Nairobi Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board

In the “Green City in the Sun”, you can enjoy a safari with giraffes, elephants, lions and other wildlife, all within the city limits.

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, offers cultural displays, historical and ethnographic museums, craft markets and delicious local coffee and beer. Although the city is known for its high crime rate and recurring terrorism threats, people still book a trip to the “Green City in the Sun” for one big reason: An amazing wildlife park set amid reserves of forest and grassland is located right within the city limits.

See lions, leopards, rhinos, wildebeest and more than 400 bird species at the Nairobi National Park, just 10 kilometres (6 miles) from the heart of the city. Don’t miss The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located within the park, where you can visit orphaned baby rhinos and elephants. Nairobi is also home to the AFEW Giraffe Centre and an arboretum.

Immerse yourself in Kenya’s art, history, culture and natural history at the Nairobi National Museum. This museum is part of the National Museums of Kenya, which also manages the Nairobi Snake Park and the Karen Blixen Museum.

Experience tribal culture at Bomas of Kenya where you can tour traditionally crafted huts and enjoy a dance and acrobatics performance. Maasai crafts such as jewellery, carvings, beadwork and fabric can be found at the Maasai Markets, which rotates its location daily. Ask a local for the whereabouts of the market.

After a day of sightseeing, try local food and drink, such as Tusker beer and nyama choma, a meal including barbecued meats. If you’re looking for things to do at night, the suburb of Westlands is known for its more secure bars and cocktail lounges. Even so, it’s best not to go out or use public transport at night in Nairobi.

Taxis and minibuses known as matatus are a cheap way to get around, but allow for plenty of extra time to arrive any where on schedule. Nairobi is best to visit during the drier seasons, from January to March and July to October. Check your government’s official travel advice for the latest updates about the events in Kenya and possible safety warnings.

Where to stay in Nairobi

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Westlands

The restaurants, shopping and spas are just a few things travellers enjoy about Westlands. If you want to experience more of the area, check out Sarit Centre or Westgate Shopping Mall.

Westlands
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Kilimani

4/5(3 area reviews)

Kilimani is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yaya Centre and Arboretum.

Kilimani
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Karen

You'll enjoy the restaurants and spas in Karen. You might want to make time for a stop at Karen Blixen Museum or The Hub Karen.

Karen
Nairobi showing a city, city views and a high-rise building

Nairobi Central

If you're spending some time in Nairobi Central, City Market and City Square are top sights worth seeing.

Nairobi Central
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Gigiri

Unique features of Gigiri include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Village Market or Karura Forest while you're exploring the area.

Gigiri
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Eastleigh

While Eastleigh may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Muthaiga Golf Club and City Market.

Eastleigh

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Nairobi

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 11%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 39%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Sally

Unfair to comment- certain places were great- the 2 hotels we stayed at the Karen Blixen museum and the Kenya museum were great and the bead factory was very special also

3/5 - Okay

Vas

5th time here and still very run down and under developed.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Chaotic & busy city; Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre are must see attractions.

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