NAI NAMI: Nairobi Storytelling Tour with Street Children
4.9
NAI NAMI: Nairobi Storytelling Tour with Street Children
By Nai Nami - Our Streets. Our Stories.
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About
Give back as you enjoy a fascinating cultural experience on this ethical tour of downtown Nairobi. Your guide, a former street child, shows you around the city center underbelly, telling tales of how to survive on the streets. Visit a hidden market, eat lunch at a basic kibanda eatery, and discover your guide’s personal journey with no more than one other traveler. Choose between morning or afternoon tours.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 18-99, max of 8 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- See the real Nairobi through the eyes of a street child on an intimate tour
- Help young people from tough backgrounds build a viable future
- Each guide looks after maximum two travelers, ensuring a real connection
- Eat like a true Nairobi local at a kibanda street shack
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
- Personal guide
- Local lunch
- Soft drinks
- Lunch
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off: The tour starts and ends in front of Bata Shop at Hilton Hotel in Nairobi CBD
- Start:
- Bata, Watalii Ln, Nairobi, KenyaIn front of the Bata Shoe Shop in City-Hall Way next to the former Hilton Hotel
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66070P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wear good shoes (no sandals or high heels)
- Carry a copy of your passport (main page and the page showing the visa stamp) or your original passport
- Do not carry any valuables like flashy jewellery
- Do not bring a camera, since taking pictures in town is not allowed (but your phone is fine)
- Minimum age: 14 years
- Most travellers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66070P1
From
£35.27
per adult
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Itinerary
- Watalii Ln, Nairobi, KenyaIn front of the Bata Shoe Shop in City-Hall Way next to the former Hilton Hotel
- Pass byNai Nami - Our Streets. Our Stories.Kenyatta International Conference CenterNational ArchivesAugust 7th Memorial ParkTom Mboya StatueNairobi Railway MuseumKariokorJeevanjee Gardens
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Seaside4175410 contributionsSimply the bestThis tour was indescribable. It was Story Telling by Street Children but the drp down won’t work! There were 11 of us on the tour and we had one guide per two people and it was simply inspirational. We very much enjoyed the honesty and candour of the guides and obviously their knowledge of the area was perfect. Their stories of survival And the harrowing life they had led and their determination to turn their lives around was nothing short of inspirational. They were an absolute delight to share an afternoon and we learnt so much more about Nairobi, the people who live there and the downtown side. We have been on tours all over the world, but this was up there with one of the best.Written 3 December 2024
- stephaniefZ3489XM0 contributionsGood experienceWe really enjoyed our tour, particularly listening to our guide’s personal history which he generously shared with us. We would have loved if it could have also included some more information about Kenya/Nairobi as well. 45USD per person (plus extra along the way we were asked for to provide some food to the street children) is quite expensive and we would have loved to receive a breakdown of where exactly that money is going.Written 25 June 2024
- jennifera123450 contributionsGreat tour to experience the real NairobiThis tour is perfect for everyone interested in seeing the real life in Nairobi. Our guides Quick and King led us though Downtown and the Slum, providing interesting information. We're really happy we found and booked this tour.Written 27 March 2023
- emvelasova0 contributionsEssence of NairobiBoys made us feel very welcome, safe and free to ask any questions! They are doing great work showing people around the town even to places where I would hesitate going alone but that were definitely worth to see to get the essence of Nairobi with all its differences and sad as well as hopeful stories. You can read about it, you can look it up on google, but nothing compares to being there with the people whose story it is. We walked we laughed we ate amazing Kenyan food and we would do it again!Written 26 February 2023
- julietm8340 contributionsVery interesting and confronting experience, good storytelling by the guides and nice local lunch afterwards.It was intense but felt safe among the guides. Very interesting to see the world behind the tourism and the almost slum part of town where the real life happens. Unforgettable experience.Written 23 February 2023
- 8samirah0 contributionsVery interesting tour!!Very interesting tour which I can highly recommend. You get a very different perspective of the life in Nairobi and especially of the kids growing up in downtown. A tour which left us with a lot of impressions since the informations are really authentic; especially through the almost 1:1 relation (1 guide - 1 tourist). The guides are all really nice and care for you so you’ll feel absolutely safe. One thing we missed: a brief introduction into the history of the slums and downtown.Written 10 February 2023
- Ann K0 contributionsDon’t miss this eye openerI can highly recommend this tour. The guides were very engaged and told us a lot about life as a former street child. They guided us through downtown Nairobi and opened our eyes for the extreme poverty and corrupt system that the poor suffer. Despite that nearly all in Kenya are devoted Christians.Written 6 December 2022
- K9888XFandreai0 contributionsA must in every programThis was one of the imports program points of my short visit to Nairobi, which would have consisted of mainly conference rooms and hotels. Priest was so kind to share his childhood story of living in the streets, bars and shops downtown. Thank you guys!Written 4 December 2022
- simonekN680NR0 contributionsGreat Tour!We really enjoyed the tour through Nairobi‘s town center. Our guide was friendly and told us a lot about his personal experiences. We would definetly recommend the tour for other travellers who are interested in getting to know another side of Kenya.Written 2 November 2022
- winki0 contributionsHighly recommended walking tour of NairobiThe walking tour and lunch was our favorite experience in Nairobi. We were three in the group and had three guides, each of them with his own personal experience growing up on the streets. You get to see parts of Nairobi where you would likely not walk by yourself and hear some of their stories. We always felt safe and well taken care of. It's a great project and hopefully many more will take one of their tours.Written 21 October 2022
- ChMathieu0 contributionsAn unforgettable experienceDefinitely a Must-Do in Nairobi! The guides showed us spaces of the city, you wouldn’t see otherwise as a tourist. They shared their stories and introduced us to the people from Downtown - and excellent food.Written 19 October 2022
- 286belindau0 contributionsNai NamiWhat an incredible experience, as a solo female traveler I felt safe at all times. Hearing all about my guide King’s life, was just so heartbreaking, you will be shocked at what they have had to endure as young children through to adulthood. Despite this, the determination to change their lives and the lives of other street children is so inspiring. Most of the guides have no education at all, and have taught themselves to speak English. We enjoined a traditional style meal at the end and the leftovers were giving to the street children, please spend another $10 and you can buy more meals for the kids. Thank King for an experience that will stay with me for life.Written 10 October 2022
- clarissev8230 contributionsA memorable experienceWe went on a tour with these wonderful people last August and enjoyed every moment we spent with them. That was such a memorable experience ! I highly recommend this tour to everyone who wants to get a real grasp of Nairobi.Written 8 October 2022
- Passport680485394170 contributionsGreat walking tour in down town NairobiVery nice city tour throuh downtown Nairobi. Sunami and Typhoon were excellent guides and the local lunch you get at the end of the tour is a true local experience.Written 7 October 2022
- GillSparrow0 contributionsDon't hesitate - bookHaving grown up in Nairobi my sister and I returned years later to head down memory lane. Daniel was a fantastic guide and his stories very humbling, a brilliant way to understand Nairobi and all its challenges. To be a very small part of someone like Daniel (Captain) changing his life was inspirational. I can't recommend this tour enough ... don't hesitate, just bookWritten 5 June 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.9
732 reviews
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25
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4
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1
dicky_elaine
Espiche, Portugal132 contributions
Great way to see the real city of Nairobi, they take you to places you would never go to on your own as a tourist, you get to see how real Kenyan people live and the real culture. I can’t tell you how amazing it was, you have 3 guides looking after you the whole time. Typhoon my main guide was so knowledgeable living on the streets since the age of nine. He’s now 23 and walking around the downtown area, just about everyone knows him. Don’t miss this trip what ever you do.
Written 6 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma H
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
The tour far exceeded our expectations! Kissmart, Priest, Typhoon, Cheddar Cheez and all of the guides were absolutely amazing in so many ways throughout the experience. We absolutely would not have been able to see all of the downtown area of Nairobi in the authentic way we did without them. They were extremely open about sharing their experiences and orienting us to different things going on around us throughout the tour while ensuring that we felt very safe every step of the way. We saw everything from street markets to local restaurants, the city bus station, and the day-to-day lives of the residents of downtown Nairobi. I truly believe that, as tourists, a Nai Nami tour is the best (and most logistically reasonable) way to experience the Nairobi city center. I learned so much from them not just about the city but about their experiences as people and life lessons they had to share and felt like I was sharing stories and asking questions to a group of friends the whole time. Thank you Nai Nami for such a wonderful experience, would highly recommend to anyone!
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr. T
Boston, MA16 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
Everyone who visits Nairobi should take this tour. It was a meaningful experience, and I am very glad that I did it. The guys who lead the tour were all wonderful, and they made me feel very safe and well looked-after throughout the tour. They also shared some great stories of their own experiences growing up as survivors on the streets. I took a lot of small currency (2 USD, but I have since learned that 1 USD is better because many exchanges won't accept 2 dollar bills) and gave them out to kids along the way; I wish I had taken even more with me. The guys love sharing their communities and would have spent even more time doing so, if I hadn't had an appointment to get to. Wear good walking shoes! This is not a place you'll want to wear open toed shoes or heels, that's for sure. Go on the tour. You will be the better for it.
Written 25 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lilly N
2 contributions
We went on a Nai-Nami group tour in Nairobi at the beginning of September 2022. For us this was a highlight of our trip in Kenya and Tanzania. Couldn’t recommend it more highly.
All of the tour guides have experienced growing up on the streets at one point or another. Their stories of their experiences are fascinating and humbling. We really appreciated them sharing their stories with us so openly.
Each couple or group got their own tour guide who walked with them and answered any questions they had. It gave an insight into an area of Nairobi you would never usually see as a tourist. The tour was quite moving and sad, but also inspiring, because the perseverance and mental strength of these guys is incredible. But the tour wasn’t just serious, it was also a lot of fun, with a lot of jokes between the guides and the guests. We felt very safe with these guys throughout, and they helped us get in a taxi at the end to take us back to the hotel.
There was also a great meal at a local cafe at the end (although I should say, when I booked on the website, the advertised price said it included a meal, but when it came to it we actually had to pay extra for the meal in cash. This wasn’t a problem, the meal was very affordable, and we didn’t mind extra money going to these guys, who really deserve it. But just FYI, carry cash with you)
Thanks guys for a great tour.
All of the tour guides have experienced growing up on the streets at one point or another. Their stories of their experiences are fascinating and humbling. We really appreciated them sharing their stories with us so openly.
Each couple or group got their own tour guide who walked with them and answered any questions they had. It gave an insight into an area of Nairobi you would never usually see as a tourist. The tour was quite moving and sad, but also inspiring, because the perseverance and mental strength of these guys is incredible. But the tour wasn’t just serious, it was also a lot of fun, with a lot of jokes between the guides and the guests. We felt very safe with these guys throughout, and they helped us get in a taxi at the end to take us back to the hotel.
There was also a great meal at a local cafe at the end (although I should say, when I booked on the website, the advertised price said it included a meal, but when it came to it we actually had to pay extra for the meal in cash. This wasn’t a problem, the meal was very affordable, and we didn’t mind extra money going to these guys, who really deserve it. But just FYI, carry cash with you)
Thanks guys for a great tour.
Written 23 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina T
Berlin, Germany82 contributions
Spent an amazing couple of hours in Nairobi getting to see places you wouldn’t normally see and hearing stories you would not get to hear. Can only recommend doing this while you’re in Nairobi to understand the city and culture better.
Loved how openly all our guides shared their story, answering questions and giving a glimpse into the life of Nairobi Downtown.
Walked through downtown Nairobi hearing our guides personal stories and finished off with a small lunch in a local restaurant.
Loved how openly all our guides shared their story, answering questions and giving a glimpse into the life of Nairobi Downtown.
Walked through downtown Nairobi hearing our guides personal stories and finished off with a small lunch in a local restaurant.
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen M
5 contributions
Jun 2023
We did this tour on day one of our trip and it was an eye opening and inspirational experience! We had a large group (4 adults and 5 teenagers), but the guides did an excellent job of making us feel safe and comfortable the entire time. While leading us through the streets of downtown Nairobi - King, Priest, Typhoon, Tsunami,Quick and Cheddar Cheese told us stories of their childhoods living on the streets. They were fun, friendly and open to all our questions. Our kids would say that it was one of their most memorable and favourite experiences of our trip (adults too!) Lunch was also amazing! Highly recommend this tour!
Written 18 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TzenOxford
Oxford, UK14 contributions
Brilliant tour, allows access to parts of Nairobi most tourists will never see. We went as two adults with our 15 year old son. The guides are great fun, and know the area and people intimately. We felt very safe and well treated. Downtown Nairobi is a jamboree of sights, sounds and smells and unlike anything we've ever experienced. It was an amazing few hours and along with all the hope and positive outcomes of this social enterprise we would thoroughly recommend.
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aginaya Aggeen T
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • Friends
Our guide was Typhoon, and our security was King! They are both amazing storytellers and answered all of our questions passionately. For every walk we took within the city, there is a story behind it from their past. Seeing the city center for what it is + hearing one's story from being a street kid is the perfect combo to learn about a place from an unconventional perspective! We started the day with the tour, and the local Kenyan lunch to cap everything off was a plus! Definitely a recommended activity to explore the city!
Written 12 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zulema B
Lima, Peru3 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
This tour offers the opportunity to visit and understand Nayrobi from a local perspective which shows you without "make-up" an important part of the social reality of the big city. Also, my tour guide, Typhoon, was the best! I visited places that I would never have had without his guidance. He shared with me his own inspiring story, introduced me to people on the way, answered all my questions, took me to try delicious and local food, and took good care of me :) I recommend this tour (and Typhoon as a guide!) 100%
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ach P
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Sept 2022
Amazing experience through the eyes of former street children. We did the Nai Nami afternoon tour in early September 2022 during our 5 day stay in Nairobi. We were welcomed by the Tsunami (Mwas) before meeting with Typhoon, Kissmart, Big Donga, King and Priest as we walked our way through the real Nairobi (midtown and uptown). Tsunami and Typhoon shared their humbling stories and struggles throughout various streets we traversed. It was kinda cool that we were surrounded by all 5-6 of these guys at certain points during our walk, making them feel like our personal bodyguards and they even take care of you as you cross the busy roads because traffic is non-stop. We enjoyed listening to their stories and really made us appreciate their struggles and how they've changed their lives for the better.
Written 25 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! You mentioned not to take a camera because photography isn't allowed in the city. Can you please provide more details? Is this certain parts of the city or the entire city. Can pictures be taken with cell phone?
Written 26 January 2023
They say not to take a camera on the tour. I took my cell phone and would ask before taking a pic. Some places it was not allowed and some places it was fine. The guides can let you know. I took many pics, but only after checking with the guide first.
Written 27 January 2023
Hi I would like to do this on July 1. But my flight lands only at 12.30 pm. Can there be a walk around 4 pm? For 3 adults
Written 18 June 2022
Hi I would like to do this on July 1. But my flight lands only at 12.30 pm. Can there be a walk around 4 pm? For 3 adults
Written 18 June 2022
Hello, We only have the morning so were wondering if it is possible to do the tour a little earlier? We are a group of 5. Our flight leaves at 1:30 PM. Thank you
Written 29 April 2022
Kateřina S
Ceska Trebova, Czech Republic
Hello, I want to book 30/1/2022 from 1:30 AM. I'am little bit confused, because it is called Morning tour. If I check for Morning tour and choose time 1.30 AM, is it ok?
Written 28 January 2022
Possible to have a pickup and dropoff at the Tamarind Hotel? Also to have a private (just me) tour? I would like to take photographs and don't want to be a burden on others. What would be the cost? Do the guides provide some insight into history and culture, in addition to life on the street? Thanks.
Written 25 December 2021
We were just two of us, but it was due to limited tourists at that time, however i’m sure they can arrange it. Contact them directly.they are very responsive as their business is based on internet communication
It also depends how many of them will participate. We enjoyed the variety of their personal stories, each of them has something special to share. Related to history and culture these guys have grown up on the streets so they can share their stories and what they learned, do not except trained guides, but this is the beauty of this tour.
Written 27 December 2021
Hello
we are interested but want to ask if you an build street art in to the tour as well?
we are here in Nairobi and available this weekend / tomorrow or sunday.
please let us know.
Best regards
Albert
Written 19 March 2021
How long does the tour take as I only have an afternoon In Nairobi. I don’t have a morning. Thank you
Written 23 February 2020
1-2 hours but can surely be adapted.
Written 7 September 2020
Hello,
Can we do this tour with a 7 years old child?
Does the child pay the same price as an adult?
Thanks and regards
Written 1 February 2020
What are the starting and ending times?
Written 27 January 2020
The walk tour runs approximately 3 hours. The morning tour starts at 10.00 am and the afternoon tour starts at 1.30 pm.
Written 27 January 2020
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.