Nairobi Travel Guide
Nairobi’s Best Attractions
Nairobi National Park – A City Safari Distance from City Center: 15 minutes Reasons to Visit? It’s the only national park in the world bordering a capital city. See cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, and lions set against a backdrop of skyscrapers.
Early morning or late afternoon for the finest wildlife sights is the ideal time to visit.
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage 📍 Nairobi National Park 🐘 Reasons to Visit? See newborn elephants saved from extinction being fed and playing in the dirt. Elephant conservation and rehabilitation are priorities at this sanctuary.
This sanctuary emphasizes elephant rehabilitation and conservation. Come at eleven in the morning for the public feeding.
Giraffe Centre – Get Up Close with Rothschild Giraffes 📍 Lang’ata, 40 minutes from city center 🦒 Reasons to Go Feed endangered Rothschild giraffes by hand and snap pictures with them. The center advocates education and conservation of giraffes.
For a half-day trip, combine this visit with the close by Karen Blixen Museum.
Karen Blixen Museum – Enter Kenya’s Colonial Past Reasons to Visit Once the residence of Danish writer Karen Blixen, this museum offers a window into colonial-era Nairobi.
Ideal for lovers of literature and history. Ideal for fans of literature and history.
Bomas of Kenya – Explore Traditional Kenyan Cultures Enjoy cultural villages highlighting Kenya’s many ethnic groupings, dance performances, and traditional music.
Greatest for families and those who appreciate culture.
Nairobi National Museum: A Journey Through Kenya’s Past Reasons to Visit Learn about Kenya’s past, anthropology, and early human fossils. The museum features a great snake park as well.
Perfect for first-time visitors to Kenya and history lovers. Perfect for first-time tourists visiting Kenya and history enthusiasts.
Karura Forest – Nairobi’s Green Escape 📍 Near Gigiri, 15 minutes from city center 🌳 Reasons to Go A tranquil natural reserve featuring bicycle pathways, caverns, waterfalls, and hiking routes. A wonderful spot to get away from the bustle of the city.
For fresh air and less congestion, go early in the morning.
Top Activities & Tours in Nairobi
Nairobi City Walking Tour Discover hidden treasures, historical landmarks, and markets; walk around downtown Nairobi.
📍 Stops: City Market, Uhuru Park, KICC rooftop (360° city views).
Sample genuine Kenyan delicacies include nyama choma (grilled beef), ugali, samosas, and local street food. Best places: street markets, K’Osewe, Nyama Mama, Carnivore Restaurant.
Kiambu Coffee Farm Tour Take a trip to a coffee farm outside of Nairobi to discover coffee growing and tasting.
📍 Where: Kiambethu Tea Farm or Fairview Coffee Estate.
2.4 Kibera Slum Tour – A Different Viewpoint Daily life, entrepreneurship, and community projects in one of Africa’s largest informal settlements will be covered. Where: Local groups provide guided tours.
💡 Suggested with a responsible tour operator supporting the community.
Nairobi Dining Options
Best Restaurants for Local Food Known for its all-you-can-eat BBQ meats, Carnivore Restaurant
Modern African fusion cuisine.
Best for traditional Kenyan meals: K’Osewe Ranalo Foods.
Best Coffee Shops and Cafés ☕ Java House – Nairobi’s most well-liked coffee chain.
☕ Artcaffe – Excellent pastries and coffee.
A premium coffee store for coffee enthusiasts.
Nairobi’s Fine Dining Talisman – Garden setting for upscale dining with fusion cuisine.
Great for steaks and foreign food.
🍣 INTI – A Nikkei Experience – For fusion meals of Peruvian-Japanese origin.
Where to Stay in Nairobi Luxury Hotels
🏨 Hemingways Nairobi – 5-star colonial-style boutique hotel. Giraffe Manor: Live alongside giraffes wandering the grounds! Luxury hotel with world-class amenities, Villa Rosa Kempinski.
Mid-Range Accommodations
🏨 Trademark Hotel – Modern and chic in Village Market. Historic hotel in the center of Nairobi, Sarova Stanley. Palacina The Residence & Suites – A comfortable small business choice.
Affordable Accommodations Wildebeest Eco Camp – Cheap, with a wonderful outdoor vibe. Khweza Bed & Breakfast – Affordable with a rooftop patio.
Souvenirs & Shopping in Nairobi
Maasai Market – Textiles, beads, and handcrafted Maasai jewellery.
Kazuri Beads Factory: Pottery and handmade ceramic jewellery.
Unique African home decor and art from House of Treasures Emporium.
💡 Go to the Maasai Market on various days of the week (it rotates around sites).
Visiting Nairobi Travel Advice on Getting About
For safer transportation, use Little Cab, Bolt, or Uber.
For convenience, hire a private driver.
Though they can be hectic, matatus (shared minivans) are affordable.
✔ Ideal Visiting Period Best for safaris & outdoor activities: June to October (dry season). Fewer people in March to May (rainy season), although certain parks could be muddy.
✔ Safety Advice 🔹 Especially in downtown areas, avoid walking alone at night. 🔹 Keep valuables safe; utilize hotel safes for passports. Be wary of street vendors and stay away from carrying significant quantities of cash.
✔ Visa & Entry Policies Most tourists require an eVisa, which you may request online.
✔ Payments & Currency
money Kenyian Shilling (KES) Many establishments take Visa and Mastercard; keep cash for local markets.
More than only a layover, Nairobi is a place rich with adventure, culture, and animals. From feeding giraffes to shopping in busy marketplaces to safari trips, Nairobi has something for anyone.
