Often known as the Inexperienced Metropolis beneath the Solar, Nairobi is likely one of the high vacationer locations in Africa. It’s a vibrant capital that’s residence 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 straightforward to see why so many guests are drawn to this metropolis. In addition to visiting museums, you may also 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 embody vacationer sights, I’ll additionally share with you some native locations, very good nightlife joints, and hidden gems.
Right here’s my record 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 high 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 the most effective 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 non-public and public means from the capital. Nevertheless, 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 hen species.
Some individuals choose doing the sport drive solely, however visiting the Safari Stroll contained in the park can be each educating and refreshing. The safari stroll is residence to rhinos, hyenas, and different wild animals. It ranks excessive up as the most effective 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 superb 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 price/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 infant 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 in addition the close by Giraffe Heart 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 day by day between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, together with weekends and public holidays. Apart from the data middle, there’s additionally an elevated platform that means that you can hand-feed the giraffes, an exercise that shortly turned 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 embody 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 possibility for a day journey from Nairobi as a consequence of its proximity to the capital.
For those who’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 type 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 aimed toward creating consciousness about Nairobi avenue kids by way of strolling excursions.
Each metropolis on the planet has a narrative – enjoyable, fascinating, or darkish – and Nairobi is not any exception. Each traveler returns residence 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.
For those who’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 night time and day.
The excursions are run by a youthful technology from slums and former avenue children who know each nook of the town just like the again of their arms, making this expertise the most effective excursions in Nairobi.
Among the metropolis sights featured on the strolling tour embody well-known landmarks, museums, monuments, and outdated structure.
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6. Go Buying at a Maasai Market
As an area, I like the Maasai Market and nonetheless go to frequently after I’m in Nairobi. It’s no shock that it’s one of many high Nairobi sights.
The Maasai Market is an open-air market in Nairobi that’s held in several places 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 court docket parking zone).
A substitute for the Masai Market is the Metropolis Market which is open day by day.
For those who’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 likely one of the greatest markets in Kenya. Distributors out there promote garments, equipment, and different objects.
Due to its dimension and lots of shops, it’s straightforward to get misplaced out there, even for locals. I’ve in all probability gotten misplaced each time I’ve visited. Though considerably daunting, this additionally makes it probably the most adventurous locations to go to in Nairobi.
I like to recommend that you simply go along with somebody who is aware of the market effectively to information you thru the stalls and to keep away from heading off track.
Deal with: Kamukunji Highway, Nairobi, Kenya
☞ SEE ALSO: 10 Greatest 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 loads of time having fun with late nights out in Nairobi and I can say from expertise that the nightlife is actually glorious.
You may take pleasure in nighttime actions like partying, board gaming, karaoke, dancing, watching performs, or listening to reside bands.
Exploring Nairobi at night time is nice, and it’s a enjoyable and thrilling approach to expertise the native tradition.
For those who’re planning on touring round Kenya, be sure to take a look at our full Kenya Journey Information which affords numerous info on the issues to do, prices of journey, locations to go to, dos and don’ts, how one can get across the nation and way more.
9. Go Mountain climbing on the Ngong Hills
Located some kilometers from Ngong City, the Ngong Hills are the most effective locations to go to close to Nairobi. The hills provide a tremendous day hike outdoors the town with unimaginable views of the nice rift valley.
For so long as I’ve lived in Nairobi, I’ve all the time thought of Ngong Hills an amazing vacation spot. The seven hills from the Ngong Forest Gate to Kona Baridi will take a look at your health degree and reward you with essentially the most memorable expertise.
There aren’t any wild animals in Ngong Hills, making it an amazing place for solo vacationers and teams. The forest is open day by day from 8:00 am to five:00 pm and the charges are inexpensive.
Please be aware that money funds are usually 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 hitch a climbing journey. The climb takes about 5 hours from gate to gate, by way of open fields and pure forest trails. To high if off you may attempt ziplining over the forest cover (non-compulsory).
10. Chase the Githiga Caves and Waterfalls
For those who’re in search of waterfalls close to the town, the Githiga Waterfalls needs to be on the high of your record.
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 in the course of 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 provide stunning waterfalls.
Do you want chasing waterfalls too? If sure, be part of this enjoyable waterfall tour.
11. Expertise Nature on the Karura Forest
For those who’re into nature and outside actions, you’ve got a ok purpose to go to Nairobi – specifically, the Karura Forest.
In addition to partaking in actions comparable to jogging and biking, Karura Forest is an excellent place for hen watching, strolling, and stress-free.
The forest is open day by day from 6:00 am to six:00 pm (gates shut at 7:00 pm).
For first-timers, it’s greatest to go to and expertise Karura Forest with somebody who is aware of the paths effectively. They’ll have the ability to expertly information you thru the tracks, which is particularly useful when operating or biking.
12. Go to a Native Farmer’s Market
In addition to wildlife, safaris, and nightlife, there are different enjoyable issues to do in Nairobi, comparable to visiting an area farmer’s market.
There are various grocery outlets in Nairobi neighborhoods, however for an adventurous and fantastic procuring expertise, I choose visiting the Metropolis Park Market.
This native market has every little thing 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. Study to Prepare 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 individuals’s lifestyle and their tradition. It’s excellent should you’re just a little adventurous and interested in creating some Kenyan meals for your self.
For those who’re not out there portion of the tour, the identical chef additionally has the identical tour minus the market go to, and it’s just a little bit cheaper. Study extra right here.
If that is one thing that pursuits you, take a look at locals who provide such experiences, usually from their very own houses!.
14. Go to a Kenyan Espresso Farm
Top-of-the-line 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 affords an opportunity to be taught every little thing you might 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 glorious expertise, you’ll get to get pleasure from a cup of espresso while watching the on a regular basis actions of the scenic farms.
For those who’re the kind of traveler in search of 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 method to offer for his or her households. Touted as one of many world’s greatest tea international locations, 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 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 likewise takes you thru the gorgeous landscapes of the Kenyan highlands.
In addition to, 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 international locations, 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 how one can make music from these devices is an artwork you’ll be happy to share while you return residence.
The Bomas of Kenya is likely one of the most unusual 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 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 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 ravishing farmhouse and park the place Baroness Karen von Blixen, writer of Out of Africa, lived from 1914 till 1931.
For those who love historical past, it is a good spot to find out about Nairobi in the course of the early years of the twentieth century. There’s quite a lot of info, and each time I go to I be taught one thing new and fascinating.
The museum is open day by 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 get pleasure from 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 likely one of the greatest issues to do in Nairobi. This domestically guided tour takes you thru the biggest slum in Africa.
Among the experiences embody visiting a crafts middle and listening to highly effective tales from dreamers and creatives who name the slum residence – probably the most genuine experiences in Nairobi.
19. Hearken to the Tales of Kenya at Pawa254
For those who love artwork, then Pawa254 is a must-visit. Go to this a artistic house in Nairobi for artists, painters, and storytellers to hearken to the tales of Kenya from Imbaka. Right here, you may get pleasure from each vocal and visible tales.
We’re all tales, or moderately, 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, battle 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 get pleasure from very a lot each time I hit its bustling metropolis streets.
21. Get Misplaced on the Nairobi Nationwide Museum
Positioned a couple of minutes from the town middle, Nairobi Nationwide Museum is likely one of the greatest 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 may 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 outside house for remembering victims of the 1998 US embassy bombing.
The knowledge middle showcases pictures 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
One of the crucial wonderful nationwide parks close to the town is Amboseli, one in all my all-time favorites wherever on the planet for gorgeous panoramic views.
For those who’re quick on time however nonetheless need a safari expertise outdoors Nairobi, it is best to completely contemplate 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, 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 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 information and details about the railways of Kenya and the way they had been constructed, and reveals the Kenya-Uganda railway. Exterior the principle constructing, there’s a show of outdated locomotives together with the well-known Garatts.
In your approach to the museum, there’s a bridge from which a railway graveyard is seen. Previous 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 would possibly need to spend a day away from the town within the nice outside at Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park.
Located about 90 kilometers outdoors Nairobi, the park may be very distinctive and the one one in Kenya the place you may stroll or cycle within the wild. You may cycle while having fun with nice landscapes, and watch wildlife comparable 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 experience.
See additionally: 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Naivasha
Nairobi has many sights that enchantment to those that are taken with historical past, artwork and native tradition, wildlife, nature, or procuring. Among the different common customer sights embody 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 should you’re visiting for the day, three days, or every week.
1 Day in Nairobi Itinerary
For those who’ve solely bought in the future in Nairobi, you’ll should plan effectively. This itinerary means that you can 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 Heart. 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 simply would possibly in any other case miss alone. You additionally get an opportunity to check your bargaining talents while purchasing for presents on the Masai Market (open air) or Metropolis Market.
There’s no higher approach to finish your in the future in Nairobi than to expertise the town’s nightlife. There are a selection of eating places and bars value visiting. There are various decisions that provide good meals, drinks, and occasional reside bands.
2-3 Days in Nairobi Itinerary
It’s attainable to cowl a number of the greatest issues to do in Nairobi in a day. Nevertheless, if I’m trustworthy, 24 hours within the metropolis isn’t adequate to expertise all of the wonderful actions the town is understood for.
I beneficial staying for no less than 2 days in Nairobi to see all the principle sights. Under 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 you probably 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 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 the town. Right here, you’ll respect historic structure, see vital 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
When you’ve got a complete week in Nairobi, it’s attainable to expertise every little thing inside the metropolis and even get pleasure from 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 may 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 various low-cost locations to go to in Nairobi. These embody the Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe Heart, Masai Market, and Railway Museum. You may as well expertise the town on foot or discover its nightlife.
In addition to the Nairobi Nationwide Museum and Bomas of Kenya, the Metropolis Market, Karen Blixen Museum, and Ngong Hills are a number of the high 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 every single 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, should you’re becoming a member of a day journey to the Elephant Sanctuary, a reserving can 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 unit, 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 most important airport for arrivals. It’s positioned about 18 Kilometers from the town middle and shared taxis like Uber are the most cost effective and best choice on the subject of transfers to your lodges in Nairobi. A visit into most neighborhoods prices about Kshs 2000.
You may expertise Kenyan delicacies on the Ronalo Kosewe Meals or Kilimanjaro restaurant positioned alongside Kimathi avenue. They’ve totally different Kenyan dishes like ugali and fish which begins at Ksh 500. Nyama Choma, (barbecue), can be obtainable from roadside eating places which works effectively 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 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 Below the Solar.
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