Also referred to as the Inexperienced Metropolis below the Solar, Nairobi is among the prime vacationer locations in Africa. It’s a vibrant capital that’s dwelling to a mix of wildlife, nature, and cultural heritage.
With a nationwide park located on its outskirts and a Giraffe Centre and Elephant Sanctuary close by, it’s simple to see why so many guests are drawn to this metropolis. Moreover visiting museums, you can even take a stroll alongside the busy streets and expertise the Inexperienced Metropolis’s historic, cultural, and enterprise facet.
As a Kenyan native and somebody who’s lived in Nairobi for a few years, I really like sharing my metropolis and Nairobi secrets and techniques. Though a few of my favourite spots embrace vacationer sights, I’ll additionally share with you some native locations, excellent nightlife joints, and hidden gems.
Right here’s my listing of a number of the most enjoyable issues to do whereas in Nairobi.
This submit was up to date in 2023 to incorporate new Nairobi sights and actions.
25 Issues to Do in Nairobi
As a neighborhood Kenyan and somebody who’s lived in Nairobi for a substantial period of time, I’m excited to share with you my favourite Nairobi sights, bars, eating places, day journeys, and extra. Nairobi is among the prime locations to go to in all of Kenya. Let’s get into it.
1. Discover the Nairobi Nationwide Park
Nairobi Nationwide Park is located just a few kilometers from town middle. Except for being top-of-the-line locations to go to in Nairobi, the park is an efficient place to begin for sport reserve and safari journeys in Kenya.
It’s accessible each by non-public and public means from the capital. Nevertheless, the easiest way to expertise this magical park is by taking a guided sport drive.
Through the 5-hour early morning sport drive of the Nairobi Nationwide Park, you’ll have the prospect to identify wildlife like lions, black rhinos, cheetahs, buffalos, giraffes, and hippos, in addition to many chicken species.
Some folks want doing the sport drive solely, however visiting the Safari Stroll contained in the park can also be each educating and refreshing. The safari stroll is dwelling to rhinos, hyenas, and different wild animals. It ranks excessive up as top-of-the-line locations to go to in Nairobi for {couples}.
2. Go to the Nairobi Elephant Sanctuary
Also referred to as the Nairobi Nursery, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is a good attraction near town. It’s a sanctuary the place orphaned elephants are taken care of earlier than being re-introduced into the wild.
Visiting the Elephant Sanctuary is one in all my favourite issues to do on a day journey from Nairobi. The sanctuary is located about 25 minutes by taxi from town middle.
There’s an entrance charge/donation of 1500 shillings ($15), and it’s solely open to guests for an hour: between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. That is the time when the keepers convey the infant elephants to a feeding space the place the general public can see them.
One of the simplest ways to expertise the Elephant Sanctuary is by becoming a member of an organized tour. You not solely go to the nursery but in addition the close by Giraffe Middle too.
Tackle: KWS Central Workshop Gate, Magadi Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
3. Go to the Giraffe Centre
An initiative of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, (AFEW), The Giraffe Centre is a conservation, schooling, and breeding middle for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.
It’s open each day between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, together with weekends and public holidays. Except for the knowledge middle, there’s additionally an elevated platform that means that you can hand-feed the giraffes, an exercise that shortly turned a favourite of pals of mine I’ve proven across the space.
The middle is among the hottest day journey locations in Nairobi. It’s additionally a part of the Nairobi wildlife experiences which embrace a sport drive at Nairobi Nationwide Park, a go to to the Elephant Sanctuary, and the Karen Blixen Museum.
An alternative choice is to spend an evening at this attractive BnB that’s about 1 kilometer (a fast stroll) to each the Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Belief middle.
Tackle: Duma Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
4. Expertise Kenyan Tradition on the Bomas of Kenya
The Bomas of Kenya is a vacationer attraction that shows completely different points of Kenyan tradition and heritage. It’s one other nice possibility for a day journey from Nairobi resulting from its proximity to the capital.
Should you’re inquisitive about Kenyan communities and their heritage, then the Bomas of Kenya is a must-see. At the same time as a neighborhood, I nonetheless discover this sort of cultural tour fascinating as a glimpse into one other lifestyle.
On the tour, you’ll expertise Kenyan range by conventional dances, meals, and vernacular structure.
Nai Nami (Nairobi With Me) is an initiative began by youths and is aimed toward creating consciousness about Nairobi road youngsters by strolling excursions.
Each metropolis on the planet has a narrative – enjoyable, attention-grabbing, or darkish – and Nairobi isn’t any exception. Each traveler returns dwelling with their very own tales based mostly on expertise or hypothesis.
One of many mysteries of town is why it’s known as “Nairobery.” For a few years, I by no means knew the rationale both.
Should you’re eager on unlocking the thriller, like I used to be, be part of town strolling tour and wander alongside the alleys. You’ll uncover and perceive its previous and current by the eyes of those that have lived right here evening and day.
The excursions are run by a youthful technology from slums and former road youngsters who know each nook of town just like the again of their palms, making this expertise top-of-the-line excursions in Nairobi.
A few of the metropolis sights featured on the strolling tour embrace well-known landmarks, museums, monuments, and outdated structure.
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6. Go Purchasing at a Maasai Market
As a neighborhood, I really like the Maasai Market and nonetheless go to regularly after I’m in Nairobi. It’s no shock that it’s one of many prime Nairobi sights.
The Maasai Market is an open-air market in Nairobi that’s held in numerous areas all through the week.
Vacationers go to the Masai Market to see and store for presents and keepsakes like work, beads, jewellery, materials, and wooden carvings.
The perfect days to go to are Saturdays and Sundays when the market is situated in Nairobi metropolis middle, (on the excessive courtroom parking zone).
A substitute for the Masai Market is the Metropolis Market which is open each day.
Should you’re eager to check your bargaining abilities, be part of this Maasai Market and skyline expertise in Nairobi.
7. Go to the Gikomba Market
Located on the outskirts of town, Gikomba is among the largest markets in Kenya. Distributors available in the market promote garments, equipment, and different objects.
Due to its dimension and lots of shops, it’s simple to get misplaced available in the market, even for locals. I’ve most likely gotten misplaced each time I’ve visited. Though considerably daunting, this additionally makes it one of the vital adventurous locations to go to in Nairobi.
I like to recommend that you simply go along with somebody who is aware of the market effectively to information you thru the stalls and to keep away from heading off beam.
Tackle: Kamukunji Street, Nairobi, Kenya
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8. Expertise the Nairobi Nightlife
Check out native meals like Nyama Choma and Kachumbari, drink Tusker beer (an East African pale lager), and create some moments to recollect by becoming a member of this wonderful Nairobi nightlife expertise.
With out experiencing the nightlife, a visit to any metropolis or city is often incomplete. In my youthful years, I spent loads of time having fun with late nights out in Nairobi and I can say from expertise that the nightlife is actually wonderful.
You possibly can take pleasure in nighttime actions like partying, board gaming, karaoke, dancing, watching performs, or listening to dwell bands.
Exploring Nairobi at evening is nice, and it’s a enjoyable and thrilling strategy to expertise the native tradition.
Should you’re planning on touring round Kenya, be sure to take a look at our full Kenya Journey Information which gives plenty of data on the issues to do, prices of journey, locations to go to, dos and don’ts, methods to get across the nation and rather more.
9. Go Climbing on the Ngong Hills
Located some kilometers from Ngong City, the Ngong Hills are top-of-the-line locations to go to close to Nairobi. The hills supply a tremendous day hike exterior town with unbelievable views of the nice rift valley.
For so long as I’ve lived in Nairobi, I’ve all the time thought-about Ngong Hills a terrific vacation spot. The seven hills from the Ngong Forest Gate to Kona Baridi will check your health degree and reward you with essentially the most memorable expertise.
There aren’t any wild animals in Ngong Hills, making it a terrific place for solo vacationers and teams. The forest is open each day from 8:00 am to five:00 pm and the charges are inexpensive.
Please notice that money funds are usually not accepted on the Ngong Hills – solely Mpesa or Card, (Visa or MasterCard).
One of the simplest ways to expertise the Ngong hills is to affix a mountaineering journey. The climb takes about 5 hours from gate to gate, by open fields and pure forest trails. To prime if off you’ll be able to strive ziplining over the forest cover (optionally available).
10. Chase the Githiga Caves and Waterfalls
Should you’re on the lookout for waterfalls close to town, the Githiga Waterfalls ought to be on the prime of your listing.
Karuru Falls (within the Aberdares) and Ragia Falls are essentially the most spectacular, however the beauty of visiting the Githiga waterfalls is that the journey takes you thru idyllic highlands and tea farms.
And on the finish, you’ll see caves the place Kenyan freedom fighters hid throughout the battle for independence.
I really like waterfalls, and as a tour information, when planning my actions in Nairobi, I’m all the time certain to incorporate locations that supply lovely waterfalls.
Do you want chasing waterfalls too? If sure, be part of this enjoyable waterfall tour.
11. Expertise Nature on the Karura Forest
Should you’re into nature and out of doors actions, you have got a ok cause to go to Nairobi – particularly, the Karura Forest.
Moreover participating in actions equivalent to jogging and biking, Karura Forest is a superb place for chicken watching, strolling, and enjoyable.
The forest is open each day from 6:00 am to six:00 pm (gates shut at 7:00 pm).
For first-timers, it’s finest to go to and expertise Karura Forest with somebody who is aware of the paths effectively. They’ll be capable to expertly information you thru the tracks, which is very useful when operating or biking.
12. Go to a Native Farmer’s Market
Moreover wildlife, safaris, and nightlife, there are different enjoyable issues to do in Nairobi, equivalent to visiting a neighborhood farmer’s market.
There are a lot of grocery retailers in Nairobi neighborhoods, however for an adventurous and great purchasing expertise, I want visiting the Metropolis Park Market.
This native market has all the things from recent greens and fruits, to meat and cereals. It’s located near a public park the place locals and residents hand around in the night.
13. Be taught to Prepare dinner a Conventional Kenyan Meal
Shopping for, making ready, and cooking Kenyan meals is among the most enjoyable actions in Nairobi, and this cooking class immerses you into the folks’s lifestyle and their tradition. It’s excellent should you’re just a little adventurous and inquisitive about creating some Kenyan meals for your self.
Should you’re not available in the market portion of the tour, the identical chef additionally has the identical tour minus the market go to, and it’s just a little bit cheaper. Be taught extra right here.
If that is one thing that pursuits you, take a look at locals who supply such experiences, usually from their very own properties!.
14. Go to a Kenyan Espresso Farm
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Nairobi is to go to a espresso farm, and the preferred espresso farms close to town are Fairview Espresso Property and Karunguru Espresso Farm.
A go to to both of those farms gives an opportunity to study all the things you may want to find out about Kenyan espresso. You’ll be taken on a journey of how it’s grown, processed, roasted, and ready. On the finish of this glorious expertise, you’ll get to take pleasure in a cup of espresso while watching the on a regular basis actions of the scenic farms.
Should you’re the kind of traveler on the lookout for grassroots schooling, there’s no higher place in Africa to immerse your self in espresso than Kenya. Be part of a tour and learn to roast your individual beans for the proper cup of espresso.
15. Go to a Tea Farm in Limuru
Tea is a lot greater than only a beverage. It’s additionally a tradition, and for a lot of Kenyans, a method to offer for his or her households. Touted as one of many world’s finest tea international locations, the Kenyan tea story is each lovely and academic.
From selecting the leaves to understanding the method of tea manufacturing, Limuru is among the locations you will need to go to close to Nairobi.
A visit to one of many tea-growing farms in Limuru like Tigoni will get you out of the busy metropolis and likewise takes you thru the gorgeous landscapes of the Kenyan highlands.
Moreover, you get to work together with locals, study the method, and get hands-on as you put together your individual cup of tea.
A number of native hosts supply immersive tea farm excursions close to Nairobi, the place you’ll be taken to a tea farm in a spot like Tigoni.
16. Be taught to Play the African Djembe Drum
Identical to in different international locations, conventional music is a type of language for Kenyans. The accompanying beats and percussions are therapeutic.
Devices such because the djembe drums, Litungu, and shakers talk about our cultures greater than phrases can, and studying methods to make music from these devices is an artwork you’ll be happy to share whenever you return dwelling.
The Bomas of Kenya is among the most original locations to go to in Nairobi the place you’ll be able to find out about Kenyan music. Simply previous the Utamadumi restaurant, there are retailers that showcase and promote conventional musical devices.
Alternatively, vacationers can learn to play African devices like Djembe from skilled dance artists in Nairobi.
17. Be part of a Tour of the Karen Blixen Museum
Karen Blixen Museum Tour is one in all our greatest for Nairobi sightseeing. It explores the life, love, struggles, and tragedies of Karen Blixen throughout her time in Kenya.
This museum is a gorgeous farmhouse and park the place Baroness Karen von Blixen, creator of Out of Africa, lived from 1914 till 1931.
Should you love historical past, it is a good spot to find out about Nairobi throughout the early years of the twentieth century. There’s a substantial amount of data, and each time I go to I study one thing new and attention-grabbing.
The museum is open each day for guided excursions and in addition to studying, you’ll additionally discover Karen’s books in addition to souvenirs within the reward store.
Afterward, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a cup of espresso on the Tamambo Restaurant or go to the close by Kazuri Beads Manufacturing facility.
Tackle: Karen Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
18. Take an Empowerment Strolling Tour of Kibera
The Kibera Empowerment strolling tour is among the finest issues to do in Nairobi. This domestically guided tour takes you thru the most important slum in Africa.
A few of the experiences embrace visiting a crafts middle and listening to highly effective tales from dreamers and creatives who name the slum dwelling – one of the vital genuine experiences in Nairobi.
19. Take heed to the Tales of Kenya at Pawa254
Should you love artwork, then Pawa254 is a must-visit. Go to this a artistic area in Nairobi for artists, painters, and storytellers to hearken to the tales of Kenya from Imbaka. Right here, you’ll be able to take pleasure in each vocal and visible tales.
We’re all tales, or slightly, our tales outline us. Tales about Kenya – how we dwell, dance, play, worship, and extra, are effectively price exploring in your journey to Nairobi.
20. Stroll in Search of Nairobi Monuments
Nairobi wouldn’t be a number one vacationer vacation spot in Kenya with out its monuments: Dedan Kimathi statue, Tom Mboya statue, battle memorial pillars, Kipande home, Macmillan library, and lots of extra.
All of those nationwide monuments recount the colonial historical past of Kenya. It’s an journey again in time to when Nairobi was simply however a swamp. Previous, current, and future representations of town intermingle. New streets pop up, and outdated buildings are changed, however some monuments nonetheless stand tall.
There are historic monuments, majestic structure, and statues to stare upon on virtually each nook. Taking a stroll by any a part of Nairobi is a journey of discovery, one which I take pleasure in very a lot each time I hit its bustling metropolis streets.
21. Get Misplaced on the Nairobi Nationwide Museum
Positioned a couple of minutes from town middle, Nairobi Nationwide Museum is among the finest locations to go to in Nairobi. It’s a flagship of the Nationwide Museums of Kenya and homes collections of artworks, tradition, and historical past of Kenya.
The Nairobi Nationwide Museum expertise may be very common with locals and worldwide guests. I do know, having loved it simply as a lot because the worldwide pals I’ve taken there.
Tackle: Kipande Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
22. Go to the August 7 Memorial Park
The August 7 Memorial Park is located alongside Haile Selassie Avenue within the coronary heart of Nairobi. It’s a peaceable out of doors area for remembering victims of the 1998 US embassy bombing.
The knowledge middle showcases photographs and a documentary of occasions resulting in the dual bombings in Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam.
Tackle: Junction of Moi Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya
23. Go on a Day Journey to the Amboseli Nationwide Park
Probably the most wonderful nationwide parks close to town is Amboseli, one in all my all-time favorites wherever on the planet for beautiful panoramic views.
Should you’re quick on time however nonetheless need a safari expertise exterior Nairobi, it is best to completely think about a day journey to the Amboseli Nationwide Park.
Most safari journeys to nationwide parks and vacationer sights in Kenya are simply accessed from Nairobi, together with Amboseli, situated about 4 hours away.
You’ll get the prospect to go on a sport drive, spot Mount Kilimanjaro, go to a neighborhood Masai Village, and nonetheless make it again to Nairobi in time for a nightlife expertise.
24. Discover the Railway Museum
One other place price visiting in Nairobi is the Railway Museum.
What I really like in regards to the museum is its distinction with the close by railway station. Whereas the station is new with fashionable facilities, the museum takes you thru Nairobi’s wealthy historic previous.
It homes details and details about the railways of Kenya and the way they have been constructed, and displays the Kenya-Uganda railway. Outdoors the primary constructing, there’s a show of outdated locomotives together with the well-known Garatts.
In your strategy to the museum, there’s a bridge from which a railway graveyard is seen. Previous rolling inventory from the 1900s is parked alongside the tracks and this expertise brings about concepts of what life with the steam locomotives will need to have been like.
Go to the Nairobi Railway museum and take a tour of the historical past of railway transport in East Africa.
25. Cycle within the Wild on the Hells Gate Nationwide Park
After visiting sights in Nairobi, you would possibly need to spend a day away from town within the nice outdoor at Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park.
Located about 90 kilometers exterior Nairobi, the park may be very distinctive and the one one in Kenya the place you’ll be able to stroll or cycle within the wild. You possibly can cycle while having fun with nice landscapes, and watch wildlife equivalent to giraffes, zebras, and gazelles.
After the actions within the park, go for a swim on the pure pool or go to the close by Lake Naivasha for a ship trip.
See additionally: 15 Finest Issues To Do in Naivasha
Nairobi has many sights that enchantment to those that are desirous about historical past, artwork and native tradition, wildlife, nature, or purchasing. A few of the different common customer sights embrace the Nairobi Arboretum, Oloolua Nature Path, the Kenyatta Worldwide Conference Centre (KICC), Uhuru Gardens, and the African Heritage Home.
Go to and discover genuine experiences in Nairobi.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Nairobi
Are you visiting Kenya’s capital quickly and questioning what there may be to do and see?
If sure, beneath is a listing of enjoyable issues to do in Nairobi. It contains itineraries for Nairobi should you’re visiting for the day, three days, or every week.
1 Day in Nairobi Itinerary
Should you’ve solely obtained someday in Nairobi, you’ll must plan effectively. This itinerary means that you can get sampling of the highest actions to do within the metropolis.
Begin your day by heading to the outskirts of town. Go to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary and the close by Giraffe Middle. Afterward, return to town middle for a strolling tour.
A strolling tour of Nairobi is a must-do. It takes you thru historic buildings, monuments, and museums that you simply would possibly in any other case miss alone. You additionally get an opportunity to check your bargaining talents while looking for presents on the Masai Market (open air) or Metropolis Market.
There’s no higher strategy to finish your someday in Nairobi than to expertise town’s nightlife. There are a variety of eating places and bars price visiting. There are a lot of selections that supply good meals, drinks, and occasional dwell bands.
2-3 Days in Nairobi Itinerary
It’s attainable to cowl a number of the finest issues to do in Nairobi in a day. Nevertheless, if I’m trustworthy, 24 hours within the metropolis isn’t ample to expertise all of the wonderful actions town is thought for.
I advisable staying for at the least 2 days in Nairobi to see all the primary sights. Under are the issues you will need to do in Nairobi in 3 days.
The first day in Nairobi ought to be devoted to a wildlife expertise. It prepares you for safari expeditions when you have extra time in Kenya. Your first cease would be the Nairobi Nationwide Park for a sport drive. In a while, you’ll be able to go to the Elephant Sanctuary and Giraffe Middle.
There are a number of enjoyable locations to go to in Nairobi Metropolis Middle. In your second day, you’ll begin by strolling alongside the streets of town. Right here, you’ll admire historical structure, see vital monuments, and study the historical past of Kenya. The final cease of the day is at a bar or restaurant to expertise Nairobi’s vibrant nightlife.
The third day takes you to Bomas of Kenya the place you study in regards to the wealthy tradition and heritage of Kenya. Watch conventional dances, see homesteads, and revel in native delicacies on the Utamaduni restaurant in a while.
1 Week in Nairobi Itinerary
In case you have a complete week in Nairobi, it’s attainable to expertise all the things inside the metropolis and even take pleasure in enjoyable day journeys.
Monday to Wednesday: Go on a sport drive on the Nairobi Nationwide Park and go to different wildlife facilities just like the Giraffe Middle.
Thursday to Friday: Discover different locations to go to close to Nairobi. You possibly can be part of a day journey to Amboseli Nationwide Park, hike Mt Longonot, expertise Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park, and go to Lake Naivasha.
Saturday and Sunday: Your final 2 days in Nairobi ought to be spent exploring town, visiting artists in Kibera, sampling conventional meals, and immersing in Kenya’s tradition. Finish your weekend by experiencing the perfect of town’s nightlife.
FAQs About Issues to Do in Nairobi
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Nairobi.
There are a lot of low cost locations to go to in Nairobi. These embrace the Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe Middle, Masai Market, and Railway Museum. It’s also possible to expertise town on foot or discover its nightlife.
Moreover the Nairobi Nationwide Museum and Bomas of Kenya, the Metropolis Market, Karen Blixen Museum, and Ngong Hills are a number of the prime sights in Nairobi.
Exploring Nairobi on foot with former road youngsters, consuming conventional meals at Ronalo meals, and visiting the Giraffe Middle are thought-about the preferred actions in Nairobi.
Visits to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary happen daily between 11 am and 12 midday. The middle is closed on December twenty fifth. Entry charges are Kshs 1500 and tickets can be found by advance reserving solely. Nevertheless, should you’re becoming a member of a day journey to the Elephant Sanctuary, a reserving shall be made in your behalf.
There are a number of vacationer sights close to Nairobi Nationwide Park just like the Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe Middle, Uhuru Gardens, and Mamba village.
There are a number of sights and issues to do close to Karen Blixen Museum like Kazuri Beads Manufacturing facility, Tamambo restaurant, and Olollua nature path.
There are a number of vacationer sights close to Nairobi Nationwide Museum just like the August seventh Memorial park, KICC, Railway Museum, and Nairobi Gallery.
Jomo Kenyatta Worldwide Airport, (NBO), is the most important airport for arrivals. It’s situated about 18 Kilometers from town middle and shared taxis like Uber are the most affordable and best choice with regards to transfers to your motels in Nairobi. A visit into most neighborhoods prices about Kshs 2000.
You possibly can expertise Kenyan delicacies on the Ronalo Kosewe Meals or Kilimanjaro restaurant situated alongside Kimathi road. They’ve completely different Kenyan dishes like ugali and fish which begins at Ksh 500. Nyama Choma, (barbecue), can also be out there from roadside eating places which fits effectively with a chilly Tusker beer.
Now You Know What to Do in Nairobi
There are a lot of locations to go to and issues to do in Nairobi. The actions are located both close to town or only a quick distance away, however all of them give you a worthwhile expertise.
Whether or not you select to go for a sport drive, nature walks, or take pleasure in historic excursions and nightlife, Nairobi won’t disappoint.
Go to Kenya and uncover the enjoyable, the wild, and the cultural facet of the Inexperienced Metropolis Beneath the Solar.
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