Nairobi: Safari Game Drive & Maasai Market Stop with Pickup

Summary

Wildlife close to Nairobi’s city lights, lions rhinos and morning air

You’ll ride out from your Nairobi hotel before sunrise for a real safari in Nairobi’s wild grasslands—with city views behind the rhinos and lions. Your local guide handles everything: spotting wildlife, sharing stories, even stopping for coffee at Maasai Market before you’re dropped back at your door. It’s rawer than you’d expect this close to town.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to watch giraffes wander past skyscrapers? I didn’t think much of Nairobi’s wildlife until our guide, Peter, picked us up just after sunrise—he had that easy laugh you only get from years on these roads. The city was still yawning awake as we drove out, but ten minutes later we were rolling through the park gate, swapping car horns for birdsong. There’s this moment when the grass opens up and you catch the first glimpse of zebra stripes against the skyline—honestly, I still think about that.

The game drive itself felt like a dream stitched together by the smell of dry grass and diesel from our open-roof van (not fancy, but perfect for photos). We saw a black rhino lumbering near some acacias—Peter whispered so quietly I almost missed it. Lions were tougher to spot; everyone held their breath when someone thought they saw one in the shade. The air was cool but not cold, just enough to keep you awake. At one point a herd of buffalo blocked our path and Peter just shrugged, “They have right of way.”

I tried counting bird species but lost track after twenty—Peter knew them all by name, even did this little impression of a hornbill that cracked us up. After four hours or so (time blurs out there), we stopped at Maasai Market Collections in Karen for coffee. The market smelled like roasted beans and leather—Li laughed when I tried to say “asante” properly. My accent needs work.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning safari at Nairobi National Park

• Hotel pick up early morning
• Briefing about the safari
• Drive through city lanes to park
• Game drive in open rooftop van
• Spot wildlife including big five
• Stop for photos and wildlife viewing
• Visit Maasai Market for coffee
• Return to hotel or airport

Top questions

How long does the Nairobi safari game drive last?

The game drive lasts about 4 to 5 hours including stops for photos and coffee at Maasai Market.

Is hotel pickup included for the Nairobi safari tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day trip from Nairobi.

What animals can I see on a Nairobi safari?

You might see black rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes, and over 400 bird species during your tour.

Is the safari vehicle open roofed?

Yes, you’ll travel in an open-roof van designed for better game viewing and photography.

Is this safari suitable for children or wheelchair users?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; transportation options are wheelchair accessible and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour include entry fees or meals?

Bottled water is provided; there’s a stop for coffee at Maasai Market Collections Karen but meals are not included.

Can I stream live photos during the game drive?

Yes, free WIFI is available so you can share live photos and videos with friends or family back home.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Nairobi, bottled water throughout the game drive in an open-roof van with a local guide who knows every corner of the park, plus a stop at Maasai Market Collections Karen for coffee before drop-off back at your hotel or airport.