favourable for camping where wild animals are electrically fenced 5km above the falls. Its gorgeous landscapes will leave you with no regrets.
A Day Tour of Kiambethu Tea Farm
Kiambethu Farm at Limuru provides a relaxing insight into life on an inhabitant farm. It’s one of the oldest in the country, going back to the early 1900s. They provide tours from Thursday to Sunday weekly, bigining at 11 am. The owner, Fiona, starts by taking visitors through a quick history of the farm and the process of growing tea, which her household has actually been doing given that 1910. This is followed by a guided tour through bright green tea fields and shady, indigenous forest where you can identify colobus monkeys.
Guests are then invited to delight in a freshly prepared vegetarian lunch, made with active ingredients from the garden and completed with homemade ice cream made from the milk of resident cows. Later on, visitors can admire the different types of birds and flowers and the view that stretches to the Ngong Hills. The area lies about 30 km from the city centre and hosts several tea and coffee farms. It also includes beautiful landscapes of the central highlands, which were as soon as colonial farmlands.
