Review: Nnp Elephant GiraffeBomas Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant

Planning a trip to Nairobi and looking at packing as much experience into a single day as possible? Maybe the Nnp Elephant GiraffeBomas combo tour followed by dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant has popped up on your radar. It looks like a pretty convenient way to see some key attractions, sample some local eats, plus get a dose of Kenyan culture, and actually, it’s rather a popular option. That said, is it genuinely worth it, and is it right for you? Well, let’s take a closer look, like your pal here, to break it down so you can decide if this whirlwind adventure is a good fit for your travel style.

Nairobi National Park: A Wild Start

The day starts early, often with a pickup around 6:00 AM so it seems, from your hotel. The first stop is Nairobi National Park. Very cool! It’s virtually unique, being a protected area right on the edge of a capital city, almost as if the animals decided to set up shop next door! What to expect? Well, the park, typically, offers a mini safari experience, where you might see lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and all manner of birdlife. Just a heads up, though; sightings can vary greatly. That said, some days you’ll be snapping photos of a pride of lions lounging under acacia trees. Sometimes, so it goes, you might just see a bunch of grazing gazelles and some cool birds. But, you know, it’s nature, right? Still, it’s usually pretty amazing to be driving around watching wild animals with the city skyline in the background.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Meeting Baby Elephants

Next up, usually, is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, or the elephant orphanage, and it’s quite an experience. This is definitely, like, one of the highlights of the day for many people. What you see, or very nearly always do, are orphaned baby elephants being hand-reared before their release back into the wild. So the visit, typically, happens during their feeding time, when you get to watch them gobbling down giant bottles of milk, splashing about in mud baths, plus generally being adorable. Plus, and there’s usually an informative talk about the elephants, the work the Trust does, and arguably how you can support their conservation efforts. Fair warning though, and it’s worth noting, it can be a bit crowded, and you’re almost, arguably, only allowed an hour, so it feels rather rushed at times.

Giraffe Centre: Kissing a Giraffe?

Following the elephants, next you’re off to the Giraffe Centre, and arguably it’s close by. At this place, and it’s kind of a fun, hands-on activity, you can get up close and personal with Rothschild’s giraffes. I mean, really close. Guests, normally, are able to feed them specially made pellets, and if you’re feeling adventurous, even get a giraffe kiss! You know, when they take the pellet right from your lips with their long, blue tongues. And the centre itself is involved in conservation work, helping to reintroduce giraffes back into areas where their numbers have decreased so the centre also educates visitors. It’s almost, like, a quick and unique stop that, sometimes, especially, is a hit with families and anyone wanting a memorable photo opp.

Bomas of Kenya: A Cultural Showcase

In the afternoon, normally, the tour includes a visit to Bomas of Kenya, it is that, like, a cultural center showcasing traditional Kenyan villages or “Bomas” from various tribes. You get to see different types of traditional homes, learn about the lifestyles and crafts of the various communities, and see a performance of traditional dances and music. It is that very nearly always, pretty colorful, and lively. Arguably, some people find it super interesting and a solid peek into Kenyan culture. Other visitors sometimes feel, and understandably, that it’s a little too touristy or staged, but it’s worth noting you have the freedom to go off on your own to discover all of the different compounds they have on show, where different families live.

Carnivore Restaurant: The Main Event…or Is It?

The tour wraps up, typically, with dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant. Famously, this place is known for its all-you-can-eat grilled meats, plus a rather extensive variety, including, for instance, ostrich, crocodile, and camel, depending on availability. Then, they’re carved at your table and you’re able to eat as much as you can. It’s rather a popular spot with tourists, especially those looking for a unique eating experience, plus, anyway, they offer a full range of more usual meats. What is very important to remember, arguably, is that the menu may not suit everyone, especially vegetarians or those looking for a lighter meal. It is that the quality of the food, that it, is a bit hit-or-miss sometimes too it’s almost. I mean, the experience itself is part of the draw. Bear in mind that as awareness increases about endangered animals you may not see the most “exotic” meats as much and they also offer vegetarian options. However, they really are there just as an alternative. All the focus is still on meat!

Is This Tour For You? Considerations to make

So, with that it really all boils down to, I feel, your travel style and priorities. That is what to consider:

• Time: This tour crams a lot into one day. You know, that’s pretty handy if you’re short on time, but it could also mean you’re only scratching the surface of each place, rather than being really able to spend much time.
• Pace: That tour is a full-on, and tiring day. Maybe be prepared for early starts, lots of driving, and that feeling like you’re herded from one spot to the next, and it’s sometimes with little downtime.
• Cost: Arguably, and the package tours can be more convenient and cost-effective than visiting each attraction individually. Very much that depends on the tour operator, so arguably check exactly what’s included. For instance, are the entrance fees and meals all part of the fee.
• Interests: The tour arguably tries to offer a bit of everything – wildlife, culture, food – that, typically, makes it ideal if you’re keen to sample a little bit of everything. That it’s possibly not the right choice if you are dead-set on, say, really spending a good day out on safari, for instance.

Alternatives to the tour if the itinerary doesn’t match

• Focus on wildlife: Just so you know, instead of trying to squeeze in the park with several other stops, just maybe consider spending a full day in Nairobi National Park with an early morning and late afternoon game drive for better animal viewing opportunities. Or go and do a day trip to one of the larger game reserves near Nairobi. For instance, Hell’s Gate National Park.
• Immerse yourself in culture: Spend more time at Bomas of Kenya. Also it can be combined with visits to local markets. Plus it is sometimes more in-depth cultural experiences. Look into that to be a solid choice instead.
• Foodie adventure: Instead of Carnivore, explore Nairobi’s diverse culinary scene. Find smaller, locally-owned restaurants, try traditional Kenyan dishes in a less touristy atmosphere and sample what’s on offer. It is that also you could book a cooking class, so there’s more interaction with local communities
• Tailor your itinerary: Of course, if nothing is quite what you like, consider hiring a local guide or driver to create a custom itinerary based on your interests. And it’s not difficult to research that yourself. You might decide you don’t want to visit Bomas and would much rather see another part of the city, maybe the Kazuri Bead Factory, for instance. That really, and I mean truly, is all up to you, like your

Hopefully that overview has given you a better idea of what this Nnp Elephant GiraffeBomas plus Carnivore Restaurant tour offers. Really decide if the whirlwind approach suits you. You’ll soon have a very unforgettable Kenyan adventure no matter what you choose. Have a good time planning, too it’s almost. Happy travels!

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