Nairobi Tented Camp offers an authentic safari experience inside Nairobi National Park, making it one of the top choices for those seeking an immersive, close-to-nature stay. Located just a short drive from central Nairobi, this eco-friendly camp allows guests to enjoy the unique thrill of staying within the only national park in the world that borders a capital city. The camp combines rustic charm, eco-conscious amenities, and an ideal setting for wildlife enthusiasts.
Why Nairobi Tented Camp Stands Out
- Exclusive Location Inside Nairobi National Park: Unlike lodges on the outskirts of the park, Nairobi Tented Camp is the only accommodation situated inside the park’s boundaries. This unique location offers guests the unparalleled experience of being immersed in the wild while enjoying convenient access to Nairobi. Wildlife sightings often begin as soon as guests step out of their tents, with animals such as lions, zebras, and giraffes frequently spotted nearby.
- Authentic Safari Experience: Designed to provide a classic safari atmosphere, Nairobi Tented Camp offers a traditional tented setup with minimal distractions from nature. The camp operates on solar power and uses eco-friendly practices, blending seamlessly with the environment and offering guests a sustainable way to experience Nairobi’s wildlife.
- Close Proximity to Major Nairobi Attractions: Although it feels worlds away from the city, Nairobi Tented Camp’s location allows guests to visit popular attractions such as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Giraffe Centre, and the Karen Blixen Museum, all within a short drive.
Accommodation and Amenities
Nairobi Tented Camp maintains a rustic charm without compromising comfort. Accommodations are simple yet well-appointed, providing all the essentials for a cozy stay.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Safari Tents | Traditional canvas tents equipped with twin or double beds, bedside tables, and solar lighting. | Up to 2 guests per tent |
- Interior Design: Each tent features safari-style decor, with wooden furniture, rugs, and a subtle color palette that complements the surrounding nature.
- En-Suite Facilities: Tents are equipped with en-suite bathrooms that include a bucket shower (hot water on request), flush toilet, and basic amenities.
- Solar-Powered: Nairobi Tented Camp is entirely solar-powered, aligning with its eco-friendly ethos. Guests enjoy the comfort of solar-heated showers and low-impact lighting while minimizing their environmental footprint.
Dining at Nairobi Tented Camp
The camp provides an intimate dining experience focused on bush-inspired cuisine. Meals are prepared on-site using fresh ingredients, with a menu that celebrates local flavors and traditional Kenyan dishes.
- Bush Dining: Meals are served in a communal dining area set up around the campfire or under canvas. Dining al fresco is a highlight, offering the chance to enjoy meals surrounded by the sounds of nature.
- Traditional Safari Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, with simple, hearty meals that cater to dietary preferences upon request. Breakfasts may include fresh fruits, pastries, and coffee, while dinners feature local meats and vegetables.
- Packed Meals for Game Drives: For early morning or extended game drives, the camp offers packed breakfast or lunch options, allowing guests to maximize time in the park.
Activities and Experiences
Staying at Nairobi Tented Camp means having access to a range of activities that showcase the diverse wildlife and beauty of Nairobi National Park.
- Guided Game Drives: Morning and evening game drives are the main attraction, offering a chance to see some of the park’s 100+ mammal species, including lions, buffalo, giraffes, and rhinos. Experienced guides lead the drives, sharing insights on wildlife behavior and park ecology.
- Bird Watching: Nairobi National Park is home to over 500 bird species, making it a bird-watcher’s paradise. The camp’s guides can help spot and identify various species during game drives or from the camp’s surrounding areas.
- Bush Walks: While bush walks are conducted outside the park for safety, guests can enjoy guided nature walks near the camp’s perimeter, learning about local plants, tracking, and animal behavior.
- Visits to Local Attractions: The camp’s proximity to Nairobi allows easy access to nearby conservation centers and cultural sites. Guests can visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see rescued baby elephants or the Giraffe Centre for an up-close experience with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.
Unique Eco-Friendly Practices
As Nairobi Tented Camp is located within a protected national park, the camp adheres to strict sustainability practices to minimize environmental impact:
- Solar Power: The camp runs entirely on solar energy, powering lights, hot showers, and other essentials.
- Waste Management: All waste is carefully managed, with a focus on recycling and composting, ensuring minimal impact on the park’s ecosystem.
- Water Conservation: The camp uses bucket showers and other water-saving techniques to limit water usage, critical in the dry environment of Nairobi National Park.
What Makes Nairobi Tented Camp Unique
- Immersive Wilderness Experience: Staying inside Nairobi National Park allows guests to feel fully immersed in the wild, waking up to the sounds of the savannah and potentially spotting wildlife from their tents.
- Intimate and Rustic Setting: With only a handful of tents, Nairobi Tented Camp offers a secluded experience that makes it ideal for travelers seeking a quiet and intimate encounter with nature.
- Expert Guides: The camp’s guides are highly knowledgeable and passionate about conservation. Their insights add depth to the safari experience, making every game drive informative and memorable.
- Eco-Conscious Philosophy: For those looking to minimize their environmental footprint, Nairobi Tented Camp’s sustainable practices offer a guilt-free safari experience.
Practical Information
- Check-In and Check-Out: Check-in is typically from 11:00 AM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM, although timing may be flexible depending on availability.
- Transfers: Transfers to and from Nairobi Tented Camp can be arranged from major Nairobi locations, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport.
- Park Fees: As the camp is inside Nairobi National Park, guests are required to pay park entrance fees, which go towards conservation efforts managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Who Should Consider Nairobi Tented Camp?
Nairobi Tented Camp is best suited for:
- Nature Enthusiasts: Those who value immersion in nature and wish to experience the authentic sounds, sights, and sensations of the African bush.
- Eco-Conscious Travelers: Individuals looking for eco-friendly accommodations that respect and protect the environment.
- Bird Watchers and Wildlife Photographers: With abundant wildlife and numerous bird species, the camp offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and bird watching.
- Travelers with Limited Time: Located within Nairobi National Park, the camp is ideal for those who want to experience a safari without needing to travel far from Nairobi’s airports.
Rates
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Includes: Accommodation & Breakfast
| From | To | Per Person Sharing, Per Night in Twin or Double Tent | Single Tent Supplement, Per Night | Per Child Sharing, Per Night in a Tent (Aged 03 – 12 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01-Jan-24 | 30-Jun-24 | $132 | $63 | $74 |
| 01-Jul-24 | 30-Sep-24 | $163 | $79 | $89 |
| 01-Oct-24 | 31-Dec-24 | $132 | $63 | $74 |
- Pre-Booked Half Board Supplement: $35 per person
- Pre-Booked Full Board Supplement: $65 per person
Notes:
- Child sharing rates apply if a child is sharing with 2 adults in a tent.
- A third adult in one tent is not recommended due to limited space; if booked, the third adult pays per person sharing rates with a foldable camp bed.
Mandatory Park & Camping Fees
- Nairobi National Park Entrance & Camping Fees: $135 per adult per day and $45 (Jan-Mar & Jul-Dec) / $40 (Apr-Jun) per child per day.
Special Half Board Safari Package
Includes: Accommodation, Dinner and Breakfast (half board), 2 airport transfers, 1 shared game drive or a visit to Elephant Orphanage, free drinks (beer, wine, gin & tonic)
| From | To | Per Person Sharing, Per Night in Twin or Double Tent | Single Tent Supplement, Per Night | Per Child Sharing, Per Night in a Tent (Aged 03 – 12 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01-Jan-24 | 30-Jun-24 | $263 | $63 | $174 |
| 01-Jul-24 | 30-Sep-24 | $317 | $79 | $189 |
| 01-Oct-24 | 31-Dec-24 | $263 | $63 | $174 |
Mandatory Park & Camping Fees
- Nairobi National Park Entrance & Camping Fees: $135 per adult per day and $45 (Jan-Mar & Jul-Dec) / $40 (Apr-Jun) per child per day.
Special Full Board Safari Package
Includes: Accommodation, Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast (full board), 2 airport transfers, 2 shared game drives or 1 game drive & visit to Elephant Orphanage, free drinks (beer, wine, gin & tonic)
| From | To | Per Person Sharing, Per Night in Twin or Double Tent | Single Tent Supplement, Per Night | Per Child Sharing, Per Night in a Tent (Aged 03 – 12 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01-Jan-24 | 30-Jun-24 | $295 | $63 | $211 |
| 01-Jul-24 | 30-Sep-24 | $347 | $79 | $226 |
| 01-Oct-24 | 31-Dec-24 | $295 | $63 | $211 |
Notes for All Packages:
- Child sharing rates apply if a child is sharing with 2 adults in a tent.
- A third adult in one tent is not recommended due to limited space; if booked, the third adult pays per person sharing rates with a foldable camp bed.
Mandatory Park & Camping Fees
- Nairobi National Park Entrance & Camping Fees: $135 per adult per day and $45 (Jan-Mar & Jul-Dec) / $40 (Apr-Jun) per child per day.
Reviews
Pros:
- Proximity to Nairobi: Located within Nairobi National Park, the camp offers a unique safari experience just a short distance from the city center, making it convenient for travelers with limited time.
- Authentic Safari Experience: Guests appreciate the traditional tented accommodations that provide an immersive bush experience, complete with wildlife sightings near the camp.
- Knowledgeable Guides: The camp’s guides are frequently praised for their expertise and passion, enhancing the overall safari experience with insightful information about the wildlife and environment.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Operating on solar power and adhering to sustainable practices, the camp appeals to environmentally conscious travelers.
- Personalized Service: With a limited number of tents, the camp offers personalized attention, creating a more intimate and tailored experience for guests.
Cons:
- Basic Amenities: Some guests note that the camp’s focus on authenticity means fewer modern luxuries, such as limited electricity and reliance on bucket showers, which may not suit all travelers.
- Noise from Nearby City: Occasional noise from Nairobi, including traffic and city sounds, can disrupt the wilderness ambiance for some visitors.
- Weather-Dependent Comfort: The tented accommodations can be affected by weather conditions, with tents becoming warm during hot days and cooler at night, potentially impacting comfort levels.
- Limited Dining Options: While meals are generally well-received, the camp’s remote location means dining options are limited to what is provided on-site, which may not cater to all dietary preferences.
- Park Fees: Additional costs, such as Nairobi National Park entrance and camping fees, are required and can add to the overall expense of the stay.
Pricing Comparison: Nairobi Tented Camp vs. Ololo Safari Lodge
Nairobi Tented Camp offers a more budget-friendly experience with rates starting at $132 per person per night (bed and breakfast) and packages ranging up to $347 per night for full board, plus park fees.
Ololo Safari Lodge, while more luxurious, has rates as low as $660 per night for the Twin Stable Rooms (double occupancy), with other options like the Tented Cottages starting at $880 for two adults, inclusive of meals, drinks, and activities.
Overall, Nairobi Tented Camp is significantly cheaper, ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking an authentic experience, whereas Ololo provides added comfort and amenities at a higher cost.
Contact Information and Booking
For reservations or further inquiries:
- Phone: +254 20 273 3434
- Email: reservations@nairobitentedcamp.com
- Website: Nairobi Tented Camp
Conclusion
Nairobi Tented Camp offers an unparalleled experience within Nairobi National Park, combining rustic charm, eco-friendly practices, and a prime location that allows for easy wildlife viewing. Its blend of authentic safari atmosphere and sustainable practices makes it a top choice for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature while supporting conservation efforts. With its close proximity to Nairobi’s urban attractions, Nairobi Tented Camp provides a unique opportunity to experience the wild side of Kenya without venturing far from the city, making it a perfect gateway to the African wilderness.