Reviews of trips to Nairobi
485 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Nairobi.
"Family trip June 2022"
Logistically, the connections between cities, lodges, and airlines were flawless. This was our second trip with Expert Africa (and working with Richard Trillo), and it was more complex than our last one: international, bush, and charter flights; three sites; two countries. This trip would have been impossible for us to have pulled off on our own - especially with the two-year delay forced by the pandemic! We were very happy to have these experts on our side!
Regarding the pandemic, Rwanda had the strictest protocols at the time of our trip - requiring four tests in seven days - but our driver arranged all three in-country tests and kept tabs on our results and paperwork for us. Masks were required in all airplanes, but the COVID numbers are so much lower in Africa than in the USA that we all felt very safe in the lodge settings - venues were spacious and largely open-air. We definitely had some anxiety about passing a PCR test in order to go gorilla trekking (we'd had COVID just 45 days before), but we hoped for the best and it worked out for us (and trip insurance would have come through had it not).
I would say that while COVID introduces a "wild card" into the proceedings, the travel-related requirements were well managed for us while overseas, and, in my opinion, going on safari is far safer than going to an American movie theater!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari
"My Mar 2022 trip"
Kudos to Olivia who was responsible for the planning of the trip originally. Our goals were to experience Kenya and a bit of its culture, see lots of animals, and be active. Goals accomplished and expectations exceeded!! And thanks to Richard for his cat herding skills and organizing, then re-organizing, then tweaking yet again as Canadian travel restrictions shifted during Covid times.
With respect to Covid, since the camps are outside and contact with people is minimized, it was a safe experience. I probably saw fewer people in Kenya in two weeks that I would at the grocery store on the weekend.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Keep doing what you are doing!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
"My Feb 2022 trip"
We were delighted with the way that Richard Trillo listened to what we wanted and then shaped a trip to meet these criteria.
We would strongly recommend booking with Richard for anyone going to Kenya." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
"My Feb 2022 trip"
We should mention the help provided by Richard Trillo in organising the trip. Richard was very helpful particularly when BA decided to drop our return flight at very short notice. He also was very patient with the myriad of requests from us regarding the documentation required by the Kenyan authorities which seemed almost to vary on a day to day basis. His help in ensuring that we met their requirements was much appreciated. Hopefully those days are numbered.
We have total confidence in Richard and EA in organising these trips for us.
We should make the point that the BA staff at Heathrow T5 were extremely well organised in terms of checking that our documentation met the Kenyan requirements. I'm not sure that the same could be said for their opposite numbers at JKIA.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The service that EA provides is exemplary, we do not see any room for improvement." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
"My Feb 2022 trip"
I am sorry about the hiccup at the end of my trip. I was nervous about getting the test results back in time to get to the airport. As usual, the airport was a challenge - I stood in the line with KLM signage, and when I get to the checkin counter, they say I need to go to another counter, where the signs say, they are closed....
I walked up anyway and asked to be assisted, and luckily the gate person did so.....
Thank you again, and I expect to return in May - just giving you a heads up..... :)" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
"My Feb 2022 trip"
Very pleased with the advice we got about our trip (including when one of our original accommodation choices shut and we had to make a change), also got helpful & practical information about the various Covid rules & restrictions." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
"My Feb 2022 trip"
Claire at Expert Africa was excellent at securing a room at giraffe manor for us, making enquiries with Kicheche, arranging PCR tests etc. This is the 2nd time I have used Expert Africa and will do so again.
As someone who has travelled in Africa many times over many years I tend to do my own research and know where I want to stay but I have spoken with other tourists who have really appreciated the advice they received from Expert Africa in putting together their own holidays and choosing the right place to stay for them." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari
"My Feb 2022 trip"
I usually like to book holidays direct but going through Expert Africa was invaluable - the advice and the value for money very worth it.
The highlight was the safari and Naboisho camp was really something special. We saw everything we could have hoped for, ate fantastic food and had an amazing time. We then moved onto Kinondo Kwetu which is a lovely rustic boutique beach hotel. It’s a stunning setting, with 5* food and amazing staff. I’d highly recommend this trip and we really hope to do it again one day." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Kenya safari
"My Feb 2022 trip"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I am always happy to recommend Expert Africa to fellow travellers, and although I generally deal with Richard Trillo I can say that everyone I speak to at Expert Africa is just as friendly and helpful.
A great company with great people! I look forward to planning my next trip!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Kenya safari
"My Feb 2022 trip"
The wildlife in the Masai Mara was abundant. We saw 50+ lions, 7 cheetah, 3 leopards and 4 serval cats. Lots of elephants and topi. My guides Sophia and Dalton were very knowledgeable and good drivers. I loved our conversations over the picnic breakfasts. It was a real bonus that Tangulia gives every guest/couple/group a private car if possible.
The roads in the Masai Mara were often very bad due to the rains we would have during almost every night. In the Mara Triangle the roads are better, but there we saw less wildlife partly due to the long grass at the time.
Expert Africa has organised my stay very efficiently, as usual. I had to defer my trip twice, which was dealt with in a pleasant way by Richard Trillo." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari
Where to stay in Nairobi
Our suggestions for places to stay in Nairobi
Four Points Nairobi Airport
The Four Points by Sheraton, set within the perimeter of Nairobi International Airport, is ideally located for a first or last night in Kenya.
The Emakoko
The Emakoko is a luxurious, owner-managed safari lodge in a beautiful gorge on the edge of Nairobi National Park.
Eka Hotel
The Eka is an affordably priced business-class hotel in a relatively convenient location between Nairobi International Airport and Wilson Airport.
Ole-Sereni
The Ole-Sereni is a modern, stylish hotel neighbouring Nairobi National Park and located 6km from Wilson domestic airport.
Crowne Plaza Nbi Apt
The Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport (formerly known as the Lazizi Premiere and now part of the InterContinental Hotels Group) is the oldest hotel at Nairobi International Airport.
Macushla House
Macushla House is a very pleasant, small, owner-managed bed and breakfast hotel in a leafy part of southwest Nairobi, very convenient for visiting the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage.
Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor is a unique, perennially popular lodge on the outskirts of Nairobi, offering up-close-and-personal encounters with the rare Rothschild giraffes that roam its extensive grounds.
Aero Club of East Africa
The Aero Club of East Africa is a private members' club in the grounds of Wilson Airport, Nairobi, offering offering comfortable rooms and a good restaurant, bar and swimming pool to non-members.
Tamarind Tree Hotel
The Tamarind Tree is a stylish international hotel in a great location next to Wilson Airport.
Karen Gables
Karen Gables is a small, high quality hotel in Nairobi with expansive gardens and only seven rooms.
Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi is a luxury country-house style hotel, with a spa and gym, in the wealthy suburb of Karen.
Nairobi Tented Camp
Nairobi Tented Camp is the only tented camp located inside Nairobi National Park, making it a great option for a true safari stay close to the city and airports.
The Norfolk Hotel
The Norfolk Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Nairobi and has a reputation for its colourful history dating back to 1904.
Hogmead
Hogmead is a stylish, luxury boutique hotel/homestay in a secluded part of Langata in south-west Nairobi, very close to Nairobi National Park and the elephant orphanage.
Sankara
Sankara is a strikingly built hotel in the bustling central Nairobi suburb of Westlands, primarily used as a business stay, with very good dining and leisure facilities.
Eden Nairobi
One Forty Eight is a very stylish boutique hotel in one of the leafiest corners of the southwest Nairobi suburb of Karen-Langata. The Giraffe Centre at Giraffe Manor is just a 10-minute walk away.
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages
Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens and Cottages is small luxury boutique hotel located in the peaceful suburb of Karen.
The Stanley
The Stanley is a large, traditional hotel – the oldest in Nairobi – offering a range of facilities.
Tribe
Design-led, contemporary hotel in the Village Market area of Gigiri, a largely diplomatic and luxury residential suburb 10km north of Nairobi’s central business district.
Acacia Camp
Acacia Camp is a rustic and affordable safari camp in a wildlife sanctuary a 30-minute drive towards Mombasa from Nairobi’s international airport.
