During the tour, you’ll visit several key sites that reflect the spirit and resilience of Kibera. Kibera is called "Chocolate City" by its residents due to the overwhelming presence of brown, tin-roofed structures and the brown, muddy soil that characterizes the landscape, especially during the rainy season. This affectionate nickname serves to give a positive identity to the area by highlighting its distinct visual features.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Bata shoe shop
- Please meet our Guide at Bata shoe shop opposite Kencom Building along city hall way, Nairobi. Or, we can also pick you up at any hotel within the Nairobi city.
Exploration of Kibera Chocolate City during the drive
The tour begins with a drive to Kibera, where your guide—someone who knows the community intimately—will accompany you throughout the journey.
Here's a breakdown of why the Chocolate name is used:
Brown Roofs: Many homes in Kibera are built with "Mabati," which are large, flat tin sheets that are often unpainted, leading to a brown, somewhat rusty appearance.
Muddy Soil: The unpaved paths and the exposed soil become a rich brown, muddy color, particularly during the rainy season, resembling chocolate.
A Reclaiming of Identity: The term "Chocolate City" also carries a deeper meaning, representing a way for residents to assert a positive identity for the slum. Instead of focusing solely on the challenges of living in an informal settlement, the name celebrates the unique visual and cultural aspects of the community.
Visit Kibera Soweto slum Villages and Slum homestead
We then visit Soweto village homesteads within the slums for a chat with a typical family within the slums. You will sit in a Kibera home and see for yourself the lifestyle and peasant economy in the slum including Kibera flying toilets. You may tip the head of the visited household, preferably the female head (optional).
Mama Tunza Children Orphanage and School
One of the most touching stops is Mama Tunza’s orphanage, which also functions as a school. The guide will introduce you to this inspiring woman, whose work in caring for children and providing education is genuinely impressive. As one reviewer reflected, “We visited an orphanage built by Mama Tunza and saw how she’s making a difference.”
This visit is not just about observing but engaging with the children and understanding the challenges and triumphs of education in such a setting. It’s a reminder that community efforts here are driven by passion and resourcefulness.
Chocolate Slum Home Visit
Walk through a Typical Kibera home.
One of the most authentic moments is visiting a local household. Your guide will facilitate introductions, allowing you to ask questions about daily life—from cooking and sanitation to family routines. As one reviewer shared, “Feeling welcomed into a Kibera home was a powerful experience—it’s a chance to see beyond the stereotypes.”
Slum Bead Factory
(The Bead Factory: Creative Recycling at Its Best)
Next, you’ll visit a local bead factory where artisans transform animal bones—a result of local butcher practices—into beautiful jewelry. The fact that everything in Kibera is being reused highlights the ingenuity and sustainability efforts. A guide pointed out the process, mentioning, “In Kibera, even bones are treasures turned into art.”
Travelers love this stop because it showcases the resourcefulness of residents and provides a great photo opportunity. Plus, you might find some unique souvenirs to take home.
Slum Biogas Center
The tour also features a visit to a biogas center, demonstrating an environmentally conscious project that helps manage waste and generate energy. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view over Kibera, offering a different perspective of the sprawling community below. It’s a perfect spot for photos and reflection.
Olympic Estate And Kenyatta market
We then proceed to Olympic area where you will see various community projects including Olympic Primary, Kenya’s biggest public primary school by population.
We then proceed to Kenyatta Open-Air Market for roasted meat (nyama choma) (optional). Kenyatta market is Kenya’s largest roast meat market located in middle class Kibera neighbourhood.
Ending Point
At your hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Services on an English speaking guide
Transportation in a private spacious air conditioned van
(Toyota Voxy)
Gasoline fees
Toll fees
Guiding fees and allowances
All Government taxes and VAT
Tips to the guides
Food and drinks
Personal expenses
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems. This tour is wheelchair accessible.
Am available thoughout the day.
Am a professional tour guide with vast knowledge and experience about Kenya tour destination and i will help you discover Kenya hidden gems and make you have unforgettable magical experiences.
$38/ per person