Reviews of trips to Nairobi
524 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Nairobi.
"Rainy Kenya"
Richard was able to confirm availability for 6 nights, but midweek to midweek, which seemed like a bit of a waste of annual leave, so with a bit of juggling, we got a 10 night (on safari, 12 nights including travel/airport) trip at a much more affordable price. It was a bit odd not booking a year in advance, but it shows what is possible.
It was certainly wetter than we anticipated, particularly in Laikipia. The rains in the Mara were a bit more what we expected, although it did rain non-stop overnight on several occasions. I now know why the camps provide Wellington boots and umbrellas! This made for a unique safari, but rain brings its' own set of photographic issues, that we had to learn about and fast.
All of the Kicheche safari camps are very well run and welcoming and this trip cemented in our minds how good Kenya is for safari, particularly with Kicheche." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari
"My Nov 2023 trip"
The internal flights were also a breeze. I probably would have fewer flights next time and perhaps not go to either Amboseli or Laikipia,instead visiting the Kicheche camps in the Mara." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari
"Driving safari Nairobi to the Coast"
Richard organised a wonderful itinerary for the safari. The rain made this year a totally different experience, the driving was much more difficult, but the countryside looked rich and green and all the herbivores which have struggled so much in recent years are all thriving which is wonderful.
We also loved our two weeks in Msambweni, meeting the village people and helping with charity work for HIV orphaned children, donating football kit for the local team, the Msambweni Super Eagles, who then arranged a friendly match for us to see the new kit in action! The kit was green with green and white striped socks, however, only a handful of the players had football boots!
I also took out items for the maternity unit at the local hospital, including packs for new mothers who arrive at hospital with absolutely nothing containing a blanket, knitted hat, a selection of clothes and socks - all small things but which make a huge difference.
Thank you very much for another fabulous holiday." Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 13 on a Kenya safari
"My Oct 2023 trip"
I do want to single out a young woman called Bernice at Nairobi airport who shepherded me through passport control avoiding the horrendous queues.
Otherwise Expert Africa's customary care and attention to detail are what I have come to expect." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
"My Oct 2023 trip"
Every component was top drawer -- pre-trip info, the accommodations, meals, guides, service, schedule -- even the animals all cooperated!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As a non-drinker, I wonder how much of my cost was allocated towards alcohol.
A non-alcohol pricing option might be something to consider for guests who'd agree not to indulge." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
"My Oct 2023 trip"
I can't wait to hopefully one day go back again, and I wouldn't change a thing, the trip from start to finish was everything I had dreamed it would be and so much more!!!
A special thank you Expert Africa, Richard Trillo, Nancie Wight, and to everyone else that made this trip one I will never ever forget!
The memories will live on in my heart forever.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Nothing at all, totally pleased with everything." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
"The trip of a lifetime "
For 6 decades (since I fell in love with Born Free) I have wanted to travel to Africa. The opportunity arose when I ceased the opportunity to go on safari with a wildlife photographer I followed on Facebook. I had no idea what going on safari with her meant, but knew from her photos and connection to Africa and the animals that this was how I wanted to do it. Her trips are completely organized through Expert Africa with Richard Trillo, organizer and planner extraordinaire!
The information, the attention to detail, planning, everything was managed perfectly. Expert Africa (Richard) walks you through every step along the way; and if they can’t answer a question specifically for you (like which travel insurance should I get), they provide necessary information to perform your own research and make the decision that fits your needs. Informative packets are sent with answers to all the questions you may have (as well as ones you didn’t know you needed the answers to). Weather, culture, money, gratuities, obtaining the appropriate visas, etc. Everything is planned so that you are never alone once you arrive, and never need to figure out how to do something.
Everyone is sent an itinerary for the trip including everyone’s flight information, who will be meeting you at the airport and helping you through customs, driving you to your destination(s). All travel, including flights within Kenya, are taken care of, including providing day rooms on your last day prior to your flight and bringing you back to the airport at the end of the trip. And when they ask on their booking form what your food preferences are, make sure to fill it in (no matter how silly you think it may be, this from my own experience). All the destinations, camps, and lodges want to accommodate you as best they can.
The camps are perfect. Perfect accommodations, perfect food, amazing staff. Joyful always. Informative always. Welcoming everyone into the family.
I didn’t have the opportunity to research other travel companies, but from this experience with Expert Africa, I have absolutely no reason to look into any other companies. I plan on returning to Africa. And I plan on ONLY going through Expert Africa. And I am telling everyone I meet that indicates they’ve “always wanted to go”.
Thank you for the service your provide, Expert Africa.
Thank you for providing opportunities to travel to this most cherished continent in a way that respects, sustains, and helps to protect these lands and all their inhabitants." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
"My Oct 2023 trip"
Although there were a couple of times that I thought cutting the camp stays short by a day each would have been ok, I wasn't quite ready to leave when the time came. I would, however, like to spend more time at Emakoko - it was the perfect place to regroup and gear up for the long journey home. Another day or two there would have been wonderful.
Overall, I've been very satisfied with the entire trip - Richard's expertise and assistance in planning, Nancie's familiarity and knowledge of the camps - staff and drivers - was hugely helpful to allow us to fully immerse myself into the Safari experience.
I have already made recommendations to others. :)" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
"My Oct 2023 trip"
Each location offered something special - something different - but with the same high-quality surroundings and excellent service. It was truly seamless and a trip of a lifetime.
If we are ever lucky enough to get back to Africa, I would only turn to Expert Africa to plan our trip.
I can't imagine how this trip could have been better!
Thank you so much Jessica and Expert Africa!!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Kenya safari
"My Oct 2023 trip"
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Inspire meWhere 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.
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.
Ole-Sereni
The Ole-Sereni is a modern, stylish hotel neighbouring Nairobi National Park and located 6km from Wilson domestic 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.
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages
Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens and Cottages is small luxury boutique hotel located in the peaceful suburb of Karen.
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.
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.
The Stanley
The Stanley is a large, traditional hotel – the oldest in Nairobi – offering a range of facilities.
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.
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.
