Nairobi Mamba Village — Attraction in Nairobi

During my recent travels, I had the opportunity to visit the Nairobi Mamba Village, a place that I had heard much about and was eager to experience firsthand. Unfortunately, my visit turned out to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Upon arrival, it became immediately apparent that the conditions in which the crocodiles and turtles were kept were far from acceptable. The enclosures were not only cramped but also seemed to lack the basic necessities required for these animals to live a healthy and stress-free life. It was disheartening to see these majestic creatures confined in such deplorable conditions, far removed from their natural habitats.

Furthermore, the general state of the Mamba Village itself was equally disappointing. The facilities were poorly maintained, with litter scattered around and a palpable lack of attention to cleanliness and hygiene. It was clear that the wellbeing of both the animals and the visitors was not a priority for the management.

The sight of the crocodiles and turtles languishing in such squalid conditions left a lasting impression on me, and not in a good way. It's one thing to read about the mistreatment of animals, but witnessing it firsthand is a completely different and much more harrowing experience.

I write this blog post not just as a cautionary tale for potential visitors but also as a call to action for the authorities and the management of Nairobi Mamba Village. It is imperative that immediate steps are taken to improve the living conditions of the animals and the overall state of the facility. Wildlife tourism can be a powerful tool for conservation and education, but only if it's done right.

To those considering a visit to Mamba Village, I would urge you to think twice. There are many other ways to experience Kenya's rich wildlife in a more ethical and sustainable manner. Let's not support establishments that fail to respect the very creatures they claim to showcase.

In conclusion, my visit to Nairobi Mamba Village was a stark reminder of the responsibility we all have to promote and support ethical wildlife tourism. It's time for change, and it starts with making informed choices about where we choose to spend our...

Mamba is the Kiswahili word for crocodile. It features a crocodile conservatory where visitors can learn about crocodiles and observe them in a pen. Besides the crocodile pen, Mamba Village hosts other recreational features that include an Ostrich farm and rabbit breeding pens. There is a large man-made lake in the shape of the African continent where visitors can take boat rides and observe different bird species. There is an abundance of plant life with many indigenous and exotic species found within its gardens. The artificial lake attracts a number of bird species that include cormorants, kingfishers, ibis and the more common sterlings. You may even be lucky enough to spot an owl or even the African Fish Eagle. Mamba Village features a restaurant and lounge which is particularly popular for nyama choma (roast meat). There are also conferencing facilities and open-air and tented restaurant facilities where meals are served. Enjoy the art gallery (which sells all types of curios, handicrafts and other souvenir items), conferencing facilities, and other recreational facilities for children and adults alike that include boat rides, camel-back riding, horse-back rides and theme park rides Within the complex, there are lots of fun activities recommended for family fun and groups including camel-back and horse-back riding, bouncy castles and theme park rides...

Wild, weird, and unexpectedly heartwarming

The best part? When the little tortoise popped out and raced toward me. I swear, it was like a slow-motion hug from nature. Moments like that just reaffirm your love for animals—you feel chosen. Like they somehow know you're one of the good ones.

Then came the crocodile. Silent. Calculated. It moved toward me with stealth straight out of a wildlife documentary. I acted like I hadn’t noticed… but trust me, my heart was doing cartwheels. It was giving predator and prey—and I was the prey. For a second, I felt completely vulnerable, like a snack-sized visitor in its living room. Oddly enough, I loved the scare.

I stayed on high alert the whole time—throwing glances here and there just in case an escapee was lurking. It felt like an extreme sport, but with sunbathing reptiles.

That said, most of the animals were just vibing in the late morning sun, totally unbothered. Minding their business like retirees at a resort.

Would I go again? Absolutely. But next time, I’m bringing a scaredy-cat friend—because what’s a little thrill without someone screaming beside you?

Best part was when i paid local tour prices, who knew being Kenyan had...