Nairobi Safari & Day Trips | Amboseli, Nakuru & National Park

Nairobi is the only capital city in the world with a national park on its doorstep — Nairobi National Park begins just 7km from the city centre, where lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos, and hundreds of bird species roam against the backdrop of Nairobi's skyline in one of wildlife's great improbable spectacles. A morning game drive from a city hotel to the park and back is entirely achievable, making Nairobi uniquely positioned as an urban safari base.

Beyond the city park, Nairobi's position makes it the gateway to some of East Africa's most extraordinary wildlife destinations. Amboseli National Park — three and a half hours drive or a short flight — delivers the iconic image of elephants moving against the snow-capped backdrop of Kilimanjaro that is perhaps Africa's most famous wildlife photograph. The Maasai Mara, Kenya's most celebrated reserve, is a five to six hour drive or a 45-minute flight for a full safari experience.

Lake Nakuru (three hours north) offers spectacular flamingo-pink lake scenery and one of Kenya's most reliable rhino sightings. Hell's Gate National Park (two hours) allows walking and cycling among wildlife in an extraordinary rift valley landscape. Our guide covers all major safari and day trip options from Nairobi with transport logistics, costs, and what to prioritise for every trip length and budget.