Cities are meant to be cities – but Nairobi isn’t your conventional city. It’s East Africa’s Commercial hub and the capital city of one of the greatest tourism destinations. That’s not all. It’s the only capital city in the world with a wildlife animal park within its borders. We are not talking about Central Park, but 117 square kilometers (45 miles) of natural wildlife territory filled with game. But here’s the kicker.
Nairobi is also one of the few cities in the world where you can enjoy an authentic camping experience in the wild. That might sound like an expensive ordeal, and it truly is. Still, fortunately for you, the following is a list of affordable camping sites for an authentic camping experience within Nairobi City.
Jungle Junction
If you want to witness part of African history blended with a beautiful British story from Out of Africa(1985) film – Jungle Junction is your go-to campsite. It’s located in Karen Nairobi (where the film was shot), but not the exact location.
Still, the Jungle Junction is a congregation of travelers from all over the world who meet there on their bikes and overlanding trucks. It’s the perfect location to camp and share interesting conversations with other globetrotters about their adventures on the continent.
The Camp also offers rooms, but most guests prefer camping. The owners, Chris and Diana, are very relaxed and courteous hosts. They also keep bikes and restore overland trucks, which has greatly contributed to the camp’s success with globetrotters.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi and parking, kids’ playground, camping grounds, shaded camps, guest rooms, restaurants, barbecues, and community facilities.
Location: Kongoni Road, Karen, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 0722 752 865.
Wildebeest Eco Camp
Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Kenya and Tanzania to watch the annual Wildebeest Migration – it’s a world wonder. In Nairobi, the Wildebeest Eco Camp is one of the best camping spots while planning to witness one of the world’s greatest wonders.
The Wildebeest Eco Camp is a culmination of beautifully appointed deluxe safari tents, perfectly set in between the beautiful tropical gardens. Since it’s in Nairobi, the camp is close to several shops, malls, banks, and, best of all – the Nairobi National Park.
That’s not all. If you are traveling with your young ones, there are acres of space where they can explore and enjoy a tiny glimpse of what the African wilderness has to offer.
Its accommodations include a deluxe cottage room and safari tent that cost between KES 12,500 ($160) and KES 14,500 ($180).
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, an Infinity swimming pool, a Restaurant, a Bar, a Fire pit, Board games, Laundry service, a playground, and an Airport Shuttle.
Location: 151 Mokoyeti Road West, Langata, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254 020 210 3505, 0735 770 733, 0728 565 010. Email: info@wildebeestecocamp.com.
Mamba Village, Karen
Mamba means Crocodile in Swahili, and as you’d expect, there are crocodiles in Mamba Village, Karen. But that’s not all—you can also enjoy a unique camping experience there.
Mamba Village, Karen, is one of the best destinations in Nairobi for tourists and the largest crocodile farm in East Africa. Nestled in the leafy Karen neighborhood of Nairobi, it covers over 30 acres and is home to more than the vicious Nile Crocodile but also a flock of Ostriches.
There are many things to do here, thanks to an expansive botanical garden with several species of fish. Visitors also get to feed the reptiles, which is the main attraction.
Mamba Village, Karen, offers a tented camp that comprises 15 deluxe tents and a separate lodge designed with 22 standard rooms and a deluxe suite.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi and Parking, a Restaurant, Horse Riding, a Crocodile Farm, a Picnic area, Botanical Gardens, Archery, and Laundry Service.
Location: Langata N Road, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 0714 782 653. Email: nairobimambavillage@gmail.com.
Acacia Camp Nairobi
Acacia Camp Nairobi is one of the recommended camping destinations for travelers looking for an authentic camping experience on a budget. It’s also one of the few camping destinations in Nairobi city that allow guests to use their own camping equipment.
This camping establishment offers amazing views of nature at the city’s edge, offering an authentic experience in the bush. Guests also enjoy fire pits and a relaxing night watching the stars under the vast African sky.
Acacia Camp Nairobi also has a restaurant and bar where campers can enjoy a variety of cuisines to introduce them to the African wilderness.
Acacia Camp Nairobi camping offerings include 11 Twins (shared ensuite), 50 beds in dormitories (6) for groups, and clean public toilets and showers (hot and cold).
Amenities: Camping Site, Hot Shower, Airport Shuttle, Bar and Restaurant, Breakfast, Free Parking, and Child-friendly.
Location: Magadi Road, Off Langata Road (next to Park Place), Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 20 267 9110, 0733 603 501.
Karura Forest
If you are in Nairobi and want to experience a forest without getting on a shuttle and sitting for hours, Karura Forest is your go-to destination. What’s best, it offers so much more, including a camping experience.
Forget what you might think of a forest within a city—Karura is dense and nothing like an amusement park. Wildlife moves freely, including Dikdik, a python (spotted several times), families of Monkeys, and a few grazers. Don’t worry. If you are visiting with a pet (dog), there are clearly marked sections where it needs to be on a leash.
Karura Forest has a long history, with great names such as the beloved Patron and the late Prof. Wangari Maathai. There’s so much to do in this forest, including cycling, jogging, nature walks, picnics, visiting caves, tree planting, bird watching, dog walking, horse riding, and playing tennis.
The amenities include mountain Biking, Picnics, Waterfalls, Restaurants, Tennis, Horse Riding, Bird Watching, and Tree Planting.
Location: Along Kiambu Road, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 0791 398 371. Email: info@karurafriends.org.
Nairobi Tented Camp
Nairobi Tented Camp is one of the best campsites in Nairobi for a unique, true wilderness experience within a city. Located a few minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, this campsite offers a unique, protected ecosystem about 7 kilometers (4 miles) from the city center.
Here’s the deal. What really makes the Nairobi Tented Camp a preferable campsite is due to its location. It’s nestled inside the world-famous Nairobi National Park. Better yet, it is the only campsite inside the National Park.
Suppose a truly authentic camping experience is what you are looking for. In that case, it’s important to note that Nairobi National Park has all sorts of wildlife, from Warthogs and Buffalo to Leopards and Lions. Watch out for Hyena laughs as you turn off your lights to sleep at night.
Nairobi Tented Camp has nine guest tents (each accommodating two people). These tents are ensuite, and each unit has its own shower and toilet.
Amenities: Campsite, Safari Drives, Private Shower and Toilet, Breakfast, Home-cooked meals, Solar Energy, and Valley and Forest Views.
Location: Nairobi National Park, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 0726 982 701. Email: reservations@nairobitentedcamp.com.
The Nairobi Arboretum
The Nairobi Arboretum is ideally a park that offers a natural setting for picnics in nature and camping. This cool location attracts fitness enthusiasts who jog or take nature trails inside its canopied trails. It’s also the perfect spot to visit and enjoy nature’s quiet reading a book or meditating. It is one of Nairobi’s few remaining green spaces.
While the requirements to set up a night camp are not available at the moment, the Nairobi Arboretum would be the perfect spot thanks to its indigenous trees, shallow river (Kirichwa Kubwa River), and perfect location in the city.
The Nairobi Arboretum is mostly booked by groups for concerts, weddings, film shoots, and school events. Otherwise, it’s a cool location within Nairobi city, perfect for camping and reconnecting with nature.
Office hours are between Monday and Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Location: Kilimani Arboretum Road, Off State House Road, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 727 300 933. Email: fona@naturekenya.org.