Where else can you sip espresso as giraffes stroll past acacia trees and skyscrapers shimmer on the horizon? Nairobi, Kenya is a city where wild savannas meet urban rhythm, offering travelers a rare blend of adventure and creativity. From dawn safaris and forest trails to artisan markets and garden cafés, it’s a place that never stops surprising. This guide reveals how to experience Nairobi’s wildlife, culture, and warmth in perfect balance.
Quick Facts: Nairobi, Kenya
Time ZoneEast Africa Time, UTC +3
Nearby DestinationsNaivasha, Amboseli, Limuru tea country, Nakuru, Kiambu
Average TemperatureDaily highs about 22–26°C, nights 10–15°C, thanks to the city’s 1,795 m elevation.
Cash or Card?Cards widely accepted in hotels and malls. Mobile money via M-Pesa is extremely common, even for taxis and cafés.
Destination Overview
Why Visit Nairobi?
Nairobi balances wild savanna and city culture in one day. Wake to lions roaring across the grasslands at Nairobi National Park, then browse contemporary Kenyan art, sip single-origin coffee, and end on a terrace in leafy Karen as the Ngong Hills turn purple. The city delivers serious dining, design studios turning recycled materials into beauty, and easy logistics for onward safaris or coast escapes.
Best Time to Visit Nairobi
- Spring – March to May brings the long rains. Expect lush parks, afternoon showers, lighter museum crowds, and lower hotel rates.
- Summer – June to August is cool and mostly dry, ideal for game drives and city walks. Sky clarity makes KICC views superb.
- Autumn – September to October stays pleasant. Late October to December short rains refresh gardens and forests without all-day downpours.
- Winter – January to February is warm and dry with crisp mornings, great for Karura Forest runs and tea country day trips.
Travel Difficulty & Ideal Duration
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, mainly due to traffic at peak hours.
Recommended: 3 to 5 days for first timers, longer if you plan day trips to tea farms or Rift Valley lakes.
Essential Travel Information
Visa & Entry
Most visitors apply online for Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization before arrival. Processing usually takes a few working days. Apply and check requirements on the official ETA information page and submit via the government portals linked there.
Money & Realistic Daily Costs
- Budget: KES 5,000–9,000 per person, hostel or camp, matatus or ride share splits, local eateries.
- Mid-range: KES 10,000–20,000 per person, boutique hotels, a guided activity, cafés and bistros.
- Luxury: KES 25,000–60,000+ per person, top hotels, private driver, fine dining.
Language & Communication
English and Swahili are widely spoken. Consider a Safaricom physical SIM or eSIM and enable M-Pesa for mobile payments. See Safaricom eSIM guidance and tourist-friendly M-Pesa explainers.
Getting There & Around
Air, Rail, Bus: Fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. See the airport authority at KAA. For coastal or Rift Valley connections, consider the Madaraka Express from Nairobi Terminus to Mombasa and the western line to Suswa, timetables and booking via Kenya Railways or online tickets.
Local transport: Ride hailing is reliable. Nairobi Commuter Rail links CBD to Syokimau, Embakasi Village, Ruiru and more, schedules via Kenya Railways. The Nairobi Expressway offers faster road transfers and accepts ETC tags or manual tolls, details at Nairobi Expressway.
Top Things to Do in Nairobi
Must-See Landmarks & Cultural Sites
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Nairobi National Museum
Address: Museum Hill, off Kipande Road, Nairobi
Admission and timing: Daily 08:30–17:30, typical adult admission charged in KES at ticket desk
Best visiting time: Morning to enjoy galleries before school groups
Kenya’s premier museum for culture, history, and natural heritage. Pair with the adjacent Snake Park. Current hours and rates. -
Karen Blixen Museum
Address: Karen Road, Karen, Nairobi
Admission and timing: Guided house tours daily, typically 09:30–18:00
Best visiting time: Late morning, then lunch nearby in Karen
The colonial-era farmhouse of the “Out of Africa” author, with lovely grounds and Ngong Hills views. Official information. -
Giraffe Centre
Address: Nyumbi Road, off Duma Road, Lang’ata
Admission and timing: Daily 09:00–17:00, published rates around KES 1,500 for non-resident adults and KES 400 for residents, confirm before visiting
Best visiting time: Opening hour for fewer crowds
Hand-feed endangered Rothschild giraffes at this education and conservation center. Visitor FAQ. -
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi Nursery
Admission and timing: Public visit daily 11:00–12:00 with advance booking, separate Nairobi National Park gate fees may apply
Best visiting time: Exactly at 11:00 for the keepers’ talk and bottle-feeding
A moving hour watching orphaned elephants in rehabilitation before rewilding. Book ahead. -
KICC Rooftop Observation Deck
Address: Harambee Avenue, City Square, CBD
Admission and timing: Tickets sold at the reception, hours often 08:00–18:00 for viewing, confirm on the day
Best visiting time: Late afternoon for warm skyline light
Panoramic city views from the helipad. Check the venue’s updates for hours and special events. KICC contact. -
Karura Forest
Address: Main Gate A on Limuru Road, additional gates at Shanzu and KFEET Centre
Admission and timing: Open 06:00–18:00, non-resident adult day entry commonly KES 600, see official fee notice
Best visiting time: Sunrise for bird song and cool air
An urban green wonder with waterfalls, caves, and cycling trails. Gates and hours, fees PDF. -
Nairobi Railway Museum
Address: Station Road, next to Nairobi Railway Station, CBD
Admission and timing: Typically 08:00–17:00 with KES pricing, pay by card or M-Pesa
Best visiting time: Mid-morning, pair with a CBD walking loop
Hands-on railway history with vintage locomotives and the story of the Kenya–Uganda line. -
Nairobi Safari Walk
Admission and timing: Operated by Kenya Wildlife Service, charges apply, open daytime hours
Best visiting time: Early morning for animals on the raised boardwalk
A compact introduction to Kenyan habitats and species next to the National Park HQ. KWS page.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
- Kazuri Beads Workshop, Karen – Meet artisans making hand-painted ceramic beads, shop ethically, and book a free factory tour.
- Kitengela Hot Glass, Oloosirkon – A fantasy studio of recycled glass, bridges, and sculptures near the park’s southern edge. Call ahead for demos and directions.
- Nairobi Gallery, CBD – Small museum in a historic stone building, great for Kenyan art and photography.
- Uhuru Park and Central Park – Upgraded green spaces for skyline photos and quiet walks near the CBD.
- Ngong Hills – Ridge walks with Rift Valley vistas. Carry a windbreaker and start early to avoid strong sun.
Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss
- Morning game drive in Nairobi National Park followed by lunch in Karen. Park entry for non-residents is charged in USD with card payments, residents in KES. Expect 4–5 hours for the loop.
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nursery visit, 1 hour at 11:00, pre-book, suggested donation from about KES equivalent of US$20 per adult, plus park gate fees where applicable.
- Kiambethu Tea Farm lunch, Limuru. Garden walk, forest colobus spotting, tea talk, and a home-cooked lunch. Book several days ahead.
- Karura Forest bikes or a guided run at sunrise, entry from KES 600 for non-residents, cheaper for citizens and residents.
- Kitengela Glass demo and shopping for recycled glassware, allow a half day including transfers over the valley.
- KICC rooftop at golden hour, then a coffee crawl through the CBD or a cocktail in Westlands.
Best Photo Spots
- KICC rooftop helipad for 360-degree skyline and Ngong Hills silhouettes.
- Ivory-burning site memorial area inside Nairobi National Park for powerful conservation framing.
- Karura Forest waterfalls and the lily lake boardwalk near Gate A.
- Giraffe Centre platforms for eye-level wildlife portraits.
- Karen Blixen Museum lawn with the farmhouse and hills beyond.
Where to Stay in Nairobi
Best Areas or Neighborhoods
- Karen – Leafy villas and garden restaurants, closest to Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick nursery, tea farms. Ideal for couples and families who want calm evenings.
- Westlands – Nightlife, shopping, and dining. Great connectivity to CBD and Expressway. Best for food lovers and business travelers.
- Gigiri – Near UN complex and Village Market mall. Quiet, secure, embassy area, upscale hotels, easy for families.
- CBD – Historic hotels and quick access to museums, KICC, and commuter rail. Good for short stays and transit days.
- Kilimani and Lavington – Trendy cafés, boutiques, and mid-range stays, central for moving between Karen and Westlands.
Budget Traveler Picks
- Wildebeest Eco Camp – Langata area • KES 3,500–10,000
- Khweza Bed & Breakfast – Ngara Road area, near CBD • KES 3,000–7,000
- Best Western Plus Meridian – CBD fringe • KES 8,000–13,000
- Eco-friendly Hostels & Suites – Kilimani • KES 2,500–6,000
- Kenya Comfort Hotel – CBD • KES 4,000–8,000
Mid-Range Favorites
- The Social House – 154 James Gichuru Road, Lavington • KES 12,000–22,000
- Sarova Stanley – Kimathi Street, CBD • KES 14,000–24,000
- Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection – 05 Woodvale Grove, Westlands • KES 20,000–35,000
- Tribe Hotel – The Village Market, Gigiri • KES 22,000–40,000
- Fairmont The Norfolk – Harry Thuku Road, near Museum Hill • KES 25,000–45,000
Luxury Stays
- Hemingways Nairobi – 100 Mbagathi Ridge, Karen • KES 50,000–100,000+
- Giraffe Manor – Langata, Karen fringe • KES 120,000–200,000+ with meals
- Villa Rosa Kempinski – Chiromo Road, Westlands • KES 35,000–70,000
- Trademark Hotel – Village Market, Gigiri • KES 22,000–45,000
- Sankara Nairobi Suites – Westlands • KES 35,000–75,000
Family-Friendly
- Wildebeest Eco Camp – Gardens, pool, family tents, close to Langata sights.
- The Social House – Interconnecting rooms, kid-friendly brunch, quiet lane in Lavington.
- Hemingways Nairobi – Spacious suites, lawns, and calm Karen location.
- Villa Rosa Kempinski – Central, pool, quick Expressway access for day trips.
Alternative Stays
- Permanent Tented Camps in the City – Safari feel without leaving Nairobi.
- Serviced Apartments – Kilimani and Westlands flats with full kitchens and parking.
What & Where to Eat in Nairobi
Must-Try Dishes
- Nyama Choma – Charcoal-grilled goat or beef, served with kachumbari. Typical restaurant portion KES 1,200–2,500.
- Ugali na Sukuma – Cornmeal with sautéed greens. Local cafés charge KES 150–350 for a plate.
- Tilapia Fry – Lake fish pan-fried, lemon and chili, with ugali. Expect KES 800–1,800 depending on size.
- Mutura and Mshikaki – Street grilled sausage and skewers, KES 50–200 each, choose busy, clean stalls.
- Kenyan Coffee and Chai – Specialty cappuccino KES 250–450, roadside chai KES 50–100.
Restaurants & Cafés
- Budget Eats – Mama Oliech, Marcus Garvey Road, for legendary fried tilapia, KES 600–1,200 per plate.
- Garden Dining – The Talisman, Karen, global-Kenyan plates in a leafy setting, mains KES 1,800–3,200.
- Farm-to-Table – Cultiva, Karen, seasonal menus, brunch to dinner, mains about KES 1,600–3,000.
- Classic Feast – Carnivore, near Wilson Airport, all-you-can-eat meat set around KES 5,000–6,500.
- Specialty Coffee – Nairobi CBD and Westlands cafés pour excellent single origins, espresso drinks KES 250–450.
Street Food & Dietary Tips
- Pick vendors with fast turnover and a hot grill. Avoid raw garnishes if unsure about washing water.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are common in modern cafés. Ask for beans, chapati, and veggie stews at local eateries.
- Bottled or filtered water is widely available. Skip ice if uncertain.
- Gluten-free travelers manage well with grilled meats, rice, and ugali. Carry a card explaining needs in simple English and Swahili.
- M-Pesa is accepted in many stalls. Keep small cash for places that are cash only.
Local Culture & Etiquette
- Norms – Greetings matter. A short “Habari” or “Sasa” with a handshake goes a long way. Dress smart casual in the city, modest attire for places of worship.
- Do’s & Don’ts – Ask before photographing people. Support conservation rules in parks. Keep noise low near residential areas late at night.
- Tipping – Not mandatory, yet customary for guides and good service in restaurants. Round up or add 5–10 percent.
- Festivals & Events – Art fairs, jazz nights, and food festivals rotate through the year. Ask your hotel concierge or check city listings the week you arrive.
Practical Tips & Safety
- Health & Safety – Keep valuables discreet. Use registered taxis or ride-hail. For emergencies in Kenya dial 999 or 112. Major hospitals include The Nairobi Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital.
- What to Pack – Light layers for cool mornings, a compact rain jacket in rainy months, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent for evening outdoor dining.
- Money Saving – Combine Karura Forest with nearby lunch to save on transfers. Use commuter rail for predictable rush hour journeys when schedules suit.
- Emergency Phrases – “Nisaidie tafadhali” (Please help me), “Hapo hapo” (Right there), “Asante sana” (Thank you very much).
Nairobi Itineraries
3-Day Express Itinerary
- Day 1 – Dawn game drive in Nairobi National Park. Coffee in the CBD, then Nairobi National Museum. Sunset on the KICC rooftop and dinner in Westlands.
- Day 2 – Karen day. Giraffe Centre at 09:00, Sheldrick nursery 11:00–12:00, lunch at Talisman or Cultiva, afternoon at Karen Blixen Museum, craft stop at Kazuri Beads.
- Day 3 – Karura Forest walk or cycle at sunrise, Railway Museum late morning, shopping at Village Market or markets, relaxed dinner near your hotel.
7-Day Comprehensive Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrive JKIA, Expressway to hotel, sunset stroll and early dinner.
- Day 2 – Full Nairobi National Park circuit, picnic breakfast, afternoon pool time, dinner in Westlands.
- Day 3 – Karen: Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick nursery, Karen Blixen, tea and cake in a garden café.
- Day 4 – Karura Forest run or bike, Nairobi National Museum, CBD architecture walk, KICC views.
- Day 5 – Day trip to Kiambethu Tea Farm in Limuru, guided forest walk and lunch.
- Day 6 – Kitengela Hot Glass adventure across the Mbagathi gorge, afternoon craft shopping.
- Day 7 – Free day for markets, galleries, and a final feast at a favorite restaurant.
Off the Beaten Path Route
Start at Nairobi Railway Museum, then ride the commuter train to Syokimau for a different city view. Return to explore industrial-chic studios in Nairobi’s creative corridors, then cross to Karen for an evening at Kitengela Glass or a pottery workshop. Keep transfers grouped by side of town to avoid backtracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Nairobi?
June to September is cool and mostly dry, great for wildlife and walking. January to February is also clear and dry. March to May and late October to December bring rainy spells, yet museums, cafés, and forests are lush and less crowded.
How many days do I need in Nairobi?
First timers should plan 3 to 4 days for city highlights and a park drive. Food lovers and slow travelers will enjoy 5 to 7 days with a tea farm lunch, Karura cycle, and a glass studio visit.
Is Nairobi safe for solo travelers?
Stick to well-lit streets, use ride-hailing at night, and keep valuables discreet. Choose known neighborhoods like Karen, Westlands, Gigiri, or Kilimani. In emergencies, dial 999 or 112 for assistance.
What is the best area to stay in Nairobi?
Karen for calm and proximity to wildlife and gardens. Westlands for dining and nightlife. Gigiri for family-friendly malls and embassy area quiet. CBD suits short stays near museums and KICC.
How do I get around Nairobi without a car?
Ride-hailing is the simplest. The Nairobi Commuter Rail links CBD with suburbs like Syokimau and Embakasi. For longer trips, the Madaraka Express connects Nairobi with Mombasa and Suswa.
What foods should I try in Nairobi?
Start with nyama choma, ugali na sukuma, tilapia fry, and street snacks like mutura. Nairobi’s café scene is strong, so plan a coffee tasting in CBD or Westlands.
Do I need to book the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nursery?
Yes. The public hour runs 11:00–12:00 and requires advance booking. Slots fill quickly. Arrive early with your confirmation and carry a card for park gate payments if needed.
How much does Karura Forest cost and when does it open?
Karura opens 06:00–18:00. Entry fees vary by residency status, with non-resident adult day entry commonly around KES 600. Confirm current tariffs on the Friends of Karura channels.
Can I pay with M-Pesa as a visitor?
Yes. Buy a Safaricom SIM or eSIM with your passport and activate M-Pesa. Many restaurants, shops, and attractions accept it alongside cards.
Don’t Miss
- Golden hour atop KICC with the city glittering below and the Ngong Hills in silhouette.
- The Sheldrick nursery’s keeper talk as baby elephants slurp their bottles and tumble in the mud.
- A quiet Karura trail at sunrise, dragonflies over the lily pond and the sound of ibis in the trees.
- Hand-feeding a giraffe at eye level, then coffee under fever trees in Karen.
- Nyama choma and ugali at a local joint, eaten with your hands and a squeeze of lemon.
Your Nairobi Story Starts Here
Nairobi rewards early mornings, curious palates, and unhurried afternoons. Sketch a plan that pairs wild grasslands with galleries and cafés. Choose a base that fits your rhythm, Karen for calm or Westlands for energy, and anchor one day around the Sheldrick nursery and Giraffe Centre. With a few smart bookings and an open schedule, the city reveals its warmth, its craft, and its surprising wilderness. Pick your dates, reserve the essentials, and let Nairobi welcome you in.
Useful Links / Official Sources
- Nairobi City County, Explore Nairobi
- Kenya Airports Authority, JKIA
- Kenya Railways, Madaraka Express
- Nairobi Commuter Rail, current schedule
- Nairobi Expressway, tolls and ETC
- National Museums of Kenya, hours and rates
- Giraffe Centre, FAQ and hours
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, nursery bookings
- Friends of Karura, gates and hours
- KICC, contact and visiting
- Kenya ETA overview, official embassy page
- Safaricom eSIM and setup
- Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi Safari Walk