The Best Things to do in Nairobi Kenya
Nairobi is a very captivating place that offers amazing wildlife, incredible national parks, and a fascinating local culture. It’s a great destination for your first (or your fifth) trip to the African Continent! That's why I’m so excited to share all of the must-visit places in the city, the top restaurants, best day trips, and the coolest and most unique things to do in Nairobi.
The Kenyan capital is such a magical and one of a kind city, where discovery and adventure go hand in hand. And, it is famous around the world for having the incredible Nairobi National Park right next door, with 7 kilometers of open savannah offering visitors the unique opportunity to go on a game drive with the city skyscrapers still visible in the background.
A few of the other popular destinations in the city include the Giraffe Manor Hotel and the Giraffe Center.
Many travelers visiting Nairobi will probably stop in the city as part of a longer trip through Kenya, Tanzania or maybe both, which could mean that you are just spending anywhere from a few hours to a few days in the Kenyan capital. Yet no matter how long you decide to stay, I can guarantee you that you’ll fall in love with this incredible place.
For me personally, Nairobi was also the 1st place outside Cuba that allowed me to really connect to my African roots. After all, it was my first time in Africa! But for those without personal or family connections, many thinking about visiting Nairobi often wonder what there is to do and what to see while in Nairobi?
19 Very Best Things to Do In Nairobi
Nairobi National Park
The Nairobi National Park is literally adjacent to Nairobi city, and should be a designated stop on everyone’s itinerary of the city. The park is the only one of its kind in the world, and probably the most visited of all Nairobi attractions. It’s the perfect place to spot some big cats, giraffes, rhinos and wildebeest without worrying about seasonality factors and travel difficult.
The National Park is a one of the most successful sanctuaries for rhinos around the world, and one of Kenya’s most important conservation and wildlife protection sites. Because of this, it might be the perfect place to go for those looking to check off the rare rhino from their Big Five to-see list.
Go on a walk in the bush if you are staying in one of the lodges of the park, or take an actual game drive with a local guide while visiting. Either way, you’ll be amazed at how you can experience such incredible wildlife so close to the city. One of the most unique things to do in Nairobi!
Some other of my recommendations include picnicking in the park, bird watching, or going on a safari walk!
Nairobi Safari Walk
Going on a Nairobi Safari Walk is the perfect activity to do in the Nairobi National Park, especially for travelers visiting the country for the first time. Locals describe the experience as looking through a window into Kenya’s natural treasures.You can see many of the most famous animals found in Kenya’s national parks while walking through the path, and all without having to leave the capital!
Nairobi National Park and Nairobi Safari Walk entrance fees range between $22 and $43 dollars for non-residents. You can either arrange a tour car to pick you up, or many of the local taxis will be happy to bring you to the Park.
Giraffe Center
For the giraffe-obsessed, make sure to head to the Giraffe Centre, which is located just a few minutes away from the Nairobi National Park. The Center is dedicated to the conservation of these beautiful endangered animals and the education of the public. The Center even allows visitors to interact with and feed the giraffes. The insta-famous Giraffe Manor hotel is actually located within the compound, so make sure to check out the Center if you decide to stay there!
After interacting with the giraffes, visitors also have the opportunity to go on a walk on their sanctuary trail and enjoy 1.5 kilometers of pure nature!
David & Daphne Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The David & Daphne Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is an organization established in the memory of the farmer and conservationist/game park warden David Sheldrick. Today, the Trust is run by the couple’s daughter Angela. The many projects of the trust include community education, veterinary assistance, and raising orphaned animals.
The orphaned animals program in particular is a unique opportunity for visitors to Nairobi to both support a great cause and also have an amazing tourism experience. The main nursery for these animals is located within the Nairobi National Park, just outside of the city.
Tourists have the opportunity to visit the nursery, though it takes a bit of planning. The nursery is open for visitors for one hour most days of the year, and tourists are required to contact the Trust at least 3-4 days in advance in order to set up a visit. More details about pricing and how to visit can be found on the Trust’s website.
There are also amazing opportunities to sponsor baby elephants and rhinos that are being raised in the nursery, so if you visit and connect with any of the baby animals you can sponsor and get updates about the individual as it grows up!
The Maasai Market
If you are visiting Nairobi on a weekend (like we did) make sure to spend some time at the Maasai Market, centrally located near to the City Square, the Hilton hotel, and just a few minutes away from Kenyatta International Convention Center. Here, many locals sell gorgeous handmade purses and Maasai jewelry. If you forgot to bring your favorite purse (or… we all know you can never have enough purses!) definitely get one (or three!) before continuing on to explore some of the other amazing things to do in Nairobi.
Kenya National Archives
Not far from the market, visitors will find the Kenya National Archives, museum full of African and Kenyan sculptures, jewelry and history.
The carefully curated collection at the National Archives and Documentation Services can be enjoyed even if you only have a few minutes to spare.
The National Archives first opened its doors in 1965 and today it houses the Joseph Murumbi gallery in its ground floor. This gallery hosts one of the most important Pan-African art collections in the world, and the largest such collection on the continent. Art lovers will definitely want to check out some of the unique art styles and find some new favorites!
Kenyatta Towers
About 10 minutes away from the Kenyan National Archives, travelers can find the Kenyatta International Convention Center. Go inside to pay the small entry fee to get access to the rooftop and he-pad. There, visitors will be rewarded with 360 degree views of Nairobi and the surrounding areas! This is one of the best opportunities to get a good bird's eye view of the city, so everyone should check it out if they have a chance.
Great Rift Valley Viewpoint
An hour away from Nairobi by car, you’ll find the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. Along the road at the edge of the valley you’ll find some local shops that sell refreshments and souvenirs, so you can make a quick stop for a snack. In the vast valley, the remains of australopithecus fossils are likely still waiting to be discovered.
For travelers who love history and archeology, this will be one of their favorite things to do in Nairobi. Everyone can appreciate the importance of this valley, where incredibly important finds have taught us about prehistoric times and early hominids.
The Great Rift Valley is simply one of the most incredible places one can experience in a lifetime. The trenches actually span from Lebanon all the way down to Mozambique. We recommend stopping by the viewpoint either in early morning hours or during sunset, where the magical sunshine rays and the vast land will evoke in visitors a unique awe feeling. Popular activities to do while in the area include bird and animal watching and general sightseeing.
Karura Forest
The Karura forest is another of the great natural treasures that you can find in Nairobi while still technically within city limits.The forest is located just 15 minutes away by car from Nairobi Central Business District, and offers nature-centered activities for both locals and tourists. Visitors heading to the Karura Forest can enjoy a bike ride, a jog, or the 10 km hiking loop that passes through one of the forest's most beautiful areas. Expect to see waterfalls and caves along the way!
After experiencing all the eco-friendly activities, another great thing to do in the forest is to grab some drinks or a quick lunch at the River Cafe, an eatery located right in the middle middle of Karura overlooking the greenery of the forest! This popular spot is definitely recommended for any hungry travelers in the area.
Karen Blixen Museum
The famous Danish author Karen Blixen spent some years living in Kenya on a coffee farm just outside of Nairobi. Blixen, who is best known for her 1937 memoir Out of Africa, wrote about life in Kenya and her experiences. The book was made into a 1985 film starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, which won 7 Academy Awards. The movie was filmed in the hills surrounding Nairobi, so fans will definitely be interested in visiting the original house that Blixen lived in.
The house itself is located in a suburb called Karen (also named for the author) and is easily reached from all parts of the city. There are tours offered of the house frequently, and visitors can explore areas of the farm grounds as well. It’s a very beautiful house, and the well documented history associated with the farm makes for a really cool experience.
Ngong Hills Day Trip
Another of the amazing things to do in Nairobi and a great day trip for tourists to take is visiting the scenic Ngong Hills. The Hills are a group of small peaks that form part of the ridges running along the Great Rift Valley, and many colonial era houses and farms were located in the area. The landscapes here are truly stunning, and I highly recommend a trip to see the region and take in the view.
There are a few highlights while you’re visiting. In addition to the colonial houses, there are walking paths that allow visitors to hike on foot and explore the area. While the area is generally considered safe, hikers have the option of hiring a guide from the Kenya Forestry Service to provide some extra security.
Many hikers report being surprised by the potentially cold and windy conditions, so it’s a good idea to bring a windbreaker jacket or something warm if you’re there during the winter months. A warm beanie and a scarf are probably wise as well!
The grave of famous big game hunter Denys Finch Hatton can also be found in the hills. Finch Hatton had a close friendship and eventually romance with Karen Blixen, and is a major character in the Out of Africa book and movie. He died in a plane crash in Kenya, and was buried in the Ngong Hills in a location selected by him and Blixen years before.
Kiambethu Tea Farm
Nairobi and the surrounding areas of Kenya are a fascinating place, with so much culture and history to learn about. You can experience some sides of the best local culture first hand by visiting one of the magnificent tea farms in the Limuru area, all of which are within easy driving distance of the city capital.
The Limuru region is one of the largest producers of tea in Africa and the world. Kenyan tea is not only delicious, but very well-known among connoisseurs for its taste and the particular local way of drinking it: half milk and half water. Definitely give it a try! I wasn’t sure if I would be a fan, as I normally drink plain tea, but I was very pleasantly surprised and ended up ordering it with half milk for the remainder of the trip.
The Kiambethu Tea Farm is one of the most well-known destinations in the area. The farm has been owned by the same family since 1910, and a tour through its grounds allows visitors to truly connect with this family, their tea tradition, and the area’s history. The gardens and fields are peaceful and beautiful. So make sure to take all the breathtaking views and to interact with their resident Colobus monkey.
Coffee Estates
While today well known for producing the product, it’s thought that Kenya didn’t actually start coffee bean cultivation until around 1893, many years later than most of the coffee powerhouses in the world. Yet, Kenya is today one of the largest producers of coffee in the world, and its high quality beans, often graded AA or AB, are well-known by home experts and in the professional coffee industry.
Some of the best known coffee growing regions in Kenya are Mt Elgon, Trans Nzoia, Nakuru, Nandi, Kipkelion and Baringo. And although the majority of the country gowing farms are located in the central and eastern regions of the country, you can find coffee farmers almost everywhere in Kenya. Travelers interested in understanding how coffee farming and production work, as well as tasting some of Kenya's famous coffee right from the source, can arrange tours of the Kenyan Fairview Coffee Estate or Maguta Coffee Estate.
Fairview Estate farm is located about 30 minutes outside Nairobi in the Central Highlands of Kenya, and it has been in operation since 1909. Maguta is one of the best known farms in Kenya, with its tremendous quality and processing of its coffee. Although the farm is located 2 and a half hours from Nairobi, it’s still close enough to make it the perfect day trip destination for travelers looking for those one-of-a-kind experiences.
Chloé Mitchell Millinery Hat Showroom and Shop
Travelers who love fashion as much as I do shouldn’t miss the opportunity to buy a one of a kind hat from Chloe Mitchell. Add a visit to her workshop to the list of free things to do in Nairobi! The Chloé Mitchell Millinery hat showroom and shop is located in the small town of Limuru, which is just outside Nairobi.
There, you’ll find all the best Chloe Mitchell Millinery hat designs and have the chance to learn everything about the process and creation of the pieces. Many of the hats she designs are worn by Lupita Nyong'o and other celebrities, and they have been featured in Vogue. Send her a message on Instagram or on her website if you want to set up a visit, and check out some of her designs there as well!
Masai Village
If you are interested in learning more about Kenya’s most important ethnic groups, a visit to one of their villages is a must! Among all of the incredibly interesting tribes of Kenya, the Maasai are probably the most famous. The Masai (or Maasai) people are a semi-nomadic tribe who are mostly located in the border areas between Kenya and Tanzania.
Visiting the Masai Village will allow travelers to experience the very interesting and soul enriching everyday lives of the Masai, where women milk the cows and goats and are expert artisans in handcrafted beadwork. The men are traditionally in charge of herding and protecting the cattle. Celebratory and welcoming traditions in the village include dancing and jumping up and down, which is a bonding experience that visitors won’t ever forget. About an hour away from Nairobi, you can find the Masai Village in the area of the Ngong Hills.
Carnivore and more dining options
Kenyan traditional dishes are diverse and include something for every food lover. From cornmeal based items to amazing roasted meats, you’ll definitely find a flavor or two to enjoy from the Kenyan cuisine!
Nyama Mama is a down to earth and just plain cool restaurant serving traditional grandma style dishes. Mama worked for years as a chef in some of the best Safari lodges, and then came back to her roots with the creation of Nyama Mama.They have three central locations throughout the city, so you won’t have an excuse to miss out on this great culinary experience!
Carnivore: For a true meat-lover style meal, head over to Carnivore. One of the most popular restaurants in Nairobi, this is definitely worth stopping by when you’re in town.
There are tons of meat oriented food options, and plenty of delicious side dishes. Adventurous eaters can’t go wrong with dishes like the ostrich and the alligator! You never know if you’ll have another opportunity to eat ostrich, so make sure you take advantage while you’re in Nairobi!
About Thyme: Another one of our favorite restaurants in Nairobi is About Thyme. This relaxing garden space in the Westlands area of Nairobi offers great food and delicious cocktails. Some of the most popular dishes include the pumpkin tortellini and the sticky date pudding!
Connect Cafe : Regardless of whether or not you went to explore a coffee farm outside Nairobi, you can’t leave the Kenyan capital without getting the best possible caffeine fix at Connect Cafe. Connect Café’s coffee comes from East African farmers in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
They offer several brewing methods such as Kalita, Chemex and Espro Presses and you can accompany your drink of choice with a great light meal or a baked good. If you drink as much coffee as we do, you won’t want to miss out on this place!
Bars in Nairobi
The Alchemist is the perfect destination for either a fun evening or a full night out with dancing included! The place has 3 food trucks and 3 different bars, and guests can have everything from yummy Kenyan burgers to chicken sandwiches and vegetarian tacos. It’s yet another super cool experience, and one of the most fun things to do in Nairobi.On the weekends there is always live music and a DJ on the premises, so you know this place will be a great time!
Havana Bar is another super fun establishment in Nairobi. A favorite place of many locals, Havana Bar offers a diversity of Central American dishes and Cuban inspired cocktails. The decor and atmosphere is inspired by Cuban bars, but it definitely has a more local take. Either way, I don’t mind, especially if I can dance to Latin music until 3 am!
Stop by The Exchange Bar at the Stanley Hotel if you are looking to be transported back in time. The Bar building is actually the former home of the Kenyan stock exchange, so you know there’s going to be history and cool architecture! This place will make you feel like Hemingway might walk through the door at any moment after a day out on safari, which is exactly the kind of authenticity we all want.
Zanze bar is another perfect weekend hangout! During the afternoons, patrons can enjoy the pool tables and beers in a relaxed atmosphere. And at night, the place is famous for karaoke and dancing, usually to the beat of popular Congolese music!
K1 Klub House and flea market
For those who want to experience the true party soul of the city, head to one of the most popular local hangouts: K1 Klub House. Their Flea Market Sunday (not really a flea market, as all of the goods for sale are actually brand new) is a true Sunday funday event that you won’t want to miss. Good food, fun people, and great bargains align perfectly here, and it’s one of our favorite places in Nairobi!
The K1 Klub House is located about 30 minutes from the city center, and the atmosphere is nothing short of amazing. Visitors can expect to hear the latest musical hits blaring on the speakers, and the vendor selling freshly opened coconut water was a welcome sight in the heat. It was like an oasis!
We went on a Sunday, so the Flea Market was in full swing. Gorgeous leather bags, beautiful necklaces, and colorful clothes were absolutely everywhere, so if you didn’t take advantage of the Market already you can load up on things here!
When you’re ready for brunch/lunch, I recommend the chicken and waffles, fresh beef skewers, and a cold local Tusker beer. Tusker is one of the more popular beers in Kenya and other countries, so definitely take the opportunity to try it while you’re here. The Sunday happy hour starts at 10 am!
Make sure you check out all of the different areas: the upstairs Heaven bar, the downstairs Paradise Bar, the pool and foosball tables, and the outdoor seating covered in colorful umbrellas. The tables are mostly communal, so you’ll have the chance to make new friends while enjoying the atmosphere.
During soccer season, the place will always be lit when it’s time for Africa! Other events like Tuesday Jazz Nite are also on the menu, so check out what’s happening when you visit the city.
Our time at K1 was fun, unique, and one of my favorite things to do in Nairobi!
Walk around the city
Filled with real experiences, Nairobi is home to some great and beautiful neighborhoods, and some very poor areas as well. It is no secret that the largest slum in Africa is located in Nairobi. Like other cities around the world, the juxtaposition of have and have not can be very apparent at times in Nairobi.
Although this might not be an experience for everyone, for travelers looking to see every destination through the local’s lens there is no more authentic experience than going on a walking tour (self or guided) of the different parts of the city.
Walking through the streets of Nairobi will allow visitors to truly experience how the locals live and get by, while also giving them the opportunity to support local businesses.
We walked by ourselves through several areas of the city just by following google maps directions, but we recommend that visitors looking for similar experiences book walking tours, either via airbnb experiences or tripadvisor. While we didn’t have any trouble, other people have reported bad experiences with crime in the past. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your surroundings and stay safe.
Note: Seeing and experiencing a lot of the different neighborhoods was definitely an eye opening experience. I also found a lot of positivity along the way, and I came away with good vibes. At times, walking through Nairobi and among the people also reminded me of some of the most important parts of life: people free of worries, playing outside, and talking to friends about the latest neighborhood gossip. There’s something to be said for a simple life!
With that being said, there were moments when I was overwhelmed to see the poor living conditions on the streets. Walking past and not being able to do much to help was especially difficult. It’s the kind of place that reminds you to be thankful for the things you have in life.
All together, it was an important experience for me, and I definitely came away with a better understanding of what real life is like in Nairobi. Traveling isn’t all pretty, but some of the most powerful memories come from true cultural immersion.
A Few More Tips On Things To Do In Nairobi
I hope this guide of things to do in Nairobi helps you to come prepared with a better understanding of how many amazing things you can expect when visiting the Kenyan capital. If you are ready to start adding even more places, destinations, and tips to your own personal Kenya guide, you might want to check out some of the following extras:
Nairobi Railway Museum: The museum is actually located right next to the railway station and it has been open since 1971. It showcases exhibits from the now defunct East African Railways, as well as a locomotive used in the 1985 version of the acclaimed film Out of Africa.
Bomas of Kenya: Culture and traditions meet in Bomas of Kenya. Visitors can walk through the site to see the different building styles used by Kenyan ethnical groups to build their villages. Music and dance are also part of the experience!
If you’re visiting Tanzania after Kenya, Zanzibar is a can’t-miss destination in the area. We have a complete travel guide here. Other quick trips to make from Nairobi include Mombasa, Kenya and smaller flights to various safari parks.
Best Time To Visit Nairobi
Temperatures, weather patterns, and time of the year are key factors when you’re planning a trip to Nairobi. More so here than in most destinations, the weather conditions at the time can make or break your trip to Kenya, especially when planning a game drive, a safari & other outdoor tours. That's why it's so important to plan accordingly! Nairobi has an elevation of 5889 ft above sea level, meaning the temperatures within the city itself are mostly pleasant all year around.
The city has not one but two rainy seasons: “the long rain season”occurs from the months of March to May while the “short rainy” occurs from October to December. Winter months (June to September) will usually see average temperatures in the low 70's, while summer months (December to March) tend to have temperatures in the high 70’s and low 80’s. This means that both summer and winter months are a great time to visit Nairobi!
For travelers planning to head to Masai Mara and Serengeti before or after their visit to Nairobi, the best time to visit is probably during the months of July through October. These are the driest months of the year, meaning your trip is least likely to be derailed by muddy conditions on the roads. July sees the absolute lowest rainfall, and the world famous Great Migration wildlife crossing of the Mara River usually occurs around mid to late July and into early August.
For visitors looking for unique experiences, there's simply no better time! Planning a trip to Kenya during this time can be more difficult, as the Great Migration brings lots of other tourists. Make sure you plan and book everything well in advance in order to not miss out!
Travelers on a budget can alternatively plan their trip at the end of June/ beginning of July, when prices are more reasonable and there’s still high chances of witnessing part of the migration. Just make sure you have an experienced local guide that will make the most out of your chances of spotting the big 5! Having someone knowledgeable will make or break your dream of seeing all of the most famous animals.
What to wear
As you plan your trip to Nairobi, make sure to pack at least a jacket (preferably a rain jacket) as temperature conditions can quickly change in Nairobi from early morning to late night. We recommend focusing your outfits on layers. That way, it's easier to be comfortable throughout the day as you can remove or replace different layers as needed.
While visiting Nairobi there’s a lot of walking involved, so pack an adequate pair of shoes (or two!) that will allow you to make the most out of outdoor and walking-heavy destinations like the tea farm and the national park.
Languages
Kenya has two official languages: English and Swahili. English native speakers will be able to communicate well enough in English, especially when in Nairobi, as people in big Kenyan cities are usually completely fluent.
Transportation Tips
To get to Nairobi from the airport, travelers have several options to consider: take an uber, grab a taxi, or arrange a private transfer directly through their respective hotels.
Nairobi is a VERY hectic city, so I would usually advise against renting a car while staying here. There’s a very high chance you’ll get into an accident if you’re not used to the driving styles and road conditions of the city.
Instead, get a cab or use your Uber app while exploring the city. We used plenty of uber rides during our visit. The Uber drivers were always reliable and trustworthy. It’s a great opportunity to talk to and get some tips from the locals.
Hotels In Nairobi
Giraffe Manor is that exclusive boutique hotel you’ve seen all over Instagram. You can literally feed the giraffes from your bedroom window! Obviously, make sure to take plenty of pics while you’re there... if you don’t post it, did it even happen?!?
For a similar vibe, the 254 Ole Sereni has Nairobi National Park as its actual backyard! The views are second to none, and it’s a great place to feel like you’re in nature without really having to leave the city. Even if you don’t actually stay here, it’s worth a quick visit to appreciate the vistas while sipping some Kenyan tea on the terrace.
The Hilton Nairobi is another great option right in the city center, ideal for travelers who want to walk around and experience all that the city has to offer. The hotel might be a little dated, but the location is perfect! Make sure you check out the pool while you’re there.
General Travel Tips
It’s time for Africa! Where to go after Nairobi Kenya?
When visiting Kenya, a safari at Masai Mara National Park should absolutely be on your itinerary.
Check out more African destinations.
Stay tuned for more information, including new African travel guides, travel tips, itinerary and lifestyle articles subscribe. We will be going back to Africa very soon!
Have you visited Kenya before? Leave us a comment below and tell us everything about your experience, adventurous places in the city, favorite bars and restaurants, and the best things to do in Nairobi!
P.S Don’t forget your yellow fever vaccine and your malaria pills!
Besitos from Nairobi Kenya,
Laura
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