Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why Nairobi Matters in Your Safari Journey
- Nairobi Airport: Why Arrive 4 Hours Early
- Kenya Airways: What You Should Know Before Flying
- Top Things to Do in Nairobi Before Your Safari
- Safari Destinations Easily Accessible from Nairobi
- Travel Requirements & Health Tips
- Plan Your Perfect Safari with Tour Afrique Orientale
1. Introduction: Why Nairobi Matters in Your Safari Journey
If you’re traveling to Kenya for your safari adventure, chances are your journey will begin in Nairobi.
This bustling capital is not only home to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) but also the perfect gateway to incredible safari destinations like the Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, and the Tsavo reserves.
For first-time travelers, Nairobi can feel overwhelming — airports, traffic, and local customs. But don’t worry: with the right preparation, your safari journey will be smooth, stress-free, and remarkable.
2. Nairobi Airport: Why Arrive 4 Hours Early
If you’re flying from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, always arrive at least 4 hours before your international flight.
Why?
- Security checks can be time-consuming.
- Immigration queues may be long, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Kenya Airways, and other airlines, often recommend this timeframe.
👉 Pro Tip: Have your visa printed, keep your yellow fever vaccination card, and carry extra copies of your itinerary to avoid delays.
For official entry requirements, check the Kenya Travel Visa Requirements and WHO Travel Health Updates.
3. Kenya Airways: What You Should Know Before Flying
Many safari travelers use Kenya Airways, the national carrier. While it’s a reliable airline, some travelers find it unnecessary to arrive too early for local flights.
However, for international departures from Nairobi, always stick to the 4-hour rule. This gives you peace of mind and ensures you don’t miss your safari connections.
4. Top Things to Do in Nairobi Before Your Safari
Nairobi isn’t just a stopover — it’s a destination in itself! Before heading to the savannah, enjoy:
- 🦒 Nairobi National Park – A safari just 20 minutes from the city center.
- 🐘 David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Meet orphaned baby elephants.
- 🦓 Giraffe Centre – Feed Rothschild’s giraffes up close.
- 🏙️ Nairobi City Tour – Visit markets, museums, and cultural spots.
These experiences add a unique flavor to your safari journey.
5. Safari Destinations Easily Accessible from Nairobi
From Nairobi, you can easily access Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations with Tour Afrique Orientale:
- Maasai Mara – World-famous for the Great Migration.
- Amboseli National Park – Elephants with Mt. Kilimanjaro backdrop.
- Tsavo East & Tsavo West – Stunning landscapes and wildlife.
- Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru – Perfect for boating and flamingo spotting.
- Diani Beach & Mombasa – For a relaxing safari + beach combo.
📦 Suggested packages:
- [4-Day Kenya Safari – Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Amboseli & Taita Hills]
- [7-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari]
- [6-Day Safari + Beach Combo]
6. Travel Requirements & Health Tips
When traveling through Nairobi, remember:
- ✅ A valid visa (apply online at Kenya eVisa).
- ✅ Yellow fever vaccination (mandatory for some travelers).
- ✅ Travel insurance covering safari activities.
- ✅ Check flight requirements at IATA Travel Center.
👉 Stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and always carry a copy of your passport.
7. Plan Your Perfect Safari with Tour Afrique Orientale
At Tour Afrique Orientale, we specialize in tailor-made safaris starting from Nairobi. Whether you’re dreaming of a hot air balloon ride over Maasai Mara, a jungle safari in Amboseli, or a snorkeling trip in Zanzibar, we make your safari stress-free and unforgettable.
📞 +254705880744
📧 info@tourafriqueorientale.africa
🌍 Contact Page

