Nairobi Cultural and Historical City Tour with a Local: Explore Kenya's Vibrant Capital

Immerse yourself in Nairobi’s vibrant culture and rich history on a one-day city tour. From colonial-era history to cultural performances, experience the best of Kenya’s capital.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Nairobi National Museum - Start your day with a visit to the Nairobi National Museum, which is situated on Museum Hill, a short distance from the city center. The museum offers a unique display of Kenya’s rich heritage, both cultural and natural. Marvel at Ahmed, the massive elephant, who became a symbol of Kenya at the height of the 1980s poaching crisis is displayed here. He was placed under 24-hour guard by President Jomo Kenyatta. Explore the museum’s permanent collection, through the hall of Kenya, some ethnological exhibits such as the extraordinary Kalenjin cloak made from the skins of Sykes Monkeys and a mosaic map of Kenya made from the country’s butterflies. Next hall is the birds of east Africa exhibit, a huge gallery of at least 900 stuffed specimens. Then follows the great hall of mammals. Cradle of Humankind, the highlight of which is the Hominid Skull Room
  • Kenyatta International Conference Center - This will be our next stop. The iconic 28-storey building is located along Harambee Avenue in the City Square of Nairobi. The skyscraper’s rooftop provides a 360-degree picturesque panoramic view of the city center and its horizons. Only then can one appreciate the beauty and complex pattern that it embodies.
    We will then proceed to the Nairobi view point on the recreational grounds of an ordinary Kenyan, Uhuru Park as we learn more on its historical significance to the Kenyan Nation-State.
    Chronologically will find our way into the Central Business District. As we walk, we will share tales told in real-time by your guide of the history of pre-independence Nairobi and post-independence Nairobi. We will walk through the city visiting different landmarks, including KICC, Kipande house, among others.
What's Included
  • Entry/admission at Bomas of Kenya
  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel/residence
  • Entry/admission at the KICC
  • Private transport & bottled drinking water
  • Entry/admission Nairobi National Museum
What's Not Included
  • Lunch available for purchase
  • Tips & gratuities
Additional Information

Discover the beating heart of Kenya with our specially designed one-day cultural and historical tour of Nairobi, a city renowned for its vibrancy, diversity, and rich heritage. Experience a perfect blend of
past and present, urbanity and nature, all within the bustling capital. From colonial-era history to cultural performances, and from wildlife conservation to local craftsmanship, Nairobi distinctive charm is sure to captivate every traveler.
Start your journey through time at the Nairobi National Museum, where Kenya cultural and natural heritage is beautifully showcased. Immerse yourself in Kenya diverse cultures at the Bomas of Kenya, and finally, experience the colorful crafted artifacts at the utamaduni craft Centre. Get ready to explore, learn, and be inspired as we navigate the best of what Nairobi has to offer.

Location
Nairobi National Museum
Museum Hill,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(39 Ratings)
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Leilanie_s
Aug 7, 2024
Nice day in the city! - We had a great time touring the city of Nairobi. Great learning history at Kenya museum. Wonderful views of the skyline and enjoyed the different cultural performances at the BOMAS. Our driver/guide Denish was prompt, knowledgeable and safe driver. The lunch at the garden was nice as well! Our driver/guide Denish was wondering, knowledgeable and a safe driver. We had a great day!!
Review provided by Viator
Eddies32
Aug 6, 2024
Great day! - The tour was really nice, all our stops were different and interesting. We also had a wonderful lunch stop at a garden restaurant. Our driver/guide, Denish was patient, knowledgeable and drive safely.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Merrym940
Jul 17, 2024
Overview tour of Nairobi - Our guide was right on time & made adjustments to our schedule to avoid possible challenges due to the recent protests in Nairobi. The top of the convention center was a great vantage point for viewing the city but be aware there are three flights of stairs that must be climbed to reach the top. The National Museum was very interesting and our volunteer guide did a nice job with the tour. Be sure to bring cash to tip the guide. The bead factory was better than I expected and I picked up several items for gifts. The show at the Bomas of Kenya was entertaining and exposed me to the dance & music of several different tribes/areas of Kenya. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Nairobi for the first time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Henrylo6551hk
Jul 11, 2024
Amazing City Day Tour of Nairobi! - Had an amazing private city day tour of Nairobi with Rustic Travel! We arrived a couple days before our Tanzania/Kenya safari was set to begin. We wanted to see parts of the “real” Kenya before settling in with lions, leopards and zebras in the African savanna. Our guide Kelvin was fantastic. He was cheerful, friendly, patient and went out of his way to make sure we had an enjoyable experience. Ask for Kelvin if you get a chance! The tour started with an early 8 am pick up at our hotel. We checked out the fascinating National Gallery for a couple of hours. Highly recommend the free guided tour at the museum to understand the exhibits. We then visited Kenyatta Plaza. Went to the top of KICC Tower to get sweeping views of Nairobi. We next stopped by the Kobe Tough bead studio to see how local handmade ceramic beads are made. We then checked out the traditional music and dance show at Bomas. Our tour ended with free time for shopping at Utamaduni. Nairobi can be a little intimidating at first for the newly uninitiated. But after taking this tour, I felt we understood so much more about the country, history and people than if we had just gone straight to the safari. Am so glad we did it. Highly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Williamandchrisr
Jul 8, 2024
Nairobi Kenya Cultural Highlights - This tour was a great combination! Our Tour Guide provided us a great safe experience and transportation to and from our accommodation. We appreciate this company's flexibility and concern for our safety which allowed us to move our appointment until after the political unrest had settled down.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P7121rederrickw
Jul 7, 2024
Nairobi Cultural Experience - Denish, was phenomenal in guiding me on this excursion. He was early in picking me up from my hotel and was very knowledgeable of every location we visited. If you’re wondering what to do when visiting Nairobi, I HIGHLY recommend this experience. From the history to the culture and scenic sights, you won’t be disappointed!!! Definitely 1000/10 🤩
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Craigmh4187hs
Jul 6, 2024
Great experience in Nairobi - Had a fantastic time today. Denis was a great host. Informative and patient. He gave great information driving between venues as well. Thank you for a great day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jacque2020
Jun 15, 2024
Best pre or post safari tour! - If you have a free day in Narobi before you begin safari, this tour is for you! These experiences helped me understand and appreciate what I saw on safari. The Narobi National Museum houses THE originals, not casts or replicas that you would find at other museums. The snake museum was fascinating and informative and at times “hands-on.” Yes! This is not a boring museum tour. Kelvin, our guide, has a wealth of knowledge and at both museums we had personal guides. Every part of our day was exceptional leaving us with a fascinating glimpse of past and current life in Kenya. This tour is perfect for all ages and has varied experiences making the day pass all too quickly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
786idag
Jul 23, 2024
Intense but very much worth it - Dennis has been a good guide. He is pleasent and funny. He has also accommodated all my needs during the day. He made sure I was OK all the time. The tour was informative. Just what I expected.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
927eileenl
Jun 23, 2024
Highlights of Nairobi - Dennis was a great driver and so friendly. He matched me up with a very knowledgeable museum tour guide, who walked me through the museum with personal highlights. The dancers at.Bombas were wonderful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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