Looking to escape the city for a day? Nairobi is perfectly positioned for quick adventures that combine nature, culture, and history. From thrilling hikes to serene tea farms, here are some of the best day trips you can enjoy from Kenya’s capital.
1. Hell’s Gate National Park – Naivasha
Just 90km from Nairobi, Hell’s Gate National Park is a favorite among thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Known for its dramatic cliffs, gorges, and geothermal activity, the park is ideal for hiking, biking, rock climbing, birdwatching, and game viewing.
The park allows visitors to walk and cycle through its trails, offering rare close encounters with wildlife like zebras, giraffes, buffalos, and even leopards. Fischer’s Tower, a striking rock formation, is great for climbing and comes with an intriguing Maasai legend.
Activities:
- Hiking at Hobley’s Volcano & Ol Basta Rock Tower
- Biking safaris (Ksh. 215/day)
- Birdwatching at the Raptor Hide
- Swimming at Olkaria Geothermal Spa
- Picnicking at scenic spots like Lake View Point & Moibeni
Entry Fees:
- Citizens & Residents: Adult Ksh. 300 | Child Ksh. 215
- Non-Residents: Adult $26 | Child $17
Tips:
Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellant, hiking gear, and camping supplies if you’re staying overnight. Book through kws.ecitizen.go.ke.
2. Mount Longonot Hike – Naivasha
A dormant stratovolcano located about 90km from Nairobi, Mount Longonot offers a moderately challenging day hike with incredible panoramic views. The trek to the crater rim and around it is approximately 13.5km and takes 3 to 6 hours.
What to Expect:
- Steep trail with stunning views of the Great Rift Valley
- Wildlife sightings and a forested crater
- Crater rim hike includes the mountain’s true summit
Fees:
- Citizens & Residents: Ksh. 250
- Non-Residents: Adults $20 | Children $15
Tips:
Start early to avoid crowds. Bring a reusable water bottle (no single-use plastics allowed), snacks, and prepare for changing weather. Public transport is possible but hiring a car or taxi is faster.
3. Maasai Village Visit – Narok
A cultural experience like no other, visiting a Maasai village near the Maasai Mara is an eye-opening journey into Kenya’s tribal heritage. Typically part of longer safaris, these visits allow travelers to interact with the Maasai people, explore traditional “Manyatta” homes, and learn about customs, rituals, and crafts.
Experience Includes:
- Village tour and cultural interaction
- Jumping dance and storytelling with Maasai warriors (Morans)
- Option to purchase local crafts
Cost:
USD 25–50 per person, depending on tour type. Some proceeds go directly to supporting the local community.
4. Kiambethu Tea Farm – Limuru
Only a short drive from Nairobi, Kiambethu Tea Farm offers a peaceful retreat in Limuru’s highlands. Learn about Kenya’s tea industry while enjoying homemade lunch in a colonial-style farmhouse surrounded by lush gardens and tea fields.
Tour Highlights:
- Tea-making history and field tour
- Forest walk with local guide
- Three-course buffet lunch using garden-fresh ingredients
- Colobus monkey and bird spotting
Cost: Ksh. 4,700 per adult (children under 12 half price). Tours run from Thursday to Sunday from 11am.
Booking: Advance reservations are essential. Visit the “BOOK NOW” tab on the Kiambethu website.
5. Oloolua Nature Trail – Karen, Nairobi
Hidden in the leafy suburb of Karen, Oloolua Nature Trail offers a tranquil forest walk through indigenous woodlands.
Highlights:
- 37-meter cave once used by Mau Mau fighters
- Picturesque waterfall flowing into the Mbagathi River
- Bamboo rest area and papyrus swamp
- Rich biodiversity of birds and small mammals
Entry Fees:
- Citizens: Adults Ksh. 200 | Children Ksh. 100
- Residents: Adults Ksh. 400 | Children Ksh. 200
- Non-Residents: Adults Ksh. 600 | Children Ksh. 300
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Plan Your Next Getaway with Visit Nairobi
Whether you’re craving adventure, history, culture, or relaxation, these day trips from Nairobi promise unforgettable experiences. Visit Nairobi is here to help you plan it all—from hikes to heritage tours.
Start planning your escape now at VisitNairobiKenya.com