Mid this year, I felt quite exhausted from the everyday hustle and bustle of Nairobi, rushing between work, home, and constantly handling errands. I know you all know how overwhelming that can be! At this point, I wondered how I would get through the remaining part of the year, as my mind felt tired, my soul drained, and the days blurry.
I knew that I needed to slow down, rest, and breathe, but I didn’t have a clear plan for how to relax amidst the demands of my busy life. I just knew that I needed to take some time, even just a day, away from all of it.
A friend of mine had suggested that we go on a safari adventure. However, in reality, we didn’t have the resources and time to go on a long safari adventure. My friend and I started looking for affordable and short nature experiences. So, on one afternoon, while scrolling through TikTok, I came across a post where someone was giving their reviews on the Nairobi Safari Walk and how fulfilling their visit was.
From this post and what I had heard from friends who had visited the place before, Nairobi Safari Walk was exactly what my friend and I were looking for. After a few deliberations with my friend, we decided to visit the Nairobi Safari Walk, a 2.5 km (1 mile) boardwalk, on the weekend to experience striking and diverse flora (savannah, forests, wetlands) and fauna, which exist in the Kenyan landscape right in the heart of the city.
Our biggest concern was how to plan the visit without any hitches, while still keeping up with work and ensuring that everything worked out seamlessly. That’s when a colleague mentioned that she had previously used the services of Adequate Safaris, who had skilfully planned a rewarding full-day trip to the Nairobi Safari Walk. My friend and I decided to reach out to them, and they ensured that our half-day visit to the Nairobi Safari Walk was planned down to the smallest detail.
Not forgetting how friendly and attentive the staff were. Their services were truly exemplary. I wouldn’t hesitate to seek the services of Adequate Safaris again in a heartbeat. If you want to have a breathtaking encounter with nature right in the heart of the city, contact Adequate Safaris at deals@adequatesafaris.com or 254711711498/254768555444 for more information on a half or full-day excursion to the Nairobi Safari Walk.
Before you decide to embark on a visit to the Nairobi Safari Walk, here are a few things you should know.
Location
One thing that made the Nairobi Safari Walk appealing to my friend and I is the fact that it was just within Nairobi City, which was about 8 kms from the central business district (CBD). An adequate Safaris driver met us at a central point in Nairobi’s CBD, warmly greeted us, and led us to the vehicle that would transfer us to the safari walk’s gate. It took us just about 30 minutes to get there.
The Nairobi Safari Walk is also accessible from the Nyayo National Stadium through to Lang’ata Road, slightly past the Langa’ata Army Barracks. The safari walk was just off Lang’ata Road, near the main entrance of Nairobi National Park and within the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Headquarters complex. If you are planning to visit the Nairobi Safari Walk, it’s essential to note that you will be able to easily access the malls and the airport.
Nairobi Safari Walk Tickets
Adequate Safaris conveniently booked our Nairobi Safari Walk tickets online using the KWS pay eCitizen portal. However, you can also get your tickets at the safari walk’s gate using mobile money or swiping, as no cash is accepted. As my friend and I are both Kenyan, Adequate Safaris had paid KShs 300 per person for our entry tickets. Children who are Kenyan citizens pay an entrance fee of KShs 200. Adult residents are charged KShs 405, and children KShs 300.
Non-resident adults pay a Nairobi Safari Walk entrance fee of $25, while children pay $15. However, the Nairobi Safari Walk entrance fees are subject to change. Therefore, it is necessary to check the latest rates on the official KWS site before visiting the Nairobi Safari Walk. However, you may also contact Adequate Safaris at deals@adequatesafaris.com or 254711711498/254768555444 for more information on the Nairobi Safari Walk excursion.
What to See at the Nairobi Safari Walk
We left our car at the entrance of the Nairobi Safari Walk and headed to a terraced wetland adorned with water lilies and papyrus, while accompanied by a guide, who educated us on various aspects along the way. Here, we had a chance to spot the stunning pygmy hippos and crocodiles resting in the water.
Standing on the raised wooden boardwalk over the wetland, we were treated to striking views of the safari walk. One amazing detail that we found while on the raised 2.5 km wooden boardwalk is that there were signposts indicating what we were supposed to look out for while on each stretch or zone of the safari walk.
From the terraced woodland, we headed straight into the savanna, where we got to see an array of wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, buffalo, zebras, albino zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and the rare bongo. A fun fact about the rare bongo is that the native people believed that touching it caused spasms that felt like epileptic seizures. Well, we won’t be finding out whether that is true or not due to the enclosures and the raised wooden boardwalk.
Food and Drinks
Personal food and drinks (especially water) are allowed on the Nairobi Safari Park Walk. My friend and I had carried some soft drinks and snacks to keep us energized while on the nature walk. But if you don’t carry your own food or drinks, worry not! There are restaurants in the park where you can find meals and drinks.
The guide had advised us to sit at one of the designated picnic spots. As such, we were shown to the Impala Point for a brief break while we enjoyed our snacks and drinks. However, there are other designated spots where visitors can enjoy their food, drinks, or snacks, which include Kingfisher and Mokoyiet. While at the picnic site, we were alerted to be careful of monkeys, which are known to snatch food from visitors.
One thing that I specifically thank Adequate Safaris for is that they had informed us beforehand that only reusable plastic bags and bottles were allowed into the safari walk. Therefore, if you are planning on visiting the Nairobi Safari Walk, avoid carrying food or drinks in single-use tins or bottles.
Items to Take with You on the Nairobi Safari Walk
The Adequate Safaris consultant who helped to plan our visit to the Nairobi Safari Walk advised us to carry various items such as a camera, binoculars, sunscreen, and insect repellent to ensure that we had an unparalleled experience on the raised boardwalk.
She also advised us to wear comfortable shoes and light, neutral colored clothing, and sun-protective gear such as sunglasses or a hat. We also ensured to carry our national identification cards (IDs) for ease of registration at the entrance. If you are a non-resident, it is essential to carry your passport and local currency or cards to help you pay entry fees and buy other essentials easily. You can also carry bird identification books or reference material while visiting Nairobi Safari Walk.
When to Visit Nairobi Safari Walk
The best times to visit the Nairobi Safari Walk are early mornings and late afternoons, due to the cool temperatures and increased wildlife activity. It is crucial to note that because the safari walk is a guided, enclosed conservation walk, animal visibility is fairly consistent year-round, with less seasonal variation than in large national parks.
Facilities and Amenities in Nairobi Safari Walk
The Nairobi Safari Walk has restrooms, a cafeteria, and a snack shop where you can purchase light meals, snacks, and refreshments. We never got to buy any meals or snacks at the cafeteria or snack shop because we had brought our own drinks and snacks. However, we used the restrooms in the safari walk, and they were indeed well-maintained and clean.
We also saw a gift shop, where visitors were buying souvenirs, educational materials, and locally made crafts such as woven bags and bracelets. Also, my friend and I really enjoyed sitting at one of the picnic areas within the safari walk to eat our snacks and take our drinks while soaking in the scenic views in the conservation. It was truly an exceptional experience!
Activities in the Nairobi Safari Walk
Bird watching was one of the activities we enjoyed when we visited the Nairobi Safari Walk. We encountered over 500 species of birds. My friend and I visited the Nairobi Safari Walk in May, allowing us the opportunity to see migratory birds and breeding plumage, especially the unique Jackson’s Widowbird. We also went early in the morning, giving us a chance to see active birds.
And because we had a pair of good binoculars and an experienced field guide, we were able to explore the Hyena Dam, where we got to see waterbirds, and the Lang’ata forest, where we viewed forest bird species. All in all, we got a fantastic birdwatching experience at the Nairobi Safari Walk, an encounter that I would highly recommend for anyone else.
Another activity we also loved at the Nairobi Safari Walk was photography, which enabled us to capture the epic and unforgettable views and moments of the day.
We also really enjoyed game viewing as we had the opportunity to see diverse wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, buffalo, rhinos, reptiles (crocodiles, tortoises, and snakes), zebras, albino zebras, giraffes, antelopes, pygmy hippos, and the rare bongo. Walking through the breathtaking scenery on the safari walk also provided us with the opportunity to unwind and relax while in sync with nature, making it an unmatched experience for my friend and I.
Accommodation
The sanctuary doesn’t offer any accommodation options. However, visitors select accommodations from the wide array of lodges and hotels in Nairobi City and its environs.
Conclusion
Reaching out to Adequate Safaris for them to help my friend and I plan for an excursion to the Nairobi Safari Walk was totally worth it. Visiting the Nairobi Safari Walk, which is a gem hidden in Kenya’s capital, helped us to unwind, relax, and experience breathtaking flora and fauna right in the heart of the city.
It is an experience I would highly recommend for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, without having to take time off from work, and also while being on a budget. Contact Adequate Safaris at deals@adequatesafaris.com or 254711711498/254768555444 for more information. Plan that visit to Nairobi Safari Walk today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Best Time to Visit the Nairobi Safari Walk?
The best time to visit the Nairobi Safari Walk is early in the morning (8.30 am to 11 am) or late in the afternoon. These times are idealdue to the cool temperatures and increased wildlife activity. It is crucial to note that because the safari walk is a guided, enclosed conservation walk, animal visibility is fairly consistent year-round, with less seasonal variation than in large national parks.
Q: What are Some of the Attractions that are Close to Nairobi Safari Walk?
One of the nearby attractions is the Nairobi National Park, which offers visitors a full safari experience by allowing them to see diverse flora and fauna (lions, giraffes, and rhinos, among other animals). Another attraction that is in proximity to Nairobi Safari Walk is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which is famous for rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned baby elephants. In addition, the Giraffe Centre, which is a conservation and breeding centre for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, is close to the Nairobi Safari Walk.Another close attraction is the Bomas of Kenya, which is a cultural village where traditional Kenyan lifestyles, music, and dance are showcased.
Q: At What Time Does the Nairobi Safari Walk Open and Close?
The Nairobi Safari Walk is usually open from 8.30 am to 5.30 am, every day, including weekends and public holidays.
Q: Which Animals can I See When I visit the Nairobi Safari Walk?
In the Nairobi Safari Walk, you will see a wide array of animals, including over500 species of birds and wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, buffalo, rhinos, reptiles (crocodiles, tortoises, and snakes), zebras, albino zebras, giraffes, antelopes, pygmy hippos, and the rare bongo.
Q: What is the Nairobi Safari Walk?
The Nairobi Safari Walk is a raised wooden boardwalk that passes through various ecosystems, which resemble Kenya’s diverse habitats. It is a 2.5 k, (1 mile) trail that takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. The trail takes visitors through wetlands, savannah grasslands, and riverine forests, providing a microcosmic view of Kenya’s ecological zones. On the way, visitors get the opportunity to see wildlife in open enclosures that simulate natural conditions, making it an authentic yet safe experience. The Nairobi Safari Walk is popular among families, school groups, nature enthusiasts, and international tourists who seek a Kenyan safari adventure in a short-duration without having to leave the city.
Q: Who Qualifies for Free or Discounted Entries?
Children under 5 years enter the Nairobi Safari Walk for free. Students visiting the Nairobi Safari Walk on recognized educational trips are eligible for discounted rates, but only with prior KWS approval. Entry tickets are valid for only 24 hours from the time of purchase. In addition, KWS staff and official guests can enter for free, but with valid authorization. Also, registered tour guides who have a valid TRA accreditation can also enter the Nairobi Safari Walk free. However, all exempted or discounted visitors must still be digitally logged through KWSPay for security and compliance purposes.
