×
We have traveled all around the world and experienced hundreds of walking tours, and without a doubt, this is one of the best tours we have ever been on. Despite the freezing cold weather this afternoon, we happily spent the entire three hours with Zoran. He kept the group engaged and entertained while sharing the history of both the city and the country. Zoran skillfully balanced humor with important historical events that were relevant to the group. We were truly grateful to have received the introduction of the City from him.
Gracious’s enthusiasm for showcasing Nairobi’s nightlife was evident, and enjoying a traditional Kienyeli meal added an authentic cultural touch that was appreciated. However, some areas need improvement to enhance the overall experience. Communication regarding meeting points and times was unclear, which led to confusion and delays. Additionally, the advertised walking tour unexpectedly required Uber rides between venues—a detail that should have been disclosed upfront. Many of the venues mentioned in the tour did not offer the events she had planned, which is something she should have double-checked before the tour started. The tour could also benefit from a deeper exploration of Nairobi’s nightlife culture, offering more context about the history of the venues or trends in local music and entertainment. Despite these shortcomings, the Gracious's passion for sharing Nairobi’s nightlife was clear. With better communication and a stronger focus on participant engagement, this experience has the potential to be truly exceptional.
Visiting Karura Forest was an excellent way to escape the chaos of Nairobi. To avoid large crowds, it's best to schedule your visit early in the morning or on a weekday. Ismael, our guide, was very knowledgeable and friendly—exactly the kind of person you would want on every walking tour. We enjoyed being in nature while learning more about Kenya's history, especially after having participated in city walking tours. I would recommend this tour to anyone with free time in Nairobi.
Ally was quite entrepreneurial, reaching out to me three weeks before the walking tour via WhatsApp to offer additional services. On the day of the tour, he was late, which is usually not a big issue. However, in a city where tourists are often targeted, this is an area he should work on improving. The tour itself was efficient, lasting about an hour. Since Stone Town is relatively small, it was likely challenging to structure a tour for over two hours, especially as we weren't interested in sitting at Jaw's Corner for street-side coffee or listening to a local musical performance. Having visited over 90 countries, we were more focused on what makes Stone Town a UNESCO World Heritage site today. I commend Ally for his knowledge of the history and facts about Stone Town, but unfortunately, the information he provided is something I could have easily found through ChatGPT.
The food tour with Sharon was a highlight of our visit to Nairobi. She was friendly and professional, making us feel comfortable as we navigated the bustling streets of the CBD. Every vendor she introduced us to was welcoming, and we had the opportunity to sample a wide variety of dishes and snacks. Be sure to come hungry to fully enjoy all the flavors that Kenyan cuisine has to offer. Additionally, we learned about the history and culture of the area during our tour. I felt like I was spending time with a good friend throughout our three-hour experience. I highly recommend booking her tour!