Often known as the Inexperienced Metropolis beneath the Solar, Nairobi is likely one of the prime vacationer locations in Africa. It’s a vibrant capital that’s house 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. Apart from 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 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 fun issues to do whereas in Nairobi.
This publish was up to date in 2023 to incorporate new Nairobi sights 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 sights, bars, eating places, day journeys, and extra. Nairobi is likely one of 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 heart. Except for being among the finest locations to go to in Nairobi, the park is an effective place to begin for recreation reserve and safari journeys in Kenya.
It’s accessible each by personal and public means from the capital. Nevertheless, one of the simplest ways to expertise this magical park is by taking a guided recreation drive.
In the course of the 5-hour early morning recreation drive of the Nairobi Nationwide Park, you’ll have the possibility to identify wildlife like lions, black rhinos, cheetahs, buffalos, giraffes, and hippos, in addition to many chook 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 house to rhinos, hyenas, and different wild animals. It ranks excessive up as among the finest locations to go to in Nairobi for {couples}.
2. Go to the Nairobi Elephant Sanctuary
Often known 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 every of my favourite issues to do on a day journey from Nairobi. The sanctuary is located about 25 minutes by taxi from town heart.
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 deliver 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 becoming a member of 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 heart 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 heart, there’s additionally an elevated platform that means that you can hand-feed the giraffes, an exercise that rapidly grew to become a favourite of mates of mine I’ve proven across the space.
The middle is likely one of the hottest day journey locations in Nairobi. It’s additionally a part of the Nairobi wildlife experiences which embrace 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 attractive BnB that’s about 1 kilometer (a fast stroll) to each the Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Belief heart.
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 features of Kenyan tradition and heritage. It’s one other nice choice for a day journey from Nairobi resulting from its proximity to the capital.
In the event you’re interested in 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 sort of cultural tour fascinating as a glimpse into one other lifestyle.
On the tour, you’ll expertise Kenyan variety by way of 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 kids by way of strolling excursions.
Each metropolis on this planet has a narrative – enjoyable, fascinating, or darkish – and Nairobi isn’t any exception. Each traveler returns house 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.
In the event 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 by way of the eyes of those that have lived right here evening and day.
The excursions are run by a youthful era from slums and former avenue children who know each nook of town just like the again of their palms, making this expertise among the finest excursions in Nairobi.
Among the metropolis sights featured on the strolling tour embrace well-known landmarks, museums, monuments, and previous structure.
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6. Go Procuring at a Maasai Market
As an area, I like the Maasai Market and nonetheless go to regularly once 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 places 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 heart, (on the excessive court docket parking zone).
A substitute for the Masai Market is the Metropolis Market which is open every day.
In the event 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 likely one of the largest markets in Kenya. Distributors out there promote garments, equipment, and different gadgets.
Due to its measurement and plenty of shops, it’s simple to get misplaced out there, even for locals. I’ve most likely gotten misplaced each time I’ve visited. Though considerably daunting, this additionally makes it one of the crucial adventurous locations to go to in Nairobi.
I like to recommend that you just go along with somebody who is aware of the market nicely to information you thru the stalls and to keep away from heading astray.
Handle: Kamukunji Highway, 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 normally incomplete. In my youthful years, I spent plenty of time having fun with late nights out in Nairobi and I can say from expertise that the nightlife is really wonderful.
You’ll be able to take pleasure 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 option to expertise the native tradition.
In the event you’re planning on touring round Kenya, make sure that to take a look at our full Kenya Journey Information which affords plenty of info on the issues to do, prices of journey, locations to go to, dos and don’ts, the right way to 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 finest locations to go to close to Nairobi. The hills provide a tremendous day hike outdoors town with unimaginable 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 excellent 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 excellent place for solo vacationers and teams. The forest is open every 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).
One of the simplest ways to expertise the Ngong hills is to affix a climbing journey. The climb takes about 5 hours from gate to gate, by way of open fields and pure forest trails. To prime if off you possibly can attempt ziplining over the forest cover (non-obligatory).
10. Chase the Githiga Caves and Waterfalls
In the event you’re on the lookout for waterfalls close to town, the Githiga Waterfalls needs 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 through 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 supply 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
In the event you’re into nature and outside actions, you’ve a ok cause to go to Nairobi – particularly, the Karura Forest.
Apart from partaking in actions equivalent to jogging and biking, Karura Forest is an excellent place for chook 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 finest to go to and expertise Karura Forest with somebody who is aware of the paths nicely. 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
Apart from wildlife, safaris, and nightlife, there are different enjoyable issues to do in Nairobi, equivalent to visiting an area farmer’s market.
There are various grocery retailers in Nairobi neighborhoods, however for an adventurous and fantastic buying expertise, I want visiting the Metropolis Park Market.
This native market has every little thing 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. Study to Cook dinner a Conventional Kenyan Meal
Shopping for, making ready, and cooking Kenyan meals is likely one of the most enjoyable actions in Nairobi, and this cooking class immerses you into the folks’s lifestyle and their tradition. It’s excellent when you’re a little bit adventurous and interested in creating some Kenyan meals for your self.
In the event 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 little bit bit cheaper. Study extra right here.
If that is one thing that pursuits you, try locals who provide such experiences, typically from their very own houses!.
14. Go to a Kenyan Espresso Farm
Among the finest 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 affords an opportunity to be taught every little thing 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.
In the event 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 a part of a tour and discover ways to roast your personal 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 supply for his or her households. Touted as one of many world’s finest tea nations, the Kenyan tea story is each stunning and academic.
From choosing the leaves to understanding the method of tea manufacturing, Limuru is likely one of 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.
Apart from, you get to work together with locals, be taught the method, and get hands-on as you put together your personal 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 discuss our cultures greater than phrases can, and studying the right way to make music from these devices is an artwork you’ll be happy to share whenever you return house.
The Bomas of Kenya is likely 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 discover ways 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 every 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 an attractive farmhouse and park the place Baroness Karen von Blixen, creator of Out of Africa, lived from 1914 till 1931.
In the event you love historical past, it is a excellent spot to study Nairobi through the early years of the twentieth century. There’s a substantial amount of info, and each time I go to I be taught one thing new and fascinating.
The museum is open every day for guided excursions and apart from 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 Manufacturing facility.
Handle: Karen Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
18. Take an Empowerment Strolling Tour of Kibera
The Kibera Empowerment strolling tour is likely one of the finest issues to do in Nairobi. This domestically guided tour takes you thru the most important slum in Africa.
Among the experiences embrace visiting a crafts heart and listening to highly effective tales from dreamers and creatives who name the slum house – one of the crucial genuine experiences in Nairobi.
19. Hearken to the Tales of Kenya at Pawa254
In the event you love artwork, then Pawa254 is a must-visit. Go to this a inventive area in Nairobi for artists, painters, and storytellers to take heed to the tales 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 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, battle memorial pillars, Kipande home, Macmillan library, and plenty 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 nearly each nook. Taking a stroll by way of 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 town heart, Nairobi Nationwide Museum is likely one of 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 could be very in style with locals and worldwide guests. I do know, having loved it simply as a lot because the worldwide mates 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 area for remembering victims of the 1998 US embassy bombing.
The data heart 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 crucial wonderful nationwide parks close to town is Amboseli, one in every of my all-time favorites wherever on this planet for beautiful panoramic views.
In the event you’re quick on time however nonetheless need a safari expertise outdoors Nairobi, it’s best to completely take into account 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 possibility to go on a recreation 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 info and details about the railways of Kenya and the way they have been constructed, and displays the Kenya-Uganda railway. Exterior the primary constructing, there’s a show of previous locomotives together with the well-known Garatts.
In your option to the museum, there’s a bridge from which a railway graveyard is seen. Outdated rolling inventory from the 1900s is parked alongside the tracks and this expertise brings about concepts of what life with the steam locomotives should 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 may need to spend a day away from town within the nice outside at Hell’s Gate Nationwide 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 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 journey.
See additionally: 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Naivasha
Nairobi has many sights that enchantment to those that are interested by historical past, artwork and native tradition, wildlife, nature, or buying. Among the different in style 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’s to do and see?
If sure, under is a listing of enjoyable issues to do in Nairobi. It consists of itineraries for Nairobi when you’re visiting for the day, three days, or per week.
1 Day in Nairobi Itinerary
In the event you’ve solely bought at some point in Nairobi, you’ll should 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 Heart. Afterward, return to town heart 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 skills while purchasing for items on the Masai Market (open air) or Metropolis Market.
There’s no higher option 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 various decisions that supply good meals, drinks, and occasional reside bands.
2-3 Days in Nairobi Itinerary
It’s potential to cowl a number of the finest issues to do in Nairobi in a day. Nevertheless, if I’m sincere, 24 hours within the metropolis isn’t ample to expertise all of the wonderful actions town is understood for.
I advisable staying for at the least 2 days in Nairobi to see all the primary sights. Beneath are the issues you will need 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 recreation 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 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 concerning 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
You probably have a complete week in Nairobi, it’s potential to expertise every little thing throughout the metropolis and even take pleasure in 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’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 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 various low cost locations to go to in Nairobi. These embrace the Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe Heart, Masai Market, and Railway Museum. It’s also possible to expertise town on foot or discover its nightlife.
Apart from 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 avenue 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 day by 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 way of advance reserving solely. Nevertheless, when 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 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 main airport for arrivals. It’s situated about 18 Kilometers from town heart and shared taxis like Uber are the most cost effective and best choice on the subject of transfers to your motels 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 situated alongside Kimathi avenue. They’ve completely 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 nicely with a chilly Tusker beer.
Now You Know What to Do in Nairobi
There are various 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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