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 residence to a combination 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 aspect.
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 embody vacationer sights, I’ll additionally share with you some native locations, excellent nightlife joints, and hidden gems.
Right here’s my checklist of among the most fun 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 a number of kilometers from town middle. Except for being among the best locations to go to in Nairobi, the park is an effective start line for recreation reserve and safari journeys in Kenya.
It’s accessible each by personal and public means from the capital. Nonetheless, the easiest way to expertise this magical park is by taking a guided recreation drive.
Through the 5-hour early morning recreation 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 fowl 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 residence to rhinos, hyenas, and different wild animals. It ranks excessive up as among the best 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 superb 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 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 deliver the child elephants to a feeding space the place the general public can see them.
The easiest way 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 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, training, 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 permits you to hand-feed the giraffes, an exercise that shortly turned a favourite of buddies 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 embody a recreation 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 beautiful 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 completely 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.
Should you’re interested by 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 variety via 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 road youngsters via strolling excursions.
Each metropolis on this planet has a narrative – enjoyable, attention-grabbing, or darkish – and Nairobi is not any exception. Each traveler returns residence with their very own tales primarily based 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 explanation both.
Should you’re eager on unlocking the thriller, like I used to be, be a part of town strolling tour and wander alongside the alleys. You’ll uncover and perceive its previous and current via the eyes of those that have lived right here night time and day.
The excursions are run by a youthful technology from slums and former road children who know each nook of town just like the again of their palms, making this expertise among the best excursions in Nairobi.
A number of the metropolis sights featured on the strolling tour embody well-known landmarks, museums, monuments, and previous structure.
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6. Go Buying 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 several areas all through the week.
Vacationers go to the Masai Market to see and store for items and keepsakes like work, beads, jewellery, materials, and wooden carvings.
One of the best days to go to are Saturdays and Sundays when the market is situated in Nairobi metropolis middle, (on the excessive courtroom parking zone).
An alternative choice to the Masai Market is the Metropolis Market which is open each day.
Should you’re eager to check your bargaining expertise, be a 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 out there promote garments, equipment, and different gadgets.
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 probably the most adventurous locations to go to in Nairobi.
I like to recommend that you just go together with somebody who is aware of the market nicely 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 superb Nairobi nightlife expertise.
With out experiencing the nightlife, a visit to any metropolis or city is normally incomplete. In my youthful years, I spent a number of time having fun with late nights out in Nairobi and I can say from expertise that the nightlife is really wonderful.
You may take pleasure in nighttime actions like partying, board gaming, karaoke, dancing, watching performs, or listening to reside bands.
Exploring Nairobi at night time is nice, and it’s a enjoyable and thrilling method to expertise the native tradition.
Should you’re planning on touring round Kenya, be sure that to take a look at our full Kenya Journey Information which presents a number of data on the issues to do, prices of journey, locations to go to, dos and don’ts, get across the nation and way more.
9. Go Climbing on the Ngong Hills
Located some kilometers from Ngong City, the Ngong Hills are among the best locations to go to close to Nairobi. The hills provide an incredible day hike outdoors town with unbelievable views of the good rift valley.
For so long as I’ve lived in Nairobi, I’ve all the time thought of Ngong Hills an amazing vacation spot. The seven hills from the Ngong Forest Gate to Kona Baridi will take a look at your health degree and reward you with essentially the most memorable expertise.
There aren’t any wild animals in Ngong Hills, making it an amazing 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 word that money funds should not accepted on the Ngong Hills – solely Mpesa or Card, (Visa or MasterCard).
The easiest way to expertise the Ngong hills is to affix a climbing journey. The climb takes about 5 hours from gate to gate, via open fields and pure forest trails. To prime if off you’ll be able to strive ziplining over the forest cover (non-compulsory).
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 checklist.
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 through the wrestle for independence.
I really like waterfalls, and as a tour information, when planning my actions in Nairobi, I’m all the time positive to incorporate locations that provide stunning waterfalls.
Do you want chasing waterfalls too? If sure, be a part of this enjoyable waterfall tour.
11. Expertise Nature on the Karura Forest
Should you’re into nature and outside actions, you’ve got a adequate cause to go to Nairobi – particularly, the Karura Forest.
Moreover participating in actions reminiscent of jogging and biking, Karura Forest is a superb place for fowl 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 greatest to go to and expertise Karura Forest with somebody who is aware of the paths nicely. They’ll be capable of expertly information you thru the tracks, which is particularly 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, reminiscent of visiting a neighborhood farmer’s market.
There are a lot of grocery outlets in Nairobi neighborhoods, however for an adventurous and great buying expertise, I want visiting the Metropolis Park Market.
This native market has every part 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. Study to Prepare dinner a Conventional Kenyan Meal
Shopping for, getting ready, and cooking Kenyan meals is among the most enjoyable actions in Nairobi, and this cooking class immerses you into the individuals’s lifestyle and their tradition. It’s good in the event you’re slightly adventurous and interested by creating some Kenyan meals for your self.
Should 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 slightly bit cheaper. Study extra right here.
If that is one thing that pursuits you, try locals who provide such experiences, usually from their very own properties!.
14. Go to a Kenyan Espresso Farm
Probably the greatest issues to do in Nairobi is to go to a espresso farm, and the most well-liked espresso farms close to town are Fairview Espresso Property and Karunguru Espresso Farm.
A go to to both of those farms presents an opportunity to be taught every part you could possibly 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 glorious expertise, you’ll get to get pleasure from 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 training, there’s no higher place in Africa to immerse your self in espresso than Kenya. Be a 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 means to offer for his or her households. Touted as one of many world’s greatest tea nations, the Kenyan tea story is each stunning and academic.
From choosing the leaves to understanding the method of tea manufacturing, Limuru is among the locations it’s essential 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 excursions close to Nairobi, the place you’ll be taken to a tea farm in a spot like Tigoni.
16. Study to Play the African Djembe Drum
Identical to in different nations, 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 make music from these devices is an artwork you’ll be happy to share while you return residence.
The Bomas of Kenya is among the most unusual 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 outlets 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 a 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 stupendous farmhouse and park the place Baroness Karen von Blixen, writer of Out of Africa, lived from 1914 till 1931.
Should you love historical past, this can be a good spot to find out about Nairobi through the early years of the twentieth century. There’s an excessive amount of data, and each time I go to I be taught one thing new and attention-grabbing.
The museum is open each day for guided excursions and moreover studying, you’ll additionally discover Karen’s books in addition to souvenirs within the reward store.
Afterward, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a cup of espresso on the Tamambo Restaurant or go to the close by Kazuri Beads Manufacturing unit.
Handle: Karen Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
18. Take an Empowerment Strolling Tour of Kibera
The Kibera Empowerment strolling tour is among the greatest issues to do in Nairobi. This domestically guided tour takes you thru the most important slum in Africa.
A number of the experiences embody visiting a crafts middle and listening to highly effective tales from dreamers and creatives who name the slum residence – probably the most genuine experiences in Nairobi.
19. Hearken to the Tales of Kenya at Pawa254
Should you love artwork, then Pawa254 is a must-visit. Go to this a inventive house in Nairobi for artists, painters, and storytellers to hearken to the tales of Kenya from Imbaka. Right here, you’ll be able to get pleasure from each vocal and visible tales.
We’re all tales, or fairly, our tales outline us. Tales about Kenya – how we reside, dance, play, worship, and extra, are nicely 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, warfare 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 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 via any a part of Nairobi is a journey of discovery, one which I get pleasure from 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 town middle, Nairobi Nationwide Museum is among 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 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 buddies 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 outside house for remembering victims of the 1998 US embassy bombing.
The data 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
Some of the superb nationwide parks close to town is Amboseli, one in all my all-time favorites wherever on this planet for gorgeous panoramic views.
Should you’re quick on time however nonetheless desire a safari expertise outdoors Nairobi, you need 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 recreation 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 info and details about the railways of Kenya and the way they had been constructed, and reveals the Kenya-Uganda railway. Exterior the principle constructing, there’s a show of previous locomotives together with the well-known Garatts.
In your method 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 open air at Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park.
Located about 90 kilometers outdoors 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 may cycle while having fun with nice landscapes, and watch wildlife reminiscent of 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 Greatest Issues To Do in Naivasha
Nairobi has many sights that enchantment to those that are eager about historical past, artwork and native tradition, wildlife, nature, or buying. A number of the different common customer sights embody 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’s to do and see?
If sure, beneath is a listing of enjoyable issues to do in Nairobi. It consists of itineraries for Nairobi in the event you’re visiting for the day, three days, or every week.
1 Day in Nairobi Itinerary
Should you’ve solely acquired at some point in Nairobi, you’ll should plan effectively. This itinerary permits you to get a superb 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 Heart. 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 just would possibly in any other case miss alone. You additionally get an opportunity to check your bargaining talents while looking for items on the Masai Market (open air) or Metropolis Market.
There’s no higher method to finish your at some point in Nairobi than to expertise town’s nightlife. There are a variety of eating places and bars price visiting. There are a lot of decisions that provide good meals, drinks, and occasional reside bands.
2-3 Days in Nairobi Itinerary
It’s attainable to cowl among the greatest issues to do in Nairobi in a day. Nonetheless, if I’m sincere, 24 hours within the metropolis isn’t ample to expertise all of the superb actions town is thought for.
I advisable staying for no less than 2 days in Nairobi to see all the principle sights. Under are the issues it’s essential 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 recreation drive. In a while, you’ll be able to 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 town. Right here, you’ll respect 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 in regards to the wealthy tradition and heritage of Kenya. Watch conventional dances, see homesteads, and luxuriate in native delicacies on the Utamaduni restaurant in a while.
1 Week in Nairobi Itinerary
You probably have an entire week in Nairobi, it’s attainable to expertise every part throughout the metropolis and even get pleasure from enjoyable day journeys.
Monday to Wednesday: Go on a recreation 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 may 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 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 very best of town’s nightlife.
FAQs About Issues to Do in Nairobi
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Nairobi.
There are a lot of low cost locations to go to in Nairobi. These embody the Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe Heart, 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 among the prime sights in Nairobi.
Exploring Nairobi on foot with former road children, consuming conventional meals at Ronalo meals, and visiting the Giraffe Heart are thought of the most well-liked 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 via advance reserving solely. Nonetheless, in the event you’re becoming a member of a day journey to the Elephant Sanctuary, a reserving will probably be made in your behalf.
There are a number of vacationer sights close to Nairobi Nationwide Park just like the Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe Heart, Uhuru Gardens, and Mamba village.
There are a number of sights and issues to do close to Karen Blixen Museum like Kazuri Beads Manufacturing unit, 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 foremost airport for arrivals. It’s situated about 18 Kilometers from town middle and shared taxis like Uber are the most affordable and best choice relating to transfers to your resorts in Nairobi. A visit into most neighborhoods prices about Kshs 2000.
You may 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 nicely 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 recreation 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 aspect of the Inexperienced Metropolis Below the Solar.
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