Opened in October 2010, this is the first and only tented camp in Nairobi National Park, which is itself the only city game park in the world. Nowhere else can a capital city boast a fully-fledged game park within 10 minute’s drive (7km) of the city centre. Until October, Nairobi National Park was the only one of Kenya’s 56 national parks and reserves to not offer any form of accommodation or camping permission. Now, however, the Kenya Wildlife Service have permitted Nairobi Tented Camp to be established, although on a strictly temporary basis. Consequently, it is composed entirely of tented structures: 8 accommodation tents, a mess and lounge. 

About Nairobi Tented Camp

Strolling down through the broad forest glade, which opens without fanfare into the lounge tent, you could imagine yourself being ushered into the hunting tent of a Renaissance prince. The heavy tent flaps are speared onto brass-tipped jousting poles; there are tasseled sofas, regal armchairs, rich rugs, tapestry cushions and creamy beeswax candles. Beyond the rush-strewn terrace, where fretwork lanterns wait to be lit, is a fire-pit where a hind might be roasted. Beyond that stands a high-ceilinged tent, its sturdy banqueting tables flanked by chairs swathed in sheepskins. 

A grassy track winds out of the clearing and up a forested slope to where the eight tents are raised on rough-hewn timber plinths. Devoid of the trappings of ‘luxury’ that so often caricature their grander cousins, theyfeature wrought-iron bedsteads, crisp cream linen, lambs wool rugs and huge bathrooms with bucket showers. Quaintly, each lavatory is raised on a timbered dais, as if in expectation of the return of the huntsman prince, a horn’s blast away in the enchanted forest. 

And this is what is so magical about Nairobi Tented Camp: just a few kilometres away from the glitz and grind of one of Africa’s most populous cities, such is the totality of its wilderness that you could just as easily be in the wildest wastes of Tsavo, Samburu or Meru. The world’s only city game park also promises excellent game drives and a better than average chance of spotting a rhino. Especially since, according to the camp’s host, long-time Nairobi Park fan, Will Knocker, a rhino and her offspring recently ambled amiably into camp to stare enquiringly at the sofas. 

As to practicalities, the staff are first-rate, the chef gifted; the menu set, but excellent; and the price inclusive of game drives, sundowners and drinks). Officially opened on December 1st, the camp has done brisk business since its unofficial opening in October. No surprise when you review the feathers in its cap: real wilderness within metres of unreal traffic, off the plane and into the park in less than an hour for the overseas visitor, a corporate retreat guaranteed to galvanize the most stubbornly unmotivated; and the only place to which Nairobi-dwellers can send their friends and family without being suspected of trying to get rid of them. 

Location

The camp is 2.8km from the Banda Gate, which opens off the Langata Road. Nairobi Park is 7km from the centre of Nairobi. Access to the camp is allowed by both day and night and a personalized meet and greet service is offered both at JKIA and Wilson Airport.

Safari background

The oldest of Kenya’s National Parks, the first National Park to be established in East Africa and the jewel in the crown of Kenya’s conservation drive, Nairobi National Park is unique. No other city in the world can boast a natural wilderness, teeming with wildlife and home to over 400 species of birds - just ten minutes from the city centre. A long, sloping plain of black cotton soil scored by deep river valleys and gorges, Nairobi National Park is an area of unexpected beauty and diverse habitats, which include rolling grassy plains, riverine woodland, dense thicket, man-made dams and pools, rocky gorges and dry upland forest. One of Kenya’s most successful rhino sanctuaries, the Park has the highest density of black rhinos in the country. The Park’s exceptional birdlife records a remarkable 400 species, their numbers swelled March-May by a host of European migrants. The park also features a restaurant, gift shop, information centre, a number of picnic and observation sites and a nature trail around the hippo pools. Additionally visitors can experience:

Nairobi Safari Walk and the Animal Orphanage 

The Safari Walk (immediately to the right of the main gate) offers the rare chance of viewing captive animals behaving as they would in their natural habitat. Traversed by panoramic raised timbered boardwalks it also makes for an informative walk and an enjoyable family outing.  

The Mini Animal Orphanage

Just inside the Park (immediately to the left of the Main Gate) and very popular with families,the animal orphanage is a small enclosure which shelters a shifting population of orphaned, abandoned or wounded animals; including Mara the leopard, who has been bred in captivity and is now KWS’s best-loved ambassador. 

Kenya tented camp accommodation at Nairobi Tented Camp

Nairobi Tented Camp offers eight spacious tents, comfortably furnished with en suite bathrooms to the right of the living space (bucket shower with hot water delivered to client’s specification, wash basin and flush toilet). Each tent has either one double or two twin beds, hand-made natural wood furniture, sheepskin rugs and solar electricity. Standing on timbered plinths, each tent has a private verandah with safari furniture.

Kenya tented camp guest services at Nairobi Tented Camp

Most Kenya national parks offer mobile phone connections and staff will be glad to point out optimum reception points. 

Kenya tented camp dining and bars 

Because Nairobi Tented Camp is presented in the style of a true safari camp, there are no permanent structures. Consequently, meals are taken in the tented mess area, which features tables and director’s chairs and waiter service. Between the mess and lounge tent is a campfire area where drinks can be taken before or after dinner. The lounge tent offers relaxed seating, lantern-lighting and bar services. Wines, beers and locally produced spirits are included in the cost, as is guided sundowner trip to a nearby lookout spot. Menus are typically table d’hôte and will include selections of international and regional dishes with vegetarian options. 

On safari in Kenya with children 

Nairobi Tented Camp welcomes children.

What to see and do at this tented camp

Nairobi Park is famous for its ease of game viewing and offers excellent sightings of particularly lions and rhino. It also offers a wide range of habitats ranging from typical savannah plains, to riverine landscapes and swamps. Nairobi Tented camp offers excellent hosted game drives (included in the cost) and evening sundowners (included in the cost), which can be scheduled to suit the preferences of the guests. Additionally bush walks can be arranged in the Kisembe Valley (with armed rangers), which offer the possibility of seeing rhino on foot. Cultural events can also be organized inside and outside the camp (to include cultural displays and visits to authentic Maasai Manyattas).

Conference facilities at Nairobi Tented Camp

The camp is ideally located for corporate events such as product launches, small conferences or workshops, and has already hosted several such events. However, since power is supplied by solar facilities, audio-visual capability is limited. The camp also makes the ideal Nairobi wedding venue and can be booked in its entirety.