East Africa's buzzing hub — where safari meets city.
Nairobi is the largest city in East Africa and the region's principal aviation hub, making it the natural arrival point for safaris across Kenya and beyond. Far from just a transit stop, it offers genuine attractions in its own right.
Nairobi National Park, on the city's doorstep, lets you see lions, rhinos and giraffes against a skyline backdrop — found nowhere else in the world. The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre are moving, hands-on wildlife experiences popular with families.
With excellent connections via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi is the springboard to the Maasai Mara and the wider region, and a comfortable base to begin or end an East African journey.
Highlights
- Nairobi National Park — wildlife against a city skyline
- Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
- Giraffe Centre
- East Africa's main aviation gateway
- Vibrant food, markets and culture
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nairobi worth visiting beyond the airport?
Yes. Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre are all worthwhile, and the city has a lively food and cultural scene. Many travellers add a day at the start or end of a safari.
Can you see wildlife in Nairobi itself?
Remarkably, yes. Nairobi National Park sits on the city's edge and is home to lions, rhinos, giraffes and more, viewable against the skyline — a combination found nowhere else in the world.
How do I get from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara?
The quickest way is a 45-minute charter flight to one of the Mara airstrips. Alternatively it is a 5–6 hour road transfer, which we can arrange with a guide and 4x4.