For travelers seeking a great Kenya safari, a visit to Nairobi will certainly not disappoint. The bustling city is the fourth largest city in Kenya, serving as the national capital and the third largest urban area in all of East Africa. It has a lot to offer tourists, especially those who are seeking a taste of culture and multi-cultural adventure. Here are some tips for planning a great trip to Nairobi.
Consult with a local guide – The best way to plan a safari to Nairobi will be to consult with a local guide. These guides have been hired by several tourists to get them to see all of the hot spots in the country and will be well versed in the hot spots around Nairobi. They can often even arrange a tour of Nairobi with their clients, which is highly recommended if you have never visited the capital city before. Nairobi safaris will include a visit to the National Museum and the Snake Park, both of which are among the best museums in the world. The Snake Park offers visitors a chance to view alligators, cheetahs, lions, giraffes and many other animals.
Take a bus – If your vacation to Nairobi includes a visit to the national capital, you should take a bus that goes directly to Nairobi city. This allows you to spend your time within the city rather than traveling across town in a car or a taxi. You can also save money by looking for and reserving buses and taxis as early as possible. A popular type of bus service to Nairobi that is affordable is the ‘Mombasa City Bus’, which goes to several locations around the city.
Use a taxi – While visiting Nairobi, it would also be wise to use a taxi. This is because most visitors to the city cannot afford a taxi ride. Instead, they should look into companies that offer ‘hire by weight’ services. These companies will pick their customers up from the airport and deliver them to their exact location, including the town center. Using a taxi from a reputable company is an affordable option compared to using a car. However, you should not expect the driver to speak English, as most taxi drivers in Kenya are initially educated in English and then taught Kenyans languages.
Plan your safari ahead – Because you’ll be traveling to some of the most remote areas in the country, it’s important to plan your safari ahead. Many tourists mistakenly hire vehicles without first consulting an expert in the country, such as a tour guide or an expert on local culture. A good idea would be to coordinate with a Kenya safari group that can advise you on your ideal route and guide you on how to get there. You can also hire a vehicle from Nairobi airport, if you are staying in the capital city, since taxis are usually very expensive. If you are travelling from other parts of the country, it is advisable to ask your travel agent for an affordable minibus service, since most major cities have a number of minibus operators in operation.
Take a Kenya safari tour – If you are not able to get a car rental or a taxi, you may be able to join a group tour that includes safari activities like hiking and horseback riding in the Nairobi National Park, among other things. Most tour groups include tour fees and vehicle rental, which make it easier for all of you to enjoy the safari together. Another option is to arrange a tour of the Nairobi city center by yourself. Although this can be done on your own, it is not recommended for anyone who is not an expert in local transport or city planning, since you may end up wasting time and not seeing the most important parts of the city.