How to Plan Your Nairobi: Giraffes, Elephant and Karen Blixen Museum Day Trip

If you’re planning to visit Nairobi, Kenya, one of the best activities you can add to your itinerary is a day trip to the Giraffe Centre, Elephant Orphanage and Karen Blixen Museum. This exciting tour is perfect for animal lovers and those interested in history and culture. Here’s how to plan your Nairobi: Giraffes, Elephant and Karen Blixen Museum Day Trip:

Step 1: Book Your Tour

The first thing you need to do is book your tour. You can easily book it online at GetYourGuide. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees for the Elephant Orphanage, giraffe center and Karen Blixen Museum, and mineral water.

Step 2: Get Ready for the Tour

Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing for the tour. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s important to be dressed appropriately. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat, as it can get very hot in Nairobi.

Step 3: Start Your Tour at the Giraffe Centre

The tour starts with a pickup from your hotel at 8:30 AM. You’ll then head to the Giraffe Centre, where you’ll get up close to these majestic creatures and even have the opportunity to feed them. The Giraffe Centre is a nature park that’s home to various species of giraffes.

Step 4: Visit the Elephant Orphanage

After your time at the Giraffe Centre, you’ll head to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you’ll learn about how baby elephants are rescued and taken care of. The Elephant Orphanage is one of the rare places where you can see these gentle giants up close.

Step 5: Enjoy Lunch at Mamba Village

Once you’re done visiting the Elephant Orphanage, you’ll stop for a delicious lunch at Mamba Village. Enjoy traditional Kenyan cuisine while taking in the scenery.

Step 6: Discover the Karen Blixen Museum

After lunch, you’ll head to the Karen Blixen Museum, where you’ll spend two hours learning about the life and history of the famous Out of Africa author. The museum is set in beautiful grounds, and the house has been restored to its original condition.

Step 7: Return to Your Hotel

At the end of the tour, you’ll be driven back to Nairobi and returned to your hotel in the late afternoon, around 5 PM.

Summary

Overall, the Nairobi: Giraffes, Elephant and Karen Blixen Museum Day Trip is an amazing experience that you shouldn’t miss. You’ll get up close to animals, learn about history and culture, and enjoy delicious food. When planning your trip, remember to book your tour ahead of time, dress appropriately, and bring sunscreen and a hat.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included in the tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off is included in the tour.

How many hours is the tour?

The tour lasts for approximately 8 hours.

Are entrance fees included in the tour?

Yes, entrance fees for the Elephant Orphanage, giraffe center and Karen Blixen Museum are included in the tour.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, lunch at Mamba Village is included in the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nairobi

If you are planning to visit Nairobi, it is normal to have a lot of questions concerning the city. In this post, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions about Nairobi, including everything from safety to activities to weather.

1. What is Nairobi?

Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya, located in the south-central part of the country. It is the largest city in Kenya with a population of over 4 million people. Nairobi is also known as the “Green City in the Sun” due to its many parks and green spaces.

2. Is Nairobi safe?

Nairobi has a reputation for being dangerous, but like any major city, there are safe and unsafe areas. Visitors should take precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight. It is also advisable to use reputable taxis or ride-sharing services to move around the city.

3. What is the best time of the year to visit Nairobi?

The best time to visit Nairobi is during the dry season which runs from June to October and from January to February. During these months, the weather is mild, and there is little to no rainfall.

4. What are some must-see attractions in Nairobi?

Nairobi has a lot to offer, and some of the must-see attractions include:

• Nairobi National Park
• Giraffe Centre
• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
• Karen Blixen Museum
• Nairobi National Museum

5. What are some outdoor activities to do in Nairobi?

Nairobi has many parks and green spaces, making it an excellent destination for outdoor activities. Some of the popular activities include:

• Nature walks in Nairobi National Park
• Visiting the Nairobi Arboretum
• Picnics in Karura Forest
• Hiking at Ngong Hills
• Golfing at Karen Country Club

6. What is the local cuisine in Nairobi?

Nairobi has a diverse cuisine influenced by different communities living in the city. Some popular local dishes include:

• Ugali and Sukuma Wiki (maize flour and collard greens)
• Nyama Choma (roasted meat)
• Pilau (spiced rice with meat)
• Matoke (cooked plantain)

7. What is the currency used in Nairobi?

The currency used in Nairobi is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Visitors can exchange their foreign currency at any bank or forex bureau in the city. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops also accept major credit cards.

8. What languages are spoken in Nairobi?

The official languages in Nairobi are English and Swahili. However, there are over 40 different tribal languages spoken in the city.

9. What is the nightlife like in Nairobi?

Nairobi has a vibrant nightlife scene, with bars and clubs open until the early hours of the morning. Some popular spots for nightlife include:

• Simba Saloon at Carnivore Restaurant
• K1 Klubhouse
• Gipsy Bar at Lang’ata
• Brew Bistro and Lounge in Westlands

10. What is the weather like in Nairobi?

Nairobi has a subtropical highland climate, with temperatures ranging between 10°C (50°F) and 26°C (78.8°F) throughout the year. The city has two rainy seasons, from March to May and from October to November.

Final thoughts

Nairobi is a city with a lot to offer, from its diverse culture to its beautiful parks and wildlife. With proper planning and precautions, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable experience in the city. Be sure to explore all the attractions and try the local cuisine for an authentic Nairobi experience.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Nairobi

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that boasts of a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife and a plethora of tourist attractions that are worth exploring. As a tourist, there are numerous exciting things to do and see in Nairobi, ranging from wildlife safaris to exploring authentic African cuisine. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top things to do in Nairobi to help you make the most out of your visit.

1. Visit the National Museum of Kenya

One of the top attractions in Nairobi is the National Museum of Kenya, which is an excellent place to explore and learn about the cultural heritage and history of Kenya. The museum features a vast collection of artifacts, ranging from prehistoric fossils to historical artifacts, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of Kenya’s rich cultural heritage. You’ll also get to explore the Snake Park, which features various species of Kenyan snakes.

2. Go on a Safari at the Nairobi National Park

If you’re a nature lover, then a visit to the Nairobi National Park is a must-do activity when in Nairobi. The park is located just a few kilometers from the city center and boasts of a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, and giraffes, among other animals. You can either go on an organized safari or take a self-drive safari, which is a more exciting and adventurous way of exploring the park.

3. Explore the Bomas of Kenya

The Bomas of Kenya is a cultural center that offers visitors an opportunity to learn and experience authentic Kenyan culture. The center features various Kenyan traditional houses or bomas, which display the diverse cultures and traditions of Kenya’s different tribes. You’ll also get to enjoy live performances of traditional Kenyan dances and music, making it an excellent way to learn about Kenya’s rich cultural heritage.

4. Visit the Giraffe Centre

Located in the Lang’ata suburb of Nairobi, the Giraffe Center is an excellent place to visit if you’re an animal lover. The center features a sanctuary for endangered Rothschild giraffes, which are native to Kenya. Visitors get a chance to interact with the giraffes, feeding them, and even giving them a kiss, which is a unique experience that you shouldn’t miss.

5. Shop at the Maasai Market

The Maasai Market is a vibrant open-air market that offers visitors a chance to shop for authentic African souvenirs, such as African fabrics, jewelry, artifacts, and traditional spears, among other crafts. The market is open on different days of the week and operates from different locations around Nairobi. It’s an excellent place to shop for unique souvenirs and interact with the friendly and welcoming Maasai community.

6. Enjoy the Nightlife in Nairobi

Nairobi boasts of a vibrant nightlife scene that offers visitors numerous options for entertainment. There are numerous nightclubs, bars, and lounges that you can visit, especially in the Westlands suburb, where most of Nairobi’s nightlife is concentrated. You can also enjoy live music performances, ranging from jazz to Afro-fusion, which are a great way to experience Kenya’s diverse music culture.

7. Taste Authentic Kenyan Cuisine

One of the best ways to experience the Kenyan culture is by trying out authentic Kenyan cuisine. Nairobi offers visitors numerous options for tasting authentic Kenyan dishes, ranging from nyama choma (roast meat), ugali (maize meal), to chapati, among others. You can visit the various restaurants in Nairobi, such as Carnivore, which offers a variety of meats, or visit the street food vendors, which offer an even more authentic experience.

Book Your Tour Now

Nairobi is a vibrant and exciting city that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. By exploring the various attractions and activities highlighted in this guide, you’ll get to experience Kenya’s rich cultural heritage, authentic cuisine, and diverse wildlife. Remember to be cautious when out and about, though, as Nairobi is a bustling city that can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.