Nairobi for backpackers

Real FM

Hi All,

I'm flying into Nairobi at the start of June and will be based there for around 3 full days before heading on to Mwanza in Tanzania. I've been doing my research and it really doesn't look like there's a whole lot to do in Nairobi and I don't know if 3 days would give me enough time to head to the Masai Mara and back.

- Would I have enough time in 3 days to make a worthwhile visit to the MM?

- Is there anything else in/around Nairobi worth visiting.

Not being lazy...Just can't find anything online!

Cheers.

Gaz

Nairobi National Park is worth a visit for a cheap safari ... only $30 or so for a few hours game drive.

Next head into the zoo , which isnt great but get a guard offside and ask if there is any cubs ... I got to hold a baby cheetah , gave the guard $5.

The giraffi centre is ok , as is the Elephant centre.

Oh and if you havnt booked your accomodation yet, wildebeest camp is great .... cheap and very saft/comfortable.

Cullen82

Gaz is spot on with advice there although i cant vouch for the place he stayed. I was there on my own end 2008 for 5-7 days in total.

I believe the place I stayed was hotel boulevard (very secure) right beside city centre....taxi drivers normally do these trips to the animal orphanages etc if you like.

To be honest I went downtown 2 days on my own walking around which was a little daunting but I never had any hassle - Just make sure its bright out!

Have travelled through Africa but to be honest I didnt really enjoy Nairobi all that much - nice to experience it though

Cullen82

Oh and MAKE SURE you get one of the guards in the zoo to bring you into a cage if you can, I went in with 3 fully grown cheetahs - petting them photographs etc - I get a chance to ask as he approached me about it first -gave him 5 or 10 dollars on the way out

0verblood

I'm in Nairobi now. The average Masai Mara trip lasts about three days, which is all you have. I'd say go with Gaz and Cullens recommendations. Never knew about this cheetah petting thing tho! Will defo check it out. I've taken a few strolls around town, it's very safe during the day.

Another thing you can do is check out the National Museum, it's pretty expensive tho, about 8e

0verblood

By the way I'm staying in a place called Milimani Backpackers, a 15min walk from the city center, and it's cheaper than the Wildebeest place at only 600shillings for a dorm (wildebeest is 1000)

Real FM

Thanks for all the feedback folks. I'll check out both of those places for accommodation

Yep, it looks like we don't have long enough to head to the Masai Mara so I'll definately be going to all the places in Nairobi you all recommended. Also heard the David Seldrick Elephant Orphanage is worth a visit.

Haven't heard the best things about the city but got to do the few days there before we head to Mwanza.

Thanks again.