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A herd of zebras stand in the tall grass in front of the city skyline of Kenya's capital. You can do a one day safari as day trip from Nairobi.

Hiking and Safari Day Trips from Nairobi

Get a real taste of safari on a one-day safari tour in Kenya

Day trips and one-day safaris in Kenya

Join us for a day trip in Nairobi to explore Kenya’s natural wonders and participate in unforgettable activities near the capital. We’ll meet you at your hotel in Nairobi and take you on a one-day safari to discover the surrounding area.

With luck, you can see the Big Five by visiting Nairobi National Park and an elephant charity. Alternatively, a classic Nairobi day trip involves watching orphaned elephant calves bottle-fed at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, and visiting the Karen Blixen Museum.

Lunch will be provided, and at the end of the day, we will drop you safely back at your hotel or the airport.

Best Kenya Guided Day Trips & Tours

A keeper with his elephant orphan herd at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a popular stop on our best day trip in Nairobi.
A rhino and its young in the evening light. Rhinos are often sighted on one day safaris in Nairobi National Park.

You want to do a day trip from Nairobi?

Plan your one day safari or hiking day trip with our service-oriented experts!

Accommodations

KAREN IS THE BEST AREA TO STAY FOR A ONE-DAY SAFARI IN KENYA

We suggest booking accommodation in the Karen area of Nairobi. This part in the south-west of the city is closer to the main attractions and avoids long waits in traffic to cross the city.

Some great places to stay in the Karen area of Nairobi include the Wildebeest Eco Camp, Tamarind Tree Hotel, Hemingways, Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens, and Karen Gables.

We are happy to assist you with booking your accommodation. Please contact one of our country experts, and they will arrange your safari day trips from Nairobi.

View of guest tents at Wildebeest Eco Camp from the garden.

The Wildebeest Eco Camp is a tranquil tented camp in Karen. A great base to start your one day safari from Nairobi.

The swimming pool at Hemingways in Nairobi.

If you enjoy a luxurious setup and excellent service, you can opt for Hemingways Hotel, set in a lush area of Karen.

A junior suite at Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens.

Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens is located along the same road as the Karen Blixen Museum, a popular stop on a Nairobi day trip.

The swimming pool and deck at Ololo Lodge with views of Nairobi National Park.

Staying at Ololo Lodge gets you as close to a true safari lodge as possible. The property overlooks Nairobi National Park.

What to expect on a Kenya safari day trip?

A day trip in the surrounding area of Kenya’s capital offers authentic safari experiences for those short on time. You can select from the two itineraries above to choose your experience. You can book your Nairobi day-trip, along with your accommodation, by contacting one of our travel experts.

On the morning of your day-trip, one of our expert guides will collect you from your accommodation in one of our Toyota Land Cruisers, and your adventure will begin shortly afterwards.

As you will quickly discover, your guides will be one of the highlights of your one day safari, sharing their knowledge from years of experience and love of their country. Together, you can enjoy the experiences on your itinerary.

With bellies rumbling, you’ll find a lookout point or picnic spot to sit back and enjoy a packed lunch while fielding questions to your guide about the morning experiences and sightings.

Fed and refreshed, you continue your experience and arrive back at your hotel before the setting sun. Safari day trips provide a glimpse of an authentic safari and will leave you longing to explore more of Kenya.

What can I see and experience on a one-day safari in Kenya?

Our safari day trips from Nairobi revolve around two main itineraries, but other options exist, as you can see below.

The Classic Nairobi Day Trip is an exciting itinerary to consider, especially if you enjoy getting up close to wildlife.

The first stop on the trip is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you’ll see orphaned elephant calves being bottle-fed. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the extensive conservation work undertaken by this incredible charity.

The next stop is the Giraffe Centre, where you can hand-feed giraffe in a conservation sanctuary. It’s a moment you’ll never forget.

Finally, you can discover the main character’s life depicted in the movie “Out of Africa” at the Karen Blixen Museum. This is a fun day, especially for animal lovers.

The Big Five in Nairobi day trip is the second itinerary to choose from. This exciting day trip offers the chance to see the Big Five in one day without leaving Nairobi.

Your first stop is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can visit orphaned elephants.

Next, you enjoy a game drive at Nairobi National Park. Here, you’ll seek out the rest of the Big Five, including buffalo, leopard, lion and rhino, while the skyscrapers of the capital line the horizon.

Other day trips occur to Lake Naivasha and Hells Gate National Park; however, booking in advance is vital to allow time to organise these experiences.

One-day Mt Kenya or Aberdare hiking trip

A one-day hike in Mount Kenya National Park, a World Heritage Site, offers unparalleled trekking in breathtaking landscapes and a chance to explore one of the most underrated parks in Kenya.

At Mt Kenya, you can hike to Lake Ellis or enjoy parts of the longer Mackinder Valley hike.

Alternatively, visit the Aberdares for hiking in forested areas and moorland. You can hike to Mt Satima at 4,001m via the Dragon’s Teeth. The Aberdares are a lush and scenic region, considered the Water Towers of Kenya.

These trips can only be booked as part of a multi-day safari and require staying overnight close to the national parks. Making it an excellent addition for hiking enthusiasts on a northern safari as it lets you stretch your legs and leave the vehicle behind.

These one-day hikes will make you want to return to this beautiful park again and again. For more information, please get in touch with one of our travel experts.

Taher Nassulla | Kenya Travel Expert
‘Day trips near the capital, Nairobi, offer many unique experiences. We highly recommend visiting Nairobi National Park alongside The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage for an authentic taste of a safari and to observe how rescued elephants begin their journey to return to the wild.’
Taher | Kenya Travel Expert
A male lion with a large beautiful mane lying on the ground
Kenya Specialist Taher Nassrulla
A safari vehicle is driving in the Masai Mara at sunset.

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