Ismael's Kibera Slum Tour

Great guy who showed us how we live and explained the story of the community from a perspective of a person who grew up there. I recommend anyone wishing to learn how people of Kibera live to join the tour

This is our second trip to Africa and this time around we wanted to have a more personal and cultural experience and this tour of Kibera slums with Ishmael DID NOT disappoint!! Ishmael is an amazing, kind, and caring human being who gave us an up close and personal invitation into his and his parents’ homes and allowed us to have a firsthand look at their everyday lives. It was a very enlightening and emotional experience but very rewarding in so many ways. Ishmael truly has a wealth of knowledge of his community. He is very well known and respected and we felt COMPLETELY SAFE the entire time!! We were allowed to ask as many questions as we wanted throughout the tour of the slum and the school and we also visited the market where he patiently waited for us to buy souvenirs. This is by far one of the best things we experienced while in Nairobi. Book this tour with Ishmael, you WILL NOT regret it!!! Thank you for a wonderful time, we will be back!!!

We had an excellent experience in the slum with Ismael. A very welcoming and smiling person who knows every corner of the slum, he made us feel safe and like family by welcoming us into his home. We visited the school, the old part of the slum, and saw the every day life of the people there. I recommend Ismael without a second thought!!!!! Thank you Ismael!!!!

Had a great tour with Ismael. We had t cut it a bit short as our plane came late and we had another flight to catch. Ismael was extremely cooperative on the changing times and very friendly. We first visited a school and met with the 29 orphans that reside there. We then went to Ismael's father's house to see what a house in Kibera is like. During our walking stops we journeyed through Kibera and had no issues. The little children were especially friendly. I would highly recommend the tour if you have 2-4 hours available in Nairobi. We were moved by the children at the school and will be looking at how to provide support.

Ismael’s tour was a highlight of my visit to Africa. The pickup and drop off were convenient. The walk around Kibera was well organized and thoughtful. I enjoyed visiting a local school and also dropping my Ismael’s parents’ home as well. Their hospitality was very kind. Ismael didn’t overwhelm me with information, and was responsive to all my questions. While it was all certainly a bit of culture shock, I felt safe the whole time. I was most impressed and inspired by Ismael’s desire to give back to his community and how he uses the tours to do so — from throwing a monthly birthday party for all the children to running a rehabilitation program for former gang members. Ismael is humble about it all, and if I didn’t ask, I probably wouldn’t know the extent to which he does (which likely only scratches the surface). I highly recommend!

Such an eye opening and unforgettable experience. Ismail explained and showed me so much in detail. It’s very emotional seeing their way of life and very humbling. Super grateful for the experience and Ismail is an incredible and inspiring guy!! Highly recommend!

Ismael is a genuine and trustworthy man who gives back to his community through these tours. By doing this tour, you will not only have an unforgettable glimpse into the lives of the people living in Kibera, but you will support their community. I felt so thankful for Ismael showing me around Kibera. He seemed to know almost everyone we saw on the tour. He is obviously a man of the community. Everyone we met was so kind and welcoming. My favorite part was visiting the school (I am a teacher by profession). The kids were all very sweet and excited to receive a visitor. I was able to interact with the students and teachers and ask questions. They asked a lot of questions too and were just excited to know about me. It is not necessary to give a donation to the school, but I would recommend bringing some cash to donate. If you are going on this tour to begin with, you are likely the type of person that will be compelled by the school’s story and will take joy in donating (the school began as an orphanage, but has quickly grown). You will meet Paris, the founder of the school, and the donations can be given directly to her. She is super sweet! Thank you again to Ismael for showing me around your neighborhood, welcoming me into your home, and offering this amazing tour. Thank you to Paris and all of the teachers and students at the school for welcoming me. Thank you to all of the friendly faces along the walk for making me feel welcomed. If you are reading this, just book this tour, you will certainly not regret this amazing experience.

Ismael's tour is highly recommended as it was a 3 hours that will stick to my heart for ever. He not only invites us to his own house and community school he and his group supports, but answers to all questions sincerely. The reality that I saw was shocking to know how little have improved after the 25years since I last visited, but touching to see the true smiles of childrens who live in this slum thanks to the community support he provides which we can take part by first booking a tour with Ismael.

Ismael met us at our chosen time and on our chosen day - I did the tour with my 6 year old and 9 year old daughters and my 12 year old nephew. He took us on a walk through the gulleys, past the chickens, pigs and kittens to his quaint home where we sat on his sofa and he told us lots of interesting info about life in Kibera. We passed many curious kids and got to see inside parts and places we'd otherwise never venture to. We visited a school within the slum and interrupted a maths lesson which then turned into a talent show between the kids with me and the school kids who had many questions. We saw how kids entertained themselves with marbles. We ended in a camel bone jewellery workshop - after a 2.5 hour tour walk around - it was the right amount of time to gain a sense of life in the slum. It was eye-opening and humbling for all of us and naturally left us with a deeper appreciation for all we take for granted. Ismael is joyful, ready to answer any questions and very reliable. Highly recommended!

I traveled to Africa for two months; this experience was one of my top highlights. I was expecting to just walk around and see how people live there, but I extended my itinerary to go again the next day and cook and teach for the kids. There is an Airbnb where you can stay, and I definitely recommend staying overnight there. Three to four hours in Kibera is really not enough. There are many things you can do. And don't forget to bring your gifts to the kids. BIG BIG thanks to Ismael and Philips for this amazing experience!

It was simply an Amazing day, Ismael our Tour Guide picked us up on time (something very uncommon for kenyans) for the tour he showed us the real Kibera we saw the amazing and creative work of the local people how children spend their days he welcomed us to his house where he lives with his beautiful wife and daughter , we could learn more about Kibera and how it started .Ismael is an exceptional guide and above all very friendly thoughtful and kind hearted . Having Ismael as guide one can never be disappointed. Thank you very much Ismael 😊 best regards from Austria 🇦🇹

Ismael was a great host and I was very touched by spending time with his wife in his home. Incredible self sustaining ecosystem and strong community.

Ismael is amazing!! The tour was a lot more than I expected! The people there in Kibera are very warming and welcoming! Ismael gave a great overview about Kibera and its plans on growing! I was able to meet all of the students and staff in the school and they invited me back to teach the children! I’d highly recommend this tour!

This was a very personal experience. You touch the life that is very different from yours, you see the people who live this life and talk to them. This is a real eye opener. Me and my 18-year old daughter are very thankful to Ismael who made this happen. To anyone who want not only look, but experience and feel - highly recommended

We were picked up from our hotel and were the only ones on the tour. We walked with Ismael through the winding paths to his home. With his family there, we had an informal discussion about the community, projects he is involved with, the successes and the challenges. His generosity in having us to his home and his authenticity were inspiring. We then went to the Future Stars Development Centre where we met many children and spoke with a teacher and the founder of the centre. Then we went to a bone manufacturer who makes beautiful items from bone - we bought a few. Overall, a very personal tour from someone who lives there and is a respected member of the community. Despite the obvious challenges and difficult conditions, there was a positive feeling of strong community and people wanting to help others and make things better. I highly recommend this tour.

The tour is really good. Highly recommend for the people who want to see the different side of the city. Don’t forget to bring some stationary or toys for the school. The students in the school are so amazing! And so good to see this friendly community!

What a life changing experience! We were picked up at our hotel this morning and spent the day in the Kibera neighborhood. Ismael was a great host. He took us to his home, a school and to his parents house. It was fun to see the kids so excited about the candy and toothbrushes we brought for them.

This was such an eye-opening experience. Ismael replied quickly even though I booked last minute and he was very punctual. This experience was heartwarming, unique and a definite must while visiting Nairobi. Ismael is the best guide that you can get, as he adds a huge part of his own experience into this. Please do visit the slum, as you are also helping locals by at least a tiny bit.

Ismael gave a fantastic tour of Kibera slums. Very friendly, brilliant english and informative of day to day life. His contribution to the community is outstanding. Couldn't recommend more.

Exploring Kibera with Ismael as my guide was a deeply enlightening experience. Ismael’s profound knowledge of the area and his personal connections within the community provided an intimate glimpse into the lives of its residents. Throughout the tour, he introduced us to various locals, each sharing their unique stories, which added a rich, personal dimension to my understanding of Kibera. Ismael’s passion for his community shone through as he navigated the complex social and economic landscapes of the slum. He approached sensitive topics with care and an authenticity that only a local could provide. The tour was well-structured, ensuring safety and comfort while fostering respectful interactions with the environment and its people. This experience was not just educational; it was a moving journey that challenged my preconceptions and highlighted the resilience and vibrant spirit of Kibera. Ismael’s tour is highly recommended for anyone looking to gain a deeper insight into one of Nairobi’s most dynamic communities. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Great upclose experience of Kiberia. Ismael invited me into his home which show me how the houses where build. We also visited a workshop where you can see how they make souveniers of cow bones which was impressive. Unfortunately the school was closed so I couldnt see how lessons where given and I expected the tour was a little longer or we walked through more parts of the slumbs.

We had a great time with Ismael. It was a really insightful and eye opening visit and we really enjoyed meeting everyone. The whole experience was friendly and safe and we felt in really good hands with Ismael. We loved hearing about the initiatives of the community and left feeling very positive about the futures of the people in Kibera. Highly recommend a visit.

Ismael was so interesting and engaging. He was attentive to each guest and answered all questions. He shared his home with us, his family home, which really made the tour meaningful. He took us through so much of Kibera. We met so many of the residents, saw the school, craftsmen and learned a lot. Excellent.

Ismael was very welcoming and informative and answered every question thoroughly. We spent significant time in his home and his parents' home, and he was happy to spend as much time talking and answering questions as we wanted, not rushing at all. I felt very safe with Ismael, and he knew most people in the community. We also had positive, spontaneous conversations with other locals, exchanging stories of our life experiences and about our countries. Ismael is also very responsive to any questions related to the tour during the booking process. Overall, though I felt an ethical dilemma going on such a tour, it felt that Ismael took steps to ensure the tour was respectful of the community, and I learned things that I could not have learned without visiting.

Ismael was great, he made me feel at home, safe, and like a family member. I recommend this tour of the kibera slum. Its well worth it.

What a life changing experience. This tour was unique and incredible. Ismael was an amazing guide. He welcomed us into his house and we felt so welcome and safe. This is eye opening and inspiring. It’s something you must do while in Nairobi to take a look into how some people live. Everyone was so friendly and kind. We also had a chance to bring school supplies and soccer balls to the school we visited!

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Great experience. Ismael knows many people there so you will feel safe and you will learn about the history of the slum. He showed us a school for orphans and we gave the school some crayons and pens and pads. Bring school supplies.

I had the privilege of exploring the Kibera slums with Ismael, and what began as an uncertain adventure turned into an unexpectedly heartwarming and impactful experience. As a solo female traveler, safety was a concern, but spending time with Ismael felt like being with family from the start. Ismael guided me through different areas, providing insightful explanations that deepened my understanding of the community. His humility and compassionate heart shone through as he shared his involvement with the "Future Stars" orphanage, where he acts as a guardian angel to the children. Curious to contribute, I asked Ismael how I could help. To my amazement, he went above and beyond in facilitating a remarkable effort. With the support of friends online, we raised funds within hours. The impact was profound – we were able to purchase ourselves new beds, mattresses, and a substantial amount of food for the orphanage. Most importantly, we collectively enabled five kids to leave the slums and attend boarding school! Ismael's commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of these children is truly commendable. His tour not only offers a genuine and informative glimpse into Kibera but also helps me to make a meaningful impact. Ismael is an incredible person, the type of person every man should aspire to be. Most people aren't lucky enough to know a guy like him! So please, if you choose to visit the Kibera slums: Ask how you help, and bring food/ school materials with you I wholeheartedly recommend Ismael and his tour to anyone visiting the Kibera slums. This experience has left an indelible mark on my heart, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with someone as extraordinary as Ismael.

This is a must do for anyone Travelling to Nairobi. It is so interesting to see this side and Ismael is a very knowledgeable and informative guide. We felt blessed to have the chance to visit his home and his parents home to sit down and meet with them. It was also amazing to visit a community school where the kids will melt your heart. Everything was absolutely perfect. This tour definitely exceeded all expectations… A personal favourite and would highly recommend to anyone…

Ismael received us and we walked through the slums. He showed us everything. The shower facilities, workshops, the school and his family. We were allowed to see how Ismael lives. We met his wife, child, parents and siblings. He have a very dear and hospitable family. We felt comfortable at all times. Our expectations were exceeded. We didn't expect to penetrate so deep into the slums. It was so exciting. Thank you Ismael.

Ismael is a fantastic tour guide and he knows the area well. His story is a testament to the closeness of the community and the importance of giving back to where you came from. The people are wonderful and kind and you can see how Ismael and other volunteers help their community. I would highly recommend this tour. Also, wear shoes with good soles. The stones are a bit slick. And watch your head, taller people.

Mr Ishmael,very cool gentleman super passionate about the slum area and its people, congratulations for taking the initiative to bring people together for a better slum area.

I’m glad I booked this tour. I met Ismael , he picked me up from my hotel. I was so moved by what I saw, that I came home and created a “ Go fund me” to help raise money for the school and orphanage. Please be sure to tip, it helps put money into the community.

A really personal trip around Kibera. Ishmael took us to his home and his father’s home, as well as a children’s home. We felt safe and welcome at all times. Thanks Ishmael for all your insight.

This was a mind-opening and enriching experience. Ismael was a great guide. He was humble, generous and very articulate and informative. We booked the tour as we wanted our children to really understand how lucky they are and how many others live. Ismael was kind enough to invite us into his home in the slums and to his parents home. It is shocking to see realise the scale of poverty that exists. I would recommend Ismael's tour to anyone for an enriching but sobering experience. It's an absolute must!

Instructive and eye opening. It give you the chance to talk with people in the slum. Totally recommend

I can hardly put into words what I have experienced today with Ismael on his Kibera Slum Tour. Ismael took me into another world, into a world that I have never experienced before. I was deeply impressed by how he cares for his community and especially for the Future Stars children's home, where he once grew up himself. During the tour I learned a lot about him, his projects and life in the Kibera slums. His work and especially the work of the lady who takes care of the children from the children's home touched my heart deeply. Thank you Ismael!

It’s not every day someone can experience a way of life inaccessible to the average person. Visiting Kibera is not an easy thing to do, for it will surely touch anyone’s soul and make them question their own place in the world. Ishmael was a sincere, passionate representative of this impoverished community. Although I didn’t always feel comfortable because I was a fish out of water, I felt safe. I’d visit again in a heartbeat. God bless anyone who helps this community, especially the children.

This is really a must visit if going to Nairobi. To see this side of Kenya. We visited Kuvera with Ismail, visited his home, his mother’s home, walked around alot while listening to Ismail explaining to us the way of life there. It was truly a wonderful experience and eye-opening. The kids school and orphanage broke our hearts and warmed it at the same time. We felt safe and welcomed during the whole tour. Wear sturdy shoes appropriate for uneven and muddy ground. Thank you Ismail for showing us tour home and teaching us everything!

The tour of Kibera is eye opening. It was safe walking around the neighborhood with a guide. The locals were very friendly and didn’t mind that I was taking pictures. Worth visiting for n different perspective

Ismael and Kevin led a heartfelt and information-packed tour of their local part of Kibera. They are active members of their community and Ismael was proud to guide us through the walkways of the slum to see a local school and business. This was not an easy tour to participate in but I would recommend it if you would like to learn more about and experience a glipse of life in modern Kibera. (Photo: Kibera entrepreneurs Kennedy and George at the Africa Bone Workshop on the tour)

We experienced a very interesting tour of Kibera together with my husband, my brother and my 81 year old mommy. Ismael and his brother Kevin answered all of our questions and we always felt safe. It was a special tour where we were able to meet really great people, especially the children from the school and the orphanage. Thank you for showing us your world so openly and warmly. A tour that makes you think and humble you. I hope that many book this tour

Very interesting experience. Ishmael is very nice and answers all the questions and knows everyone in the area so I felt safe. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Wow what an amazing tour to gain a greater appreciation of Kibera. Ismael was a proud resident keen to show the workings of the slum and took me to his brothers house, the orphanage and primary school, a bone recycling enterprise and general walking around streets and alleyways. Through education I gained more understanding of the problems within the slum and thus learnt direct ways to assist worthwhile missions to assist them.

You want to experience a safe, informative and humbling tour through Kibera slum? Ismael is your man! At first I was very sceptical to go through this part of Nairobi - I was actually scared as a white woman to visit Kibera. But Ismael gave us a great feeling right from the beginning of our pickup and throughout the whole tour. He is a well known and respected resident of this area. Everybody greets him or has a friendly smile on their face. He guided us safely through the streets to his mamas house for a fresh cup of very tasty tea. His family is a true gem and full of warm laughter - we truly felt welcome. After that we visited the school in which Ismael and his brother Kevin invested a lot of time and help. The orphans here are beautiful children and very hard working students. Also Mama Paris is a lovely principal and hostess and inspired us with her backgroundstory. We saw a lot of the older part of Kibera but never had a feeling of being lost or not welcome. Ismael had our backs - anytime. Watching our steps, greeting the neighbors or answering our many questions. It was the adventure of a lifetime. This tour changed my whole perspective on life and how we live it. Thank you, Ismael !

A must-see when in Nairobi. Smooth pick-up and drop off is a plus. Ismael is a knowledgeable and thoughtful guide who offered a very diverse picture of life in Kibera. Did not feel unsafe at any moment and would definitely do it again.

I have visited Kenya and Kibera in March 2020. I can really tell: It was an amazing experience which you should definetely not miss when coming to Nairobi. Ismael showed me around for a couple of hours. I felt super safe and we have had nice chats. He really is an amazing person and you should meet him. We visited the local primary and secondary school in Kibera, went throught the streets and had a chat at his home. Surprisingly to me the people here were quiet positive and especially the little kids where funny and happy. I have really learned a lot in these hours. In order to also support Ismael and his family I highly recommend the tour to you as you certainly gain a massive emotional return.