How to Plan Your Private Guided Hike/Bike Tour in Nairobi’s Karura Forest Trail

Karura Forest Trail Private Guided Hike/Bike is one of the most loved adventure activities in Nairobi. The tour provides a rare opportunity to explore the lush Karura Forest with a local guide, spot over 350 bird species, and discover hidden archaeological sites currently under excavation. In this guide, we will show you how to plan your Karura Forest Trail Private Guided Hike/Bike tour.

Experience

The Karura Forest Trail Private Guided Hike/Bike tour is a hiking and/or cycling expedition in the verdant Karura Forest. The trail boasts of picturesque scenery, marked nature walks, bird watching, and is home to a stunning 7.5-mile biking trail. Your adventure begins with morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel.

Highlights

• Spot over 350 local bird species within the reserve
• Get a rare peek at hidden archaeological sites currently being excavated
• Experience hiking or biking in the green Karura Forest with a local guide

Full Description

The Karura Forest Trail Private Guided Hike/Bike begins with a morning hotel pickup in Nairobi. Once in the park, your guide will take you on an adventure of a lifetime. They will explain different species of trees, birds, and the park’s sights and sounds. The walks range from 3 to 8 miles, all with superb scenery, clearly marked, and color-coded by length. The biking trail stretches out for about 7.5 miles, offering a picturesque view of the forest. As you wander through verdant forest areas, you will come across waterfalls, caves, and wetlands, giving you a sneak peek into the park’s hidden gems. Within the reserve, carved out of a former British colonial-era forest in the early 20th century, lies several historical and ecological sites of interest. The Central Bank was once the home of an incinerator that destroyed decommissioned currency during the 1990s. Other gems were earmarked, including the Mau Mau Caves (Kihara), which are said to be a historical landmark. To book for the Nairobi: Karura Forest Trail Private Guided Hike/Bike, visit this link to book the tour.

What to Bring

For a fulfilling experience, you need to carry a few essentials. Firstly, ensure you have comfortable hiking/ cycling gear. Additionally, carry a bottle of water for hydration, sunscreen, and hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Price and Inclusions

The Karura Forest Trail Private Guided Hike/Bike tour is relatively affordable, considering the experience awaiting you. The price rises with the number of people in your group. The tour package comes with hotel pick-up and drop-off, local guide, and bottled water.

Book Your Tour Now

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in the wild, Karura Forest Trail Private Guided Hike/Bike is worth considering. The tour is a package of hiking, bird watching, cycling, and exploring hidden archaeological sites with a professional guide. With this guide, we hope you can plan your Nairobi nature escape with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nairobi

1. What is Nairobi?

Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya, located in the southern part of the country. It is home to over 4 million people and serves as the economic, cultural, and political center of Kenya.

2. What is the weather like in Nairobi?

Nairobi has a mild climate due to its high altitude. The city experiences two rainy seasons, one from March to May and another from October to December. The average temperature in Nairobi is around 70°F (20°C) throughout the year.

3. What are the must-visit places in Nairobi?

Nairobi has several interesting attractions, including:

a. Nairobi National Park

This park is located just a few minutes’ drive from the city center and is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and giraffes.

b. Giraffe Centre

The Giraffe Centre is a non-profit organization that works to conserve the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Visitors can feed the giraffes and learn more about their conservation efforts.

c. Bomas of Kenya

This cultural center showcases various aspects of Kenyan culture and features traditional music, dance, and crafts.

d. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a sanctuary for orphaned elephants and rhinos. Visitors can watch them being fed and learn more about their conservation efforts.

4. What are the best places to eat in Nairobi?

Nairobi has a diverse food scene with a variety of cuisines to choose from. Some of the best places to eat in Nairobi are:

a. Carnivore

This restaurant is famous for its “Beast of a Feast,” which includes a variety of roasted meats such as crocodile, ostrich, and camel.

b. Talisman

Talisman is a popular restaurant serving international cuisine. It’s known for its outdoor seating and relaxing ambiance.

c. Mama Oliech

Mama Oliech is a local favorite serving traditional Kenyan food, such as fish and ugali, a staple dish made from cornmeal.

5. Is Nairobi safe for tourists?

Like any big city, Nairobi has its fair share of crime, but by taking some basic precautions, tourists can stay safe. It’s advisable to avoid walking alone at night or in areas that are known to be unsafe. It’s also important to keep valuables out of sight, and not to carry large amounts of cash or jewelry.

6. What is the currency in Nairobi?

The currency in Nairobi is the Kenyan shilling (KSH). Most businesses accept credit cards, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for small purchases.

7. What are the best modes of transportation in Nairobi?

The best modes of transportation in Nairobi are taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Bolt. There is also a public bus system, but it can be difficult for tourists to navigate. It’s also advisable to avoid walking alone at night.

8. What are the best times of year to visit Nairobi?

The best times to visit Nairobi are from January to February and from June to September, as these are the driest months with the least amount of rainfall. The weather is mild throughout the year, so it’s always a good time to visit.

9. Do I need a visa to visit Nairobi?

Visa requirements for Nairobi depend on your country of origin. Most visitors can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport, but it’s advisable to check the visa requirements beforehand to avoid any issues.

10. Are there any cultural considerations I should be aware of when visiting Nairobi?

Kenya has a diverse cultural heritage, with over 40 different ethnic groups. It’s important to be respectful of local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It’s also best to avoid public displays of affection, as this may be considered offensive.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist In Nairobi

If you’re planning a trip to Nairobi, you’re in for an experience of a lifetime. As Kenya’s vibrant capital city, Nairobi holds a rich mix of cultures, attractions, and activities for visitors to explore. From museums, national parks, and wildlife conservancies to buzzing nightlife, this city has it all. Here’s a detailed guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Nairobi.

1. Visit the Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is one of the top attractions in the city. The park is only a 10-minute drive from the city center, making it the only national park in the world within the vicinity of a capital city. In Nairobi National Park, you’ll see lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, and even giraffes as you drive through the park.

How to get there

You can hire a taxi, Uber or a tour van from the city to the park.

What to expect

The park offers various activities such as game drives, walking safaris, photography, and birding. Keep in mind that the best time to visit the park is early in the morning, between 6:30 am and 10:00 am, as most animals are active during this time.

2. Explore the Karen Blixen Museum

Karen Blixen Museum is a farmhouse located in the leafy suburban Karen area. It was the home of the Danish author, Karen Blixen, who wrote the famous book ‘Out of Africa’ under the pseudonym Isak Dinesen. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of Kenya and the life of Karen Blixen.

How to get there

You can take a taxi or Uber from Nairobi city to Karen Blixen Museum.

What to expect

When you visit the museum, you’ll learn about Karen Blixen’s life as a coffee farmer and her relationships with the local community. You can also take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and even have a picnic on the grounds.

3. Take a Tour of the Giraffe Centre

Giraffe Centre is a wildlife conservation center that allows visitors to get up close and personal with the endangered Rothschild’s Giraffe. Visitors can feed the giraffes from a raised platform while learning about their habits and habitats.

How to get there

You can take a taxi or Uber from the city center to Giraffe Centre.

What to expect

Apart from feeding the giraffes, visitors can also take a guided nature trail through the Gogo River Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 180 bird species, including the endangered Sharpe’s Longclaw.

4. Explore the Nairobi National Museum

Nairobi National Museum is a great place to learn about Kenya’s history, culture, and traditions. The museum has a collection of various artifacts, exhibitions, and research on history, nature, culture, and contemporary art of the Kenyan people.

How to get there

You can take a taxi or Uber from Nairobi city to Nairobi National Museum.

What to expect

When you visit the museum, you’ll have the opportunity to explore various galleries, including an exhibition on Kenya’s earliest human origins. You can also learn about the country’s diverse cultures and traditions through the many displays and exhibits.

5. Experience Nairobi’s Nightlife

Nairobi’s nightlife is vibrant and varied, with something for everyone. The city has a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to all tastes and preferences. From live music performances to DJ sets, there’s always something going on every night.

How to get there

Most nightclubs and bars are located within the city, and you can easily take a taxi or Uber to get there.

What to expect

Some of the popular places to experience Nairobi’s nightlife include Brew Bistro, New Florida Nightclub, and K1 Klubhouse. These places offer a lively and fun atmosphere, great drinks, and a chance to mingle with Nairobi’s residents.

Book Your Tour Now

Nairobi is an incredible city that offers a mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment for everyone. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, history, culture, or nightlife, there’s a ton of things to do and see in this city. Remember to plan your trip in advance to ensure you get the most out of your visit. With this guide, you’re all set to explore Nairobi and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.