Nairobi City Tour and Night Life

Nairobi is a city where modern hustle meets deep-rooted traditions, and exploring it thoroughly can be a real eye-opener. The Nairobi City Tour & Night Life offered by Back to Nature Safaris promises an engaging blend of historical sites, cultural experiences, and vibrant evening scenes, all for a reasonable $338 per person. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, history, or Kenyan culture, this tour promises a well-rounded glimpse of Kenya’s bustling capital.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, you get to visit iconic sites like the Karen Blixen Museum, enjoying the story behind “Out of Africa.” Second, the chance to get up close to Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre is a highlight for animal lovers. Third, the tour’s mix of cultural experiences, from Utamaduni arts and crafts to visiting a traditional cheese farm, offers a genuine taste of Kenyan life. However, the full day can be quite packed, and some may find the schedule a bit intensive. Still, for those eager to explore both the historical and modern sides of Nairobi, this tour hits many marks.

This tour is best suited for travelers who crave authentic encounters, enjoy learning about local culture and wildlife, and aren’t shy about a full day of sightseeing. It’s especially good for first-timers wanting a comprehensive introductory experience to Nairobi.

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Key Points

Diverse itinerary: Combines historical, cultural, and wildlife highlights for a well-rounded day.
Authentic experiences: Up-close encounters with giraffes, elephants, and local artisans.
All-inclusive: Entry fees, transfers, meals, and even medical evacuation cover are included.
Flexible booking: Keep plans open with a pay-later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Vibrant nightlife: Concludes with a taste of Nairobi’s energetic evening scene.
Value for money: At $338, it provides a full-day experience with many highlights included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Nairobi’s Heritage and Wildlife

This tour offers a great balance of educational and fun experiences, making it ideal for travelers who want to understand Nairobi beyond just its surface. Let’s break down each stop to see what kind of value and insight they bring.

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Karen Blixen Museum: Walking into “Out of Africa”

First on the list is the Karen Blixen Museum, located at the farmhouse famously linked to the author of “Out of Africa.” For fans of the film or book, this stop is a nostalgic trip back in time. The house sits at the foot of the Ngong Hills, with lush gardens and preserved rooms that echo the story’s romantic and adventurous spirit. Visitors often comment on the serenity of the surroundings and the chance to see original artifacts from Blixen’s life.

Our guide mentioned that the museum “really captures the essence of the colonial era and the writer’s passion for the land,” making it clear that this isn’t just a quick photo stop but a meaningful immersion into Kenya’s colonial past. Expect about an hour here, with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to browse the small shop for souvenirs.

Giraffe Centre: Get Up Close with Rothschild Giraffes

Next, you’ll visit the Giraffe Centre, a top highlight for animal lovers. Here, you’ll have the chance to feed and interact with the Rothschild giraffes, which are quite tall and gentle creatures. Many reviews mention how friendly and curious these giraffes are—several travelers appreciate being able to hand-feed them, which turns into a memorable photo moment.

The centre is also an educational space emphasizing giraffe conservation, so it feels good knowing your visit contributes to preservation efforts. Expect to spend around 45 minutes here, with plenty of time to learn about these iconic animals and snap some incredible photos.

Utamaduni: A Cultural Hub and Arts Getaway

After the wildlife, it’s time to dive into Kenyan culture at Utamaduni, a converted house hosting arts and crafts shops. It’s a wonderful place to pick up handcrafted souvenirs—pottery, jewelry, textiles—each piece reflecting Kenya’s diverse culture and wildlife. The outdoor restaurant, The Verandah, offers a relaxed setting for lunch, if you choose to include it (note, lunch costs extra).

Visitors love that Utamaduni isn’t just about shopping; it’s a glimpse into local craftsmanship and artistry. The peaceful vibe makes it a perfect break in the day, and some reviews even praise the shop owners for sharing stories behind their products, adding layers of meaning to each purchase.

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Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage: A Heartwarming Encounter

No trip to Nairobi would be complete without meeting the orphaned elephants at Daphne Sheldrick’s orphanage. This is perhaps one of the most touching stops, where you see young elephants being cared for before reintroduction into the wild. The guides emphasize how these animals are raised with a lot of love and patience, which makes their eventual release into the wild feel even more hopeful.

One reviewer shared, “Watching the elephants being bottle-fed was a truly emotional experience,” and many find this stop to be a highlight of their visit. Expect about an hour here, with opportunities to learn about conservation efforts and the challenges faced by these animals.

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Art and Souvenir Shopping: Bronze and Beads

The tour also includes visits to Matt Bronze and Kazuri Beads, where you can browse unique Kenyan-made gifts. Matt Bronze offers handcrafted sculptures and animal footprint ashtrays—perfect for those looking for authentic souvenirs. Similarly, Kazuri beads produce vibrant pottery and jewelry, each piece a testament to Kenyan craftsmanship and culture.

It’s not just about shopping—these stops serve as a window into local artisan life and the importance of handcrafted art in Kenyan culture. Many reviewers comment on the quality of the items and the skill involved in making each piece.

Browns Cheese Farm: A Tasty Detour

Finally, the group visits the Browns Cheese Farm to learn traditional cheese-making methods. Tasting the various cheeses afterward is a delightful way to end the daytime sightseeing. This stop provides a taste of Kenyan agricultural practices and culinary traditions, adding another layer of understanding to Kenyan rural life.

Evening Experience: Nairobi Nightlife

As the sun sets, the tour transitions into exploring Nairobi’s lively nightlife. The city is known for its vibrant bars, restaurants, and live music venues. This part of the tour offers a chance to relax, share stories, and soak in the city’s energetic atmosphere. While specific venues aren’t detailed, many reviews mention the lively, friendly vibe of Nairobi’s night scene, making it a fitting end to a full day.

Practical Details and Value

Transportation and Group Size

All transfers are included, and the vehicle provided is described as being suitable for a comfortable group experience. This means you won’t be cramped, and the journey between sites is efficient, allowing you to maximize your time at each stop.

Meals and Extras

Meals are included at selected restaurants—Cultiva Farm, Talisman, Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, Hatton’s Restaurant, or Matbronze—excluding drinks. While this keeps costs predictable, a few reviews mention that drinks and additional activities aren’t included, so it’s good to budget extra for beverages or optional purchases.

Cost and Overall Value

At $338 per person, this tour packs in a lot for the price—covering entry fees, meals, transfers, and even medical evacuation membership. Considering the range of experiences—from wildlife encounters to cultural shopping—the value is quite solid for a full-day guided tour. It’s especially advantageous for those who prefer organized, all-inclusive outings that save time and hassle.

Booking Flexibility

The tour offers a “reserve and pay later” option, making it easier to plan without immediate commitment. Also, if you need to cancel, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is well-suited for first-time visitors to Nairobi, eager to get a broad sense of the city’s history, wildlife, and culture without the stress of planning individual visits. It’s ideal if you enjoy a structured day with multiple highlights, and if you’re curious about Kenya’s conservation efforts and artisan crafts. The evening nightlife component makes it perfect for travelers wanting an authentic taste of Nairobi’s vibrant social scene.

It might feel a bit intense for those who prefer relaxed, slow-paced sightseeing, as the itinerary covers many sites in one day. However, for most, the variety, educational value, and authentic encounters offer a worthwhile and memorable experience.

The Sum Up

The Nairobi City Tour & Night Life provides a compelling introduction to Kenya’s capital city, blending history, wildlife, and culture into one cohesive experience. With carefully curated stops like the Karen Blixen Museum and Daphne Sheldrick’s orphanage, along with opportunities for cultural shopping and a taste of Nairobi’s nightlife, it offers a well-rounded day that captures the essence of the city.

The all-inclusive nature, combined with flexible booking options, makes this tour a practical choice for travelers who want to maximize their time and minimize hassle. While the full-day schedule might be demanding for some, the rich variety of experiences—highlighted by iconic sights and authentic Kenyan crafts—ensures it’s worth the effort.

This tour is best for curious, culturally-minded travelers eager for an immersive, value-packed adventure in Nairobi. If you appreciate a mix of wildlife, history, art, and vibrant city life, it promises a memorable day out in Kenya’s lively capital.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transfers to and from your Nairobi hotel, entry fees to all sites, meals at selected restaurants (excluding drinks), the Nairobi national park fee, vehicle disposal, bottled water, and medical evacuation membership. Meet and assist services at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport are also part of the package.

Are drinks and extra activities included?
No, drinks at the meal stops are not included, and any activities not mentioned in the itinerary will be at your own expense.

How long does each site visit last?
Typically, each major site like the Karen Blixen Museum and Daphne Sheldrick’s Orphanage allows about an hour, giving enough time for exploration and photos. The entire day is designed to be full but manageable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the description doesn’t specify age restrictions, the stops like giraffe feeding and elephant orphanages tend to be family-friendly. However, consider the full-day schedule for young children’s stamina.

Do I need to prepare anything?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and some Kenyan shillings for optional purchases or tips. The tour is guided in English, so language isn’t a concern.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This Nairobi City Tour & Night Life promises a rewarding day exploring the city’s highlights, combining wildlife, history, and culture into a seamless, engaging experience.