Private Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Center & Karen Blixen Tour

Summary

Nairobi Private Safari: Wildlife, Giraffes & Karen Blixen House

You’ll spot wild animals just outside Nairobi, feed rare giraffes by hand, and step inside Karen Blixen’s historic home—all in one day with easy transport.

What’s the experience like?

It’s barely sunrise when our driver pulls up outside my hotel. There’s a faint chill in the air—Nairobi mornings can be surprisingly crisp, even with the city already humming awake. We’re off before most folks have had their first cup of chai, winding through quiet streets toward Nairobi National Park. I’m still rubbing sleep from my eyes when we roll past the park gates, but suddenly there’s a zebra grazing just meters from the road. The city skyline hangs in the distance—honestly, it’s wild how close you are to downtown, yet here you’re watching buffalo and giraffes wander across open grassland.

After a couple hours spotting rhinos (one lumbered right across our path), we head over to the Giraffe Center. I’d seen photos, but nothing quite prepares you for having a giraffe nuzzle your palm for pellets. The guides here know every animal by name—they’ll tell you about Daisy and her friends, all Rothschild’s giraffes rescued and bred here. You can smell fresh grass and hear schoolkids laughing nearby; it’s got this friendly, easygoing vibe.

The last stop is Karen Blixen’s old house out in leafy Karen. The place feels frozen in time—her typewriter sits by the window, and there’s even an old coffee grinder on display. Our guide shared stories about Karen’s life with such detail that I could almost picture her writing “Out of Africa” right there on the porch. There’s a quietness to the garden; birds chirp and you catch a whiff of eucalyptus on the breeze. By late afternoon, we’re back in town—tired but happy, with red dust on our shoes and way too many photos of giraffes on my phone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nairobi National Park and Attractions

• Pickup from airport or hotel at 6:00 am
• Game drive at Nairobi National Park
• Visit Giraffe Center
• Tour Karen Blixen Museum
• Drop off at airport or hotel

Top questions

What time does the tour start?

Pick-up is at 6:00 am from your hotel or Nairobi airport to catch wildlife when they’re most active.

Is this tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes! Kids love feeding giraffes and there’s space for strollers or prams in our vehicles.

How long does the whole experience take?

The tour usually lasts most of the day—expect to be back by late afternoon.

Can I be dropped off at the airport after?

Absolutely, we’ll drop you at your hotel or Nairobi International Airport—just let us know your preference.

What’s included

Your own private vehicle and driver for the day, bottled water to keep you refreshed, plus all transfers between stops. We make sure everything runs smoothly so you can just enjoy each moment.