The Carnivore Restaurant Experience in Nairobi: Lunch or Dinner
Active
4h
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
When you're in Nairobi, don't miss the chance to have a meal at the famous Carnivore Restaurant—the ultimate 'Beast of a Feast'—known for its variety of meat including ostrich, crocodile, pork, beef, lamb, and camel, roasted over charcoal and carved at your table. The fixed-price meal includes side dishes, an array of sauces, soup, a selection of desserts, and Kenyan coffee. While you eat, enjoy the tropical garden setting and attentive service. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Select the lunch or dinner option when booking.
Available options
Carnivore Restaurant - Lunch
Carnivore Restaurant - Lunch Option
Carnivore Restaurant - Dinner
Carnivore Restaurant - Dinner Option
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch or dinner, per option selected
What you'll see
You will be picked up at your Nairobi hotel and driven to the Carnivore, which is just 2.5 miles (4 km) from the city center. Since its inception in 1980, the restaurant has played host to more than 2 million customers from across the globe, including celebrities who come to enjoy whole joints of meat, like legs of lamb and pork, ostrich, rumps of beef, sirloins, racks of lamb, spare ribs, sausages, chicken wings, skewered kidneys, and even crocodile. The meat is roasted on traditional Maasai swords over a huge charcoal pit that dominates the entrance of the restaurant (a vegetarian menu is also available).
With its rough-cut beams and local woods, the atmosphere of the restaurant combines the rustic feel of a rural environment with the grandeur of a medieval banquet hall. The Carnivore doesn’t conform to the traditional restaurant protocol of passing out menus and waiting for people to order. When you arrive, you simply sit down on your zebra-striped chair, and the moveable feast begins. First comes the soup of the day, and then a sizzling cast-iron plate is placed in front of you, along with home-baked brown bread and butter.
An army of carvers in aprons and straw hats move from table to table, carrying the swords laden with the different prime meats, carving unlimited amounts onto your plate. Accompanying your meat is a wide selection of salads and vegetables, plus a variety of sauces stacked on a 2-story revolving tray in the center of your table. When you've had enough, you can end your feeding frenzy by lowering the white paper flag perched on the central tray, which signals that you're ready for dessert and coffee.
Beverages are at your own expense, so you can choose what you'd like to drink. Highly recommended is the house cocktail the Dawa, which means 'medicine' or 'magic potion' in Swahili. Based on a Brazilian drink, the Dawa was introduced to Kenyans at the Carnivore and has become one of the most widely consumed cocktails in the country. If you order it, it's brought to you on a tray by a 'medicine man' named Dr. Dawa.
At the end of the Carnivore experience, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
What's not included
Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.0
5 reviews
5★
3
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.6
16 reviews
5★
14
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available; please advise at time of booking if required
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Meeting point
Pick up / drop off from your Nairobi hotel or the city Centre
Approximate Departure time: 12:00 – 12:30 or 18:30 – 19:00
Approximate time of return to hotel: 16:00hrs or 21:30hrs
Important notes
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
About Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a vibrant city known for its rich wildlife, cultural diversity, and modern urban landscape. It's the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, offering a unique blend of city life and nature.
Top Attractions
Nairobi National Park
This unique national park is located just a few kilometers from the city center and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and rhinos.
Nature
Half day to full day
KES 400-1000
Karen Blixen Museum
This museum is dedicated to the Danish author Karen Blixen, who lived in Kenya during the early 20th century. The museum is set in her former home and offers a glimpse into colonial life in Kenya.
Historical
2-3 hours
KES 500-1000
Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is a cultural center that showcases the traditional music, dance, and acrobatics of Kenya's various ethnic groups. The center also features a museum and craft shops.
Cultural
2-3 hours
KES 500-1500
Must-Try Local Dishes
Nyama Choma
Grilled meat, typically goat or beef, seasoned with salt and sometimes spices. It's a popular dish often served with ugali and kachumbari.
Main Course
Contains meat
Ugali
A staple food made from maize flour, cooked with water to form a thick, dough-like consistency. It's often served with stews or nyama choma.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, Vegan
Sukuma Wiki
Collard greens cooked with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes other vegetables. It's a common side dish in Kenyan cuisine.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, Vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking
Safari
Wildlife viewing
Coffee tasting
Spas
Picnics
Museum visits
Cultural performances
Best Time to Visit
June to October
This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for safaris and outdoor activities. The city is lively with various festivals and events.
18-28°C
64-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Swahili
- Widely spoken: English, Swahili
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Nairobi is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
Getting there
By air
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Nairobi Railway Station
By bus
Nairobi Bus Station, Mombasa Road Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The NCBS is the main public transport system, with routes covering most of the city. Buses are affordable but can be crowded.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
CBD (Central Business District)
Westlands
Karen
Day trips
Lake Naivasha
90 km from Nairobi • Full day
Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by scenic landscapes and wildlife. It's a popular spot for boat rides, birdwatching, and visiting the nearby Hell's Gate National Park.
Mount Longonot
80 km from Nairobi • Full day
Mount Longonot is an extinct volcano with a challenging but rewarding hike to the summit. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the crater lake.
Lake Nakuru National Park
160 km from Nairobi • Full day
Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its large population of flamingos and other wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and leopards. The park offers game drives and walking safaris.
Festivals
Nairobi International Trade Fair • July
Nairobi Film Festival • October
Kenyatta Day • June 1
Pro tips
- Visit the Nairobi National Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best wildlife viewing
- Try local dishes like nyama choma, ugali, and sukuma wiki for an authentic culinary experience
- Use app-based taxi services like Uber or Bolt for safer and more convenient transportation
- Carry a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics to minimize your environmental impact
- Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for their culture
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
