Ismaels Kibera Slum Tour

Great guy who showed us how we live and explained the story of the community from a perspective of a person who grew up there. I recommend anyone wishing to learn how people of Kibera live to join the tour

This is our second trip to Africa and this time around we wanted to have a more personal and cultural experience and this tour of Kibera slums with Ishmael DID NOT disappoint!! Ishmael is an amazing, kind, and caring human being who gave us an up close and personal invitation into his and his parents’ homes and allowed us to have a firsthand look at their everyday lives. It was a very enlightening and emotional experience but very rewarding in so many ways. Ishmael truly has a wealth of knowledge of his community. He is very well known and respected and we felt COMPLETELY SAFE the entire time!! We were allowed to ask as many questions as we wanted throughout the tour of the slum and the school and we also visited the market where he patiently waited for us to buy souvenirs. This is by far one of the best things we experienced while in Nairobi. Book this tour with Ishmael, you WILL NOT regret it!!! Thank you for a wonderful time, we will be back!!!

We had an excellent experience in the slum with Ismael. A very welcoming and smiling person who knows every corner of the slum, he made us feel safe and like family by welcoming us into his home. We visited the school, the old part of the slum, and saw the every day life of the people there. I recommend Ismael without a second thought!!!!! Thank you Ismael!!!!

Had a great tour with Ismael. We had t cut it a bit short as our plane came late and we had another flight to catch. Ismael was extremely cooperative on the changing times and very friendly. We first visited a school and met with the 29 orphans that reside there. We then went to Ismael's father's house to see what a house in Kibera is like. During our walking stops we journeyed through Kibera and had no issues. The little children were especially friendly. I would highly recommend the tour if you have 2-4 hours available in Nairobi. We were moved by the children at the school and will be looking at how to provide support.

Ismael’s tour was a highlight of my visit to Africa. The pickup and drop off were convenient. The walk around Kibera was well organized and thoughtful. I enjoyed visiting a local school and also dropping my Ismael’s parents’ home as well. Their hospitality was very kind. Ismael didn’t overwhelm me with information, and was responsive to all my questions. While it was all certainly a bit of culture shock, I felt safe the whole time. I was most impressed and inspired by Ismael’s desire to give back to his community and how he uses the tours to do so — from throwing a monthly birthday party for all the children to running a rehabilitation program for former gang members. Ismael is humble about it all, and if I didn’t ask, I probably wouldn’t know the extent to which he does (which likely only scratches the surface). I highly recommend!

Such an eye opening and unforgettable experience. Ismail explained and showed me so much in detail. It’s very emotional seeing their way of life and very humbling. Super grateful for the experience and Ismail is an incredible and inspiring guy!! Highly recommend!

Ismael is a genuine and trustworthy man who gives back to his community through these tours. By doing this tour, you will not only have an unforgettable glimpse into the lives of the people living in Kibera, but you will support their community. I felt so thankful for Ismael showing me around Kibera. He seemed to know almost everyone we saw on the tour. He is obviously a man of the community. Everyone we met was so kind and welcoming. My favorite part was visiting the school (I am a teacher by profession). The kids were all very sweet and excited to receive a visitor. I was able to interact with the students and teachers and ask questions. They asked a lot of questions too and were just excited to know about me. It is not necessary to give a donation to the school, but I would recommend bringing some cash to donate. If you are going on this tour to begin with, you are likely the type of person that will be compelled by the school’s story and will take joy in donating (the school began as an orphanage, but has quickly grown). You will meet Paris, the founder of the school, and the donations can be given directly to her. She is super sweet! Thank you again to Ismael for showing me around your neighborhood, welcoming me into your home, and offering this amazing tour. Thank you to Paris and all of the teachers and students at the school for welcoming me. Thank you to all of the friendly faces along the walk for making me feel welcomed. If you are reading this, just book this tour, you will certainly not regret this amazing experience.

Ismael's tour is highly recommended as it was a 3 hours that will stick to my heart for ever. He not only invites us to his own house and community school he and his group supports, but answers to all questions sincerely. The reality that I saw was shocking to know how little have improved after the 25years since I last visited, but touching to see the true smiles of childrens who live in this slum thanks to the community support he provides which we can take part by first booking a tour with Ismael.

Ismael met us at our chosen time and on our chosen day - I did the tour with my 6 year old and 9 year old daughters and my 12 year old nephew. He took us on a walk through the gulleys, past the chickens, pigs and kittens to his quaint home where we sat on his sofa and he told us lots of interesting info about life in Kibera. We passed many curious kids and got to see inside parts and places we'd otherwise never venture to. We visited a school within the slum and interrupted a maths lesson which then turned into a talent show between the kids with me and the school kids who had many questions. We saw how kids entertained themselves with marbles. We ended in a camel bone jewellery workshop - after a 2.5 hour tour walk around - it was the right amount of time to gain a sense of life in the slum. It was eye-opening and humbling for all of us and naturally left us with a deeper appreciation for all we take for granted. Ismael is joyful, ready to answer any questions and very reliable. Highly recommended!

I traveled to Africa for two months; this experience was one of my top highlights. I was expecting to just walk around and see how people live there, but I extended my itinerary to go again the next day and cook and teach for the kids. There is an Airbnb where you can stay, and I definitely recommend staying overnight there. Three to four hours in Kibera is really not enough. There are many things you can do. And don't forget to bring your gifts to the kids. BIG BIG thanks to Ismael and Philips for this amazing experience!