Embarking on a safari is a thrilling adventure, filled with the promise of encountering majestic animals in their natural habitat. If you're planning your first safari in Kenya, here's what you can expect.
Flights and First Impressions
Flying on the fun-size aeroplanes that perform domestic Kenyan flights is an experience in itself. It’s akin to climbing into a 12-person people carrier with wings - Cessna didn’t name them ‘Caravans’ for nothing - with mum and dad (aka the pilot and co-pilot) sitting fully accessible up front. I found these short trips highly entertaining and relished the fantastic views from the large windows, enjoying the touch-downs en route to destinations to drop off and pick up other passengers.
After an unusually bumpy (and most amusing) landing on my first such stop-off, having already been delighted to witness dozens of zebras, wildebeest and even the odd giraffe from the air, I had a pinch-me moment when I spotted at the end of the runway (read ‘dirt airstrip’) a herd of elephants shading themselves under the trees. Now that’s something you don’t see at Heathrow. Feeling fortunate to have already ticked off one of the Big Five, I was keen to search for more of the same. Yet on the game drive from the airstrip to my accommodation, I was surprised at how thrilling it was to glimpse some of Africa’s more compact wildlife, such as rainbowlike reptiles, gaudy guineafowl and - my favourite - the dinky dik-dik, the world’s smallest (and cutest) antelope.
Glamping in the Mara
On arriving at our remote lodge in the Mara, I immediately realised that my tent wasn’t as envisaged - a flimsy shelter with no mod cons. No, we were talking glamping accommodation on the grandest of scales, made from robust canvas that felt almost like a permanent structure. With proper beds and bedding, space to hang your clothes and fully-functioning bathrooms boasting towels and toiletries, some camps are as impressive as their surrounding, breathtaking landscapes - which I found were best viewed from the modesty-concealing outdoor showers offered at many, often looking out over stunning vistas, active waterholes or both.
Those less inclined to perform their ablutions al fresco can use the indoor facilities, which may prevent the local baboon troop from nabbing your shampoo bottle while you bathe, but this also means you miss out on a liberating escapade that immerses you in the authentic safari experience. Rooms at most camps contain a safe for storing valuables, plus either a reassuring air horn or walkie-talkie, so you can sleep easy knowing that someone will rush to your aid should the need arise. Where required, protective mozzie nets are draped over the beds, which are turned down and sometimes enhanced with a hot water bottle while you’re enjoying a delicious dinner.
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After dark, guests are walked safely back to their rooms by attentive staff, who are generally armed with a spear or suchlike.
As an aside, don’t expect to see a menu at evening mealtimes - Kenyan camps normally serve fixed courses, which your server will detail beforehand. Only guests with dietary requirements receive something different from other diners. Being a little fussy with certain cuisine, I was unsure how I’d get on with this arrangement, yet even the food that I’d never normally choose to eat was genuinely divine.
While food, flights and facilities are vital aspects of any trip, a safari in Kenya is, of course, first and foremost about the wildlife.
Game Drives and Wildlife Encounters
Game drives usually take place twice daily - once in the early morning and again in the late afternoon or early evening. As I set off on my first official game drive to explore the world-renowned Masai Mara, I can’t deny that I was filled with a sense of vulnerability.
My friendly and informative guide attempted to put my mind at ease, explaining that animals see the 4x4 vehicle as a large entity that’s part of the landscape and ignore it, as they would a tree. Any further worries went straight out of the non-existent window as we trundled along and I caught sight of dazzling dragonflies swirling, weaver bird nests hanging like baubles from trees and wandering warthogs gallivanting with their tails high in the air. We passed groups of gazelle, herds of buffalo … and before long, my guide slowed to a snail’s pace and simply said: ‘Lion.’
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He had spotted a large male and made to pull up some way ahead of it. Both petrified and captivated, I watched - hardly daring the breathe - as it slowly meandered right up to the vehicle. Sightings such as this were by no means isolated and the following day offered the most mind-blowing moment of my entire trip, when we witnessed a female cheetah - the icing on the cake being that with her was her adorable adolescent cub. Even better, after several minutes of patiently waiting, we observed the mother run at full pelt in pursuit of a Thomson’s gazelle. Sadly, she failed to catch her quarry, but this was nevertheless an exhilarating sight to behold.
Wild Africa: Cheetah Predator on the Savanna| Wildlife Documentary | Claw Wildlife
Sundowners and Night Sounds
The best non-wildlife-related discovery for a first-time safari-goer is undoubtedly the obligatory sundowner - as the name suggests, this ritual entails a refreshing drink (usually alcoholic) served as the sun slips below the horizon. As you round off your day’s adventures, your guide will pause your game drive to stop in a spot ideal for celebrating a great day in the African bush. My favourite and most memorable sundowner was when we’d settled under a large tree, where my guide and his companions had lit a warming fire.
The last of the sun’s rays were long gone, it was rapidly cooling down and we were now sitting in the dark, marvelling at the lack of light pollution and insanely starry sky above. As I took another sip of my tasty tipple, I became aware that the fire wasn’t the only thing that was roaring. At least two highly vocal lions were nearby … and getting closer. As ever, our guide reassured us that there was no reason to be concerned - the big cats were further away than they sounded. These guys truly know their stuff and I trusted their judgement implicitly.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
While seeing Kenya’s array of wonderful wildlife from the ground is undeniably riveting, seeing it from above - from a hot air balloon - is quite literally on another level. A sunrise balloon safari begins with a ridiculously early wakeup call (usually around 4.30am) and ends with a lavish bush breakfast that more than makes up for any lack of sleep.
While you’re sure to witness a good variety of wildlife, as you float gently over the treetops it dawns on you that this serene activity is about more than just the animals below. It’s the joy of having a bird’s eye view of Kenya’s vast plains - any wildlife is merely a bonus. This unique and unforgettable experience lasts between 45 minutes and one hour, with the landing being perhaps the most amusing part, as the balloon’s basket tends to tip over … along with its occupants.
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Walking Safari
The final safari of my trip was on foot. A walking safari is unlikely to appeal to every traveller - including me. Why would any sane person willingly venture off the beaten track to be so exposed to Africa’s teeming wildlife? Signing the mandatory liability waiver, I wondered what I was letting myself in for; no sooner had I embarked on this ambling adventure than I knew I was in safe hands, however.
Our group of four were flanked by our guide, five spear-wielding Maasai and a ranger armed with a gun, all of whom were highly trained in animal behaviour. We were advised on how to react in different animal-altercation scenarios, before learning about the fascinating landscape, plants and birdlife. Having identified multiple animal tracks and droppings, we heard dozens of vervet monkeys in the tall trees screeching alarm calls, indicating that a leopard was nearby.
Sadly, we failed to see this elusive big cat, though we did pass several giraffe, plus countless zebra and gazelle. The highlight of the walk was without a doubt the sight of four noisy hyenas across the plain, whooping and cavorting not far ahead. A little unnerved at this point, I was rightly told that this raucous quartet would ‘give way’ so long as we remained close together.
What to Wear and Bring
You needn’t dress head-to-toe in khaki. There’s no need, as you’ll be sitting in a vehicle most of the time. Neutral-coloured clothing is nevertheless advisable and it’s best to avoid black, blue, navy and red, as these attract biting insects. White is another no-no - it will get filthy. Don’t overpack - you need less than you think.
Although the 15kg baggage limit for most light aircraft flights sounds unfeasible, it’s actually plenty for the majority of travellers. Many camps offer a 24-hour laundry service and I’m not exaggerating when I say that at least half the clothes I took away with me returned home unworn. Take a soft holdall or similar. Hard suitcases cannot be taken on light aircraft flights.
Prepare for a windswept look. Whizzing around in an open 4x4 can wreak havoc on your hair and your barnet may never be knot-free again if it’s not tied back or covered with a hat. It’s a bumpy ride. Journeys on game drives are far from smooth - and the further back in the vehicle you sit, the bumpier it will be. Women would be wise to bring a sturdy sports bra. Take binoculars if you have them. You’ll be glad you did. Set your own alarm. When you need to be up early for a game drive or other activity, set your phone to wake you. Lodge staff may call at your room when it is time to leave, rather than when you’d have liked to get up.
Wifi is often available. Many camps have free wifi in their communal areas, though not all. Single-use plastic is banned in Kenya. Any plastic bags or disposable bottles in your luggage will need to be thrown away on arrival.
Nairobi Safari Walk: A Closer Look
Are you looking for an authentic safari without leaving Nairobi City? The Nairobi safari walk offers a fascinating taste of Kenya’s wilderness. The Nairobi Safari Walk is a carefully designed replica of Kenyan national parks and reserves. It provides a sneak peek into what visitors can expect to see in the vast landscapes beyond Nairobi.
Located inside KWS Headquarters at the main entrance of Nairobi National Park, the Safari Walk spans over 27 acres. It offers a comprehensive walking safari experience within the diverse habitats of Nairobi National Park.
Habitat Zones
Inside the safari walk are three main habitats namely the savannahs, wetlands, and woodlands. At the entrance to the safari walk, you’ll find a terraced wetland adorned with water lilies and papyrus and home to grazing pigmy hippos and crocodiles. From here you can head to the ground-level walk or head straight for the raised wooden boardwalk that had been cleverly built at tree top level to provide aerial views of the safari walk. The raised boardwalks meander past different enclosures with strategically located viewpoints and signboards so you know what to look for. The second zone namely the savannahs hosts big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards alongside zebras, albino zebras, antelopes, giraffes, and the rare bongo.
Here’s a fun fact about the rare bongo. Did you know that native people believed touching or eating the bongo caused spasms that felt like epileptic seizures? You’ll also find the flightless ostrich and white rhino in this section. All the animals in this zone are kept in separate enclosures that mimic the savannah environment. The last zone-the woodlands are dotted with Kenya’s indigenous plants and local trees. You’ll find information about the plants along the trail describing their uses. This zone is perfect for bird lovers to spot local birds and butterflies. Around the safari walk are benches to rest and enjoy forest sights and sounds.
As with the Nairobi National Park, elephants are conspicuously absent from the Nairobi safari walk. Elephants don’t thrive in enclosed spaces and require plenty of open spaces to move around. Kenya’s parks like the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo are larger and better suited for these magnificent creatures. If you would love to see elephants, you can head to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which is only 30 minutes away.
Exploring the Nairobi Safari Walk isn’t merely a walk; it’s an engaging voyage across Kenya’s multifaceted ecosystems. The raised boardwalks meander through savannahs, forests, and wetlands, bringing you face-to-face with various wild animals.
The leopard enclosure is quite interesting-it’s open-topped and uses the raised boardwalk as its walls. Hey! Stop! And the primates? The Black and White Colobus, Sykes Monkeys, Patas Monkeys, and olive baboons are aplenty.
Practical Information
The Nairobi Safari Walk is an affordable entry point to Kenya’s wildlife. Kenyan citizens or residents will need to pay the entry fees in Kshs. Situated roughly 7km from the capital city, the Nairobi Safari Walk is easily accessible for guests. It is conveniently located along Langata Road ensuring visitors don’t have to arrange for special transportation to reach it.
Transportation Options
Not only is the Nairobi safari walk easily accessible but getting there is also straightforward. For those opting for private transportation, the Safari Walk is accessible via a tarmac road and offers parking facilities. If you’re coming from Nairobi CBD, you can find public transport matatus at the railways bus station that ply the Lang’ata road route. You’ll use these very buses on your way back and they will drop you off at the railways bus station. If you’re coming into the country from the JKIA, airport taxes will drop you off at the Nairobi safari walk.
Here, we provide helpful tips on the best time to go, what to bring, and health precautions to consider during your visit.
Best Time to Go
Though the Nairobi Safari Walk is accessible year-round, the optimal visiting times are the dry months from June to September and January to February. These periods offer walkable paths and wildlife more visible. Also, visiting during early morning or late afternoon is encouraged for cooler temperatures and increased wildlife activity.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight clothing
- Sun protection like hats and sunscreen
- Water to stay hydrated during the walk
- Binoculars and a camera to enhance your wildlife viewing and photographic memories of your visit.
Nearby Attractions
Besides watching wild animals in their encloses and strolling along the raised wooden boardwalk, here are other attractions close to the safari walk worth exploring:
- Nairobi National Park: The Nairobi National Park is next door to the Nairobi safari walk and you can catch glimpses of it from the raised boardwalk. On tour to the Nairobi National Park, you can enjoy game drives, take the nature trail to the Hippo pools and visit the Ivory Burning Site Monument.
- Giraffe Centre: Visit the Giraffe Centre and hang out with the endangered Rothschild giraffes. You can get on the raised viewing deck to watch and hand-feed the giraffes. The centre is located along Lang’ata Road and is easily accessible from the Nairobi safari walk location.
- Major Malls: Visit major malls like the Junction Mall and Galleria Mall where you can shop and engage in fun activities for adults and kids. All major malls have restaurants that serve local delicacies and international cuisines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Next, we answer the most common questions we receive about the Nairobi Safari Walk.
Which Matatu Goes to Nairobi Safari Walk?
Two matatu routes pass by the Nairobi Safari Walk. You can board a matatu going to Lang’ata (number 15) from the Bus Station or one heading to Ongata Rongai (number 125/126) from the Railway Bus Station.
What Animals Are in the Safari Walk?
Animals in the Nairobi safari walk include lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, zebras, pygmy hippos, rhinos, primates, birds, and insects. The Nairobi safari walk also contains 150 indigenous trees.
How Do I Get to Safari Walk From CBD?
To get to the Nairobi Safari Walk from Nairobi CBD, take Langata Matatu number 15, Karen/Hardy Matatu number 24, or Kiserian Matatu number 126/127 and alight at the KWS gate, located on Langata Road next to the Nairobi National Park.
What Are the Visiting Hours for the Nairobi Safari Walk?
The Nairobi Safari Walk is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm, including public holidays. You can plan your visit accordingly.
What Facilities Are Available for Visitors at the Nairobi Safari Walk?
The Nairobi Safari Walk offers restrooms, picnic areas, and accessibility features for differently-abled guests.
Table of Entry Fees
Here is a breakdown of the Nairobi Safari Walk entry fees:
| Category | Citizen (KSH) | Resident (KSH) | Non-Resident (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | 215 | 215 | 22 |
| Children | 125 | 125 | 13 |
The orchestra of insects and neighbouring hippo’s grunts that accompanied my last night in Kenya perfectly summed up my trip overall: slightly surreal, yet unimaginably magical. The safari bug had well and truly bitten.
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