Also called the Inexperienced Metropolis below the Solar, Nairobi is without doubt one of the high 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, it’s also possible to take a stroll alongside the busy streets and expertise the Inexperienced Metropolis’s historic, cultural, and enterprise aspect.
As a Kenyan native and somebody who’s lived in Nairobi for a few years, I like sharing my metropolis and Nairobi secrets and techniques. Though a few of my favourite spots embody vacationer points of interest, I’ll additionally share with you some native locations, excellent nightlife joints, and hidden gems.
Right here’s my record of a few of the most enjoyable issues to do whereas in Nairobi.
This submit was up to date in 2023 to incorporate new Nairobi points of interest and actions.
25 Issues to Do in Nairobi
As an area Kenyan and somebody who’s lived in Nairobi for a substantial period of time, I’m excited to share with you my favourite Nairobi points of interest, bars, eating places, day journeys, and extra. Nairobi is without doubt one of the top places to visit in all of Kenya. Let’s get into it.
1. Discover the Nairobi Nationwide Park
Nairobi National Park is located a couple of kilometers from the town middle. Except for being top-of-the-line locations to go to in Nairobi, the park is an effective start line for game reserve and safari trips in Kenya.
It’s accessible each by personal and public means from the capital. Nonetheless, one of the best ways to expertise this magical park is by taking a guided sport drive.
Through the 5-hour early morning game drive of the Nairobi National Park, you’ll have the prospect to identify wildlife like lions, black rhinos, cheetahs, buffalos, giraffes, and hippos, in addition to many hen species.
Some individuals 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 called the Nairobi Nursery, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is a superb attraction near the 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 certainly one of my favourite issues to do on a day journey from Nairobi. The sanctuary is located about 25 minutes by taxi from the town middle.
There’s an entrance payment/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 carry the child 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 joining an organized tour. You not solely go to the nursery but additionally the close by Giraffe Heart too.
Handle: 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 every 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 permits you to hand-feed the giraffes, an exercise that rapidly turned a favourite of associates of mine I’ve proven across the space.
The middle is without doubt one of the hottest day journey locations in Nairobi. It’s additionally a part of the Nairobi wildlife experiences which embody a sport drive at Nairobi Nationwide Park, a go to to the Elephant Sanctuary, and the Karen Blixen Museum.
Another choice is to spend an evening at this gorgeous BnB that’s about 1 kilometer (a fast stroll) to each the Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Belief middle.
Handle: Duma Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
4. Expertise Kenyan Tradition on the Bomas of Kenya
The Bomas of Kenya is a vacationer attraction that shows totally different facets of Kenyan tradition and heritage. It’s one other nice choice for a day journey from Nairobi as a result of its proximity to the capital.
When you’re interested by Kenyan communities and their heritage, then the Bomas of Kenya is a must-see. At the same time as an area, I nonetheless discover this type 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 geared toward creating consciousness about Nairobi avenue youngsters by strolling excursions.
Each metropolis on this planet has a narrative – enjoyable, attention-grabbing, or darkish – and Nairobi isn’t any exception. Each traveler returns dwelling with their very own tales primarily based on expertise or hypothesis.
One of many mysteries of the town is why it’s known as “Nairobery.” For a few years, I by no means knew the explanation both.
When you’re eager on unlocking the thriller, like I used to be, be a part of the 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 avenue youngsters who know each nook of the town just like the again of their arms, making this expertise top-of-the-line excursions in Nairobi.
Among the metropolis points of interest featured on the strolling tour embody well-known landmarks, museums, monuments, and previous structure.
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6. Go Purchasing at a Maasai Market
As an area, I like the Maasai Market and nonetheless go to regularly after I’m in Nairobi. It’s no shock that it’s one of many high Nairobi points of interest.
The Maasai Market is an open-air market in Nairobi that’s held in numerous places 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 positioned in Nairobi metropolis middle, (on the excessive courtroom parking zone).
An alternative choice to the Masai Market is the Metropolis Market which is open every day.
When you’re eager to check your bargaining expertise, be a part of this Maasai Market and skyline experience in Nairobi.
7. Go to the Gikomba Market
Located on the outskirts of the town, Gikomba is without doubt one of the greatest markets in Kenya. Distributors out there promote garments, equipment, and different objects.
Due to its measurement and lots of shops, it’s simple to get misplaced out there, even for locals. I’ve in all probability 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 just go together with somebody who is aware of the market properly to information you thru the stalls and to keep away from heading astray.
Handle: 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 amazing Nairobi nightlife experience.
With out experiencing the nightlife, a visit to any metropolis or city is normally 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 really glorious.
You’ll be able to bask in nighttime actions like partying, board gaming, karaoke, dancing, watching performs, or listening to reside bands.
Exploring Nairobi at evening is nice, and it’s a enjoyable and thrilling strategy to expertise the native tradition.
When you’re planning on touring round Kenya, make sure that to take a look at our complete Kenya Travel Guide which presents a lot of info on the issues to do, prices of journey, locations to go to, dos and don’ts, the best way to get across the nation and far more.
9. Go Mountain 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 provide a tremendous day hike outdoors the 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 an awesome 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 an awesome place for solo vacationers and teams. The forest is open every day from 8:00 am to five:00 pm and the charges are reasonably priced.
Please notice that money funds usually are not accepted on the Ngong Hills – solely Mpesa or Card, (Visa or MasterCard).
One of the simplest ways to experience the Ngong hills is to hitch a climbing journey. The climb takes about 5 hours from gate to gate, by open fields and pure forest trails. To high if off you possibly can attempt ziplining over the forest cover (elective).
10. Chase the Githiga Caves and Waterfalls
When you’re in search of waterfalls close to the town, the Githiga Waterfalls needs to be on the high of your record.
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 like waterfalls, and as a tour information, when planning my actions in Nairobi, I’m all the time certain to incorporate locations that provide lovely waterfalls.
Do you want chasing waterfalls too? If sure, join this fun waterfall tour.
11. Expertise Nature on the Karura Forest
When you’re into nature and out of doors actions, you’ve a ok cause to go to Nairobi – particularly, the Karura Forest.
Moreover participating in actions corresponding to jogging and biking, Karura Forest is an excellent place for hen watching, strolling, and enjoyable.
The forest is open every day from 6:00 am to six:00 pm (gates shut at 7:00 pm).
For first-timers, it’s greatest to visit and experience Karura Forest with somebody who is aware of the paths properly. They’ll be capable of expertly information you thru the tracks, which is very useful when working or biking.
12. Go to a Native Farmer’s Market
Moreover wildlife, safaris, and nightlife, there are different enjoyable issues to do in Nairobi, corresponding to visiting a local farmer’s market.
There are numerous 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 pieces from contemporary 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 Cook dinner a Conventional Kenyan Meal
Shopping for, getting ready, and cooking Kenyan food is without doubt one of the most enjoyable actions in Nairobi, and this cooking class immerses you into the individuals’s lifestyle and their tradition. It’s good for those who’re a bit adventurous and interested by creating some Kenyan meals for your self.
When you’re not out there portion of the tour, the identical chef additionally has the identical tour minus the market go to, and it’s a bit bit cheaper. Be taught extra here.
If that is one thing that pursuits you, try locals who provide such experiences, usually from their very own houses!.
14. Go to a Kenyan Espresso Farm
The most effective issues to do in Nairobi is to go to a espresso farm, and the preferred espresso farms close to the town are Fairview Coffee Estate and Karunguru Coffee Farm.
A go to to both of those farms presents an opportunity to be taught all the pieces you can want to learn about Kenyan espresso. You’ll be taken on a journey of how it’s grown, processed, roasted, and ready. On the finish of this excellent expertise, you’ll get to take pleasure in a cup of espresso while watching the on a regular basis actions of the scenic farms.
When you’re the kind of traveler in search of grassroots schooling, there’s no higher place in Africa to immerse your self in espresso than Kenya. Join a tour and discover ways to roast your individual beans for the right 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 manner to offer for his or her households. Touted as one of many world’s greatest tea international locations, the Kenyan tea story is each lovely and academic.
From choosing the leaves to understanding the method of tea manufacturing, Limuru is without doubt one of the locations you have 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, be taught the method, and get hands-on as you put together your individual cup of tea.
A number of native hosts provide immersive tea farm tours near 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 discuss our cultures greater than phrases can, and studying the best way to make music from these devices is an artwork you’ll be happy to share while you return dwelling.
The Bomas of Kenya is without doubt one of the most original locations to go to in Nairobi the place you possibly can study Kenyan music. Simply previous the Utamadumi restaurant, there are retailers that showcase and promote conventional musical devices.
Alternatively, vacationers can learn how to play African instruments like Djembe from skilled dance artists in Nairobi.
17. Be part of a Tour of the Karen Blixen Museum
Karen Blixen Museum Tour is certainly one of 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 good looking farmhouse and park the place Baroness Karen von Blixen, writer of Out of Africa, lived from 1914 till 1931.
When you love historical past, it is a excellent spot to study Nairobi throughout the early years of the twentieth century. There’s quite a lot of info, and each time I go to I be taught one thing new and attention-grabbing.
The museum is open every day for guided excursions and moreover studying, you’ll additionally discover Karen’s books in addition to souvenirs within the present store.
Afterward, you possibly can take pleasure in a cup of espresso on the Tamambo Restaurant or go to the close by Kazuri Beads Factory.
Handle: Karen Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
18. Take an Empowerment Strolling Tour of Kibera
The Kibera Empowerment walking tour is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Nairobi. This domestically guided tour takes you thru the biggest slum in Africa.
Among the experiences embody 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
When you love artwork, then Pawa254 is a must-visit. Go to this a artistic house in Nairobi for artists, painters, and storytellers to listen to the stories of Kenya from Imbaka. Right here, you possibly can take pleasure in each vocal and visible tales.
We’re all tales, or quite, our tales outline us. Tales about Kenya – how we reside, dance, play, worship, and extra, are properly 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, conflict 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 the town intermingle. New streets pop up, and previous 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
Situated a couple of minutes from the town middle, Nairobi National Museum is without doubt one of the greatest 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 National Museum experience could be very standard with locals and worldwide guests. I do know, having loved it simply as a lot because the worldwide associates I’ve taken there.
Handle: 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 house for remembering victims of the 1998 US embassy bombing.
The knowledge middle showcases pictures and a documentary of occasions resulting in the dual bombings in Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam.
Handle: Junction of Moi Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya
23. Go on a Day Journey to the Amboseli Nationwide Park
One of the vital wonderful nationwide parks close to the town is Amboseli, certainly one of my all-time favorites wherever on this planet for gorgeous panoramic views.
When you’re quick on time however nonetheless desire a safari expertise outdoors Nairobi, you must completely think about a day trip to the Amboseli National Park.
Most safari journeys to nationwide parks and tourist attractions in Kenya are simply accessed from Nairobi, together with Amboseli, positioned about 4 hours away.
You’ll get the prospect to go on a sport drive, spot Mount Kilimanjaro, go to an area 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 like concerning 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 had been constructed, and reveals the Kenya-Uganda railway. Outdoors the principle constructing, there’s a show of previous 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 points of interest in Nairobi, you may need to spend a day away from the town within the nice outdoor at Hell’s Gate National Park.
Located about 90 kilometers outdoors Nairobi, the park could be very distinctive and the one one in Kenya the place you possibly can stroll or cycle within the wild. You’ll be able to cycle while having fun with nice landscapes, and watch wildlife corresponding 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 experience.
See additionally: 15 Best Things To Do in Naivasha
Nairobi has many points of interest that attraction to those that are concerned about historical past, artwork and native tradition, wildlife, nature, or purchasing. Among the different standard customer points of interest embody the Nairobi Arboretum, Oloolua Nature Path, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Uhuru Gardens, and the African Heritage House.
Go to and discover authentic 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, under is a listing of enjoyable issues to do in Nairobi. It contains itineraries for Nairobi for those who’re visiting for the day, three days, or every week.
1 Day in Nairobi Itinerary
When you’ve solely received sooner or later in Nairobi, you’ll must plan effectively. This itinerary permits you to get a great sampling of the highest actions to do within the metropolis.
Begin your day by heading to the outskirts of the town. Go to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary and the close by Giraffe Heart. Afterward, return to the 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 just may in any other case miss alone. You additionally get an opportunity to check your bargaining talents while searching for presents on the Masai Market (open air) or Metropolis Market.
There’s no higher strategy to finish your sooner or later in Nairobi than to expertise the town’s nightlife. There are a selection of eating places and bars price visiting. There are numerous decisions that provide good meals, drinks, and occasional reside bands.
2-3 Days in Nairobi Itinerary
It’s doable to cowl a few of the greatest issues to do in Nairobi in a day. Nonetheless, if I’m trustworthy, 24 hours within the metropolis isn’t enough to expertise all of the wonderful actions the town is understood for.
I really helpful staying for not less than 2 days in Nairobi to see all the principle points of interest. Beneath are the issues you have to do in Nairobi in 3 days.
The first day in Nairobi needs to be devoted to a wildlife expertise. It prepares you for safari expeditions if in case you have extra time in Kenya. Your first cease would be the Nairobi Nationwide Park for a sport drive. In a while, you possibly can go to the Elephant Sanctuary and Giraffe Heart.
There are a number of enjoyable locations to go to in Nairobi Metropolis Heart. In your second day, you’ll begin by strolling alongside the streets of the town. Right here, you’ll recognize historical structure, see essential monuments, and be taught 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 be taught concerning the wealthy tradition and heritage of Kenya. Watch conventional dances, see homesteads, and luxuriate in native delicacies on the Utamaduni restaurant afterward.
1 Week in Nairobi Itinerary
You probably have an entire week in Nairobi, it’s doable to expertise all the pieces throughout 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 Heart.
Thursday to Friday: Discover different locations to go to close to Nairobi. You’ll be able to be a 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 needs to be spent exploring the town, visiting artists in Kibera, sampling conventional meals, and immersing in Kenya’s tradition. Finish your weekend by experiencing the most effective of the town’s nightlife.
FAQs About Issues to Do in Nairobi
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Nairobi.
There are numerous low-cost locations to go to in Nairobi. These embody the Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe Heart, Masai Market, and Railway Museum. You may also expertise the 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 few of the high points of interest in Nairobi.
Exploring Nairobi on foot with former avenue youngsters, consuming conventional meals at Ronalo meals, and visiting the Giraffe Heart are thought-about the preferred actions in Nairobi.
Visits to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary happen every single day 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. Nonetheless, for those who’re becoming a member of a day journey to the Elephant Sanctuary, a reserving might be made in your behalf.
There are a number of vacationer points of interest close to Nairobi Nationwide Park just like the Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe Heart, Uhuru Gardens, and Mamba village.
There are a number of points of interest 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 points of interest 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 foremost airport for arrivals. It’s positioned about 18 Kilometers from the town middle and shared taxis like Uber are the most affordable and best choice on the subject of transfers to your lodges in Nairobi. A visit into most neighborhoods prices about Kshs 2000.
You’ll be able to expertise Kenyan delicacies on the Ronalo Kosewe Meals or Kilimanjaro restaurant positioned alongside Kimathi avenue. They’ve totally different Kenyan dishes like ugali and fish which begins at Ksh 500. Nyama Choma, (barbecue), can also be obtainable from roadside eating places which matches properly with a chilly Tusker beer.
Now You Know What to Do in Nairobi
There are numerous locations to go to and issues to do in Nairobi. The actions are located both close to the 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 bask in historic excursions and nightlife, Nairobi won’t disappoint.
Go to Kenya and uncover the enjoyable, the wild, and the cultural aspect of the Inexperienced Metropolis Beneath the Solar.
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