Nairobi Historical & Cultural City Tour with a local
Description
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, 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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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 – an extraordinary collection of skulls that describes itself as ‘the single most important collection of early human fossils in the world’.
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.
This is a pottery company that makes one of the world most beautiful beads. You will be shown firsthand all the stages from the start to the finish. It’s also a unique factory as it employs single mother parents from the poor neighborhood who earn a living to support their families. It's a women empowerment center for the community. The center was started by women who formerly worked for Kazuri beads factory when it shut down during the pandemic. This was reprieve for them as they could continue to provide for their families.
The best African craft shop in Nairobi, Utamaduni is a must to drop into on the way to some of the exciting venues in Nairobi's green suburb of Karen/Langata, known for the famous writer, Karen Blixen's original farm with beautiful views of the Ngong hills. Incorporate a visit to this unique house of crafts on the day of your visit Nairobi. The shop, a converted Kikuyu house with 18 shops, is a treasure trove of African crafts, antiques and art, with friendly staff to assist and help pack or ship if needed. After shopping stop and have refreshments in the large beautiful garden restaurant and if you are a bird watcher the many exotic birds will keep you entertained. Make sure you make utamaduni a part of your Kenya holiday itinerary.
After lunch(optional) we will proceed to experience the rich cultural heritage of Kenya. At this local original Kenyan atmosphere enjoy the rich culture from the 53 ethnic communities in Kenya through traditional folklore dances. Through cultural dances we preserves, maintains and promotes the rich diverse cultural values of all ethnic communities. Daily performances include a selection of traditional dances of the different ethnic groups in Kenya, and one of the most impressive performances is the Samburu and Masai warriors. End of tour
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Our guide will be at the lobby 5 minutes to your scheduled pickup time. We also pick-up guests from residences & apartments.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- NOTE: Entry fee to Nairobi National Museum is NOT included
Reviews(28)
This experience was incredible! My friend and I learned so much about the history and culture of the different Kenyan cultures. Our guides Denish and Purity did an awesome job sharing their love and passion for Nairobi and Kenya. If you’re looking for an immersive experience in Nairobi, this is it!
My wife and I took this tour in June 2026. Our tour guide was Dennis, and Dennis was awesome. He made sure that we had a great experience. All parts of the tour were entertaining and informative, but the Masai dancers were the best part of the whole day. They had a joyful way about them that summed up everything about the day, from the fight for independence, to the struggles of a young nation, to the hopes for Kenya's future. It was beautiful in a way that is difficult to put into words. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone, and I would be sure to request Dennis as your tour guide. .
Almost nothing went right the entire day. Communication with this tour company is non existant, you will need to contact them to confirm details, they didn't reach out to us. Our suggestion would be to bother with any sort of contact or communication with this company, book with another tour company. Guide was 35 minutes early so we were rushed right from the start. Everything on this tour except lunch is included. Guide had problems paying for the Museum tickets and asked us to pay, it is included in the tour price so we declined to pay a second time which lead to a lengthy delay getting into the museum. Museum is very interesting. There was some kind of conference going on in or near the KICC building, so after trolling the parking lot(s) for 20 to 30 minutes we instructed the guide to stop looking for parking and just leave. Tour company is not responsible for the conference going on or the lack of parking however they should have known about it and refunded us that part of the cost or at the very least made alternate arrangements in advance so as to not sit in traffic to ultimately sit in the car in the parking lot. Next stop was lunch which was a good thing seeing as we were picked up early and did not have time to have breakfast. Lunch was very good, of course it is optional so you choose what you want and you pay for it. the restaraunt was very pleasant. Kobe Tough Beads is interesting and a popular tour stop judging by the number of tour company vehicles. The final stop is for a dancing presentation. This is very entertaining. Finally our tour was over and we heaeded back to our hotel in gridlock Nairobi traffic, impossible to get anywhere in a respectable amount of time. Started to rain, traffic slowed to a standstill even more often than usual. Got to the hotel in the rain and rather than drop us off under the carport awning our guide dropped us off in the pouring rain, thank you very much. This was our last day in Kenya and we feel like this tour was an entire day wasted. Up until this tour everything we had done in Kenya was wonderful, this is one of the worst if not the very worst tour we have ever done. We payed a lot of money for next to nothing in return. Left us wondering what we paid for. Our money should be refunded except for the museum entrance fee. Guide was sure to ask us to leave a review. Terrible and expensive and terrible. You may as well toss your money into the street, you won't get anything for it but you also won't feel insulted or sit in traffic for 3 - 4 hours.
Dear Michael, Thank you for your review. First of all communication was very clear from the operator. Secondly we arrive early for our pick ups and that doesn't mean you leave you can wait untill the time stipulated for pick up time. There's nothing wrong with early pick up!! From what you have written the tour went as clearly prescribed. Nothing is expensive here. Note the museum currently entry fee to double which we never charged you. We Catered for those costs ourselves. On the other hand, we don't dictate traffic on the roads! It leaves us to wonder what does traffic have to do with anything? You did not pay any entry fees for the museum nor kicc nor the cultural dances!!! Therefore it leaves us to wonder what your intentions are , other than been malicious and untrue in your review. We have excuted this tour for many years , its a proper balanced tour and nothing is wrong with the tour. You have your own personal issues which have nothing to do with the tour. On the issues of conferences at KICC its a government building and sometimes its blocked from the public for security reasons which has nothing to do with us. We trully apologise for the inconvenience this caused but its ultimately out of our control. Your review clearly lists all locations as clearly prescribed. Which you enjoyed . We don't control traffic and like any major city, traffic will be there and clearly there's nothing wrong with guide arriving early. You don't have to leave just wait till your depature time to leave for your tour. All the same the tour was delivered as clearly prescribed and we wish you well. Alot is to be desired in your review and it leaves us wondering what your true intentions are cause we don't control traffic in the city, neither do we cause traffic jams!! Upon further clarity from our guide hea arrived on time and you were outside smoking which was the same everywhere he had to wait for several minutes and he was very patient. He was patient with you!! At the same pick was clearly 0830hrs and thats the time you wanted to go take breakfast!! Yet you claim pick up was early. Sorry to say , but you are not sincere in your review! All entry fees were paid for as clearly stipulated. Thank you for your words and all the best! Thank you!
I enjoyed the tour very much. The activities were fun and we learned so much about Nairobi and African culture. I definitely recommend the August 7 Memorial Park too. Our driver Denish was very accompanying even when we ran long. I definitely recommend.
Denish was great, we never felt rush thru any of the activities. He had good knowledge about Nairobi. We would do the experience again.
Denis was a great guide! We booked this for our first day in town and it gave a great overview of the city and history. Highly enjoyed.
We booked the tour before arriving in Kenyan, and it was highly recommended by others who had been to Nairobi. Upon arrival, we learned that the "Boma" site run by the government has been closed a few months earlier. Instead many of the dancers had set up temporary sites across Nairobi. We tried to cancel but were told alternate arrangements were made, and the trip would go ahead. It was within 24 hours of the tour, so no refund would be provided. The driver, somewhat surly, took us to a tourist stop with a souvenir shop and a tent set up in a parking lot. There, we, and another tour group, watched a small group of dancers do traditional dances. They did work hard to entertain. We were also taken to a bead and leather factory run by single mothers. In the end, it was not the experience we expected and definitely not as advertised for the money. I do not recommend it.
Hallo! We wish to note that its your duty to read and understand what you book. On additional information its clearly written that bomas of kenya is closed and under renovations!! As at now only authentic original cultural dances take place at alternative location. Also importantly its very wrong for you not to read and understand tour description as clearly outilined. Next time kindly read and understand all information provided before booking anything! Read everything and if you have questions ask! Further the title for this tour is clearly cultural dances. Its quite disturbing to say the least that you further enjoy the cultural original dances as clearly described and perfect authentic bead work and yet you claim not sa daverstised. Next time read and understand what you book. We charge tours as per services offered. We are professionals and Not a taxi service! If it was expensive next time find cheap tours! At the same time no body forces or asks you to buy anything at the maasai market! You are at liberty to buy or not! Surely nothing is further from the truth! Wish you well.
The experience was very informative and interactive with an explained contextual history of each dance.
Dear Timothy, Thank you for such a fabulous review. We are very grateful you had the best time with us. For us it is indeed such a tremendous joy giving these memorable experiences. And yes, Kenya has a rich cultural heritage. It's not only the wildlife, but also the culture of the Kenyan people that's fascinating. There's so much joy in making your trusted client have nothing but beautiful memories and exceptional indelible moments. Your words just go to attest to the professionalism and utmost commitment we give to our treasured guests. Karibu sana! We welcome you back to Kenya and delightfully await your return to explore and discover the rest of magical Kenya. Warm and best wishes,
Not as advertised. The location is closed. Two off site locations for bead work and dancing. Not worth the cost. Dancers were good and bead work great but not at all what was promised.
Hallo! We wish to note that its your duty to read and understand what you book. On additional information its clearly written that bomas of kenya is closed and under renovations!! As at now only authentic original cultural dances take place at alternative location. Also importantly its very wrong for you to say that beads factory is at an alternative location. Yes it is in its appropriate location! Next time kindly read and understand all information provided before booking anything! Read everything and if you have questions ask! Further the title for this tour is clearly cultural dances. Its quite disturbing to say the least that you further enjoy the cultural original dances as clearly described and perfect authentic bead work and yet you claim location was closed! Surely nothing is further from the truth! Wish you well.
This was a great day. He even took us to Aqueeq Galleria to get rare gemstones! Bomas of Kenya was amazing and he took the time to explain each tribe and how they arrange their structures (granary, huts, etc etc). The actual dances were amazing and it was a monumental experience. Do this specific tour!!!! You will remember this day forever
Dear Dhiambi, thank you for writing such a gracious review of your tours & time with us. We're so glad you had an amazing day. We appreciate your time, and we hope to see you again soon on our next adventure. Thank you,
