Airport Layover Tour to Nairobi National Park and Giraffe Center
Active
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
What sets this layover tour apart is its unique blend of convenience and unforgettable wildlife experiences—all within a short distance from Nairobi’s international airport. It's the only city in the world where you can go on a real safari just minutes from your arrival gate, spotting lions, rhinos, and giraffes against the backdrop of a modern skyline. With seamless airport pickup and drop-off, personalized service, and visits to top attractions like Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Centre, this tour turns a layover into a mini African adventure—efficient, enriching, and truly one of a kind.
Available options
Airport Layover Tour to Nairobi National Park and Giraffe Center
What's included
Luggage storage
Private or shared transportation
Entrance fee to Giraffe Centre
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Entrance fee to Nairobi National Park
Guided game drive
Airport pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
If you have a layover at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and want to make the most of your time, a combined layover tour to Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Centre offers a memorable and efficient wildlife experience. Your adventure typically begins with pickup from the airport by a private guide who will be waiting for you with a name sign. After a short 20–30-minute drive, you'll arrive at Nairobi National Park, the only national park located within a capital city. Here, you’ll enjoy a 3 to 4-hour guided game drive through open savannah, where you may spot lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and various antelope species, all set against the stunning backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline.
2
Stop 2
Following the game drive, you’ll head to the Giraffe Centre, about a 30-minute drive away in the leafy suburb of Karen. This conservation facility is home to endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, and visitors can feed them from an elevated platform, interact up close, and learn about ongoing conservation efforts. If time allows and you're interested, you can opt for lunch at a nearby restaurant such as the Carnivore or Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, known for their relaxed atmospheres and local cuisine.
Your driver will then return you to JKIA with ample time before your next flight, accounting for Nairobi traffic conditions. This tour typically lasts between 6 to 8 hours, making it ideal for travelers with a layover of at least that duration. The experience includes airport transfers, park entry, guided activities, bottled water, and secure luggage handling in the vehicle, offering a smooth, enriching way to spend your transit time in Nairobi.
What's not included
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Your driver guide will pick you at your hotel lobby
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
Instant confirmation
