Overview
Nairobi is not just Kenya’s capital and business hub—it’s also the only city in the world with a national park right on its doorstep. Nairobi National Park and its surrounds offer the thrill of a safari just minutes from the city center, airport, and key attractions. Here, you can spot lions, rhinos, giraffes, and more, then unwind in safari-style comfort, with options ranging from ultra-luxury to adventure camping.
1. Luxury Safari Lodges & Boutique Camps
For a premium stay with five-star service, fine dining, and prime wildlife viewing—these are Nairobi’s best:
- Giraffe Manor (Lang’ata): World-famous for up-close giraffe encounters, boutique rooms, all-inclusive rates, unique heritage property.
- The Emakoko (Nairobi National Park): Luxury lodge on the Mbagathi River, 10 stylish suites, open-air dining, exclusive game drives.
- Ololo Safari Lodge & Farm (Nairobi National Park): Farm-to-table cuisine, chic farmhouse decor, pool, private bridge to the park.
- Hemingways Nairobi (Karen): Five-star hotel with safari-themed elegance, large suites, exceptional food, spa, personalized service.
- Nairobi Tented Camp (Inside Nairobi NP): The only camp inside the park—authentic bush tents, lantern-lit dining, immersive wildlife experience.
- Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages (Karen): Historic cottages, peaceful gardens, personalized luxury, ideal after a day in the park.
- House of Waine (Karen): Elegant boutique hotel, lush grounds, top-rated service, Kenyan art and design.
- Palacina The Residence & Suites (Kilimani): Boutique suites and apartments, classic safari-chic style, renowned for comfort and privacy.
- Muthu Sovereign Suites & Spa (Kiambu): Historic manor house, opulent suites, tranquil setting, 20 min from park.
2. Mid-Range Lodges, Camps & Hotels
Safari ambiance, excellent locations, and value for money—great for families and small groups:
- Osoita Lodge (Karen): African-inspired lodge, pool, family-friendly, close to Giraffe Centre and park gate.
- Eka Hotel Nairobi (Airport area): Modern hotel, African decor touches, easy access to park and airport.
- Severine Cottages and Lounge (Karen): Cozy cottages, homely atmosphere, lush gardens.
- Margarita House (Karen): Classic African interiors, intimate atmosphere, convenient for excursions.
- Azure Airport Hotel & Convention Centre (Jomo Kenyatta Airport): Safari-themed decor, great for stopovers.
- Tamarind Tree Hotel (Lang’ata): Contemporary hotel, pool, close to Nairobi NP and Wilson Airport.
- Acacia Tree Lodge (Karen): Boutique lodge, beautiful gardens, birdlife, excellent food.
- Lukenya Getaway (Athi River): Safari-lodge style, pool, activities, good for families and events.
- The Boma Nairobi (South C): Modern, African flair, pool, great food, social impact focus.
- Karen Camp & Guesthouse (Karen): Budget-friendly, tented and cottage options, relaxed safari feel.
3. Eco-Lodges & Nature Retreats
Low-impact stays, garden settings, and wildlife viewing—perfect for nature lovers and eco-conscious travelers.
- Nairobi Tented Camp (Inside park): Eco-certified, solar lighting, minimal footprint.
- Wildebeest Eco Camp (Lang’ata): Safari tents, dorms, lush gardens, swimming pool, social traveler vibe.
- Macushla House (Lang’ata): Quirky, leafy retreat, African antiques, birdlife.
- Olerai House Nairobi (Karen): Garden lodge, sustainability focus, tranquil.
- Wildebeest Eco Camp (again): Also offers camping and glamping options.
4. Family-Friendly & Group Accommodations
Spacious rooms, child-friendly amenities, pools, and group activities.
- Ololo Safari Lodge & Farm: Farm animals, pool, child-friendly menus, wildlife walks.
- Giraffe Manor: Family suites, educational giraffe experiences.
- Severine Cottages and Lounge: Family cottages, gardens, play areas.
- Karen Blixen Coffee Garden: Multi-bedroom cottages, large lawns, secure.
- Wildebeest Eco Camp: Family tents, play zone, social vibe.
- Osoita Lodge: Pool, playground, close to family attractions.
- Lukenya Getaway: Group rooms, team-building, hiking.
- Tamarind Tree Hotel: Interconnecting rooms, pool, spacious dining.
5. Budget Camps, Hostels & Guesthouses
Affordable, safe, and great for solo travelers, backpackers, and those on a budget.
- Wildebeest Eco Camp: Dorms, budget tents, great value for location.
- Karen Camp & Guesthouse: Tented and dorm accommodation, secure, friendly.
- Manyatta Backpackers (Milimani): Budget beds, communal spaces, close to city and park.
- Upperhill Blueberry Hotel (Upperhill): Clean, affordable, reliable.
- Milimani Backpackers: Dorm beds, budget rooms, safari desk, city views.
- Red Buffalo House (Lang’ata): Tented rooms, communal kitchen, close to park.
- Eagle Plains Hotel (Lang’ata): Budget rooms, friendly, easy access to Nairobi NP.
- Khweza Bed & Breakfast (Ngara): Affordable, rooftop views, local charm.
- Dove Nest Guest House (Lang’ata): Simple, budget-friendly, close to Wilson Airport.
- Kifaru Guest House (Karen): Basic, clean, garden setting.
6. Unique & Alternative Safari Experiences
For travelers looking for something truly different.
- Giraffe Manor: Iconic breakfast with giraffes.
- Nairobi Tented Camp: Only tented camp inside a capital city national park.
- Ololo Safari Lodge & Farm: Farm-to-table, riverside setting, bridge access.
- Karen Blixen Coffee Garden: Historic site, literary connection.
- Osoita Lodge: Traditional African design, cultural evenings.
Nairobi Safari Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Safari Access | Unique Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giraffe Manor | Lang’ata | Luxury Boutique | $1000+ | Giraffe encounters, heritage, all-incl. | Yes | No | Near park/giraffes | Giraffe breakfasts |
| The Emakoko | Nairobi NP | Luxury Lodge | $650–$1200 | Private park access, chic, wildlife | Yes | Yes | Inside Park | Mbagathi River views |
| Ololo Safari Lodge & Farm | Nairobi NP | Boutique Lodge | $450–$800 | Farm, bridge to park, family-run | Yes | Yes | Inside Park | Farm-to-table |
| Nairobi Tented Camp | Inside Nairobi NP | Safari Tented | $350–$500 | True bush camp, immersive wildlife | Yes | No | Inside Park | Only camp in park |
| Hemingways Nairobi | Karen | Luxury Hotel | $350–$600 | Spa, fine dining, large suites | Yes | Yes | 20 min from park | Classic safari style |
| Karen Blixen Coffee Garden | Karen | Boutique Hotel | $180–$400 | Historic cottages, gardens | Yes | Yes | 20 min from park | Literary history |
| House of Waine | Karen | Boutique Hotel | $250–$500 | Lush gardens, art, exclusive | Yes | Yes | 25 min from park | Design & luxury |
| Wildebeest Eco Camp | Lang’ata | Eco Camp/Hostel | $20–$120 | Garden, glamping, pool, dorms | Yes | Yes | 15 min from park | Social traveler vibe |
| Osoita Lodge | Karen | Mid-Range Lodge | $90–$150 | African style, pool, group friendly | Yes | Yes | 15 min from park | Cultural evenings |
| Eka Hotel Nairobi | Airport | Mid-Range Hotel | $120–$220 | Modern, airport, park access | Yes | Yes | 10 min from park | Great stopover |
| Lukenya Getaway | Athi River | Lodge/Resort | $70–$180 | Team-building, family/group stays | Yes | Yes | 35 min from park | Events, nature trails |
| Karen Camp & Guesthouse | Karen | Guesthouse/Budget | $25–$90 | Tents, dorms, gardens, budget | Yes | No | 20 min from park | Classic safari camp |
| Manyatta Backpackers | Milimani | Hostel/Budget | $20–$60 | Dorms, social, city/park access | Yes | No | 15 min from park | Backpacker scene |
| Red Buffalo House | Lang’ata | Budget Guesthouse | $25–$50 | Tented rooms, communal, close to park | Yes | No | 15 min from park | Unique value |
*pppn = per person per night, prices are estimates and vary by season and package.
Conclusion
Nairobi is a city like no other: within minutes, you can be tracking lions or sipping tea with giraffes before heading back to a tented camp or a boutique lodge. Whether you want to splurge on iconic luxury, connect with nature at a budget eco-camp, or find a comfortable family base, you’ll find something to suit your style.