Also referred to as the Inexperienced Metropolis underneath the Solar, Nairobi is without doubt one of the prime vacationer locations in Africa. It’s a vibrant capital that’s dwelling 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. 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 really like sharing my metropolis and Nairobi secrets and techniques. Though a few of my favourite spots embrace vacationer points of interest, I’ll additionally share with you some native locations, excellent nightlife joints, and hidden gems.
Right here’s my listing of among 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 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 couple of kilometers from the town middle. Apart from being top-of-the-line 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 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 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 one in all 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 best 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 Middle too.
Deal with: 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. Apart from the knowledge middle, there’s additionally an elevated platform that permits you to hand-feed the giraffes, an exercise that shortly grew to become a favourite of mates 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 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 middle.
Deal with: 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 points of Kenyan tradition and heritage. It’s one other nice choice for a day journey from Nairobi because of its proximity to the capital.
If you happen to’re inquisitive about 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 way of 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 way of strolling excursions.
Each metropolis on the earth has a narrative – enjoyable, attention-grabbing, or darkish – and Nairobi is not any exception. Each traveler returns dwelling with their very own tales based mostly 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 rationale both.
If you happen to’re eager on unlocking the thriller, like I used to be, be part of the 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 technology from slums and former road 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.
A number of the metropolis points of interest featured on the strolling tour embrace well-known landmarks, museums, monuments, and outdated structure.
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6. Go Buying at a Maasai Market
As an area, I really like the Maasai Market and nonetheless go to frequently once I’m in Nairobi. It’s no shock that it’s one of many prime Nairobi points of interest.
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 positioned in Nairobi metropolis middle, (on the excessive courtroom parking zone).
A substitute for the Masai Market is the Metropolis Market which is open every day.
If you happen to’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 the town, Gikomba is without doubt one of the largest 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 most likely gotten misplaced each time I’ve visited. Though considerably daunting, this additionally makes it one of the adventurous locations to go to in Nairobi.
I like to recommend that you just go together with somebody who is aware of the market effectively to information you thru the stalls and to keep away from heading off beam.
Deal with: Kamukunji Highway, Nairobi, Kenya
☞ SEE ALSO: 10 Finest Issues To Do in Nanyuki
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 lots 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.
If you happen to’re planning on touring round Kenya, make certain to take a look at our full Kenya Journey Information which provides plenty of info 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 top-of-the-line locations to go to close to Nairobi. The hills supply a tremendous day hike exterior the town with unbelievable views of the good rift valley.
For so long as I’ve lived in Nairobi, I’ve at all times thought of Ngong Hills an important vacation spot. The seven hills from the Ngong Forest Gate to Kona Baridi will check your health degree and reward you with probably the most memorable expertise.
There aren’t any wild animals in Ngong Hills, making it an important 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 word that money funds should not accepted on the Ngong Hills – solely Mpesa or Card, (Visa or MasterCard).
One of the best ways to expertise the Ngong hills is to hitch 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 may strive ziplining over the forest cover (elective).
10. Chase the Githiga Caves and Waterfalls
If you happen to’re searching for waterfalls close to the town, the Githiga Waterfalls needs to be on the prime of your listing.
Karuru Falls (within the Aberdares) and Ragia Falls are probably 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 really like waterfalls, and as a tour information, when planning my actions in Nairobi, I’m at all times certain to incorporate locations that provide lovely waterfalls.
Do you want chasing waterfalls too? If sure, be part of this enjoyable waterfall tour.
11. Expertise Nature on the Karura Forest
If you happen to’re into nature and out of doors actions, you’ve gotten a adequate purpose to go to Nairobi – particularly, the Karura Forest.
Apart from participating in actions resembling jogging and biking, Karura Forest is an excellent place for fowl watching, strolling, and stress-free.
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 effectively. They’ll be capable to expertly information you thru the tracks, which is particularly useful when working 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, resembling visiting an area farmer’s market.
There are numerous grocery outlets in Nairobi neighborhoods, however for an adventurous and fantastic buying 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 Cook dinner a Conventional Kenyan Meal
Shopping for, making ready, and cooking Kenyan meals 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 in case you’re slightly adventurous and inquisitive about creating some Kenyan meals for your self.
If you happen to’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. Be taught extra right here.
If that is one thing that pursuits you, try locals who supply such experiences, usually 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 the town are Fairview Espresso Property and Karunguru Espresso Farm.
A go to to both of those farms provides an opportunity to study all the things you might 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.
If you happen to’re the kind of traveler searching 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 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 finest tea nations, 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 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 in addition takes you thru the gorgeous landscapes of the Kenyan highlands.
Apart from, 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 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 dwelling.
The Bomas of Kenya is without doubt one of the most original locations to go to in Nairobi the place you may 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.
If you happen to love historical past, it is a great spot to find out about Nairobi through the early years of the twentieth century. There’s a substantial amount of info, and each time I go to I study one thing new and attention-grabbing.
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 may take pleasure in a cup of espresso on the Tamambo Restaurant or go to the close by Kazuri Beads Manufacturing unit.
Deal with: Karen Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
18. Take an Empowerment Strolling Tour of Kibera
The Kibera Empowerment strolling tour is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Nairobi. This domestically guided tour takes you thru the most important slum in Africa.
A number 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 genuine experiences in Nairobi.
19. Take heed to the Tales of Kenya at Pawa254
If you happen to 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 may take pleasure in each vocal and visible tales.
We’re all tales, or relatively, our tales outline us. Tales about Kenya – how we reside, dance, play, worship, and extra, are effectively value 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 the 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 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 the town middle, Nairobi Nationwide Museum is without doubt 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 common with locals and worldwide guests. I do know, having loved it simply as a lot because the worldwide mates I’ve taken there.
Deal with: 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.
Deal with: Junction of Moi Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya
23. Go on a Day Journey to the Amboseli Nationwide Park
Some of the wonderful nationwide parks close to the town is Amboseli, one in all my all-time favorites anyplace on the earth for beautiful panoramic views.
If you happen to’re quick on time however nonetheless desire a safari expertise exterior Nairobi, it’s best to completely think about a day journey to the Amboseli Nationwide Park.
Most safari journeys to nationwide parks and vacationer points of interest in Kenya are simply accessed from Nairobi, together with Amboseli, positioned about 4 hours away.
You’ll get the prospect 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 value 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 trendy 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 reveals the Kenya-Uganda railway. Outdoors the principle constructing, there’s a show of outdated 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 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 would possibly wish to spend a day away from the town within the nice open air at Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park.
Located about 90 kilometers exterior Nairobi, the park could be very distinctive and the one one in Kenya the place you may stroll or cycle within the wild. You’ll be able to cycle while having fun with nice landscapes, and watch wildlife resembling 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 Finest Issues To Do in Naivasha
Nairobi has many points of interest that attraction to those that are excited about historical past, artwork and native tradition, wildlife, nature, or buying. A number of the different common customer points of interest 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 in case you’re visiting for the day, three days, or every week.
1 Day in Nairobi Itinerary
If you happen to’ve solely bought in the future 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 the town. Go to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary and the close by Giraffe Middle. 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 would possibly 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 option to finish your in the future in Nairobi than to expertise the town’s nightlife. There are a variety of eating places and bars value visiting. There are numerous selections that provide good meals, drinks, and occasional reside bands.
2-3 Days in Nairobi Itinerary
It’s potential to cowl among the finest issues to do in Nairobi in a day. Nonetheless, if I’m sincere, 24 hours within the metropolis isn’t adequate to expertise all of the wonderful actions the town is understood for.
I really useful staying for at the very least 2 days in Nairobi to see all the principle points of interest. Beneath are the issues it’s essential 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 may 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 the town. Right here, you’ll recognize historical structure, see essential 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 luxuriate in native delicacies on the Utamaduni restaurant afterward.
1 Week in Nairobi Itinerary
In case you have an entire week in Nairobi, it’s potential to expertise all the things inside 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 Middle.
Thursday to Friday: Discover different locations to go to close to Nairobi. You’ll be able to 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 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 here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Nairobi.
There are numerous low cost locations to go to in Nairobi. These embrace the Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe Middle, Masai Market, and Railway Museum. You can too expertise the 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 among the prime points of interest in Nairobi.
Exploring Nairobi on foot with former road youngsters, consuming conventional meals at Ronalo meals, and visiting the Giraffe Middle are thought of the most well-liked actions in Nairobi.
Visits to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary happen day-after-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. Nonetheless, in case you’re becoming a member of a day journey to the Elephant Sanctuary, a reserving will likely 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 Middle, 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 unit, 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 main airport for arrivals. It’s positioned about 18 Kilometers from the town middle and shared taxis like Uber are the most cost effective and most suitable choice in terms of transfers to your inns 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 road. They’ve totally different Kenyan dishes like ugali and fish which begins at Ksh 500. Nyama Choma, (barbecue), can 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 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 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 Beneath the Solar.
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