Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and largest city, is the starting point of nearly every safari in the country. Known as the “Safari Capital of the World,” it connects travellers to leading Kenyan parks, such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and Lake Nakuru.
On Nairobi Safari Tours flights land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport, making it easy to access remote wildlife areas. While many safari-bound visitors spend just a night in Nairobi, the city itself offers vibrant culture, markets, nightlife, and excellent dining experiences.
Nairobi is the obvious starting point for any Kenya Safari, but also offers a rewarding snapshot of Africa’s rich contemporary culture for those who choose to explore.
Explore Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar on this 11-day safari. Visit Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, then relax on Zanzibar’s…
Please Note - Some of our departures may still need to be added. If you do not see departures listed for your dates, please click the button below to contact our experts to find out what's available.
Kenya’s main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), is located 15km southeast of Nairobi.
Moi International Airport (MBA), near Mombasa, handles mostly domestic and charter flights, with limited international services.
From Nairobi or Mombasa, you can fly or drive to the parks and reserves of Kenya, or combine flying and driving.
Most domestic flights from Nairobi depart from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km south of the city. Travel logistics are often handled by local tour operators, who arrange airport pickups and all transportation as part of your Kenya safari package, making it easy to explore the country's wildlife destinations.
Nairobi offers a range of accommodation options for all budgets throughout the city in distinct neighbourhoods.
The Central Business District (CBD) bustles, with colonial-era hotels. It is close to attractions like the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, City Market, National Archives, and the National Museum.
For a quieter family-friendly stay, the Karen and Langata suburbs offer charming, country-style lodging which are near attractions like the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre, and Karen Blixen Museum.
In the Westlands and Gigiri suburbs, you'll find good accommodation close to the attractions of the city centre, tourist attractions, places of interest, and some of the best restaurants in Nairobi.
For help finding your ideal accommodation in Nairobi, contact African Budget Safaris.
For more details see The Best Things to Do in Nairobi before & after your Kenya Safari.
Nairobi is generally considered a safe destination.
Some areas should be avoided due to higher crime rates, such as Eastleigh and Kibera. While Kenya has faced past terrorist attacks, the primary issues are along the Kenya-Somali border, far from Nairobi's tourist areas.
Kenya relies heavily on the safari industry, so they prioritize visitor safety. Security measures have improved in recent years, particularly in Nairobi and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Most safari travellers safely transit through Nairobi on their way to the country’s secure game reserves, but Nairobi is becoming a bucket list destination with plenty to explore.
Discover more about Nairobi in Kenya with our free Nairobi Safari Guide.
Call us toll free from US/Canada on 1-888-414-6513, or from the UK on 0-808-189-1052. All other countries can contact us on +27 21 791 0878.
© 2026 African Budget Safaris | Privacy | Terms | Cookie Policy | Consent Preferences
