Description
Nairobi is the only city in the world to boast a 12,000-hectare park (117 square kilometres), teaming with wildlife, right on its doorstep. Rolling plains, riverine woodland and thick bush lined valleys are just some of Nairobi National Park’s varied habitats. With sweeping plains on one side and Nairobi city on the other, Nairobi Tented Camp is in a wildlife haven unlike any other, with guaranteed sightings of rhino a reason in itself to visit. An estimated population of nearly 40 lion rub shoulders with good numbers of leopard and spotted hyena, as well as the occasional cheetah and the elusive aardwolf. The Park is also an acclaimed Rhino Sanctuary, best known for it’s breeding population of over 50 Black (or Browse) rhino, recently joined by 11 White (or Grass rhino) trans-located from Nakuru National Park. Some of the Park’s smaller, but just as thrilling, inhabitants include 527 species of birds.
Nairobi Tented Camp, located deep within a riverine forest minutes from Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Wilson Airport and Nairobi City is a true wilderness experience. The camp is made up of eight double accommodation tents and a central mess tent, from which meals of excellent quality are served. Guests are taken on game drives early in the morning and later in the afternoon or early evening returning to camp for sun-downers, stories around the camp fire and delicious dinner.
In the middle of the day there is an option of visiting one of the many interesting museums or craft centres that Nairobi has to offer like for example the Karen Blixen Museum or the Kenya National Museum. There is also the interesting David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi as well as the giraffe centre. Then in the afternoon backgammon games might be enjoyed or a good read can be found from one of the many books in the library.
This camp has all the authenticity of being in the middle of the African bush and the game viewing is exceptional and yet it is in the heart of Nairobi - a unique experience and a great start to any safari holiday.
Accommodation
Accommodation comprises 8 safari tents which have either twin or double beds. Each tent has an en-suite toilet and shower, hot water heated over a log fire is bought to your shower on demand. The comfortable beds are wrapped in cosy blankets and soft towels with hot water bottles for chilly July evenings.
Low watt LED lighting in each of the tents will be run off rechargeable batteries and solar panels, otherwise guests can enjoy the romance of candles and lanterns.
Childcare
There are no specific childcare facilities but children are most welcome and food and meal times can easily be adjusted to suit younger guests.
Facilities
Beside the mess tent is a lovely 'library tent' which has a great selection of novels and African interest books and maps together with comfy sofas and cushions on which to relax whilst reading.
All meals are served on a set menu basis and can be communal with your hosts and fellow guests or private. A warming and hearty breakfast is served up in the morning after an early game drive. Lunches tend to be light and invigorating then dinners are equally delicious and can be served up under a star filled sky. Ice cold drinks are continually available from the fully stocked bar in the central mess tent throughout the day. Everything at Nairobi Tented Camp is homemade and cooked with love. The Chefs have a wealth of experience with Vegetarian, Halal and other dishes.
Activities
Game drives and short guided walks are the main activities from the camp. Guests are driven in Safari vehicles by trained guides to see a variety of wildlife including rhino (white and black), giraffe, plains game including 14 different species of antelope, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, lion, leopard as well as over 527 species of birds which include the flightless ostrich and the kori bustard. Other activities include trips into and around Nairobi to visit The Karen Blixen Museum, Kenya's National Museum, the Giraffe centre and David Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage. Guests can also visit Utamaduni, which supports local craftsmen and is a range of small shops selling a huge diversity of crafts and gifts.
When to travel
Although Nairobi is situated in the middle of East Africa, its high altitude—about a mile above sea level—means that the city's climate is mild year-round. Summer months in Nairobi are December through March, Winter months, June through to September. The wettest months are in the Autumn, from March through June. April sees upwards of 8 inches of rain on average. Cloudy, rainy days are common in the Autumn. October through December is the region's second rainy season, where "short rains" bring about 5 inches of rain to the area in November. Otherwise rainfall is pretty scarce, about two inches a month. February sees the most sunshine in Nairobi, with about ten hours of daylight.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Nairobi and Central Kenya, Kenya
Nairobi Tented Camp is located in the heart of Nairobi National Park and is just half an hour from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Nairobi Tented Camp is situated in the only wildlife park to be found next to a major city, Nairobi.
How to get there
8.5 hour international flight to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Guests will be collected at Jomo Kenyatta airport and drive half an hour to camp. Twenty minutes of which will be a game drive.
