Safari from Nairobi

Safari from Nairobi – The Ultimate City-to-Bush Escape

Can you really go on safari straight from a bustling African capital? In Kenya, the answer is a resounding yes.

Nairobi is the only city in the world where you can land at an international airport and see a lion just hours later. Whether you have one day or an entire week, a safari from Nairobi connects you with Kenya’s legendary wildlife faster than you’d expect.

Why Nairobi Is the Perfect Safari Gateway

Nairobi offers more than traffic and skyscrapers—it’s a launchpad to wild, untamed Africa. With good roads, regional airports, and professional safari companies like Steve and Richard Safaris, you can head to some of Kenya’s top national parks with ease.

Even better, many of these destinations can be explored in just a few days—making it perfect for travelers short on time.

Quick Safari Options Within a Day

Nairobi National Park

Yes, there’s a real safari park right inside the city limits. A short 15-minute drive from downtown Nairobi gets you to Nairobi National Park, where you can spot rhinos, lions, giraffes, and more—with the city skyline in the background. It’s an unbeatable mix of urban and wild.

Want to combine it with other attractions? Add stops at the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, or the Karen Blixen Museum. These make for a perfect full-day Nairobi wildlife experience.

Learn more in our detailed Nairobi National Park guide.

Multi-Day Safari Escapes from Nairobi

If you have more time, Nairobi connects you effortlessly to Kenya’s most iconic reserves:

• Maasai Mara Game Reserve – Home of the Great Migration and the Big Five, reachable by road (6 hours) or flight (45 minutes).

• Amboseli National Park – Famous for large herds of elephants and Kilimanjaro views, just a 4-hour drive south.

• Lake Nakuru National Park – Known for rhinos, flamingos, and cliffside viewpoints, only 3 hours from the city.

• Samburu and Ol Pejeta – Great for off-the-beaten-path wildlife and conservation experiences.

These routes are often available through well-organized operators like Steve and Richard Safaris, with options for road trips, fly-ins, and camping or luxury stays.

Travel That Makes a Difference

Starting your safari in Nairobi doesn’t just make logistical sense—it also supports conservation and local development. Many safari companies work closely with communities and eco-lodges. You can deepen your impact by exploring initiatives like the Haller Foundation, which empowers communities through sustainable farming, education, and reforestation.

Final Thoughts – From City Buzz to Roaring Lions

If you’re visiting Kenya, don’t skip Nairobi—embrace it. The city gives you access to wildlife experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether it’s a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park or a week-long road trip to Maasai Mara, a safari from Nairobi lets you see the wild side of Kenya with ease.

So next time you fly into JKIA, remember: the savannah is calling, and it’s closer than you think.