Reviews of trips to Nairobi
522 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Nairobi.
"Bucket list trip to Amazing Africa"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
When Richard organized this trip, he used the word "bespoke". We had no idea what that meant. We do now and will be forever grateful. He did an amazing job. I have done planned tours before where I felt that I could have planned the same trip and saved money. But on this one, I was quite certain that I could never have done what Richard did, and it was absolutely magical. We looked at economy, budget, comfort and the luxury Expert Africa tours. At the beginning of the process I was quite sure that we could not afford the high end. But after seeing the packed economy tour vans, and experiencing Africa the Expert Africa way, I would never even consider anything else. It would be like going to Disney Land and staying in the parking lot.
There is nothing that can substitute for experience and knowhow." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari
"My Jan 2021 trip"
Work out what tests and paperwork you need to get into the country (there is a lot of information on various websites), JKIA entry is very efficient and tests can be arranged for departure with no fuss.
If plans change (as mine did whilst there) Expert Africa sorted everything with no fuss." Read full review: 42 nights in Africa; 56 on a Kenya safari
"My Dec 2020 trip"
Our trip exceeded every expectation, and while we initially thought it was going to be a once in a lifetime trip, we are already talking about when we will return. Richard helped to organize the trip and make the endless changes for us. While he was generally patient, I couldn't help but feel like he was sick and tired of me in the final months of planning.
Perhaps there's a difference between how Americans communicate and how the British communicate, as I found that getting on the phone helped tremendously. Overall, the trip was one we will never forget and we are beyond grateful to Richard and Expert Africa for all of their assistance in planning." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari
"Can I come back every year?"
Kenya, like much of Africa, is bustling with people walking to and from work in the larger cities and towns, or shuttling a goat to market on the back of a motorbike, or working a corn field with a hoe. The individual sellers in a street stall or market are invariably friendly and, they are always happy to show you what they've got and encourage you to negotiate if you like something. The park rangers and guides love sharing their knowledge of the plants and animals.
These are what earn Kenya the nickname, the warm heart of Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I WAS SUPER IMPRESSED AND THANKFUL THAT RICHARD CAUGHT A MISTAKE IN MY FLIGHTS which gave me time to correct the oversight. I ran into a snafu with my outbound flight that caused me to have to rebook on a different airline and would not have noticed the error on the return flight until I got to the airport, potentially either missing my flight or losing my last day of the trip.
So kudos again, Richard, for your thoroughness!
[Ed: This traveller booked her own flights. As is our usual practice, we'll always try to bring any flight issues the the attention of our travellers as/when we become aware of them, even if our travellers have arranged their own flights.]" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari
"My Nov 2020 trip"
It was an extraordinary and wonderful experience. I am very grateful and felt very protected by him every step of the way.
Considering 4 or 8 flights were cancelled, and considering what a crazy time it is, I feel very grateful and fortunate." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Kenya safari
"Another wonderful trip to Africa"
A bit more planning is necessary, and you will need to have a Covid test but the minute you land at JKIA your heart will soar.
Just go. You won’t regret it." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari
"Brilliant Conservancy Experience"
"Great trip to Kenya"
I picked Kenya due to direct flights and because I saw an opportunity to catch the wild dog pack at Laikipia Wilderness with their puppies fresh out of the den. I knew Laikipia Wilderness could be accessed by road transfer, so I could be picked up straight from the airport. It was a good decision to avoid internal flights - it seems they are subject to cancellations if passenger numbers are low- another couple I met had their flight to Amboseli cancelled. Overall, everything went smoothly and it was a relief to be back in the bush.
The trip was a massive success in terms of finding the dogs with their puppies, and the pandemic has provided me with an opportunity to travel at a time of year that would usually be out of my budget, especially as a solo traveler with single supplements to contend with (all waived now due to so few travelers).
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a safari in Kenya to anyone who wants to travel at the moment - it's the ultimate "socially distanced" holiday and Kenya is easy to get to from the UK and the testing requirements for entry to Kenya provide some peace of mind that all passengers on the flight should have a negative test." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Kenya safari
"Kicheche February 2020"
The late rains had obviously had an greater impact on the terrain and this made for some very challenging driving conditions for the guides but we were never not able to go out. Given the various difficulties that this weather brought the fact that we had some superb sightings is very much down to the expertise of the Silver guides employed by Kicheche.
Both camps were excellent and provided exactly what we expected, comfortable, great guiding, fantastic food and great craic!!
Many thanks to Richard for yet again putting together an excellent trip to Kenya.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Maybe give some thought to your advice re visas for Kenya. Maybe we were unlucky but we queued for well over an hour and a half to get our visa while those who had got their e-visa in advance just sailed through immigration." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari
"A faultless experience!"
Our experience was extremely positive. Everything was very well organised and effectively executed. The arrangements on the ground (e.g. Safarilink and Southern Cross) were flawless. This made for a relaxing and worry-free trip.
The Expert Africa website is the best that we have ever encountered.
We loved the new travel wallet!
We would definitely book with Expert Africa again. Thank you Claire!" Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Kenya safari
Where to stay in Nairobi
Our suggestions for places to stay in Nairobi
Four Points Nairobi Airport
The Four Points by Sheraton, set within the perimeter of Nairobi International Airport, is ideally located for a first or last night in Kenya.
The Emakoko
The Emakoko is a luxurious, owner-managed safari lodge in a beautiful gorge on the edge of Nairobi National Park.
Eka Hotel
The Eka is an affordably priced business-class hotel in a relatively convenient location between Nairobi International Airport and Wilson Airport.
Ole-Sereni
The Ole-Sereni is a modern, stylish hotel neighbouring Nairobi National Park and located 6km from Wilson domestic airport.
Crowne Plaza Nbi Apt
The Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport (formerly known as the Lazizi Premiere and now part of the InterContinental Hotels Group) is the oldest hotel at Nairobi International Airport.
Macushla House
Macushla House is a very pleasant, small, owner-managed bed and breakfast hotel in a leafy part of southwest Nairobi, very convenient for visiting the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage.
Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor is a unique, perennially popular lodge on the outskirts of Nairobi, offering up-close-and-personal encounters with the rare Rothschild giraffes that roam its extensive grounds.
Aero Club of East Africa
The Aero Club of East Africa is a private members' club in the grounds of Wilson Airport, Nairobi, offering offering comfortable rooms and a good restaurant, bar and swimming pool to non-members.
Tamarind Tree Hotel
The Tamarind Tree is a stylish international hotel in a great location next to Wilson Airport.
Karen Gables
Karen Gables is a small, high quality hotel in Nairobi with expansive gardens and only seven rooms.
Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi is a luxury country-house style hotel, with a spa and gym, in the wealthy suburb of Karen.
The Norfolk Hotel
The Norfolk Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Nairobi and has a reputation for its colourful history dating back to 1904.
Nairobi Tented Camp
Nairobi Tented Camp is the only tented camp located inside Nairobi National Park, making it a great option for a true safari stay close to the city and airports.
Sankara
Sankara is a strikingly built hotel in the bustling central Nairobi suburb of Westlands, primarily used as a business stay, with very good dining and leisure facilities.
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages
Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens and Cottages is small luxury boutique hotel located in the peaceful suburb of Karen.
Eden Nairobi
One Forty Eight is a very stylish boutique hotel in one of the leafiest corners of the southwest Nairobi suburb of Karen-Langata. The Giraffe Centre at Giraffe Manor is just a 10-minute walk away.
Ololo Safari Lodge
Ololo Safari Lodge and Farm is a luxury property on the southern edge of Nairobi National Park.
Tribe
Design-led, contemporary hotel in the Village Market area of Gigiri, a largely diplomatic and luxury residential suburb 10km north of Nairobi’s central business district.
The Stanley
The Stanley is a large, traditional hotel – the oldest in Nairobi – offering a range of facilities.
Acacia Camp
Acacia Camp is a rustic and affordable safari camp in a wildlife sanctuary a 30-minute drive towards Mombasa from Nairobi’s international airport.
