places to visit in kenya nairobi

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nairobi

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Nairobi, Kenya's capital and largest city, has long been the gateway to some of Africa's best adventures. But this vibrant metropolis has plenty of exciting things to do before you head out on safari.

Nairobi's rich history and tribal culture is brought to life in its excellent museums. The Karen Blixen Museum is a big hit — especially with fans of the Out of Africa book and film, who come to see where the namesake Danish author toiled on her coffee farm in the beautiful Ngong Hills.

Even in such a bustling city, wildlife is a huge draw. Nairobi is one of the only cities in the world with a safari park in its borders. A mere 15-minute drive from the skyscrapers of the city center, you can enjoy a classic African wildlife experience at Nairobi National Park . Lion, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, rhinoceros, and buffalo roam the sun-soaked savanna here, and animal lovers can cuddle baby elephants and connect with giraffes at the excellent animal sanctuaries nearby.

Nairobi is also the gateway to the world-famous safari parks , which have captivated adventure seekers for more than a century. Discover the top places to visit in this cosmopolitan capital with our list of the top attractions in Nairobi.

See also: Where to Stay in Nairobi

1. Nairobi National Park

2. david sheldrick wildlife trust, 3. giraffe centre, 4. karura forest reserve, 5. karen blixen museum, 6. nairobi national museum, 7. bomas of kenya, 8. kazuri beads factory tour, 9. kenyatta international conference centre, 10. ngong hills, 11. railway museum, 12. national archives, where to stay in nairobi for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to nairobi, nairobi, kenya - climate chart.

Kenya's first national park, Nairobi National Park lies only seven kilometers from the skyscrapers of Nairobi's city center. A haven for wildlife, the park is also a rhino sanctuary, which protects more than 50 of these critically endangered creatures.

In addition to the rhinos, you can see lions, gazelles, buffaloes, warthogs, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and ostriches, and more than 400 species of birds have been recorded in the wetlands.

Nairobi National Park is also a famous ivory burning site. In 1989, President Moi ignited 12 tons of elephant tusks and rhino horns here, boosting the country's conservation image on the world stage. Today, a monument marks this historic site.

The Nairobi Safari Walk is a popular attraction, offering animal lovers the chance to spot wildlife on foot, and walking trails weave around the area known as Hippo Pools .

At the park's main gate, you can bond with orphaned baby elephants and rhinos at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust .

Address: Langata Road, Nairobi

Official site: http://www.kws.go.ke/parks/nairobi-national-park

At the main gates of Nairobi National Park , this orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation program is a must-see for animal lovers. Daphne Sheldrick founded the project in 1977 in memory of her late husband David, a former warden at Tsavo East National Park.

The center cares for young abandoned elephants and rhinos and works to release the animals back into the wild. You can watch these lovable creatures up close as they frolic in the mud and drink from giant baby bottles. Best of all, your entrance fee helps support the project's conservation efforts.

If you want to help even more, consider adopting an orphaned elephant, rhino, or giraffe - you'll receive regular updates on their progress long after you leave.

Address: Mbagathi Road, Nairobi

Official site: http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

At the Giraffe Centre, on the edge of Nairobi National Park , visitors can come face to face with endangered Rothschild's giraffes. This non-profit center lies on the grounds of the plush guesthouse, Giraffe Manor , and its main mission is to provide conservation education for children.

The visitor center displays information about these graceful creatures, and a raised platform allows you to feed them at eye level with specially prepared pellets.

This is one of the most unusual things to do around Nairobi, especially with children - photo ops with wet, gray giraffe tongues slurping little faces are priceless.

After communing with these long-lashed beauties, you can enjoy a 1.5-kilometer self-guided forest walk in the adjacent nature reserve.

Are you craving some solitude near the city? You're in luck. The beautiful Karura Forest is a cool, shady oasis just a few kilometers from the city center.

This lush green space is actually one of the largest urban forests in the world , and you'll discover all kinds of things to see and do here. Hike to a multi-tiered 15-meter waterfall. Enjoy a picnic in the gardens. Watch monkeys clamber through the trees, or just sit quietly by Lily Lake and soak up the tranquility. Bike riding is also popular along the well-marked red-clay trails.

Wildlife also thrives here. Besides monkeys, you might also see duiker (small antelope), butterflies, and many species of birds. After all your forest adventures, sit back and relax with a snack and a drink at the open-sided river café.

One of Nairobi's top tourist attractions, the Karen Blixen Museum, at the foot of the Ngong Hills, is the former home of the famous namesake Out of Africa author. Karen Blixen, also known by her pen name, Isak Dinesen, lived in the house from 1917 to 1931, where she ran a coffee plantation.

Today, you can tour the well-preserved colonial farmhouse, a kitchen in a separate building, a coffee-drying plant in the woodland, and an agricultural college on the grounds.

Furniture that belonged to Karen Blixen and her husband is on display, as well as photographs and books owned by Karen and her lover, Denys Finch Hatton. Enthusiastic guides bring the story of Karen Blixen and colonial Kenya to life.

Address: Karen Road, Nairobi

Official site: http://www.museums.or.ke/karen-blixen/

The National Museum in Nairobi is an educational way to spend a few hours on a city stopover. The museum displays diverse cultural and natural history exhibits including more than 900 stuffed birds and mammals, fossils from Lake Turkana, ethnic displays from various Kenyan tribal groups, and exhibits of local art.

In the Geology Gallery, you can explore an impressive collection of rocks and minerals and learn about tectonic plates and the life cycle of a volcano. The Hominid Vault contains a collection of prehistoric bones and fossils, including the preserved fossil of an elephant.

At the museum, visitors can purchase combination tickets, which include entrance to the adjacent Snake Park with live specimens of Kenya's most common reptiles.

If you're looking for a dose of nature on your Nairobi trip, save time to stroll around the tranquil botanical gardens here after your visit.

Address: Museum Hill Road, Nairobi

About 10 kilometers from Nairobi, Bomas of Kenya is a living museum celebrating the colorful tribes of Kenya. This is a great place to learn about the lifestyle, art, music, crafts, and culture of each tribe.

The complex encompasses a recreated traditional village with homesteads or bomas, each one reflecting the culture of a major ethnic group. Every afternoon, a team performs traditional dances and songs in the large theater. Audience participation makes the performances even more enjoyable.

Location: Forest Edge Road, off Langata Road, Mageso Chember

Official site: http://www.bomasofkenya.co.ke/

Looking for some unique souvenirs and gifts for family and friends? The Kazuri Beads Factory is a great place to shop. Best of all, you're helping disadvantaged local women at the same time.

Kazuri means "small and beautiful" in Swahili, and these shiny, brightly colored beads surely fit the bill.

Join a free factory tour and see how local women, including many single mothers, make the beads and other pottery items from scratch. After the tour, you can purchase some to take with you, knowing you are purchasing from a World Fair Trade Organization member. Prices are relatively reasonable.

This is a great tour to combine with a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum , as the factory lies right nearby. It's also one of the top free things to do in Nairobi, although it's hard to leave here without buying some of these beautiful beads.

Address: Mbagathi Ridge, Karen, Nairobi

Named for the Republic's First President, Jomo Kenyatta, the distinctive cylindrical Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) offers breathtaking 360-degree views from its rooftop viewing deck.

The building is an internationally acclaimed venue for conferences, meetings, and exhibitions, and it's an eye-catching landmark in the city. Though not the tallest building in Kenya, it dominates the skyline with a 28-story tower overlooking a large amphitheater. Its pale terra-cotta façade recalls the color of traditional African huts, and the central plenary hall resembles the ancient Roman Senate.

Zoom up to the rooftop viewing platform to take photos of the sprawling city below, and you can also enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants.

Address: Harambee Avenue, Nairobi

"Ngong" means "knuckles" in Maasai, a fitting name since these beautiful pointed green hills resemble the back of a fist facing the sky. They are a popular place to visit close to Nairobi and provide a welcome respite from the city heat.

The Ngong Hills are the peaks of a ridge overlooking the Great Rift Valley, and many white settlers established their farms here in the early colonial days. Half-timbered houses and flowering gardens remain, but seem more suited to southern England than Africa.

Several walking trails traverse the hills, offering beautiful views of the valleys below. Wildlife is also visible in the area. Buffalo, gazelles, giraffes, bushbuck, the occasional klipspringer, and troupes of baboons are often glimpsed grazing along the roadside.

If you're an Out of Africa fan and you're looking for other places to visit in the Ngong Hills, stop by the grave of Denys Finch Hatton, the lover of famous Danish author, Karen Blixen. It lies on the eastern slopes, graced by an obelisk and garden.

Address: Great Rift Valley, Mageso Chember, Nairobi

The Railway Museum in Nairobi celebrates the rich history of the railroad in Kenya and its impact on the nation's development. Among the museum's fascinating collections are train and ship models, photographs from the original construction of the Uganda Railway, railway magazines, maps and drawings, and a silver service set used on overnight trains to Mombasa.

A collection of steam locomotives and rolling stock are also on display, including a model of the MV Liemba, built by the Germans and still in use along Lake Tanganyika.

A favorite exhibit is the carriage used during the hunt for the Maneater of Kima in 1900. Captain Charles Ryall, a colonial officer, positioned himself in the carriage to shoot a man-eating lion; unfortunately he fell asleep and was dragged out the window by the lion.

Address: Uhuru Road, Nairobi

You'll find a little bit of everything about Kenya at this museum. Housed in the old Bank of India building, the National Archives spotlights Kenyan tribal culture, as well as the country's art, history, and politics.

Paintings and artifacts from the collection of Joseph Murumbi, one of Africa's most famous collectors, dominate the exhibits. The main floor gallery displays historical documents and a collection of photographs.

The second floor houses more art, a display of postage stamps, and the National Archives reading room, which is used for personal and professional projects.

Along with the Nairobi National Museum, this is one of the top places to visit in Nairobi on a budget, and it will broaden your understanding of Kenya's rich history and culture.

Address: Moi Avenue, Nairobi

Travelers visiting Nairobi for the first time have two main areas where they can base themselves for prime sightseeing opportunities: To feel the pulse of this vibrant city and have easy access to its restaurants, shops, and museums, the city center makes a great base.

Those who prefer a more peaceful experience in the countryside should consider staying in the affluent suburb of Karen, home to some of Nairobi's most luxurious hotels, as well as the Karen Blixen Museum. Here are some highly rated hotels in these areas:

• Luxury Hotels: Overlooking the Ngong Hills in the suburb of Karen, the plantation-style Hemingways Nairobi exudes colonial elegance, with four-poster beds, personal butler service, and a pampering day spa. In the heart of the city, Fairmont The Norfolk is a more affordable luxury option that feels like an elegant oasis, with lush gardens, a heated pool, and day spa. It lies within walking distance of the National Museums of Kenya, as well as many restaurants and shops. Behind well-guarded gates, 10 minutes by car to Wilson Airport and 16 minutes to the international airport, The Boma Nairobi makes a fine pre- or post-safari base. It's close to the city center and offers a spa and health club.
• Mid-Range Hotels: Within walking distance of the National Museum of Kenya, the elegant Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi is at the high end of the mid-range options, and the Sarova Stanley , in the heart of the city, is Nairobi's oldest luxury hotel, with relatively affordable rates. Also in the city center, the InterContinental Nairobi is a popular base for those who prefer a large chain hotel.
• Budget Hotels: A little farther out from the city center but within walking distance to popular shopping malls, Progressive Park Hotel offers great value for longer stays, with its studio rooms and apartments. The Kenya Comfort Hotel has basic budget rooms in a convenient location close to city center sights.
• Wildlife Day Trip Adventures: Feed giraffes and get up close with baby elephants on the full-day David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center Tour . Animal lovers can learn more about these lovable creatures and the center's valiant efforts to protect this vulnerable species. The tour also includes a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum and the Kazuri Beads factory.
• Safari Adventure and Wildlife Tour : If you want to add a safari experience to the wildlife sanctuary visits, the Giraffe Center, Elephant Orphanage, and Nairobi National Park Day Tour adds a three-hour game drive through Nairobi National Park, where you can spot animals such as lions, rhinos, zebras, and buffalo. Both tours include transport, guides, hotel pickup and drop-off, and admission to all the parks.
• Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Trip : If you prefer a more active wildlife experience, the Hells Gate and Lake Naivasha Day Trip is a great choice. This full-day excursion includes a two-hour bike tour through the park to spot wildlife such as zebras, elands, and gazelles and a one-hour hike through the park's rugged gorges, with a stop at a Maasai village . For an additional fee, you can enjoy a cruise on Lake Naivasha to spot hippos and birdlife.
• Three-Day Safari: Explore one of the world's most famous game reserves and the site of the Great Migration on the three-day Maasai Mara Guided Safari from Nairobi . Expert guides take you on game drives to see some of the park's diverse wildlife, including lion, leopard, cheetah, and buffalo. At night, you will sleep in semi-luxury tents in the wilderness. An optional add-on to Lake Nakuru National Park is also available.

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Places to Visit in Kenya : Besides the wildlife adventures and colonial history of Nairobi, other things to do in Kenya including basking on beautiful beaches and snorkeling along coral reefs. Southeast of Nairobi, you'll find plenty of things to do in Mombasa as well. Stroll around its atmospheric Old Town, visit wildlife sanctuaries, or dive a wreck in Mombasa Marine National Park.

Places to Visit in Tanzania : South of Kenya, Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and lies a short boat ride from the beautiful tropical islands of Bongoyo and Mbudya. And if taking the safari of a lifetime is your mission, Tanzania is home to some of the most magnificent game reserves in the world, including Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

More on Kenya

31 Best Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: January 24, 2024

Categories Kenya

Home » Africa » Kenya » 31 Best Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi is my favorite African city. When I arrived, my plan was to spend a couple of days there. I ended up staying for over a month. I’ve since visited two more times. It’s a surprisingly modern city full of friendly people, excellent nightlife, and delicious food. There is a safari park in the city limits. Unfortunately, Nairobi has a bit of a bad reputation. Many travelers pass through without even giving the city a chance. They fly in and then head directly to the Kenyan coast or toward the Maasai Mara for a safari without ever experiencing this exciting African capital. I think that’s a real shame. In this guide, I outline the 31 best things to do in Nairobi, Kenya.

This list includes tourist attractions, wildlife viewing, parks, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, nightlife, museums, shopping, cultural attractions, historical sights, and more. Nairobi offers something for everyone. I’ll also outline a few day trips from Nairobi. Finally, I’ll share some itineraries for 1 day, 2-3 days, and 1 week.

Table of Contents

• Nairobi National Park
• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
• The Giraffe Centre
• Stay at the Giraffe Manor
• Bomas of Kenya
• Karura Forest
• Stroll Around Nairobi CBD
• Kibera Slum Tour
• Karen Blixen Museum
• Enjoy Nairobi’s Nightlife
• The Nairobi National Museum
• Shop at a Maasai Market
• Kenyatta International Convention Centre
• Nairobi Mamba Village
• Enjoy the Local Restaurants
• View Monuments and Memorials in Nairobi
• Shopping for Souvenirs 
• Nairobi Railway Museum
• Taste Kenyan Tea and Coffee
• Nairobi Arboretum
• Kazuri Bead Factory
• Ride in a Matatu
• Watch a Sporting Event
• Day Trips from Nairobi
• Hells Gat National Park
• Lake Naivasha
• Hiking at Ngong Hills
• Visit a Tea or Coffee Farm
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Githiga Caves and Waterfall
• Amboseli National Park
• Nairobi Itineraries

31 Best Things To Do In Nairobi

1. Visit Nairobi National Park

Nairobi is the only city in the world with a full-on safari park located within city limits. Nairobi National Park is located just 4 miles (7 km) south of the CBD. It’s so close that the Nairobi skyline can actually be seen from the national park. A n electric fence is used to keep the animals from wandering from Nairobi National Park into the CBD. This is a small national park at just 117 square kilometers. Y ou can go on a safari and be back at your hotel in time for dinner. This makes for a really convenient and unique safari experience.

All of the large animals you think about when picturing a safari can be viewed in Nairobi National Park including giraffes, hippos, buffalo, black rhinos, gazelle, zebra, cheetahs, leopards, lions, wildebeests, hyenas, and more. Nairobi National Park is also one of the best places in the world to see the endangered black rhino.

An elephant conservatory , called David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, is located within Nairobi National Park. This is an orphanage for baby elephants who lost their parents to poaching. You can also visit the Nairobi Animal Orphanage. This is an orphanage for animals that have been abandoned, injured, or unable to care for themselves. At both orphanages, animals are treated and rehabilitated before they are re-released into the wild.

Another popular attraction in Nairobi National Park is Nairobi Safari Walk. This is a raised wooden boardwalk that winds through the national park. Here, you can get some great views of rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, and lions.

Nairobi National Park entry for non-residents costs 4300 shillings (about $43).

There are a number of ways to visit Nairobi National Park. You can take a self-drive safari. This is the most affordable option. If you have a car, you can simply pay the national park entry fee and drive yourself through the park to view the animals . If you don’t feel like driving, you can hire a cab driver to drive you to and around the national park. Prices vary. Some drivers know Nairobi National Park better than others.

Another option is to book a guided tour. F or about $50 you can take a group tour to Nairobi National Park. The price includes pick up and drop off at your hotel or the airport. Park entrance is not included. Most tours last about 4 hours. Morning and afternoon tours are available. Private tours are also available if you prefer.

If you are looking for a more traditional safari experience, consider making a trip to the Maasai Mara. For a step-by-step guide on how to visit, check out my guide How to Safari in Kenya for less than $200: Maasai Mara on a Budget .

If you are continuing on to Tanzania after you visit Kenya, check out my article:  Maasai Mara vs Serengeti: Where is the Better Safari?

2. Visit The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT)

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is an elephant orphanage located inside Nairobi National Park. The DSWT works to care for and rehabilitate baby elephants that were orphaned or abandoned due to poaching. They have been operating since the 1970s. The DSWT is also known as the Nairobi Elephant Sanctuary.

After caring for the baby elephants for the first 2-3 years of their lives, they are moved to a reintegration facility. This facility, also run by the DSWT, is located in Tsavo East National Park. When the elephants are ready, they are returned to the wild. Many consider the DSWT to be the most successful elephant reintegration program anywhere in the world. The orphanage was started by Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her husband David Sheldrick, who was a founder and warden of Tsavo National Park.

Because the DSWT is located inside Nairobi National Park, this is a great activity to pair with a safari. The DSWT is only open to the public for one hour per day between 11:00 am to 12:00 noon. Try to arrive early so you can score a spot near the front for the best view.

During your visit, you’ll see the baby elephants feeding and bathing. Sometimes they’ll walk right up to you. One of the keepers will also give a brief talk to explain exactly what the DSWT does. Visiting DSWT is one of the best things to do in Nairobi.

To visit the DSWT, you must make a donation. T he minimum donation is 1500 shillings or around $15. You do not have to pay the $43 or 4300 shilling Nairobi National Park entrance fee if you’re only visiting the DSWT. There is a separate entrance so you can bypass the park if you wish. These days, you do have to book in advance. Try to book early. Reservations fill up quickly.

If you become an elephant foster by making a minimum donation of $50, you can schedule an evening visit to see the elephants at bedtime. This viewing is less busy than the morning viewing which is open to the general public. 

For more info, visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust website here.

3. Visit the Giraffe Centre

For the first time, giraffes recently reached ‘critically endangered ‘ status. This means that the world’s tallest species is at risk of going extinct.

The Giraffe Centre is part of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, (AFEW). It was set up in 1979 to care for one of the most endangered species of giraffes in East Africa, the Rothschild’s giraffe. The Giraffe Center is designed to educate the public and help with conservation efforts. They also breed giraffes, rehabilitate giraffes, and release them into the wild.

During your visit to the Giraffe Centre, you can hand-feed the giraffes. There is a viewing platform that allows you to get up close and personal with these tall creatures. There are also a couple of exhibits where you can learn a bit more about giraffes. For more info, you can listen to an educational talk presented by one of the keepers. Across the road, you can take a stroll along the Giraffe Centre nature trail.

The Giraffe Centre is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For non-Kenyan resident adults, the entry fee is 1500 shillings or about $15. The entry fee for kids is 500 shillings or about $5. You can book a ticket in advance but it’s not necessary. You can buy a ticket at the ticket office on-site.

Admittedly, the Giraffe Centre is very touristy. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Nairobi. Pretty much every tour group stops here. School groups also come here. It can get very busy. You’ll have to have some patience when visiting but it’s worth the trip. On average, a visit to the Giraffe Centre takes 30-60 minutes but you can stay as long as you like.

For more info, check out the Giraffe Centre website here.

4. Stay at the Giraffe Manor

If you’re looking for a truly unique and memorable hotel experience, look no further than the Giraffe Manor. This historic hotel is set on 12 acres of private land and is home to a herd of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. Giraffe Manor is located right next to the Giraffe Centre. Both are part of the same sanctuary.

At the Giraffe manor, guests can interact with these gentle giants throughout the day, whether it’s feeding them treats by hand or simply watching them roam the grounds. Each room at the Giraffe Manor has large windows that overlook the property. You can wake up to a giraffe peeking in at you while you enjoy breakfast. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Giraffe Manor is sure to exceed your expectations.

5. Visit Bomas of Kenya

Bomas of Kenya was set up by the Kenyan government in 1971 to educate people about the history of various Kenyan tribes as well as to celebrate and preserve their cultures.

At Bomas of Kenya, you’ll find recreations of villages of different tribal groups from around the region. At each village, you can learn about the lifestyle, history, and culture of a different tribe. There are also several exhibits displaying artwork, artifacts, and clothing from various tribes.

Bomas of Kenya also features a large auditorium where you can enjoy traditional music and dance performances. These performances feature traditional string, percussion, and wind instruments as well as traditional dances from 50 different ethnic groups. This is a fun and lively show that also introduces you to the history and culture of the Kenyan people.

You’ll also find a restaurant on-site, called Utamaduni. Here, you can enjoy a range of Kenyan dishes. Visiting the Bomas of Kenya is one of the best things to do in Nairobi.

For more info, visit the Bomas of Kenya website.

6. Go for a Hike in Karura Forest

Nairobi is an intense city. Sometimes you just need to get away for a while to clear your mind. Karura Forest is the perfect place to go to catch a breath of fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. Best of all, it’s located conveniently within Nairobi city limits , just a few km north of the CBD.

This 2570 acre forest contains over 50 km of trails to explore. You can explore on your own, take a group tour, or hire a guide to show you around. Karura forest is great for people of all ages.

Karura Forest can easily be reached by taxi, Uber, or Matatu (shared minibus.) There is an entry fee. Non-Kenyan resident tickets cost 800 shillings (about $6.50). Children’s tickets cost 400 shillings. Karura Forest is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day.

Popular activities in Karura Forest include:

• Walking- Take a stroll and enjoy the trails and scenery.
• Cycling- Bicycles are allowed on the trails. Rentals are available near the entrance.
• Picnicking- Bring a basket of your favorite foods and enjoy them in one of the designated picnic areas. There is a 150 shilling fee to utilize the facilities. There are also several restaurants located nearby.
• Birdwatching- Over 200 species of birds call Karura Forrest home.
• Running- Get some exercise while you’re there.
• Enjoy the natural landscape- There are waterfalls, caves, marshlands, and a bamboo forest. One of the most beautiful features of the park is the Karura Forest waterfall.
• Wildlife Viewing- Several species of monkeys can be spotted in the forest including Colobus Monkeys. You may also be able to spot bush pigs, dik diks, porcupines, dukier, and more.
• Horseback riding- Horse riding tours are available.
• Hiking- Most trails are pretty easy.

For more info on visiting, check out Friends of Karura Forest.

7. Take a Stroll Around Nairobi CBD (Central Business District)

Taking a walk around downtown Nairobi is an interesting way to spend an afternoon. The streets are crowded and active. Vendors sell everything from fruits and street food to clothing and electronics on the sidewalks. The city is also surprisingly cosmopolitan. People from all over Africa and the world call Nairobi home. You’ll see business people, tourists, and plenty of normal locals going about their daily life.

There are a number of points of interest in central Nairobi. While you’re out sightseeing, be sure to check out The Parliament of Kenya, Jamia Mosque, Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), the Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service Building, The Holy Family Minor Basilica, and Uhuru Park.

If you get thirsty or hungry during your walk, there are plenty of nice bars and restaurants to pop into for a drink or a bite to eat. The CBD has some good food and drink options.

If you prefer a guided tour, consider taking a walking tour with Nai Nami . These tours are guided by young men who are former street kids. They grew up in the slums of Nairobi. These guys know the streets of Naibori better than anyone.

During the tour, you’ll see landmarks, historical buildings, monuments, museums, and more. The guides will also show you some places that you probably wouldn’t find on your own. Some of these places may not be safe to visit by yourself. During the tour, your guide will also share some city history and some of their stories from growing up in Nairobi.

Tip: Be careful while taking photos in Nairobi. Taking photos of government buildings is not allowed in Kenya. You could get hassled or fined if you get caught by the police.  Kenyans also don’t like having their photo taken, for whatever reason. Try not to photograph anyone without asking for their permission first. Also, keep an eye out for thieves and pickpockets. The city isn’t called ‘Nairobery’ for nothing. Keep your camera in a zippered pocket or in your backpack while you’re not using it.

8. Visit Kibera Slum

This is a controversial one. Kibera is a division of Nairobi. It is considered the largest urban slum in all of Africa. Population estimates range from 250,000 to over a million people. Most residents live on less than $1 per day. Kibera is also home to a large number of people living with HIV and AIDS. The area suffers from extreme poverty, poor healthcare, and high rates of unemployment.

Kibera is located about 4.1 miles (about 6.6 km) from Nairobi CBD. Kibera slum is about 2.5 square km in size. The population density is extremely high. Most residents live in small shacks that are made from mud and corrugated sheet metal.

You can book an organized tour of Kibera for around $30 or visit independently for free. A couple of companies offer tours of the slum. Some popular options include The Kibera Empowerment Walking Tour and Kibera Tours.

The tour lasts for 3-4 hours. The guides are well-known in the area. Many guides grew up in Kibera. It’s best to visit Kibera on a tour rather than independently for safety reasons. Crime is high here. It’s dangerous to wander around this area on your own.

During the tour, you may visit a school/orphanage, the railway line, a bread factory, some local shops, a biogas center, an HIV management organization, a women’s shelter, and a local’s home. You’ll also walk up to the highest point, where you can take in the impressive view of the sprawling slum. You’ll walk through the dirt paths and winding streets that go through the area. Your guide will also share some history of the neighborhood and some personal stories.

Some people find slum tourism to be unethical. That’s for you to decide. Personally, I don’t see any issue with it. Seeing how others live has value for both tourists and locals. Some of the money earned from the tours also makes its way into the local economy. Kibera is also an open neighborhood that anyone can visit. It’s not a private or closed area. s

That said, you will want to behave respectfully while visiting. Try not to take photographs of people living in the area. Most residents aren’t thrilled about people visiting their poor neighborhood as a tourist attraction.

While visiting Kibera, c onsider buying a cold drink or a souvenir from one of the vendors in the area. This is a great way to support a local family.  Any money that you spend here will go directly into the community. Buying something is the best way you can support this community.

You can also visit Kibera independently. You don’t need to take a tour. I didn’t take a tour when I visited. A couple of friends and I took an Uber to the edge of Kibera and then wandered around for a couple of hours. It probably wasn’t the safest thing to do but we didn’t have any issues.

If you decide to go independently, you should make the trip during the day. Be sure to get out of there well before dark. For a step-by-step guide check out my article: How to Visit Kibera Slum Independently Without a Tour.

9. Visit the Karen Blixen Museum

The Karen Blixen Museum is located in the farmhouse where the famous Danish author Karen Blixen lived from 1914-1931. She wrote the book ‘Out of Africa’ about her experience living in Kenya. The book was made into a movie starring Merl Streep in 1985. It won the Academy Award for best picture that year.

The farmhouse has been turned into the Karen Blixen Museum to show how the author lived and what life was like in Kenya during that time period. During colonial times, the house was built on a farm well outside of the city. Now the city has spread all the way to the house.

The Karen Blixen museum lies about 10 km outside of the Nairobi CBD. It can be accessed by taxi, Uber, or matatu (shared minibus). The museum is open 365 days per year from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. The entry cost for non-Kenyan resident adults is 1200 shillings ($12). Children’s tickets cost 600 shillings.

If you’re interested in history, visiting the Karen Blixen Museum is one of the best things to do in Nairobi. For more info, visit the National Museums of Kenya website here.

10. Enjoy Nairobi’s Nightlife

Nairobi offers excellent nightlife. Kenyans really know how to party. In Nairobi, there is something for everyone including high-end bars and restaurants , nightclubs, pubs, and local hangouts. You can enjoy some cold beers, go dancing, listen to live music, sing karaoke, or even play board games. While visiting Nairobi, be sure to try a Tusker, Kenya’s most popular beer. 

The Best Bars and Clubs in Nairobi

• The Alchemist- This popular creative hub offers an event space, trucks, live music, shopping, a cinema, and more.
• Brew Bistro Rooftop- If you’re into craft beer, this is one of the best spots for nightlife in Nairobi at the moment. They have happy hour from 5-7 and offer live music or a DJ. The atmosphere is laid back and chill. Brew Bistro is located on the top of the Fortis tower in Westlands.
• Havana Bar and Restaurant- This Cuban-themed bar offers a good selection of local and international brands. Prices are reasonable.
• Klub House (K1)- This place is famous for its Thursday night reggae party.  They also host a flea market on Sundays.
• Club Tribeca- This popular club is located in the CBD. The crowd here tends to be a bit older.
• Black Diamond- This Westlands bar is a great place for dancing. They play great music and offer affordable prices.
• Gypsy Bar- This is a popular Westlands bar. It has a great crowd on weekends.
• B Club- This Kilimani club is well known in Nairobi. Prices are on the high side here.
• 1824 Whisky Bar- This popular bar is located on Lang’ata road. This would be a great place to visit after enjoying a dinner at Carnivore as it’s located just down the street. They offer an excellent selection of whiskies.
• KIZA Restaurant and Lounge- This fine dining African-fusion restaurant is located in Kilimani. It offers a classy atmosphere and excellent food. 
• Choices Pub- This is a popular spot for locals and those who love to dance. It’s also a great place to watch sports. They have several large screen TVs. There are also pool tables. Prices are reasonable.
• Simba Saloon- This is the club that is connected to Carnivore restaurant. This would be a convenient place to go after dinner. 
• Live at the Elephant- This is a popular live music venue located in Lavington. It gets very busy so you may have to book tickets in advance.
• 40Forty Lounge- This Westlands rooftop lounge offers excellent views of the city. The club is beautifully decorated. This place is upscale and expensive but offers great food and drinks.
• Bao Box- This is a great choice if you’re looking for more of a chill-out place than a party. Here, you can choose from hundreds of board games to play at your table. You just pay $10 and can play for as long as you want.
• The Nest Rooftop Lounge- This is a small rooftop bar located at the Tribe hotel.
• Artcaffé at The Oval- This cafe is a popular after work hangout for locals. On Friday and Saturday nights they have music and dancing.
• Zanze Bar- This local bar offers pool tables, karaoke, and cheap beer. On the weekends there is dancing.

Most of Nairobi’s top bars and restaurants are located in Westlands. This is an affluent neighborhood with a large expat population. It’s an excellent place to bar-hop. There are many bars and clubs in the same general area within a block or two.

Many clubs have absurdly high age requirements to get in. It is common to see 25 and older signs posted outside of clubs. Surprisingly, these age requirements are enforced. I went out clubbing with a few people from the hostel I was staying at and one 21-year-old guy wasn’t allowed in. He ended up going back to the hostel.

Drinks are also a bit more expensive in Nairobi than in many other African cities. Expect to pay around 300-500 shillings for a domestic beer in a club. Generally, the clubs have no cover charge. Some bars have a two-drink minimum. It is customary to tip 50-100 shillings for each round of drinks.

11. Visit The Nairobi National Museum

The Nairobi National Museum is a nice place to spend the afternoon learning about the region. The museum focuses on four main categories including history, Kenyan culture, nature, and art.

The main exhibit of the Nairobi National Museum is located in the Hall of Kenya. Here, you’ll learn about the history, nature, and culture of Kenya. The Joy Adamson gallery features illustrations and other works by the famous conservationist. The Cycles of Life exhibit teaches about the cultural practices of different Kenyan communities through different stages of life including birth, coming of age, old age, and death. The Great Hall of Mammals traces the evolution of African mammals over time. Here, you can also learn about the geography of the region. The Cradle of Mankind exhibit traces the existence of humans over time. The Historia Ya Kenya exhibit teaches about Kenya’s history. It is divided into pre-colonial times, the colonial period, and independence.

At the Nairobi National Museum, you can also v iew some contemporary and traditional Kenyan artwork. The museum also has an auditorium where they occasionally show Kenyan films and local musical performances.

Within the national museum compound, you can also visit the Nairobi Snake Park, botanical gardens, an art gallery, some shops, an auditorium, and a cafe. You could easily spend a day exploring this beautiful part of the city.

The National Museum is located about 10 minutes north of the city center in a part of the city called Museum Hill. The museum is open 365 days a year from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Entry to the Nairobi National Museum for Non-Kenyan resident adults costs 1200 shillings ($10). Children’s tickets cost 600 shillings ($5). The entry price is the same for Snake Park. If you buy combination tickets to the museum and Snake Park for 1500 shillings ($12) for adults and 1000 shillings for children.

For more info, visit the National Museums of Kenya website here.

12. Go Shopping at a Maasai Market

The Maasai Market is a great place to buy souvenirs including colorful African artwork, handicrafts, paintings, clothing, jewelry, fabrics, beads, and wood carvings made by the Maasai people. This open-air market is held in a different location every day of the week. It runs from 8 am to 6 pm.

The Maasai Market schedule is as follows:

• Monday- No Market
• Tuesday- Prestige Plaza along Ngong Road and Kijabe Street Park near Nairobi River.
• Wednesday- Capital Center on Mombasa road.
• Thursday- The junction Mall and Ngong road.
• Friday- Langinton Mall and The Village market along Limuru road.
• Saturday- Prestige Plaza along Ngong Road and The High court parking opposite Re-Insurance Plaza.
• Sunday- Yaya Center in Hurlingham.

While browsing the market, keep your wits about you and try not to get distracted. Pickpockets and Scammers like to work in the area. Pickpockets target tourists who are distracted by the pretty artwork and large crowds at the market.

You’ll also encounter fast-talking scammers that will offer to help you negotiate and get a good deal. These guys are actually working with the vendors. They convince you that you’re getting a good deal when you’re really overpaying. They receive a commission in return.

If you decide to make a purchase, be sure to negotiate hard. Offer half what the vendor is asking and bargain from there. The vendors are friendly and polite but they love to overcharge tourists if they can get away with it. Avoid acting overly interested and be ready to walk away if you can’t come to a deal. You can often find the exact same item at a nearby stall anyway. 

For more info, check out the Maasai Market Facebook page. Also, check the market locations before going. They sometimes move. 

There are also some other markets that sell similar items. The Galleria Mall has a great market that’s open every day. City Market is also worth checking out. It’s located in the CBD.

13. Take a Stroll in Uhuru Park

Uhuru Park is a large city park located in the center of Nairobi. This park holds historical and cultural significance for Kenya. It is the site of many speeches and political rallies. Uhuru means ‘freedom’ in Swahili. Entry to Uhuru Park is free.

Uhuru Park is a nice place to go to take a breath of fresh air. You can stroll along the paths, buy ice cream from one of the vendors, or just relax on a park bench. The park also contains a man-made lake. You can rent paddle boats or sit along the shore and enjoy the view. There is also a skateboard park. Uhuru is a popular place for locals to hang out, particularly on the weekends.

Located just across Kenyatta Avenue from Uhuru park is Central Park. Here, you’ll find a children’s playground, shade trees, and expansive lawns where you can picnic. There is also a large monument celebrating former president Moi. 

You should avoid visiting Uhuru park after dark. Thieves can operate in and around the park. You should also avoid going here during any type of political event for safety reasons.

14. Take in the View of the City at the Top of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC)

The Kenyatta International Convention Centre is a 28-story tower is located in the City Square of Nairobi in the CBD. It is the 6th tallest building in Kenya. For a small fee, you can take an elevator to the observation deck on the 27th floor and walk up to the viewing platform.

From the KICC, you can catch one of the best views of the city. You’ll enjoy a 360 degree of Nairobi’s downtown, parks, and buildings as well as the surrounding hills . On clear days, you can even see Mount Kenya. The sunset view is also pretty spectacular. 

The KICC is mostly used for conferences and exhibitions. Security is pretty tight here and the viewing platform is not always open. You’ll have to leave your passport with security at the entrance to the building. The observation deck closes at 8:00 pm.

15. Nairobi Mamba Village

This 30-acre farm houses about 70 Nile Crocodiles as well as a few ostriches and other animals. On the grounds, you’ll find a restaurant, lounge, and sitting areas where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. The property also features a man-made lake where you can enjoy a boat ride. 

The best time to visit is in the afternoon during feeding time. Watching the ancient species jump into the air to grab a big hunk of meat is a pretty impressive sight. 

Mamba Village is located about 13 km outside of the Nairobi CBD in the Karen suburb. The entry fee is 1,000 Ksh (about $10). The village is open from 9 am to 6 pm every day. Once you arrive, you can walk the grounds by yourself or hire a guide. For more info, visit the Mamba Village Facebook page.

16. Eat at One of Nairobi’s Restaurants

Nairobi is a great food city. The local cuisine is influenced by Indian and Arabian flavors. You can sample excellent curries, roasted meats, African stews, and several types of bread. You can also find your favorite western dishes including burgers, pizza, and more if that’s what you prefer. Nairobi has fine restaurants, hip cafes, tourist spots, local markets, fast food, street food, and more. There is something for everyone.

Some Popular Restaurants in Nairobi Include:

• Carnivore- This is Nairobi’s most famous restaurant. Carnivore is a safari-themed restaurant located in the Lang’ata suburb. The restaurant specializes in nyama choma. This is Kenyan style roasted meat. They serve all types of exotic meats including crocodile, ostrich, and rabbit as well as the more common types such as beef, lamb, and chicken. The place is touristy but it is also a lot of fun. The whole restaurant is built around a giant barbecue centerpiece where all of the meat is cooked on traditional Maasai swords over an open flame. Usually, around 10-12 different types of meat are available. They will keep bringing you meat as fast as you can eat it. They also serve great cocktails. The service here is excellent. The only drawback is that this place is expensive. The all-you-can-eat meal costs about $30. They get busy so consider booking in advance if you’re coming with a large group.
• The Thorn Tree Cafe- An open-air bistro that is famous for its makeshift mail system where travelers used to leave left messages pinned to a tree trunk of a centrally located acacia tree. The Thorn Tree Cafe is located in the historic Sarova Stanley hotel in Nairobi CBD. This is a great place to grab afternoon tea and a slice of cake. It’s a historic spot. Many famous celebrities, politicians, and even royals have stayed at the attached hotel.
• About Thyme- This modern and popular restaurant serves a mix of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine. They also offer some traditional barbecue dishes. They offer a nice outdoor seating area as well.
• Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens- This popular restaurant is located on the historic former estate of Karen Blixen. They offer a mix of international and local dishes. This would be a convenient place to stop for lunch after visiting the nearby Karen Blixen museum. Check out their website here for more info.
• The Talisman- This is often considered to be Nairobi’s best restaurant . Here, you can try an interesting fusion of European, Asian, and African cuisine. They are located in the Karen neighborhood.
• Diamond Plaza- This is Nairobi’s little India. Here, you’ll find various Indian restaurants and shops.
• J’s Fresh Bar and Kitchen- This trendy bar and restaurant offers serves great food. J’s is popular among locals and expats for its live music and DJs. There are two locations. One in Karen and one in Westlands.
• Tin Roof Cafe- This is a pleasant little cafe located in Karen.
• Burger Hut- This popular burger joint has been in business since the 80s. They serve some of the best burgers in Nairobi. 
• Mama Rocks- This famous Nairobi food truck serves African-inspired burgers. They are located at the Alchemist Bar. They now have a second location in Kilimani.
• Nyama Mama- This popular Westlands restaurant specializes in Kenyan food. Particularly nyama choma.
• Mama Oliech’s Restaurant- Another popular Nairobi restaurant. They are known for their fried fish from Lake Nakuru. They are located in Kilimani.
• Haandi- This is one of Nairobi’s most famous indian restaurants.
• Java House- This is a Kenyan chain of cafes. They serve great coffee and pastries.
• Fifteen Roofhouse- This rooftop bar and restaurant offers beautiful views of both Nairobi National Park and the Nairobi skyline.
• Wasp and Sprout- This hip little cafe serves breakfast, salads, soups, sandwiches, snacks, and desserts. They also offer excellent coffee, tea, and cocktails. There is a farmer’s market next door. They also do open-mic nights.
• Nairobi Street Kitchen- This is a street food market. NSK is a great place to sample local foods and beverages. It’s also a great place to hang out. There is live music, shopping, and a rooftop bar.
• Urban Eatery- This place features four kitchens serving up a wide range of different cuisines. You can choose from Indian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Asian, and more. They also have a cafe, frozen yogurt, and a bar.
• Habesha- This is an excellent Ethiopian restaurant. They have locations in Kilimani and Gigiri.
• Nyama choma restaurants- All over the city, you’ll find restaurants serving up this Kenyan style barbecue. Some are better than others.
• Kenyan local restaurants- These hole-in-the-wall joints are located in estates all over the city. They are incredibly popular among locals. Here, you’ll see locals hanging around after work with friends and family.  They serve local food at affordable prices. You could enjoy a filling lunch for just a couple of hundred shillings.
• Farmer’s markets- There are plenty of local markets all around Nairobi. You’ll find one in every neighborhood. These are great places to buy fresh fruits and veggies. You can also find meat, grains, and more. Many markets also have food stands where you can buy a simple meal. One of the best markets is City Park Market.
• Fast food- If you’ve been traveling in Africa for a while, you may begin craving junk food. You can enjoy some of your favorite American fast-food chains in Nairobi including Dominoes, Subway, Pizza Hut, KFC, Burger King, and Hardees. You can also enjoy some other fast food chains including Debonairs Pizza, Chicken Inn, Pizza Inn, and Spur Steak Ranch. No McDonald’s in Nairobi yet.

Don’t forget to sample some of the local food during your visit. Some popular Kenyan foods that are worth a try include:

• Nyama Choma- Roasted meat. The most common are goat and beef.
• Ugali- A cornmeal paste. This is a staple of Kenyan cuisine.
• Irio- A famous Kikuyu dish that is made of a mix of mashed peas and potatoes with corn.
• Supu- Vegetable soup with ginger, garlic, pumpkin, and potato.
• Githeri- Boiled beans and corn. Sometimes mixed with veggies.
• Kenyan stew- Usually beef, goat, or chicken stewed with peas, carrots, and potatoes.
• Mukimu- Mashed potatoes and peas.
• Chapati- A fried flatbread.
• Mandazi- Kenyan doughnuts.
• Mutura- Kenya sausage. Usually made from goat meat.
• Kachumbari- Diced tomatoes, chiles, onions, avocado, and cilantro.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables- At Nairobi’s markets, you can find beautiful fresh produce.

Consider taking a food tour in Nairobi. Your guide will help you discover some of Kenya’s most delicious dishes from the most authentic restaurants.

Also, consider taking a cooking class to learn how to cook your own African food at home. Cooking classes are a great way to learn about the local Kenyan culture. Some classes even take place in the instructor’s own home. They will show you the ingredients and techniques they use at home.

17. View Some of Nairobi’s Monuments and Memorials

Nairobi is home to a number of monuments and memorials that serve as reminders of the city’s colonial history and local culture. Uhuru Park, for example, is a monument to Kenya’s independence from British colonial rule. The park features several monuments including the National Monument and the Nyayo Monument. Some other famous Nairobi monuments worth visiting include the Kimathi statue, the East Africa Memorial, the Tom Mboya Memorial Statue, and more.

18. Go Shopping for Souvenirs in Nairobi

Nairobi is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from high-end malls to open-air markets. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, handicrafts, or designer clothes, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

The city’s malls offer a wide variety of stores, including international brands and local businesses. For a more traditional shopping experience, head to one of Nairobi’s many outdoor markets. Here you’ll find everything from fresh produce to handmade goods. In markets, haggling is expected.

A few of the best places to go shopping in Nairobi include:

• The Hub Karen- This is the biggest shopping mall in Nairobi. At The Hub Karen, you will find dining, entertainment, and all the shopping you could wish for. They have many of the most popular international chains as well as local shops and small businesses. The mall is located in the Karen neighborhood of Nairobi. They are open from 9 am to 9 pm.
• Village Market- This is a large mall in Gigiri neighborhood. Here, you can buy pretty much anything you need including clothing, souvenirs, and food. 
• Yaya Centre- A large indoor mall in Kilimani. Here you can buy electronics, cosmetics, and clothing. They also have a supermarket and food court. 
• Gikomba Market- This massive market is located on the outskirts of the city. It’s a great place to buy cheap clothing and accessories. It can be helpful to bring a local friend if you can. It’s easy to get lost here because the market is so big. The vendors are also aggressive. Be sure to negotiate hard. This place can get overwhelming because it’s so crowded. It is an experience though.
• City Park Hawkers- This is a great place to buy fruits and vegetables. Lots of locals shop here. Nearby, you can find some great local restaurants serving affordable Kenyan food. This place is located near Westlands and is also called City Park Market.
• Sarit Centre- This is considered Nairobi’s busiest shopping center. This large mall features a wide range of shops and restaurants.
• Wasp & Sprout- This fair trade initiative sells all kinds of housewares l furniture, crafts, decorations, and fabrics. They also have a cafe.
• Kazuri Beads- This social enterprise employs women with disadvantaged backgrounds. They manufacture and sell jewelry, pottery, and handicrafts. These items make for great souvenirs. You can also take a tour and meet the women. The shop is located in Karen.
• Marula Studios- An interesting shop that sells products that are made from recycled flip flops. They also sell pottery, clothing, and bags. This would be another great place to buy souvenirs. 

19. Visit the Nairobi Railway Museum

The city of Nairobi was founded in 1899 as a rail depo on the Kenya-Uganda Railway. The city quickly grew around the depo and became Kenya’s capital in 1907. Rail transport made Nairobi what it is today.

The Nairobi Railway Museum was established in 1871. This small museum documents the history of rail travel in Kenya. It is located across the street from the original Nairobi Railway Station.

At the Railway Museum, you can view exhibits from the East Africa and Kenya-Uganda Railways. There are three steam locomotives that are still operational (these can be viewed by appointment only). You can also view a few early passenger coaches. This can give you a taste of 20th century rail travel. There are also several early diesel locomotives. In addition, there is a working miniature railway. You can also view locomotive 301 which was used to film the movie ‘Out of Africa.’ Of course, there are also plenty of photos of the city of Nairobi and various trains that were used in Kenya.

20. Drink Some Kenyan Tea and Coffee

One great tradition leftover from colonial times is afternoon tea time. Kenya is famous for its locally grown tea. If you’re not into tea, Kenya also produces some phenomenal coffee. Be sure to stop by one of Nairobi’s cafes to enjoy a cup of your favorite hot beverage. Some excellent places to go for tea and coffee include:

• Java House- This popular coffee shop chain has 20 locations throughout Nairobi. They serve genuine Kenyan coffee and have won several awards over the years.
• Gibson’s Coffee House- This brand has been operating in Kenya for over 50 years. Their Nairobi CBD shop is incredibly popular. They serve excellent coffees and teas.
• Artcaffe- This coffee shop and bakery has a very popular happy hour. They offer several locations throughout the city.
• Tin Roof Cafe- Another popular coffee shop. They also serve snacks and lunch.

As an American, I admit that I don’t know much about high tea so I’ll leave the recommendations to the experts on this one.

21. Visit the Nairobi Arboretum

The Nairobi Arboretum is a 74-acre wooded oasis in the heart of the city. It was established in 1907. This is a great place to take a stroll or sit in the shade and relax. Birdwatching is another popular activity here. There is also a large population of butterflies here. If you’re lucky, you might spot some monkeys. Many of the trees are also labeled. You can learn about local plants as you walk.

The Arboretum is also a popular picnic spot. On weekends, you’ll find families enjoying the peace and quiet. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or hoping to learn more about Kenyan flora and fauna, the Nairobi Arboretum is definitely worth a visit.

22. Visit the Kazuri Bead Factory

Nairobi is home to the Kazuri Bead Factory, where beautiful beads and jewelry are made by hand. Founded in 1975, the factory employs over 400 local artisans, most of whom are single mothers. Visitors to the factory can take a short tour. You’ll see how they mix the clay that is used to make beads and pottery. You’ll also see how the beads are hand painted.

After the tour, you can browse the wide selection of beads, jewelry, ornaments, and pottery on display in the gift shop. The Kazuri Bead Factory is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs, and it’s also a great way to support local businesses and craftspeople. A visit here takes around an hour.

23. Ride in a Matatu to Experience Local Transportation

Matatus are colorful taxis that transport people all over the city. They act as Nairobi’s public transportation system. A ride in one of these crazy shared minibusses is a great way to experience how the average Nairobian commutes . Matatus also run longer distance routes between cities.

Matatus run set routes throughout the city. When you want a ride, just flag one down going in your direction and hop on. Alternatively, you can find a stop where they wait for passengers. The bus will leave when it’s full.

When riding a matatu, avoid carrying valuables. Secure your phone and cash in a zippered pocket or locked backpack. Keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpockets are common. My phone was pickpocketed on a minibus in Tanzania. Luckily, I was able to get it back. For more tips, check out my guide: How to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling.

Before accepting a ride, f ind out the price of your trip. The attendants love to rip off foreigners. Ask a local how much the ride should cost and negotiate your fare before you get on.

Also, k now where you’re going. Nairobi is a massive city. It’s easy to get lost if you take the wrong bus. Ask an attendant or a local and they will be happy to point you in the right direction.

24. Go Watch a Sporting Event

Watching a sporting event in a foreign country is always an interesting experience. It is a good way to spend an afternoon, drink some beers, and meet some locals. I’m not really into sports but I enjoy watching a game once in a while.

When I was in Nairobi, I decided one afternoon that I wanted to go see a soccer match. After doing some research online, I found that the Kariobangi Sharks were playing the very next day. The Sharks play in the top level of the Football Kenya Federation system. The game was being played at Nairobi City Stadium.

The next day I took a taxi to the stadium with a couple of people from the hostel. When we arrived, to my surprise, there were only about 10 other people there. No one was selling tickets. We just walked right into the stadium.

I wondered if somehow I had misread the schedule, or maybe I was in the wrong place entirely. We sat down and watched the guys warming up on the field. About a half an hour later the game began. I’m still not exactly sure who was playing, but it was good fun to watch.

Day Trips and Things To Do Near Nairobi

There are a number of places to visit within a couple of hours of Nairobi. In this section, I’ll outline a few popular day trips from Nairobi.

25. Visit Hells Gate National Park

Nairobi is surrounded by some of Africa’s most beautiful scenery. Just a 100 km drive from the city center lies Hells Gate National Park. This small national park features a rugged landscape of volcanic cliffs and gorges. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and gazelles.

Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback. There are even opportunities for rock climbing and camping. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Hells Gate National Park is the perfect place to visit.

26. Visit Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya’s many natural wonders. Located about 100 km from Nairobi in the country’s Rift Valley region, the Lake is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including a large population of hippos and over 400 species of birds.

Visitors can take a boat tour of the Lake to see the wildlife up close. Lake Naivasha is also a popular spot for birdwatching. Whether you’re looking to see some of Kenya’s wildlife or just enjoy nature, a visit to Lake Naivasha makes for a day trip from Nairobi.

27. Go Hiking at Ngong Hills

Ngong Hills is a beautiful hiking spot located about 35 km from Nairobi. Hiking Ngong Hills is a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty of Kenya. The hills are part of the Great Rift Valley. From the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the valley below.

The hike is not overly strenuous and the terrain is easy. The main trail takes about 4-5 hours to hike. There are shorter hikes as well. Along the trail, there are plenty of places to stop and rest and enjoy the views. There are also no wild animals to worry about in the park. You can hike the hills on your own, in a group, or with a guide.

If you’re looking for more adventure, you can also zipline over the treetops. There is also an archery facility. You can even camp in the park.

Ngong Hills is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. There is a small fee to enter. Cash isn’t accepted here. You have to pay with a Visa or Mastercard credit card or debit card or Mpesa.

28. Visit a Tea or Coffee Farm

Kenya is a major producer of tea and coffee. A visit to a tea or coffee farm is a unique opportunity to see how these products are produced. Kenya’s climate is ideal for growing both tea and coffee. The country’s high altitudes result in a rich, full-flavored coffee bean and tea leaf.

At a tea or coffee farm in Kenya, you will have the chance to see the plants being grown, harvested, and processed. You will also learn about the different ways that tea and coffee can be enjoyed. A visit to a tea or coffee farm in Kenya is an unforgettable experience that will give you a new appreciation for these popular beverages.

There are a number of tea and coffee farms located near Nairobi that offer tours. Kiambethu Tea Farm is one of the most well-known tea farms in Kenya. It has been operated by the same family for over 100 years. The farm is located in the lush Ngong Hills. On a tour, you can enjoy a 3 course lunch, learn how to make the perfect cup of tea, and take a beautiful walk around the grounds. You might even spot some monkeys.

Two popular coffee farms located near Nairobi include Fairview Coffee Estate and Karunguru Coffee Farm. While visiting these farms, you’ll learn how coffee is grown, harvested, processed, and roasted. You’ll also learn how to make the perfect cup. These farms are also incredibly scenic. Of course, you’ll also taste some coffee.

29. Visit Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is famous for being home to a flock of thousands of flamingos. A number of other animals can be spotted in the national park including rhinos, lions, giraffes, cape buffalo, zebras, impalas, and more. In addition, over 400 species of birds can be found in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Lake Nakuru is located about 160 km to the west of Nairobi. It’s easy to reach by car or bus. The trip takes about 3 hours. The park is open year-round.

There are a number of activities to enjoy in Lake Nakuru National Park including safari drives and nature walks. Whether you’re looking to see some of Kenya’s iconic wildlife or just want to relax in a beautiful setting, Lake Nakuru is definitely worth a visit.

30. Visit the Githiga Caves and Waterfall

For those who crave a little peace and quiet, the Githiga Caves and Waterfall are just a short drive away from Nairobi. The caves are set amidst lush greenery. You’ll pass through beautiful forests and tea farms. The waterfalls cascade down a rocky cliff, creating a refreshing oasis.

Visitors can explore the caves or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you’re brave, you can also take a dip in the freezing pool at the base of the waterfall. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a chance to relax, the Githiga Caves and Waterfall are sure to please.

31. Take a Day Trip to Amboseli National Park

It is possible to visit Amboseli National Park on a long day trip from Nairobi. The park lies about 4 hours south of Nairobi. Amboseli National Park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. Visitors can explore the national park on a game drive, spotting animals in their natural habitat. The park also offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. During your tour, you can also visit a local Maasai village. You’ll make it back to Nairobi in time for dinner.

The Best Nairobi Itineraries

The optimal itinerary depends on the length of your trip. In this section, I’ll outline itineraries for visiting Nairobi in 1 day, 2-3 days, and 1 week.

1 Day in Nairobi

Start your day with a Kenyan coffee or tea and a hardy breakfast. The first stop on your 1 day itinerary in Nairobi is the Giraffe Centre. Try to arrive when they open at around 9:00 am to avoid crowds.

Next, make your way to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi National Park. You must arrive by around 10:30 am to catch the elephant feeding and bathing, which starts at 11. Try to book in advance if you can.

In the afternoon, take a city walking tour of Nairobi. This will allow you to see some iconic landmarks, historic buildings, and national monuments. You can join a group tour, hire a guide, or go on your own. Alternatively, you could visit the Karen Blixen Museum and Coffee Gardens, Bomas of Kenya, or the National Museum.

After your tour, head to one of the city’s markets to shop for souvenirs. Consider visiting a Maasai Market or City Market. Alternatively, you could visit the Kazuri Beads factory and shop for beaded jewelry.

In the evening, go out and experience the Nairobi nightlife. Grab dinner at Carnivore then visit one of Nairobi’s bars or clubs. You can dance the night away or simply relax with a drink in hand.

2-3 Days in Nairobi

2 or 3 days is the optimal amount of time to spend in Nairobi for most travelers. This gives you time to see all of the main sites.

On the first day, visit Nairobi National Park and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Start by visiting the elephant orphanage from 10:30 am-12 pm. After that, take an afternoon game drive in Nairobi National Park. After the game drive, head over to the Giraffe Centre . You could also visit the Giraffe center in the morning if you prefer. In the evening, enjoy dinner and drinks at Carnivore restaurant.

On the second day, start with a visit to the Bomas of Kenya to learn a bit about Kenyan culture. In the afternoon, make your way to the Karen Blixen Museum and Coffee Gardens. Enjoy an afternoon tea or coffee after viewing the museum. In the evening, go out for dinner and drinks at one of Nairobi’s restaurants. If you’re feeling up for it, consider visiting a club to enjoy some Nairobi nightlife.

On the third day, start with a walking tour of Nairobi city center. You could take a tour with the Nai Nami, a private guide, or simply walk around the CBD on your own. Spend the morning and early afternoon enjoying the city’s architecture, monuments, memorials, and parks. In the afternoon, take some time to shop for souvenirs. Head to a Maasai Market or visit one of Nairobi’s malls or markets. Alternatively, visit Nairobi National Museum to learn about the history and culture of Kenya.

One Week in Nairobi

A week gives you plenty of time to explore all the city’s major attractions. You’ll also have time for a day trip or two and some time to relax.

• Monday: Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and the Giraffe Centre.
• Tuesday: Bomas of Kenya, Karen Blixen Museum and Coffee Gardens.
• Wednesday: Walking tour of the city center of Nairobi.
• Thursday: Take a day trip to Ngong hills, Hell’s Gate National Park, Mt Longonot, Amboseli National Park, or Lake Naivasha.
• Friday: Go for a hike and picnic in Karura Forest, Visit Kibera, visit Nairobi National Museum, or visit the Railway Museum.
• Saturday: Shopping in Nairobi. Visit a Maasai Market, City Market, or go to a mall. After, go for dinner, drinks, and clubbing.
• Sunday: Go out for tea or coffee. Sample some traditional food. Visit any sites you missed. Or just rest.

The best things to do in Nairobi include Nairobi National Park, the Elephant Orphanage, the Giraffe Centre, Bomas of Kenya, and the Karen Blixen Museum. You don’t have to do everything while visiting Nairobi. Pick the sights that interest you the most. Skip the rest.

How to Get to Nairobi

There are a number of ways to get to Nairobi. You can travel there by plane, bus, or car. Most visitors fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). This is Nairobi’s main airport. It’s the busiest airport in the region. If you’re traveling by bus, check out my guides:

• Traveling From Nairobi to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by Bus
• Traveling From Nairobi to Kampala, Uganda by Bus

Final Thoughts

Nairobi is a great place to visit and there are plenty of things to do. Whether you’re into nature, history, culture, or just want to experience some new food, you’ll be able to find something that interests you in Nairobi.

You can get a good feel for the city in just a day. 2-3 days is ideal. There is enough to keep you busy for a week if you really want to get to know Nairobi I planned to just pass through Nairobi on my way to the Maasai Mara  but ended up spending a month there. Nairobi turned out to be my favorite city in Africa. I think you’ll like it too. Hopefully, this guide helps you discover the best things to do in Nairobi.

Have you visited Nairobi recently? Share your experience in the comments!

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Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.

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14 Best Places to Visit in Nairobi (2024)

• Post author By Smart Nomad Kenya Editorial
• Post date January 9, 2024
• No Comments on 14 Best Places to Visit in Nairobi (2024)

You have just landed in Nairobi and are eager to explore the vibrant city. Luckily, there are plenty of tourist sites to visit in Nairobi, from historical landmarks to bustling markets. As the capital of Kenya, Nairobi is a cultural, commercial, and historical hub.

So, whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or a social butterfly, something is interesting to see and do in Nairobi. The city is also home to the world-famous Nairobi National Park, where visitors enjoy safaris and other outdoor activities. Read on to find out more about the best places to visit in Nairobi, Kenya.

Page Contents

1. Nairobi National Park

The Nairobi National Park is a must-visit for any nature lover. It is located less than a 30-minute drive from the city center and is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, zebras, buffalos, giraffes, and antelopes.

The park is also a great place to appreciate nature, whether by picnicking, camping, or hiking. Moreover, it’s among the leading national parks in Kenya . This wild animal habitat in the modernized Nairobi was established in 1946 and is open daily, from 6 am to 6 pm. It’s a perfect destination to visit with your family.

2. Giraffe Center

About 20 kilometers (12.43 miles) from Nairobi’s central business district (CBD) is the Giraffe Center. It’s home to Rothschild’s giraffes, and interacting with the towering creatures is an unforgettable experience. Here, you can feed, take selfies, and even get a kiss from the resident giraffes.

The center also has a nature trail, which takes you through the 94-acre (38.04-hectare) forested nature park and offers sightings of other animals like warthogs and bushbucks. Moreover, this tourist site is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

3. Nairobi National Museum

The Nairobi National Museum is among the largest and oldest museums in Kenya. It was established in 1910 and is home to many artifacts and artworks from all over the country. Here, you will find an array of exhibits on Kenyan history and culture.

The museum also has a wide variety of replicas of animals, including lions, monkeys, and elephants. On the same premises are an aquarium and a snake/reptile park, both of which are worth your time. You have the option of hiring a tour guide who will take you around the museum.

4. Karen Blixen Museum

Visit the Karen Blixen Museum to get a glimpse into Kenyan history and culture. This museum is dedicated to the famous Kenyan author, Karen Blixen, who wrote: “Out of Africa.” The Danish author’s former home is now a museum filled with photographs, beautiful gardens, and sculptures.

Upon arrival here, wander around and explore the beautiful grounds, complete with giant trees and winding paths. You can take a guided tour to learn more about Karen Blixen and her time spent in Kenya or browse through the museum gift shop for souvenirs.

The Karen Blixen Museum is also popular as a venue for weddings and events, so it’s possible that when you visit there will be other people there who are dressed up or taking photos. But even if it’s busy, it is still worth visiting, as the museum has so much to offer!

5. Bomas of Kenya

Learn the Kenyan way of life at Bomas of Kenya. This open-air cultural center showcases traditional music and dance, crafts, and food from the country’s over 42 tribes.

The main attraction at Bomas is the daily traditional village tour, which takes you through 10 different villages representing all the major tribes in Kenya. As you tour the facility, you will also have a chance to sample some of the local food and learn all about each tribe’s customs and traditions.

Aside from the tour, there are many other things to see at Bomas. You can watch performances from talented acrobats or musicians, browse artwork from some of Kenya’s best artisans, or just soak in the vibrancy and energy of this unique place.

So if it’s the culture you are after, then don’t miss out on visiting Bomas of Kenya — you won’t regret it!

6. Nairobi Railway Museum

Drop by the Nairobi Railway Museum, one of the most affordable places to visit in Nairobi. This museum is like no other as it houses some of East Africa’s oldest and most iconic locomotives. You’ll see old steam locomotives from the 1960s as well as diesel-electric models from the late 1970s.

Visitors can wander through a collection of rare photographs documenting the evolution of train travel in Kenya, while also checking out an impressive range of memorabilia and artifacts. There’s even a miniature train layout that’s perfect for kids!

The railway museum is open on weekends and public holidays, making it an ideal place to visit during your stay in Nairobi.

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7. Kenyatta International Convention Centre

The Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) is one of the most sought-after destinations in Nairobi for 360-degree views of the city. Located in the heart of the capital, this modern and ultra-sleek structure is a must-see attraction in Nairobi.

The 28-story building boasts a multi-purpose complex that hosts events such as conferences, seminars, trade shows, and concerts. The center is also home to a large open space for outdoor activities and offers stunning views of the city skyline.

For a unique experience, visitors can take in the breathtaking views from the rooftop’s observation deck.

8. Kenya National Archives

The Kenya National Archives is a must-visit if you’re looking to learn about the country’s history. The state archive is in downtown Nairobi. It was established in 1965 and is home to various documents, manuscripts, photographs, films, and other items that can help you understand Kenya’s past and present.

Here, you will find records of the various wars fought by the Kenyan people in the colonial era, including the Mau Mau Rebellion of 1952 to 1960 as well as colonial documents from 1883 to 1963. There are also books and audiovisual materials related to geological studies, farming techniques, flora/fauna surveys, the history of medicine, and much more.

One of the unique parts of visiting this museum is that it offers self-guided tours to help visitors get familiar with Kenyan history and culture in a meaningful way. Aside from preserving history, this tourist site is a popular landmark in Nairobi. Paying a visit to this amazing archive is an experience you won’t forget!

9. The Carnivore Restaurant

Are you looking to try out some Kenyan food ? Visit Nairobi’s Carnivore restaurant. It is known for its all-you-can-eat game meats, including ostrich and crocodile. While here, sample their barbequed cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and bull balls. It also serves up an extensive buffet of salads and sides.

Plus, if you still have room after your meal, you can end the night with a selection of delicious desserts such as honeycomb ice cream or crepes. If you’re here during the day, you can have your food in the outdoor dining area. At the spot, you can see monkeys playing or passing by the eatery.

10. Uhuru Park

Uhuru Park is one of the free places to visit in Nairobi. The newly renovated recreational park measures 31.88 acres (12.9 hectares) and is on the edge of downtown Nairobi.

The park includes lots of lush green areas, including a large open field, manicured gardens, and a lake with a fountain. It also has plenty of amenities, such as walking paths, benches, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children. It is ideal for a family outing, as there are many leisure opportunities to keep everyone entertained.

When the sun sets, Uhuru Park transforms into one of the most romantic walking destinations in Kenya. Enjoy a stroll by the lake and marvel at its illuminated fountain while birds chirp softly nearby. Or take it up a notch and enjoy an evening boat ride on the lake while taking in views of the Nairobi skyline.

11. Two Rivers Mall

If you are looking for a trendy place to shop and dine in Nairobi, Two Rivers Mall is the place to be. This mega mall has something for everyone, from high-end brands to budget-friendly stores. There is also an array of restaurants to choose from, including Burger King and Artcaffé, so you can find something to satisfy any craving.

The mall neighbors the upmarket Runda neighborhood and is about 30 minutes from the city center. It’s well worth the trip, especially if you need to pick up a few souvenirs.

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12. Sheldrick Elephant Nursery

Get up close with orphaned baby elephants at Sheldrick Elephant Nursery. This elephant orphanage in Nairobi National Park was founded by Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her late husband, David Sheldrick, who was an accomplished naturalist and founder of the Kenya Wildlife Service.

The rescue and rehab center is home to over 100 elephants, and it is one of the few places where you can interact with friendly baby elephants in Nairobi. The tourist site is open daily, from 11 am to 12 pm. During your visit, you will see the elephants playing in the mud and being fed milk.

The caregivers here gladly take you through the baby elephants’ stories of how they got to the nursery. The elephants are housed and fed until the age of two to three years before they’re reintegrated with another herd back into the wild.

13. Ngong Hills

Visit Ngong Hills to get a little sweaty or to enjoy some fresh air and countryside views. This tourist spot is an ideal place to chill, ride a bicycle, take a walk, watch planes, and go for a run. The hills are overlooking Nairobi National Park and the Great Rift Valley.

If you are here to hike, you are free to explore the different trails but bring comfortable gear and enough water, as the sun can be quite intense at certain points. Also, don’t forget to carry snacks.

14. Java House

After a fun-filled day of sightseeing, it’s time to take a break and refuel. Well, stop by Java House , a popular restaurant for locals and tourists alike. The eatery’s menu offers something for everyone. Also, with locations scattered throughout the city, including along Mama Ngina Street and Waiyaki Way, it’s easy to find one near you.

Java House, better known as ‘Java,’ specializes in coffee and pastries, but it also boasts an extensive menu of light dishes, such as salads and sandwiches. They also offer several breakfast options for those who like to start their day earlier than most.

For something savory, you should try the Java burger or their barbeque chicken wings. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s always the hot oatmeal porridge.

With its relaxed and cozy atmosphere, Java House is the perfect place to unwind after a long day – or just hang out with friends!

Exploring Nairobi: charming places to visit

Nairobi is a vibrant city with plenty to offer tourists. With its rich history and diverse culture, the city is a must-see destination for those traveling to Africa. There are a variety of places to visit in Nairobi, both inside and outside the city, and plenty of activities to keep you occupied.

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Eight of the Top Attractions in Nairobi, Kenya

For many visitors to Kenya , Nairobi is simply a transit point en route to the country's world-famous game reserves or idyllic coastal resorts. But as you would expect from East Africa's booming economic hub, there are plenty of attractions to keep tourists content for a day or two of sightseeing. In this article, we look at eight of the city's top attractions. If you're worried about  staying safe  in the capital, consider booking an organized tour of Nairobi's main sights rather than going it alone. 

This article was updated by  Jessica Macdonald on September 28th 2017. 

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Dame Daphne Sheldrick has been raising elephant orphans since the 1950s, when she lived and worked in Tsavo National Park. In the late 1970s, she established an elephant and rhino nursery in Nairobi National Park as part of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust , named in honor of her husband. The orphanage has successfully raised more than 150 infant elephants, many of which are ultimately released back into the wild. The project aims to counteract the devastating effects of poaching and habitat loss. By visiting, you're helping to ensure the future of Kenya's most iconic animals. The orphanage is open to the public every day between 11am and noon , when the babies are enjoying their daily feeding and mud bath.

Nairobi National Park

Nairobi is the only city in the world that is gazed upon by wild zebra, lion and rhino. Nairobi National Park was established in 1946 long before the city burst its seams, but is now located just 7 kilometers from the city center. Despite its compact size, the park is remarkably diverse. It is home to a bevy of animals including the black rhino, all three big cats, several antelope species and more than 400 bird species. The park plays a vital role in education, as its proximity to the city allows easy access for school children who may otherwise never have the chance to go on safari. Game drives and bush walks are on offer for visitors. If you don't feel like sleeping in the city proper, you can even spend the night inside the park. The Nairobi Tented Camp is an eco-camp with eight luxury ensuite tents. 

Nairobi National Museum

The Nairobi National Museum was founded in 1920, and established at its present location in 1929. It offers visitors the chance to learn about Kenya's history, culture, paleontology and art. The Museum building got a complete overhaul in the past decade, and reopened its doors in 2008. Many of the fascinating anthropological discoveries made by the Leakey family can be found in the Museum, including several exhibits that support East Africa's claim as the origin place of humankind. The large collection of stuffed birds is also impressive. A botanical garden and two restaurants help to establish the museum as a sanctuary from the more crowded, traffic congested city center. The Nairobi National Museum is open from 8:30am to 5:30pm daily.

The Giraffe Center

The Giraffe Center is a successful breeding center for the rare Rothschild giraffe, found only in East Africa. It was established in the 1970s by Jock Leslie-Melville, who successfully raised a baby Rothschild giraffe at what was then his home, in the Lang'ata area of Nairobi. The breeding program has worked well, leading to the reintroduction of several breeding pairs back into the wild. An education center to teach school children about conservation has also done important work to raise local awareness about conservation issues. The center is open daily for tours and visits from 9:00am - 5:30pm. Visitors can also opt to spend the night at the associated  Giraffe Manor , where giraffes frequently visit guests at breakfast. 

Kibera Slum Tour

Located on the outskirts of the city center, Kibera is the largest urban slum in Africa. It is home to more than a million Kenyans from every national tribe. The ethics of  slum tourism  tend to divide opinion, but generally tours are meant to benefit the local community and fund social projects designed to better the lives of those living in Kibera. It is also an eye-opening experience for visitors, who may otherwise only see the side of the country presented by a luxury safari itinerary. The local guides are from the township and offer a good insight into daily life. If you choose to visit Kibera, make sure you always ask permission to take photos, and expect to spend a little money on local community initiatives. Choose a responsible operator like Explore Kibera Tours . 

Kazuri Beads Factory and Pottery Center

The  Kazuri Bead Factory and Pottery Center is a good stop for those interested in local crafts. The ceramic beads, pottery and leather goods are all handmade by disadvantaged women. "Kazuri" means "small and beautiful" in Swahili and was chosen by the founder when she started the company with just two Kenyan employees in 1975. The factory now employs more than 400 women, most of them single mothers. Factory tours show the process of firing and glazing the beads, and take about an hour in total. On weekends the factory itself may be closed, but the shop remains open. The factory is a popular stop en route to other sights in the Karen neighborhood. Opening hours are 8:30am - 6:00pm (Monday - Saturday) and 9:00am - 4:00pm (Sunday). 

Karen Blixen Museum

The Karen Blixen Museum is housed in the farmhouse where Danish author Karen Blixen lived during the period of her life detailed in her iconic book, Out of Africa . Built in 1912, the house was purchased by Blixen and her husband Baron Bror von Blixen Fincke in 1917. The museum will delight fans of her books (and of course, the movie starring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep). The movie was not shot at the house itself, which was deemed too dark; but the set was built on the grounds. On a tour of the house, you can see Blixen's bedroom and dining room filled with furniture she owned at the time. A museum shop sells Out of Africa souvenirs and local handicrafts. The gardens are still lovely and the view of the Ngong Hills remains unchanged. Opening hours are 9:30am to 6:00pm daily.

Shopping in Nairobi

For an authentic souvenir shopping experience, check out the Maasai market held at various points in the city on alternate days. Goods for sale include traditional crafts, wooden carvings and beaded necklaces. The downtown City Market is also worth a browse. For unique gifts (some made from recycled flip-flops and cans) head to Marula Studios  in Karen. Here, you can get a tour of the flip-flop recycling process, purchase a pair of Maasai sandals, and enjoy a good cup of coffee in the café. For innovative design, jewellery and unique home decor pieces, head to design showroom  Spinners Web . For more crafts in a less hectic setting than the outdoor markets, check out Utamaduni Craft Center in Karen. The building houses over a dozen shops each selling traditional crafts, ceramics and cloth. 

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Fresh fruits and vegetables fill a market in Nairobi, Kenya.

Discover the Best of Nairobi

Explore the wonders of Nairobi with these top 10 tips.

Once famous for all the wrong reasons, Nairobi is now emerging as a hip and edgy city, buzzing with culture, art, and development—all on the doorstep of some of the world’s most incredible national parks.

For elephant lovers, there’s no better place to visit than the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust , an institution that has been caring for and rehabilitating baby elephants since the late 1970s. Most of the elephants living at the sanctuary were rescued after being orphaned at an age when they were too young to survive alone. Once they are old enough, the elephants are released back into the wild. Between 11 a.m. and noon each day, visitors are allowed to observe the elephants at feeding time and hear about the trust's work.

Natural Wonder

Just outside the city, on the road to the Masai Mara, you will travel along the Great Rift Valley escarpment . The Great Rift Valley is truly a beautiful site as it stretches all the way from Lebanon to Mozambique. Stop to have a cup of tea or a cold drink at one of the wooden shops on the cliff edge and take in the incredible views of the valley below.

National Park

On the outskirts of the city lies the world-famous Nairobi National Park , which is home to a variety of animals including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and leopards. It's also one of the best places to see the endangered black rhino. What really makes this park unusual is that you have the Nairobi skyline as a backdrop; it’s not uncommon to see animals as you drive along the highway to and from the airport.

Archaeological Site

Just south of the city, near Lake Magadi, you will find Ologesailie , an important archaeological site. Several fossils, tools, and artifacts have been found here dating back more than 600,000 years to the time of our earliest ancestors who inhabited the area between 490,000 and 1.2 million years ago.

Cultural Experience

For an insight into Kenyan culture, Bomas of Kenya is a great place to start. Kenya is a diverse country and the project was set up to preserve Kenyan culture and values by educating visitors in traditional ways of life. This is done through music and dance performances, as well as by exhibiting the various types of bomas (enclosed homesteads) that people live in. Visitors will learn about the customs of some of the ethnic groups found in Kenya while there, too.

Best Day Trip

A few hours outside of Nairobi you’ll find one of the world’s most visually iconic safari destinations, Amboseli National Park . Lying at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is just over the border in Tanzania, Amboseli is famous for having one of the healthiest elephant populations in Africa; visitors can see herds of up to a hundred of these beautiful creatures at a time. If you are lucky and it’s a clear day, you should see Kilimanjaro as well.

Off the Beaten Path

To get away from the tourist crowds, head to City Park Hawkers , a local fruit and vegetable market in town. It’s great to wander around the market to observe everyday Nairobian life, but the real treat lies within. Hidden away behind some of the stalls, you will find small restaurants serving ugali and delicious nyama choma for the workers. So, do as the locals do and grab yourself a spot of lunch.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Most Iconic Experience

When in Nairobi, find yourself a bargain at one of the Maasai Markets. The Maasai Market takes place at a different location around town each day, selling all kinds of African trinkets including jewelry, bags, leather goods, clothes, and wood carvings. But be warned, the touts are usually in full force and will follow you around offering to “help,” but really, they are taking a commission from the stall owners. You can pick up a few bargains here but only if your negotiation skills are up to scratch. For a slightly calmer experience, visit the fixed Maasai Market at the Galleria Mall.

Kenyans know how to party, so when the sun goes down there are plenty of places to drink and dance the night away. A great place to spend an evening is the Westlands part of town, where you’ll find several cool venues including The Alchemist, which is a bar and event space with live music, DJs, and tasty food. Or you can try Brew Bistro, which is famous for its excellent craft beers.

Historic Site

Make a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum at the foot of the Ngong Hills in Karen. The museum was once the home of Karen Blixen, the Danish author of Out of Africa, after whom the suburb is named. A visit to the museum will give you an interesting insight into Kenya’s colonial past.

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List of 50 Places To Visit and Things to Do in Nairobi

There are many places to visit and things to do in Nairobi City. They range from visiting tourist attractions like Nairobi National Park to exploring historical sites like the Macmillan Library.

Nairobi is one of the unique destinations in the world, with a lot to see and experience. The city is beautiful and has a remarkable history, culture, and heritage.

Part of my New Year’s commitment is to travel across Kenya as much as possible and experience the side of the country I never had a chance to.

This year I decided to explore Nairobi – a city with a lot to offer but often ignored in favor of other touristic destinations. Because as the saying goes, “sometimes you don’t have to travel too far away from home to find the most adorable places you’ve ever seen.”

If you are keen on wandering in Nairobi, here is a list of places to visit and things to do in the outskirts of the green city under the sun – Nairobi.

Top Things to Do and Places to Visit in Nairobi: City Center

Times Tower In Nairobi

1. August 7th Memorial Park

The Park stands at the site of the former USA Embassy in Kenya. It serves as a memorial Park to remember people who lost their lives on August 7, 1998, through a terrorist bomb attack.

Location: Junction of Haile Selassie Avenue and Moi Avenue

Entrance Fees: Kshs 30

2. Cameo Cinema

This is an old building constructed in 1912 as the Theatre Royal. It now hosts Subway Kenya, Cameo Casino, and Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company

Location: Along Kenyatta Avenue

Entrance Fees: Free

3. City Market

This is one of Kenya’s oldest fish, beef, flower, grocery, jewelry, and handicrafts formal markets.

Location: At the end of Kigali Rd along Muindi Mbingu Street.

4. Dedan Kimathi Statue

This Statue was erected to honor Field Marshall Dedan Kimathi, the most influential leader of the Mau Mau Rebellion. Kimathi was caught and executed by the colonial rulers in 1957.

Location: Junction of Mama Ngina and Kimathi Street

5. Tom Mboya Statue

This is the statue of Tom Mboya, an independence activist and one of the founding fathers of Kenya.

Location: Along Moi Avenue close to the National Archives

6. Bull Café

The Café was used to house Indian railway laborers during the colonial era in a kind of dorm room. It is on the first floor of the Deekee Holdings Building along River road.

Location: Junction of Ngariama road and River Road Nairobi

7. Bohra Mosque

This is one of the oldest Mosques in Kenya, built by and for Nairobi’s Bohra Community. The community comprises the most notable business people and investors in Nairobi, including Jeevanjee, who started the city of Nairobi.

Location: Along Lagos Road

8. Jeevanjee Gardens

The gardens were named after and donated by AM Jeevanjee, who started the city of Nairobi and was one of the first Bohras to settle in Nairobi.

Location: Along Moi Avenue

9. Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC)

Location: Between City Hall Way and Harambee Avenue. The main gate is located opposite the City Hall.

Entrance Fees: Kshs 250 for Locals and Kshs 1000 for Non-residents

10. Kenya Railway Museum

Location: Off workshop road next to Technical University of Kenya

11. Khoja Mosque

Also known as JamatKhana Building, Khoja Mosque is located at the junction of Nairobi’s Moi Avenue and the beginning of River Road. It was completed in 1922 for the Shah Ismailia Community (Agha Khan).

Location: Junction of Moi Avenue and River Road

12. Biashara Street

Location: Stretches from Cooperative Bank Moi Avenue to Muindi Mbingu Street

13. Kipande House

Kipande is a Swahili word for Identity cards. This building was the registration center for Africans working in Nairobi during the colonial period. Kipande house is now used as the Kenyatta Avenue Branch of KCB bank.

Location: Kenyatta Avenue

14. McMillan Library

This is Kenya’s biggest public library, run by the city council of Nairobi since 1932. It was built during the colonial era and retained its beautiful architectural design.

Location: Along Banda Street close to Jamia Mosque

15. See the Kenyatta Mausoleum

This is the resting place of the first President of Kenya (Mzee Jomo Kenyatta).

Location: Parliament road

Entrance Fees: Free (Watch it from the road)

Related Read: List of counties in Kenya

16. Parliament Building

17. phoenix theatre.

Location: Along Parliament road between Red cross Lane and St. John’s gate.

Entrance Fees: Free (Closed, but you can still view the building).

18. Prembro House

Location: Biashara Street, Nairobi

19. Standard Chartered Building

Formally used to be known as Torr’s hotel in colonial times. This was one of the major hotels in Nairobi then. The building now serves as the Kenyatta Avenue branch of Standard Chartered Bank.

20. War Memorial Pillar

This pillar commemorates the Carrier Corps, the African soldiers during colonial rule.

21. The Galton Fenzi Memorial Stone

The stone stands at the point which is considered the center of Nairobi.

22. Old Mutual Building

This is the original headquarters of Old Mutual in Nairobi. The building is one of the oldest in Nairobi and the best-known landmark. It was erected in the 1930s and expanded in the ’50s. Old Mutual Building has since been declared a protected building by the National Museums of Kenya.

Location: Along Kimathi Street

23. National Archives

The Building has a British architectural design and used to serve as the Bank of India. It was built in 1906 and now serves as the custodian of Government archives and records.  National archives have a collection of stamps, tribal weaponry, drums, masks, artifacts, instruments, clothes, and other ancient items.

Location: Along Moi Avenue opposite Nairobi’s Hilton hotel

Entrance Fees: Kshs 50

24. Visit Maasai Market (One of the Best Things to Do in Nairobi)

Location: The Maasai markets are held in different locations throughout the week. Below are the latest days and locations of Masai Markets in Nairobi, Kenya.

• Saturday: High Court Car Park (Nairobi City Center)
• Sunday: High Court Car Park (Nairobi City Center)
• Tuesday: Prestige Plaza (Ngong Road)
• Wednesday: Capital Center Mall (Mombasa Road)
• Thursday: The junction Shopping Mall (Ngong Road)
• Friday: Village Market & Lavington Mall

25. Rahimtulla Trust Library

It was built by Rahimtulla and served as a public library in Nairobi.

Location: Mfangano Street

Entrance Fees:  Free (Last I checked, it was closed down)

Zebras at the Nairobi National Park

List of 25 Things to Do and Places to Visit in Nairobi – Nairobi Outskirts

• 26. Nairobi National Park
• 27. Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park
• 28. Nairobi Safari Walk
• 29. Nairobi Orphanage
• 30. Daphne Sheldrick elephant orphanage
• 31. Giraffe Center
• 32. Karen Blixen Museum
• 33. Kazuri Bead Factory
• 34. Bomas of Kenya
• 35. Nairobi Arboretum
• 36. Gikomba Market
• 37. Uhuru and Central Park
• 38. Central Park Monument
• 39. Nairobi National Museum
• 40. Siri Gurdwara Ramgharia
• 41. National Theatre
• 42. Nairobi Club
• 43. Paradise Lost
• 44. Karura Forest
• 45. Ngong Hills
• 46. Stedmark Gardens
• 47. RaMoMa (Rahimtulla Museum of modern art)
• 48. City Park
• 49. Makhan Singh House
• 50. Mamba Village

Maasai Market

Now you know the places to visit and things to do in Nairobi, Kenya. Please comment below if you’ve discovered other places in the city and its environs. You can also book a Private Nairobi City Walking Tour to experience more.

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33 Awesome Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya

The first time I visited Nairobi, I didn’t like it much.

I’d spent the previous months in  Livingstone, Zambia , then in the relatively quiet town of Bagamoyo in Tanzania, then  climbing Kilimanjaro . So when I arrived in Nairobi, I felt that it was too hectic, big and intimidating.

But now, I love Nairobi and I think Kenya is one of the best countries to visit in Africa , especially for your first trip to the continent. Nairobi feels like a second home to me. Isn’t it funny how things change?

I still hate the traffic, but once you spend a bit of time in the city, you’ll realise just how cool it is and how many great things there are to do in Nairobi. Kenya’s capital is an exciting city, with lots of art and culture, fantastic social initiatives and a great nightlife scene.

Plus it has a national park on its doorstep, how many other cities can claim that? So with this list, I aim to give you some ideas for the best things to do in Nairobi!

Please Note:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

Awesome Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya

1. Go On a City Centre Tour with the Nai Nami Guys

One of my favourite things to do in Nairobi is to go on a city tour with  Nai Nami – Mrembe, Donga, Cheddaz, Kissmart, Ndee, Mwas and QwiQwi.

They’re all former street boys, each with their own interesting story to tell about their lives on the streets of Nairobi. This is different from a normal Nairobi city tour for the fact that the tour is more about them individually, rather than the history of the city.

They walk you through the streets of downtown Nairobi, down streets where tourists probably wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) go alone, due to it being a notoriously dangerous part of the city. But these are their streets and you always feel like they have you in their care.

As you walk, they’ll tell you their stories which are truly inspiring. In their words “This encounter is a unique opportunity to get inspired by people from a different world”.

MY TIP:  Wear comfy shoes, you’ll do a lot of walking. And don’t take your big cameras as you’re not allowed to use them in the city centre.

2. Take Part in a Kenyan Cooking Class

Learning to make local Kenyan and East Africa food is a great way to make local friends and learn about Kenyan culture.

There are several cooking classes on offer in the city and many of those include a visit to the local market where you will do some shopping, visit a local’s home and see what everyday life in Kenya is like.

3. Take a Historical Nairobi City Tour

You may also want to take a more historical/political tour of the city itself, through the CBD and to some of the important historical landmarks in the city, like the parliament buildings, the Sarova Stanley, KICC and Uhuru Park.

MY TIP:  Be careful about taking photographs – even on your phone. You are not allowed to take pictures of government buildings or in the CBD and the police have started fining people who do.

4. Stop for a Coffee at the Thorn Tree Cafe (of Lonely Planet fame)

At the bottom of the Savova Stanley Hotel, you will find the original Thorn Tree Cafe, which inspired the name for Lonely’s Planet’s Thorn Tree Forum. In the middle of the cafe, there is a huge acacia tree where travellers can pin notices for each other – pretty romantic, hey?

Hence why the name inspired the Lonely planet online forum. Grab yourselves a cup of tea and a slice of cake and whilst you are there, you can also take a little tour of this historic hotel which has hosted politicians, movie stars and visiting royals (including the Queen) since opening in 1902.

5. Take in the Views from the Top of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre

The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is the 6th tallest building in Kenya, located in the CBD. For a small fee, you can take a lift up to the top of the tower for one of the best viewpoints in the city. It’s a popular spot for tourists, as well as couples on dates as it’s also a nice place to watch the sunset in the city.

6. Picnic in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park

Uhuru Park  lies right in the centre of town and is a popular hangout spot for Nairobians, especially on the weekends. Uhuru means ‘freedom’ in Swahili. I especially like it here on Sundays, when there are lots of families about, ice cream vans and fairground rides, creating a nice and vibrant atmosphere. Take a picnic to get the most out of the experience.

MY TIP:  Avoid Uhuru Park after dark or during any kind of political rallies when it is not safe to visit and stick to public areas.

7. Shop ‘Til You Drop at the Village Market

Nairobi has no shortage of malls and one of the best is the pretty  Village Market  in Gigiri. You can literally buy anything you need here, from designer clothes to Kenyan souvenirs and there are tons of restaurants and cafes for when you get tired of shopping.

My Tip:  The other malls I tend to go to are The Hub in Karen and Galleria in Langata. Good places to go to the supermarket, pharmacy, ATM and pick up SIM cards.

8. Get Away From It All in Karura Forest

Near the CBD lies  Karura Forest , a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. There are plenty of things to do there, whether you just want to take in the serene environment or do something more active like walking, mountain biking or horse riding.

Visitors can get involved with tree planting and there’s also a pretty waterfall you can go and see. There are a few picnic sites so you could take one with you to make the most of your visit (just watch out for the monkeys) or eat at one of my recommended restaurants nearby such as Amaica or About Thyme.

9. Go Cheese Tasting at Brown’s Cheese Co.

Did I have you at cheese? To me, there are few things that sound better than going cheese tasting at Brown’s Food Co.

An afternoon at the farm including a cheese tasting, factory tour, and 3-course lunch (with 2 glasses of wine or beer) costs 4,500 KES (around $35). For kids, it’s 1,000 KES for over 5’s and 2,000 KES for over 12’s which includes pizza and ice cream, as well as lunch.

You can also try milking a cow too! If you don’t want to make the journey out to the farm, you can also order cheese platters! Book ahead!

10. Go Shopping at Spinner’s Web

Spinner’s Web is known as Kenya’s biggest arts and craft shop where you can all sorts of beautiful, locally made things, including handicrafts, pottery, home decor, jewelry, furniture, lighting, and accessories.

The showroom is currently open 9.30am – 6pm (but you can check here to be sure).

11. Take a Tour of a Coffee Estate

Kenya is one of the world’s leading coffee producers, so when you’re in the area, why not visit a coffee farm?

There are a couple of different coffee estates near Nairobi – the Fairview Coffee Estate and Karunguru Coffee Estate , both of which are Kenyan-owned, with Fairview around 30 minutes from the city centre, and Karunguru around 45 minutes away.

You can do tours at both estates to learn about the coffee-making process and enjoy some delicious coffee!

12. Buy Your Fruit n’ Veg at City Park Hawkers

Up near Westlands and Parklands, you’ll find City Park Market (or City Park Hawkers). There’s nothing majorly special about this market, lots of fruit and veg etc, but it is a great place to just get a feel for everyday life in Nairobi.

Around the back of the stalls, there are some small local restaurants serving nyama choma (roasted meat) with ugali (maize porridge, the staple food of Kenya) and kachumbari (onion/tomato salad/chilli salad). 

MY TIP:  Please ask before taking any photos of the stalls.

13. Learn About the History of Kenya at the National Museum

Visit Nairobi’s National Museum where you can learn about Kenya’s rich heritage including culture, nature, history and art.

As well as the museum, here you will find the Nairobi Snake Park, art galleries, shops, botanical gardens, and a nature trail.

14. Shop for Beautiful Souvenirs at Wasp & Sprout

Wasp & Sprout  is an amazing fair-trade initiative selling all kinds of wonderful things, like furniture, homeware, crafts, and beautiful African fabric cushions!

My particular favourites are the items by  Kangarui . I’m obsessed with their artwork – I just love it (and you can now buy some of their items in my shop  Africa & Wild )!!!!

They also have a lovely cafe selling breakfast, brunch, sandwiches, and salads, as well as some nice cocktails, coffees, soft drinks, and desserts.

15. Visit a Tea Farm

Kenyans love their tea and Kenya is also one of the biggest tea-producing nations in the world.

One of the best tea farms near Nairobi, is the Kiambethu Farm near Limuru town. Arriving at 11am, you’ll be offered a cup of tea (or coffee) and learn about the tea-making process and history of the farm, before taking a walk through the indigenous forest where you may see Colobus monkeys.

Afterward, you’ll have a 3-course buffet lunch prepared with food from the garden, whilst enjoying the incredible views. The cost is 4,200 KES per person, and children under 12 are half price.

Also nearby is the Kawamwaki Farm, where you can go horse riding!

16. Take a Kibera Township Tour

People are often torn about going on Kibera slum tours, which is one of the reasons I don’t include them in my  Kenya group tours .

I think it’s a personal choice but I lean towards the pro side – if done with respect for the local people and the right organisation. I think Kibera tours can be good, as they are usually set up by people who have lived in Kibera their whole lives, providing employment and income for some of the residents.

Plus they can show the positive sides of Kibera. Many tourists to Kenya won’t have been exposed to places like Kibera before, but going on a tour will likely change your opinions of people who live in slums/townships – which I think is a good thing.

These tours can also highlight issues to people who could potentially help create change. And if you buy from shops when you’re in Kibera, you’re supporting local businesses too.

On the other hand, these tours won’t benefit everyone and if not done with respect and care, they can leave some residents feeling angry, degraded, and exploited.

If you go, listen, observe, and interact, but don’t be an insensitive camera-wielding asshole.

Whether you take a tour is up to you, but if you do, research the company/guide you go with and remember that a lot of the responsibility lies on you. Don’t always believe the reviews.

My friends went on a tour that had great reviews on Airbnb, but the guy basically pressured them into buying things, lied about where he lived, and lied about his sick wife staying with her aunt after complications from a c-section.

He had shown them a picture of the wife and they later spotted his wife and the baby and his real house on the tour (it was next door to his ‘pretend’ house). She tried to hide but it was too late. They left feeling a bit weird about the whole thing.

For more reading on the ethics of slum/township tourism in Kenya, click  here ,  here  and  here  and then make your own mind up.

17. Buy Beautiful Upcycled Clothes by AfroWema

Whilst you’re around Kibera, I would highly recommend you visit AfroWema. They work with local artisans to make beautiful jewellery and upcycle clothing! Their motto is ‘Save the Planet with Style’.

I am in love with their incredible denim jackets! They don’t have a physical shop yet, but you can get in touch with them via Facebook or Instagram . Most of their artisans work in and around Toi Market, the largest second-hand clothing market in Kenya (you can find some great bargains there too). The ultimate thrift shop.

18. Support a Social Enterprise at Kazuri Beads

Kazuri Beads is a social enterprise, employing mostly women from disadvantaged backgrounds. They mostly make jewellery and pottery and sell them to tourists and when you visit you can take a tour of the factory and meet the women who work there.

19. Stay at the Luxurious Giraffe Manor

The ultimate ‘things to do in Nairobi’ bucket list item surely has to be a stay at the luxurious  Giraffe Manor . The hotel is home to a number of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes who wander freely around the grounds.

Guests can interact with the giraffes over breakfast and afternoon tea as well as any other time they feel like a visit! My friend Brenna wrote an awesome and honest post about her  stay at Giraffe Manor if you want to know what it’s really like and, most importantly if it’s worth the cost.

20. Feed a Giraffe at the Nairobi Giraffe Centre

If your budget doesn’t stretch to a stay at Giraffe Manor, do not worry! One of the best places to visit in Nairobi is the  Nairobi Giraffe Centre , which is just next door to Giraffe Manor and is part of the same sanctuary.

Visitors can spend time with the giraffes and they also give really good, informative talks about the species too. You can stay as long as you like and it only costs $15… absolute bargain.

It’s open from 9am – 5pm daily and there’s no need to book in advance.

21. Visit a Farmers Market

Nairobi has some great farmer’s markets that you can visit!

On Saturdays, the KSPCA (Kenyan Society for the Protection & Care for Animals) holds a farmers market in Karen which is fun for all the family. There are stalls selling locally-made goods (jewellery, honey, jams, cakes etc) as well as bars, food stalls, and a kids play area and entertainer.

Whilst you’re there you can also see some of the cats and dogsd up for adoption.

There’s also The Organic Farmers Market which takes place from 9am – 4pm on Saturdays at 16 Marula Lane, Karen and then on Sundays at Kilimani Primary School. They have all sorts of cool things for sale such as food, essential oils, granola, spices, nut butter, and fresh produce.

22. Learn All About the ‘Out of Africa’ Writer at the Karen Blixen Museum

If you’ve ever read or watched ‘Out of Africa’ (as I did whilst writing this post) you’ll want to visit the Karen Blixen Museum. The museum at ‘the foot of the Ngong Hills’ is the former home of Danish writer and coffee farmer, Karen Blixen.

While here you can take tours of the museum, learn about Kenya’s colonial past, and get a cup of coffee or some food (I had a really good parmigiana here) at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden.

23. Go Hiking in the Ngong Hills

Going hiking in the Ngongo Hills is one of the most outdoorsy and active things to do in Nairobi. Situated a little way out of the city, near Ngong town, the Ngong Hills are a series of 7 hills with fantastic views of the surrounding area.

If you want to walk the whole way, it takes between 4 – 6 hours, depending on how fast you go. There’s also a nice picnic site at the top where you can relax after all that exercise.

Entry fees are very reasonable, at 696 KES (around $5) to enter. Just be aware that all payments are cashless, meaning you need to pay by card or Mpesa.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can also go zip lining in the Ngong Hills with Kompass. they also have a restaurant, as well as other activities such as archery, zip lining, and paintballing.

MY TIP:  You can’t bring plastic bottles on the hike, so make sure you have a reusable bottle.

24. Visit Langata Links Shops

A great place to visit on your trip to Nairobi is Langata Link Shops , which sells lots of different items from local producers.

This includes some of my favourite kenyan brands, Kangarui , Natural Lamu , Lulu Kitolo Studio , and  Ocean Sole . Ocean Sole is a cool social enterprise that recycles old flip-flops that wash up on the beaches of Kenya and make them into cool objects – both art and more functional things!

This is also where you’ll find the Tin Roof Cafe Langata (there’s also one in Karen) which serves delicious food.

25. See the Baby Elephants at the Nairobi Elephant Orphanage

One of my favourite places to visit in Nairobi is the  Sheldrick Wildlife Trust , (formerly the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust) a rehabilitation centre for abandoned or orphaned baby elephants (and other animals, occasionally rhinos) who are too young to survive in the wild on their own.

The elephant orphanage in Nairobi was started by the late Dame Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her late husband, David, a legendary ranger of Tsavo National Park. The elephants are cared for and then released back into the wild when they are old enough.

Visitors are allowed in at 11 a.m. each day for approximately 1 hour to see the elephants and listen to a talk by one of the keepers. Sometimes the baby elephants come up to say hello and I’ve had my foot trodden on many times! You can  adopt a baby elephant  for as little as $50 a year.

You now have to book to visit. Bookings open 3 months in advance via the website and fill up quickly, so plan ahead. It costs 1500 KES or $15 to visit.

MY TIP:  Make sure you book ahead and arrive early so you can get to the front.

26. Buy Beautiful Souvenirs at Utamaduni – Artisans of Africa

Located in Langata,  Utamaduni  has an amazing array of African crafts.

They sell all kinds of things from African-inspired fashion and jewellery, to homeware and fabrics. Including my favourite Kangarui cushions! There’s also a restaurant & garden where you can take a well-earned rest from all that shopping.

27. Visit Bomas of Kenya to Learn About Kenyan Culture

If you’re looking for one of the best places in Nairobi to learn about Kenyan culture and history, take a visit to Bomas of Kenya. The centre was set up to educate people about the different ethnic groups found in Kenya and to help preserve and celebrate the Kenyan culture.

Visitors can watch music and dance performances and see the many exhibits. There are a number of  tours that visit Bomas of Kenya , along with the Giraffe Centre, Elephant Orphanage and sometimes Nairobi National Park.

28. Go on Safari in Nairobi National Park

Just outside the city, lies  Nairobi National Park , one of the coolest things to do in Nairobi and one of the best places in Kenya to see the endangered black rhino (above), plus a ton of other animals including lions and giraffes.

If you’re in Nairobi for a short time (e. for work) this is an awesome way to go on safari without having to travel too far. Plus, you get the city of Nairobi as a backdrop. All you need is a day! Sometimes you’ll even see animals as you leave Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

You can book your Nairobi National Park tour in advance  here  or you can often book through your accommodation when you arrive.

29. Barter Hard at the Maasai Markets

One of my favourite things to do is go to the colourful Maasai markets to pick up some souvenirs including jewellery, wood carvings and clothing. Each day the Maasai Market takes place in a different spot around the city between 8 am – 6pm. 

• Monday:  No market. 
• Tuesday:  Prestige Plaza on Ngong Road (I think – check it hasn’t moved). 
• Wednesday:  Capital Centre on Mombasa Road. 
• Thursday:  Junction Mall on Ngong Road. 
• Friday:  Village Market in Gigiri. 
• Saturday:  High Court car park in the city centre. 
• Sunday:  Yaya Centre in Hurlingham.

If you go, just be aware that there are lots of touts around who will offer to ‘help’ you, but really they’re in cahoots with the stall owners and just out to get as much money from you as they can – I once caught up with one of my tour group as they were about to be charged $500 for some wooden bowls and a few bracelets.

So whilst I think it’s important not to go too low, people need to make a living, it’s ok to bargain and it is expected. I usually start at about half what they say, and then meet in the middle.

Try not to appear too interested and keep the conversion rates in your head. The stallholders will never let something go for less than it’s worth. I usually think I’ve gotten a great bargain, but when I tell my Kenyan friends what I’ve paid, they usually tell me I paid too much.

My favourite Maasai Market, though not part of the main Maasai Markets, is the one at the Galleria Mall. It’s on every day and is much, much calmer and you can generally browse in peace, although you will hear a lot of ‘Come into my shop, looking is free.’

Don’t get me wrong, you may still get ripped off if you’re not careful but, it’s a lot less hassle.

30. Dine at One of the Many Restaurants in Nairobi

There are plenty of great restaurants in Nairobi where you can find all sorts of amazing cuisine from all around the world.

Some of my favourite restaurants include:

• Boho Eatery:  My favourite restaurant in Nairobi, this is a wholefoods restaurant focused on conscious and sustainable living. Near to the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Beautiful setting.
• About Thyme:  A popular modern, yet cosy restaurant with a nice outside seating area. Their dishes are a mix of Mediterranean and Asian mostly with a few bbq/steak dishes thrown in too.
• Carnivore:  Nairobi’s most famous restaurant and dining experience, serving unlimited amounts of Kenya’s most famous dish, nyama choma (bbq’d meat) – that’s where we are in the picture above. Choose from beef, turkey, chicken, rabbit, pork and ostrich. They also make a great ‘Dawa’ (medicine) cocktail. Always busy, so book ahead, especially if you are a large party. There’s also a nightclub.
• Talisman:  Often named as the best restaurant in Nairobi with a varied and interesting menu, outside the city centre in Karen. This is a really lovely place for a treat!
• Karen Blixen Coffee Garden:  Great place to stop for a coffee and some lunch whilst on a day trip in Karen.
• Urban Eatery:  Modern foodie paradise, with four different kitchens: Indian, Mediterranean/Mexican/World, Asian/Sushi/Noodle Bar and Cafe/Bistro, as well as a frozen yoghurt counter and a bar. They also do takeaway.
• Java House:  Popular chain cafe (basically the Kenyan Starbucks), there are a few throughout the city. Good locally made coffee and their chocolate cake is lovely!
• Artcaffe:  Similar to Java House, there are a few throughout the city. I’m slightly obsessed with their Home Fries and smoothies.
• Wasp & Sprout:  A fairtrade centre where you can shop and refresh! Their cafe sells breakfast, brunch, sandwiches and salads, as well as some nice cocktails, coffees, soft drinks and desserts.
• Nairobi Street Kitchen (NSK):  One of the coolest spots in Nairobi and very Instagrammable (see above)! You can taste some of the amazing street food at the food market or hang out at the cool rooftop bar.
• Unseen Nairobi:  Nice rooftop bar with food and good cocktails.
• Tin Roof Cafe:  Nice cafe, two locations – one near to The Hub mall in Karen, the other at Langata Link Shops.
• Fifteen Rooftop:  A great bar and restaurant with views overlooking Nairobi National Park on one side and the city on the other.
• Haandi:  Nairobi’s most well-known Indian restaurant, always tasty food.
• Diamond Plaza:  The Indian hub of Nairobi where you’ll find great Indian food as well as lots of Indian spices, clothes, movies and it’s also the home of the  Africa Yoga Project .
• Amaica:  Near to Karura, serves lots of traditional Kenyan food.
• The Alchemist:  This is a bar/event space with several eateries inside including Mama Rocks.
• Nyama Choma Restaurants:  These are cheap and cheerful bbq meat restaurants and they are all over the city, but my favourite is Tamasha Joint in Karen.
• Open House:  Great Indian food in Westlands.
• Cultiva Farm:  This is a lovely high-end, farm-to-table restaurant in Karen – fine dining meets rustic charm.
• Ranalo’s:  Ranalo’s in the CBD is a popular local spot, especially around lunch.

31. Eat Some of the Best Ethiopian Food Outside of Ethiopia

I feel like the  Ethiopian food in Nairobi  deserves its own point as it’s that good. Nairobi is known for having some of the best Ethiopian restaurants, outside of Ethiopia.

• Abyssinia:  Abyssinia is one of my favourites – that’s where  me and my group  are in the picture above. They have two locations, one in Kilimani, and the other in Westlands (I prefer this one).
• Habesha:  Another great Ethiopian restaurant I have visited many times. They also have restaurants in different parts of the city, one in Kilimani and one in Gigiri.

32. Experience the Awesome Nairobi Nightlife

Nairobi is a lively city and Kenyans like to party, so there’s always somewhere to have a drink and a dance, so if you’re looking for cool things to do in Nairobi at night, look no further.

• Brew Bistro Westlands:  Famous for their craft beers (but they do lots of other drinks too), there are two locations around the city, one in Westlands and one on Ngong Road. Check out their website  here . Happy Hour 5pm – 7pm, occasional live music.
• The Alchemist:   The Alchemist  is a popular bar and beautiful, cool event space with food trucks, live music, open-air cinema, dj’s, shops and ping pong. Try the Mama Rocks burgers, they’re awesome! They also have the  Made in Kenya  shop here which sells all kinds of locally made good, such as jewellery, clothes, shoes and food.
• K1 Clubhouse:  Cool restaurant/bar in the Westlands/Parklands area. They also have a flea market on Sundays and regular events.
• Bao Box:  Boardgame bar/restaurant in Westlands.
• Choices Pub:  Popular local spot, good for well-priced drinks and dancing.
• Gipsy:  Popular bar and club in Westlands, always busy on the weekend.
• The Oval – Artcaffe:  Part of the Artcaffe cafe chain, but this one is also a night venue with salsa night on a Friday night. Popular with the after-work crowd during the week, and busy both Friday and Saturday night. In Westlands.
• Nest at Tribe:  Rooftop bar at the Tribe Hotel with Moroccan decor and shisha. In Gigiri.
• Simba Saloon:  In Langata, this is the nightclub at Carnivore. Not somewhere I’d go all the time (I’m a bit ‘over’ big clubs with offers on shots and neon lights) but it can be fun on occasions with the right crowd.

33. Go for High Tea

There are lots of things that the colonial British brought to Kenya and one of the better ones was high tea (or afternoon tea as we usually call it these days) which is usually served between 3pm – 5pm.

Many hotels in the city serve high tea, which usually consists of sandwiches, cakes, scones (with jam and cream) and of course tea. Usually, there’s an option to add a glass of something fizzy on the side. 

The best places to find high tea in Nairobi are:

• K Lounge at Villa Rosa Kempinski
• Hemingways (where we are above)
• The Lord Erroll
• The Tea Room at Fairmont The Norfolk (be sure to visit the famous Lord The Lord Delamere Terrace)
• Giraffe Manor (but… you have to be a guest there, unfortunately)

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Nairobi! And let me know if you have any other recommendations I can add to the list!

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I love to travel all over the world, but it's Africa that holds a special place in my heart. My mission is to help people travel Africa in an authentic, safe, fun, adventurous and ethical way.

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11 Comments

Wonderful information . I am a former resident of Kenya and am visiting Nairobi for family reasons. I will be here until end of January 2021. I want to do some city tours and one short adventure country tour. Am not sure what is available due to Covid restrictions. Please advise. Looking forward to hearing from you and hopefully do something worthwhile during this visit.

These all look amazing! I have a brother who visits Africa frequently and loves it. Thanks for this!

I can’t believe you’d put going to “areas tourists shouldn’t go” to hear people talk about how difficult their lives were/are. Povery porn much? People aren’t tourist attractions.

Thanks for your comment. Judgemental much? 🙂 But just to set the record straight…

Firstly, I totally agree – people are not tourist attractions. But this is not what this is… this is a walking tour of a city with some former street boys who, on their own terms, tell you their stories as you walk.

Actually, I say ‘places where tourists probably wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) go alone’ – not because it’s poor – it’s not a slum, it’s part of Nairobi city centre, but it’s a notoriously dangerous part of the city.

The boys tell you that themselves. Those are not my words. It’s not a place tourists should walk alone because street crime is very common in the area. If you go on the tour you will hear more about this. You walk with a guide per 1 or 2 people because this is the best way to ensure the group stays safe. 

Have you been to Nairobi? I’m guessing not, because if you had, you’d understand the context. And if you read the post properly then you’ll see that I’m saying to go on a tour because these guys are inspiring.

You’re American right? And there are plenty of American cities that have dangerous parts that you might not go to unless you were with someone who was well known in the area. This is no different. 

This is not ‘poverty porn’. We don’t go around taking pictures of ‘the poor people’ if that’s what you were assuming. We walk around a notoriously dangerous part of the city, whilst a group of former street boys tell their inspiring stories about how they turned their lives around.

In their words ‘This encounter is a unique opportunity to get inspired by people from a different world.’

This tour is very respectful and I believe that interacting with and becoming friends with people from different cultures and countries, is a very beautiful thing. It’s encounters like this that really open your mind.

These guys are amazing. They were street boys who now make a living telling their stories. How amazing is that?

I love what they are doing, so I support them. I’ve known these guys for a few years now and they are my friends. I love what they have built and love how they are helping other young boys to get off the streets.

If you’d like to read more about what they do, or perhaps take a tour and support their cause next time you’re in Nairobi, you can book here: https://nai-nami.com/

Once you’ve been to Nairobi and taken a tour with Nai Nami, then we can have this discussion. Until then… please get off your high horse, read what has actually been written, be kind, be less judgemental and please stop trolling people on the internet. 

Have a lovely day. 🙂

Very well said, Helen. I am planning a trip to Nairobi and have found your site very informative and I am very interested in taking a tour with these boys. I think what they are doing is fantastic. I will be traveling with my husband and our 11 year old and I think this would be a fantastic experience for her. In your opinion, would she be able to handle a Kibera Township tour? I would like her to understand how privileged we are to have all we have but I have no idea what these areas might be like. I would very much appreciate your thoughts. Also, would we be better off doing a safari in SA or in Kenya (we will be traveling to both)? Thank you so much. magda

Thank you for reading and commenting!

I’ve not done a Kibera township tour, I’m sure she could handle it, but I’ve not personally been, but have been to other similar places, like Soweto in South Africa. Like I say in the post, I think it’s a personal decision and obviously you just need to be respectful, which I’m sure you would be. 🙂

Taking a tour with Nai Nami is a great thing to do and the boys will look after you.

In terms of safari, both Kenya and South Africa are great. I love the Maasai Mara. Where in South Africa are you going? Kruger is good, but I personally prefer the Mara. But generally you can’t go wrong with a safari in either country – maybe do both if you can! 🙂

Hi Helen. I’m definitely not a troll, I’m a real person who doesn’t quite agree with you top suggestion of “things to do in Nairobi”. I can certainly appreciate that you’ve built a relationship with the men from Nai Nami, and I think that’s really valuable. Of course having local guides in an area you’re traveling in can really help you understand an area you’ve perhaps never been to before. That being said, as I’ve been researching for an upcoming trip to Kenya, I’ve been quite off-put and frustrated by the number of websites that suggest outings very similar to Nai Nami (I do however recognize the subtleties of it being a tour of downtown with locals, which I’ll come back to in a moment). The issue in my mind is really the way that most people respond to such an experience. Perhaps you are not one of such people, perhaps you are. But the majority of people that I know, bloggers, and instagrammers who went to almost any African country, came back talking about “how lucky they feel, how blessed they are, how much their eyes were opened” etc etc etc. And that is the consistent narrative about Africa. Poverty. Violence. Lack of development. And those things are there. But Africa is also a continent of rich culture and development and experiences far outside of the Western World–and that should be the narrative. I recognize that you know these guys and this experience and you’re of course helping them out by suggesting that people do this outing, which I totally get. But I think it walks a very thin line that many, if not most people, are not equipped to handle correctly. Take Magda for example (no offense Magda you seem very sweet and supportive and I’m glad you’re taking your 11 year old to Kenya)–she’s suggesting that visiting one of Africa’s largest slums might be a good way to show her daughter “how privileged we are”. And your only suggestion was to “just be respectful” which doesn’t do much to help your case on understanding the subtleties of the situation. I don’t think it’s possible to choose to GO ON A TOUR of an incredibly impoverished community in order to impress upon a child the wealth discrepancy between themselves and a child growing up in Kibera and have that be respectful in any way shape or form. *This* is the reason I take issue with this tour being the first suggestion of things to do in Nairobi.

Hi Apallled,

Thanks for your response.

My initial issue with your comment was that you made a snap judgement and left a rude, nasty, ill-informed comment on my website about something you didn’t know anything about.

People seem to forget that there are other humans on the other side of the computer which is why it comes across as trolling/being a keyboard warrior.

Your comment was not a constructive one, it didn’t ask for clarification, didn’t give any thoughtful insight, it had no understanding of Nairobi city or the tour I was referring to (confusing it for a slum tour) and it was just plain obnoxious.

Having a different opinion is fine. Leaving nasty comments on the internet is not cool. Your second comment, however, is written in a much more thoughtful way, I really appreciate that.

What’s a bit frustrating, is that you are now bringing Magda’s subsequent question regarding slum tourism (and my response) and your annoyance of the way Africa is portrayed in general by the media into the mix as an argument/excuse to validate the rudeness of your first comment.

“I don’t think it’s possible to choose to GO ON A TOUR of an incredibly impoverished community in order to impress upon a child the wealth discrepancy between themselves and a child growing up in Kibera and have that be respectful in any way shape or form. *This* is the reason I take issue with this tour being the first suggestion of things to do in Nairobi.”

As I have explained, the Nai Nami tour is NOT a slum tour, it’s NOT poverty porn. Nai Nami tours take place in the city centre, NOT Kibera. Magda’s question about taking her daughter on a Kibera tour is separate from her question about Nai Nami tours. I am NOT advocating a slum tour as the ‘top’ thing on my list (although I do believe there is a place for township tours which I’ll get to below). I’m advocating a different type of inner-city walking tour run by a group of inspiring young men who are doing great things in their local area. The focus of the tour is totally on them and their stories. So the *This* you are talking about above doesn’t make sense.

Whilst I appreciate that you may have been off-put and frustrated by the number of bloggers/Instagrammers that suggest that Africa is ‘poor, impoverished, violent’ and it seems that you are aiming that part of the second comment at whoever is reading (not just at me), let me tell you that you are preaching to the converted here.

If you read my website/look at my Instagram, it’s quite obvious that at no point do I paint Africa in a predominantly negative light, or perpetuate the ‘poor Africa’ narrative. To be honest, I think that’s quite an outdated view and I think a lot of bloggers/Instagrammers are doing a lot to show the positive sides of Africa.

I’ve been travelling/working in Africa for the last 12 years and am an advocate of the fact that Africa is not the poor, impoverished, dangerous place that it is made out to be on the media. My whole life’s purpose is to show people how bloody great Africa is, through my blog, through the tours I run and through the book I have just written.

I very much agree with you that “Africa is also a continent of rich culture and development and experiences far outside of the Western World – and that should be the narrative.”

Please read my blog – that IS the narrative! Again, this comes back to why I take strong objection to your first comment, the lack of research and the way it was expressed.

So let’s move on to the slum tours…

As I mentioned, in my opinion, going on a slum tour is a personal decision. At the end of the day, the slums are there. You can either ignore them and pretend they’re not there, or you can acknowledge them. Maybe you visit. Maybe you don’t.

The governments of a lot of countries barely acknowledge their existence. The residents get little support. They support themselves as a community. Slum/township tourism is one way of doing that.

But what’s the alternative? Have you been to a slum/township? Have you seen the alternative ways to make money? Well, I have… and tourism really is not the worst one.

In an ideal world, slums wouldn’t exist. But they do. And if local people want to make money with tourism, then it’s not anyone else’s place to say otherwise.

Most township/village tours that I have been on paint the areas in a predominantly positive light. They tell it like it is, the good, the bad and everything in between – it’s all there. In fact, people are very proud of where they come from. It is a glimpse into a different way of life and it brings money into local communities – by providing wages for the residents, bringing in tourism that supports local businesses (food stalls, jewellery makers etc).

To your point – “I don’t think it’s possible to choose to GO ON A TOUR of an incredibly impoverished community in order to impress upon a child the wealth discrepancy between themselves and a child growing up in Kibera and have that be respectful in any way shape or form.”

Magda wants to visit. She wants to take her daughter and she has her reasons. Those reasons being that she wants her child to understand her privilege. It’s not my place to judge or say whether she should or she shouldn’t. Neither is it yours.

That may be the reason she chooses to go on the tour. But it undoubtedly won’t be what she comes away with and THAT is the important part. What she’s likely to come away with is humanity, compassion, a sense of community, an impression of proud and hardworking people who crack on despite any challenges they might be facing. An understanding that we are all human-being together, it’s not ‘us’ and ‘them’. It’s just us. A human race.

With a mum who wants to show her daughter the world as it is, in all forms, she will, no doubt, grow up to be a well-rounded, empathetic human being.

I stand by my point that township tours can be beneficial to all involved when done in a respectful way. And by that, I mean: not shoving cameras in people’s faces, not mocking the residents or looking down on them, listening to the local guides, going in with an open mind and non-judgemental attitude, and perhaps coming away with a different idea of what life in a township is actually like.

I didn’t expand on my ‘you just need to be respectful’ comment because I assumed that Magda would understand what I meant by that, but if not I guess it’s written above.

People don’t visit, the local people don’t earn money from the tour. The alternative, people visit, they gain insight into another culture, local people make money.

I also think it’s a bit funny of you to accuse me of not understanding the ‘subtleties of the situation’ when it appears to me that you haven’t stepped foot on the African continent, have never been to a township, never worked in a township, never taken a township tour and perhaps never met/spoken to a person who lives in a township. You have to experience Africa to even try to begin to understand the complexities of it.

To me, it’s not about voyeurism, it’s about gaining an understanding of another culture/place from first-hand experience.

Your comments have given me the basis of a great blog post though. So thanks!

I apologize for the harshness of my original comment. 99% of the time, you aren’t going to change someone’s mind, stance, or discourse surrounding such a topic on the internet, even if you write the world’s most eloquent, empathetic, and well-researched comment. Nor was I anticipating any response on an older post on a clearly well-run blog. And as you’ve said yourself, that’s probably due to operating on two sides of a computer screen. My intentionI can respect that you’ve spent a significant amount of time on the African continent and help show people other sides of the countries therein. I have not been to a township or on a tour, nor do I ever plan to (nor do I need to flout the places I HAVE been to in order to validate my points). I don’t believe it’s necessary to do something you categorically disagree with in order to know you don’t agree with doing it. Silly example but it would be like saying to someone “Well you’ve never embezzled money so you can’t say it’s wrong.” I do not think it’s right to tour a township, so I would not choose to do so. However, I think the end of your comment gets to the heart of the matter. You’re clearly someone who has seen many of the sides of many African countries, and are looking at this from an empathetic, people-oriented point of view that says “well, township tourism is a way residents can make money, and it’s one of the better ways to do so” and I can 100% see where you’re coming from. I’m looking at the issue from a more objective standpoint and I personally do not think it is ethical. But I definitely see where your point of view comes from, so I’m grateful you’ve taken the time to talk about this. And you’re welcome for the blog content XD

Thanks for the apology. And thank you for taking on board my comments. Totally understand where you are coming from too. Township tours are a very complex subject and I agree that it’s a fine line that needs treading carefully. And very much respect your decision not to partake in them.

Good luck with your trip to Kenya, I hope you enjoy it and would love to hear about your experience. Nairobi is a great city. If you do end up taking a Nai Nami tour, would love to get your take on it.

Hey Hellen, Your blog has been really helpful. I’m planning a Nairobi trip. Thank you for the very detailed and informative articles.

However, I think the Kibera Tour you mentioned was misunderstood. The way you spoke about it clearly didn’t depict poverty porn in anyway. Nonetheless, the lady who wanted to show her 11y/o “how privileged they are” should find a better way to do so rather than making her think Africa is poor.

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1 Day Nairobi Itinerary: How to Spend a Day in Nairobi Kenya

Last updated: August 21, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 40 Comments

During our recent trip to Kenya, we had to decide how to best spend a day in Nairobi since we had only a limited amount of time in the city. We share our own detailed 1 day Nairobi itinerary to help other travelers plan their own visit.

Nairobi is Kenya’s capital, the most populous city in eastern Africa, and a major business, political, and financial hub in Africa. Most tourists arrive at the NBO airport and then head out the next day for safari, earning the city the nickname “Safari Capital of the World”. However, Nairobi is worth at least a day or two of exploration as the city offers parks, shopping, art museums, cultural attractions, the chance to get up close with wildlife, and even safari game viewing!

We share what we did in one day in Nairobi with a detailed stop-by-stop itinerary of where we went and the timing for each stop. We focused on a mix of wildlife and cultural attractions in determining how to spend our day in Nairobi, spending our time feeding giraffes, ogling baby elephants, visiting the house made famous by Out of Africa , learning about handmade ceramics, and sipping coffee. We give you lots of advice on how you can plan the same trip yourself.

We are lucky to have returned to Nairobi and had the chance to further explore the city. So we also share a number of other options for how you might spend a day in Nairobi and provide alternative one day itinerary ideas. Whether you are interested in art, culture, family activities, nature, history, or wildlife, you are sure to find plenty of things to do in Nairobi.

Table of Contents:

How to Spend a Day in Nairobi: Putting Together your Itinerary

Nairobi is one of the largest cities in Africa and a growing one. We were surprised by both the amount of construction and industry and the significant presence of major international corporations in the city. There are loads of modern hotels, shopping malls, and business centers in the city.

At the same time, Nairobi, like many large cities, struggles with issues of crime, poverty, and unemployment. Wealthy suburbs like Karen, Gigiri, and Lang’ata stand in marked contrast to the slums of Kibera and Mathare, demonstrating a large social and economic divide. 

If you are only going to have one (or even two) days, you’ll want to plan ahead to make the most of your time. Some of the places are a bit spread out so it is wise to try to group places together by location. Be sure to keep opening times and dates in mind when planning your trip. 

Nairobi has a number of attractions that should appeal to those who are interested in art, food, wildlife, nature, history, local culture, or shopping. Some of the most popular visitor attractions include Sheldrick Wildlife Trust , Giraffe Centre , Nairobi National Museum , Nairobi National Park , Utamaduni Shops , Karen Blixen Museum , Bomas of Kenya , August 7th Memorial Park , African Heritage House , Nairobi Gallery , and Nairobi Railway Museum . Many people also do a downtown city tour to visit places like the local markets, the KICC rooftop, and city parks and gardens.

For the sake of time, convenience, and safety, I would suggest seeing the city with a driver and/or guide if for no other reason than the traffic (and inventive driving strategies of locals) can be very frustrating. For most places in Nairobi, you’ll probably just need a driver, but if you are interested in a city tour, walking tour of Kibera, or game drives in Nairobi National Park, you’ll want a guide. In our case, our driver and guide were the same person.

Check out this guide to things to do in Nairobi Kenya for a fairly comprehensive list of places to visit as well as tips on things like getting around, tipping, booking tours, shopping, and safety. This should give you a good starting point for planning your visit if you only have one day in Nairobi. This list could actually be used to put together an itinerary for several days in Nairobi if you have more time.

If you are planning a short visit to Nairobi and plan to follow an itinerary very similar to the one we outline below, I’d recommend staying in one of the western neighborhoods of Nairobi such as Karen , Lavington , or Lang’ata .

This will put you within a relatively short driving distance of all of the attractions on this itinerary. Tamarind Tree Hotel in Lang’ata is a particularly convenient option for those planning to eat at the Carnivore Restaurant as the restaurant is located within the hotel grounds.

Our Visit to Nairobi: A 1 Day Nairobi Itinerary

On my first trip to Nairobi in 2014, we had 2 full days planned in Nairobi with Amani Afrika before setting off to Amboseli National Park and then to do a charity trek of Mount Kilimanjaro . However, due to a flight delay and the subsequent missed flight connection, we had less time than anticipated.

We also had left behind part of my laptop’s power cord and that also led to spending a couple of hours shopping for a replacement (shout out to Elite Digitial Services in the Sarit Centre). So we ended up having only 1 full day for sightseeing.

After a very good breakfast at our guesthouse, Lavington Hill House , we were picked up by our driver guide Jimmy and set out for the day. We had a set itinerary which was built around visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage as it is only open to the public for 1 hour per day.

We essentially followed this full day tour for our day in Nairobi. So I’d check that out if wanting to follow this itinerary and need transport.

This was our trip itinerary in 2014, which we were able to repeat in 2022 to ensure this was still a good itinerary and to update any outdated information. I enjoyed the visits in 2014 and enjoyed them again in 2022!

Here is our recommended trip itinerary for how to spend 1 day in Nairobi:

 Stop 1: Giraffe Centre @ 9:00am

Our first stop was the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Giraffe Centre which was one of the places that Ethan looked the most forward to on our entire trip because giraffes happen to be his favorite animal.

The center has been successful in breeding the Rothschild’s giraffe, an endangered subspecies of giraffe found only in East Africa. The center was established in the 1970’s by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville , and in addition to the breeding, conservation, and release of giraffes, it also provides education to the public.

After arrival, we were both given a handful of pellets that you can feed to the giraffes from a large viewing platform. The platforms are raised so that you are standing face-to-face with the adult giraffes, and you can offer the giraffes pellets by hand.

When we visited in 2014, staff encouraged the more adventuresome visitors (like us) to place the pellets between their lips for a giraffe kiss. It is quite a feeling to have a wet and rough giraffe tongue lick your face! However, this was no longer permitted when we visited in 2022 due to the pandemic for obvious reasons (and perhaps kissing giraffes was never the best idea!).

The highlight here is definitely getting up-close views of these beautiful long-legged animals. But to get the most of your visit don’t forget to look down to spot the resident warthogs, learn about the giraffes by listening to one of the free educational talks or lectures, and take a walk along the Giraffe Centre Nature Trail that begins just across the road.  

We really enjoyed our time at the Giraffe Center, but do be aware that this is a VERY popular stop for school groups and tour groups. So it can get busy here so you may need to be patient.

A visit here averages about 30 minutes, but allow longer if you really want to explore the nature trails. We spent about an hour here.

The center is normally open daily for public tours and visits from 9:00am – 5.00 pm. You can book tickets in advance but it is not necessary and you can also purchase them on site.

Stop 2: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage @ 10:30am

Our second stop during our day in Nairobi was to visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage. David Sheldrick was a game warden and pioneer conservationist in Kenya. His wife Daphne established the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an elephant and rhino nursery and sanctuary, in his name in his memory in the late 1970s following his death.

Located within a section of Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust provides care and a home to dozens of orphaned baby elephants and rhinos from all over the country with the goal of being able to release them back into the wild. If you haven’t read Daphne Sheldrick’s memoir, Love, Life, and Elephants , we highly recommend reading it before your visit here.

Visitors can visit daily at 11:00am to watch the public feedings of the young elephants and learn more about the mission of the trust. Although the feedings begin at 11:00am, you are advised to arrive and check-in at least 15 minutes early. We got here around 10:30am as recommended at the time of our visit.

We weren’t really sure what to expect but after parking, paying the entrance donation fee, and entering, you follow a path to a large partially fenced off dirt area. There are typically hundreds of visitors here but the space is pretty large so you can still stake out a good viewpoint.

After a brief introduction, the first group of about 20 baby elephants were led into the fenced off area, these were the youngest of the elephants. You get to watch as they are fed bottles by the handlers, play in the water and dirt, and roam around the area. If you are lucky, you might get a chance to touch one if it comes up to the rope, but you need to be careful as they weigh a ton.

After the first group was taken away, another group of about 20 older young elephants were led in and the feeding process was repeated. During the feeding, a staff member with a microphone explains the goals of the trust and gives you some information about the individual resident baby elephants and rhinos (if there are any rhinos).

It was sad to hear how many of the elephants are orphans due to poaching and human water conflict situations. Elephant and rhino poaching is very much still a problem in Kenya. Drought has also become one of the biggest factors in recent years.

The cost of raising just one orphan elephant or rhino is very expensive and the organization depends on donations and fundraising projects. For those who want to contribute more to protecting the elephants, anyone can make a donation to adopt an orphan for a minimum annual donation of $50 (£35). Donors then receive monthly detailed information and updates about their orphan.

We really enjoyed our visit here and it was probably our favorite stop of the day. Not only did we get to see a bunch of cute baby elephants, but we also got to learn about and support a great organization. 

Note that starting in March 2020, due to the pandemic, only guests who have confirmed pre-booked reservations have been allowed to visit. This is being done to control visitor numbers and ensure the safety of both the animals and visitors. They are also only accepting cash for payment on arrival.

At last check, advanced reservations are mandatory. The entry fee is $20 (USD) or 2,000 shillings (KES) per person and must be paid upon entry in cash (or by Mpesa).

So if you are visiting here, be sure to check the current entry requirements and booking guidelines before visiting. We recommend making your reservation or booking your guided tour before you leave home to ensure you can visit. If you are visiting with a tour, they will likely help you sort this out but you may still need to bring cash to pay the entry fee if the entrance is not included in your tour price.

Stop 3: Utamaduni Shops @ 12:15am

This wasn’t actually listed on our itinerary, but our driver made a quick stop at Utamaduni Shops, formerly the Utamaduni Craft Centre, so that we could peruse the large number of craft items and souvenirs. This is a common short stop for many tours to give visitors a chance to shop or get a cup of coffee.

There are both outdoor stalls as well as a much larger indoor store. You can find a bit of everything here, including wood carvings, soaps, slippers, clothing, children’s items, and jewelry. The Steetwise stall in front of the building sells a number of inexpensive locally made items and all sales from that shop benefit the disadvantaged youth who made the items. You can find out more here on their website .

This was a good fairly quick stop for us. For those who want to do some serious souvenir shopping, leave more time as there are a number of small rooms and a lot of merchandise on offer here. It is our recommended place to stop if you only have time to shop at only one place in Nairobi.

There is a cafe and restaurant located at Utamaduni Shops that serves meals, snacks, and drinks. So can be a good place to stop for coffee or lunch. There is also a small children’s play area.

Stop 4: Karen Blixen Museum @ 1:00pm

After the souvenir shop, we were given the choice of whether to head to lunch or to the Karen Blixen Museum. We decided to stop at the museum first as we were not too hungry and were told we could do the house tour and visit the grounds in about an hour. But you could easily reverse the two and eat lunch first.

The Karen Blixen Museum is housed in the farmhouse where Danish author Karen Blixen (penname Isak Dinesen) lived from 1914 to 1931. The house was built in 1912, and later bought by Karen and her husband Baron Bror von Blixen Fincke when they began a coffee plantation. Blixen and her coffee farm became well-known because of the book she wrote about her experiences in Kenya and the 1985 film adaptation Out of Africa , starring   Robert Redford and Meryl Streep.

We joined a guided group tour of the house which included the interior of the house, the detached kitchen, and a small portion of the grounds. The house is much smaller than we expected but includes original furniture that belonged to Blixen, including the famous cuckoo clock, as well as some movie props used in the filming of Out of Africa . 

The tour lasts about 40 – 45 minutes and then visitors are allowed to explore the grounds and gift shop on their own. The great views of the Ngong Hills that Blixen often commented on in her book remain, and it was nice to just walk around the property and notice other things that Blixen wrote about in her book.

I am glad we visited as someone who has read the book and watched the movie, although I think visitors not familiar with the book or film will likely not find the tour as interesting. 

Opening hours are typically from 9:30am to 6:00pm daily. You can buy tickets in person on arrival. Photography is not permitted inside the house.

Stop 5: Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens @ 2:00pm

We stopped for a late and leisurely lunch at the Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens . The restaurant and an associated lodge sit on property that was once part of the large coffee estate that belonged to Karen Blixen and her husband.

The restaurant is quite large and is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have a bar and lounge area. We had our choice of dining areas, including both indoor and outdoor dining. We requested an outdoor table, which we’d recommend if the weather is nice as the gardens are lovely.

The menu has changed over time from our first visit in 2014 to our last visit in 2022, but the menu contains a mix of Western and Indian dishes, plus a few local Kenyan dish options. We’ve tried a bit of everything from samosas to hamburgers to whole grilled tilapia with ugali. There have always been several seafood options as well as meat and vegetarian dishes. Food and service here have always been good.

After lunch, we ordered coffee and sat and talked for a while. Even if you don’t want to have a meal here, you might consider a stop here for coffee or drinks before or after a visit to the nearby Karen Blixen Museum. You can also view the exterior of the historic houses here, including the Swedo House and Grogan MacMillan Manor House.

Reservations are generally recommended but not necessary for coffee or lunch unless you have a large group, but are recommended for dinner. If you want to eat at Babette’s (their fine dining restaurant) then it is a good idea to make a reservation in advance for lunch or dinner.

Stop 6: Kazuri Beads @ 3:30pm

The last stop of our tour was at Kazuri Beads factory and store. Kazuri Beads makes ceramic handpainted beads, ornaments, and pottery. It was started in 1975 as a business to employ local single mothers and now has grown to employ around 300 people. The word kazuri  means “small and beautiful” in Swahili.

When we arrived, we were greeted by one of the staff and given a brief introduction. Then a guide took us on a free tour of the factory. We got to see how they make the beads and pottery, learning about the how whole process, from mixing the clay to hand painting the beads to adding the final touches. The tour took about 30 minutes and is definitely worth doing if you have the time.

At the end of the tour, you are, of course, led to the Kazuri Beads shop and left to browse on your own. Although they are best known for their beaded jewelry, they also make and sell other items such as ceramic tableware, pots, and ornaments.

This is a great place to support. You can purchase something for yourself as a souvenir or to give as a gift when you get back home. I have a red necklace from here that I love and I also have purchased a couple of gifts.

We spent about 1 hour here in total here. After finishing our visit to Kazuri Beads, we were taken back to our hotel and had a couple of hours of rest before dinner. We were happy to have the break as we were tired and enjoyed having some time to relax, but you could use this time instead to visit someplace else or do a city tour.

NOTE: Kazuri Beads was hit hard by COVID-19 as it closed down and many of the workers were laid off during the closure and then was slow to rebound due to a huge dip in tourism. The previous location used for its factory and shop was sold to Sandstorm Kenya (luxury leather company) and another similar company KobeTough opened in 2020 and makes competitive products with former employees. But luckily Kazuri has survived and has rebuilt and reopened in a new location.

Kazuri Beads factory and shop is now located on Laganta Road (this is about a 10 minute drive from its former location). At the new location, there is also a small restaurant/cafe here where you can get coffee, tea, drinks, and lunch.

Stop 7: (later in evening): Carnivore Restaurant for Dinner @ 7:00pm

After a break of a couple of hours, we were then picked up to head to Carnivore for dinner. Carnivore is probably the best known restaurant in Nairobi and serves “a beast of a feast”. It is a restaurant focused on roasted and grilled meats that are cooked over a large charcoal fire on Maasai swords.

The restaurant became famous for offering a number of exotic meats; however, game laws changed in Kenya and they now only serve farmed meat. You can still find meats like crocodile and ostrich on the menu alongside more familiar ones like beef, chicken, lamb, and pork.

The meal is served differently than in most other restaurants. You start with soup, then salads and sauces are brought, then baked potatoes, and then a parade of different meats. You can eat for as long as wish. You need to put down the flag at your table when you “surrender” and don’t want any more meat. Then, if you can still manage to eat anything, dessert is served!

The price of your meal includes all your food, but it does not include any drinks that you order. Dawa is a popular vodka-based cocktail that was invited here and the house special. You can make reservations (we did), but these are often not necessary unless you are a large group.

This is obviously a popular restaurant with tourists and a bit kitschy, but we enjoyed having dinner here. We tried all the meats (our favorite was the ostrich meatballs) and even saved room for dessert. You certainly want to be hungry when you go here to make the most of it.

If you are looking for transportation to Carnivore, there are a number of transport options you can book that include pick up at your hotel, your meal, and return drop-off at your lodging.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Nairobi, Tamarind Tree Hotel is a particularly convenient option if you are planning to have dinner at Carnivore. The restaurant is located on the hotel grounds so you can just walk here and do not need to worry about booking transport or taking a taxi. 

Booking Nairobi Day Tours

Most visitors to Nairobi, especially if they just have a day to explore, book a tour or hire a driver. This is an especially good idea if you are trying to visit multiple attractions within one day. You can book a small group (usually a maximum of 8 people or less), a private guided tour, or arrange your own private driver.

Before booking any tour, be sure to check to see what is included/excluded and any restrictions before booking. Entrance fees to attractions and the cost of meals may not be included in the price so you will want to plan and budget accordingly.

You also want to be sure to check the tour’s cancellation and refund policies. When traveling, we normally book our tours in advance with either GetYourGuide  or  Viator  which both offer a 24-hour cancellation policy for  most tickets and tours. This means you can cancel a tour up to 24 hours before it starts and receive a full refund. This allows for flexibility if our travel plans unexpectedly change.

Here are several options that have similar to the first tour we did in Nairobi:

• This  full-day small group tour includes visits to the Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, Kazuri Beads factory, and the Karen Blixen Museum. This is the same tour itinerary I took on my first visit to Nairobi.
• This full day small group tour includes Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, the Karen Blixen Museum, and the Bomas of Kenya. Similar to our itinerary but skips Kazuri Beads and visits the Bomas of Kenya instead.
• This  full-day small group tour includes visits to the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Kazuri Beads, and Bomas of Kenya. This is similar to our tour but includes the Bomas of Kenya instead of the Karen Blixen Museum.
• This half day tour and this half day private tour includes visits to the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and Kazuri Beads. So it just leaves out the Karen Blixen Museum.
• This full-day small group tour includes a Nairobi National Park morning game drive and visits to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Centre, and Bomas of Kenya. Compared to our day, this leaves out the Karen Blixen Museum and Kazuri Beads, but includes the park game drive and Bomas.
• This half-day private tour includes visits to the Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, and lunch at Carnivore. I believe that you also have the option to stop at Utamaduni Shops. A good private tour option for those with limited time.

Alternative 1 Day Nairobi Itinerary Ideas

Now, the above itinerary we did is a great way to spend a full day in Nairobi for a first-time visitor. And the attractions included will appeal to a wide variety of travelers so we do recommend it to a lot of people. However, there are lots of other places and attractions in Nairobi other than the ones we highlighted above.

If the above doesn’t appeal or you are looking for more options, we recommend checking out our things to do in Nairobi post for lots of ideas on other places you could visit. That post talks about all the places mentioned below in the itinerary ideas and also gives lots of practical travel advice and tips for visiting the city.

If you are looking for other ideas for how to spend a day in Nairobi, here are some alternative itinerary options. These can be an alternative to the above-suggested itinerary or may help you plan the rest of your time in Nairobi if you have more than one day in the city.

For those looking for a driver/guide and transport, we also give you some tour options (both small group and private) that may be a good fit for each itinerary theme.

History & Culture Itinerary

There are a lot of options for someone who wants to focus on history and cultural stops, but the three that come top of mind for me are the Nairobi National Museum, doing a city tour with a local, and going to the Bomas of Kenya to catch one of the daily cultural performances.

Other options you might consider visiting are the city’s other central museums and galleries such as the Nairobi Gallery, Nairobi Railway Museum, and Kenya National Archives gallery. You may also want to visit some of the local markets. Other places you may want to consider visiting outside the central area would be the Karen Blixen Museum, African Heritage House, and Uhuru Gardens.

A sample history and culture itinerary:

• Morning : Visit the Nairobi National Museum. Do a city tour.
• Afternoon : Go to the Bomas of Kenya in time for the performance, might also want to have lunch at the Utamaduni Restaurant here. Consider a visit to Uhuru Gardens afterward which has several memorials and monuments related to Kenyan independence.

If you need transport or want to hire a guide, you may need to book a morning tour of the city, and then book an afternoon tour that includes the Bomas.

This private 6-hour city tour includes stops at Nairobi National Museum, KICC rooftop, and a visit to the Bomas of Kenya. This is one of the few tours that includes both time in downtown Nairobi plus a visit to the Bomas.

This  4-hour private tour of central Nairobi includes flexible stops at the Nairobi National Museum, Railway Museum, KICC rooftop, and City Market. This small group city orientation tour includes stops at several places with lunch at Carnivore.

If you are more interested in walking tours, you might consider this downtown walking tour , this  storytelling tour , or this food tour .

This private tour includes transport and entrance fees to visit the Bomas of Kenya.

This evening tour takes you to the Safari Cats performance at a local hotel which includes a traditional dinner buffet experience focused on nyama choma and a 1-hour dance and acrobatics performance.

Wildlife & Animals Itinerary

If your main focus is just seeing animals, then Nairobi National Park is probably your best bet. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Center, and Mamba Village are also popular options. Hiking in the local forests is also a great place to spot birds and local wildlife.

A sample wildlife-focused itinerary:

• Morning : Do a morning game drive at Nairobi National Park (or you could spend the full day here). Then to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage for 11:00 feeding time.
• Afternoon : Then a visit to the Giraffe Centre after lunch.

This  6-hour guided tour includes a Nairobi National Park morning game drive followed by visits to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre.

This full-day tour includes a Nairobi National Park morning game drive and visits to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Centre, and Bomas of Kenya.

If you are just wanting to spend the day at Nairobi National Park, this half day small group tour includes a 4 to 5 hour game drive in Nairobi National Park. If you prefer a private tour, this private safari tour can be booked as a half day visit to Nairobi National Park or a full day visit to Nairobi National Park plus a stop at the Giraffe Centre.

Family Friendly Itinerary

Some activities in Nairobi are more family-friendly than others and what might be the best places to visit for your family is going to depend on the ages and interests of your kids.

The most popular family activities are the more animal-focused attractions like Nairobi National Park, Nairobi Safari Walk (and the Safari Walk Children’s Museum), Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Center, and Mamba Village.

Taking breaks and giving children time to run around and play can be important, especially for younger kids, and Nairobi has a number of parks and gardens you can visit. Central Park and Uhuru Park (adjacent to one another) are a good central option with a children’s playground and boat rentals available. The Nairobi Arboretum is another option just outside the center. Just be sure to always keep a close eye on children at all times.

The most children-friendly museum based on our experience is Nairobi National Museum, which is popular with school visits and there is also the Snake Park, Botanical Gardens, and picnic areas here so you could easily spend half a day or more here. The Nairobi Railway Museum could also be interesting to older children.

Children may also enjoy a visit to the KICC rooftop for a view over the city, a city walking tour, or watching the Bomas of Kenya cultural performances. The Bomas is a popular place for Kenyan schoolchildren to visit.

A sample family-friendly Nairobi itinerary:

• Morning : Visit the Nairobi Safari Walk or do a morning game drive at Nairobi National Park.
• Afternoon : Visit the Giraffe Centre and Bomas of Kenya

This private full-day tour includes Nairobi National Park (could visit Nairobi Safari Walk instead if wanted), Giraffe Centre, and Bomas of Kenya.

This  6-hour guided tour includes a Nairobi National Park morning game drive followed by visits to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre. This full-day tour includes the Nairobi Safari Walk, Animal Orphanage, and Bomas of Kenya.

This private tour explores downtown Nairobi and can be tailored to your tastes. So can be a good tour for families who may need to slow down, skip visits, or detour to a park. This half day tour visits the Nairobi National Museum, the Snake Park, and Botanical Gardens.

Just note that some tours may have age restrictions for children due to insurance or safety regulations. Most tours do accept children, but be sure to check before booking.

Local Life & Culture Itinerary

For those interested in local life and culture, we’d recommend doing a local walking tour of the downtown area or of Kibera followed by a visit to the Bomas of Kenya.

Other places that might be of interest are the Nairobi National Museum, Nairobi Gallery, local markets, and local public parks and gardens. You might also consider a food tour or lunch at a restaurant that serves Kenyan food.

A sample local cultural itinerary:

• Morning : Do a downtown city tour with a local. Or do a morning Kibera tour of Africa’s largest slum area.
• Afternoon : Try Kenyan dishes for lunch. Go to the Bomas of Kenya in time for the performance.

For booking a day like the above with transport, you’ll probably need to book a morning tour followed by an afternoon tour to the Bomas. You can grab a local lunch in the city center or consider eating lunch at the Utamaduni Restaurant located at the Bomas of Kenya.

This private 6-hour city tour is flexible and generally includes stops at Nairobi National Museum, KICC rooftop, and a visit to the Bomas of Kenya.

This  downtown storytelling walking tour of the Central Business District is led by former street children and includes lunch. Other city tour options include this historical walking tour and this 4-hour flexible private downtown tour .

If you want to do a tour of Kibera, two tours to consider are this tour  and  this one . Before doing a slum tour, I’d read through these slum tourism responsible guidelines for tourists.

This 5-hour walking food tour is a great option to consider for those wanting to try a number of Kenya foods and dishes. It is normally available twice a day for either lunch or dinner. Just note it can be hard to combine with other tours given its timing and length.

If you want to do a visit to the Bomas of Kenya, this private tour  includes transport, a guide, and entrance fees to visit the Bomas of Kenya.

Markets & Shopping Itinerary

As Kenya’s capital city, you have a wide range of shopping options here from outdoor markets to luxury boutiques. There are shopping malls, local markets, the Maasai Markets, and souvenir and craft shops. So it will depend on the type of shopping you want to do, your budget, and what you are looking to buy.

A sample Nairobi shopping itinerary:

• Morning : Visit the City Market and Maasai Markets
• Afternoon : Go to Kazuri Beads in Karen (factory tour plus store) and stop at Utamaduni Shops

At the markets, streetside vendors, and Maasai markets, haggling or bargaining is common and prices are often not set or marked. So keep this in mind. Prices are set at places like Kazuri Beads, Utamaduni Shops, and the shopping centers. I’d read our Nairobi travel guide for more info and tips on shopping and haggling.

If you are looking for a tour with transport and a guide, this full day shopping tour  of Nairobi allows you to visit a number of shops, markets, and craft centers in Nairobi.

Nature Itinerary

If you are primarily interested in nature and the outdoors, places you might consider visiting are Nairobi National Park, Karura Forest, and the many local parks and gardens in the city.

If you just want to get out and walk, you could spend a full day hiking (or cycling) and exploring Karura Forest. Or hike along the Oloolua Nature Trail, head to the Nairobi Arboretum, or enjoy the Botanical Garden and nature trail at Nairobi National Museum.

• Morning : Do a morning game drive at Nairobi National Park
• Afternoon : Spend the afternoon hiking (or cycling) at Karura Forest.

For a morning at Nairobi National Park, you might consider this half day private tour or this half day  small group tour  of the park.

If you are interested in visiting Karura Forest, a couple of options with transport are  this guided tour  and  this guided tour . Some tours include trail bike rentals.

Although outside of Nairobi, those interested in hiking may also want to consider this private day trip to Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha.

And that is our guide to how to spend a day in Nairobi! We hope that if you are planning a trip to Kenya that this guide has been helpful to you in planning your Nairobi itinerary. If you have any questions about your trip to Nairobi, just ask us and we are happy to try to help.

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Have you been to Nairobi? What attractions would you recommend to travelers who only have one day to spend in Nairobi? If you have any questions about our visit to Nairobi, just ask us!

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Siyabonga Khumalo Post author

August 21, 2023 at 6:38 pm

Great itinerary, I am returning here for a second visit and hope to see some more this time. But just wondering about visiting Kazuri Beads, is the factory and store open to visit all year round? I was here in 2018, has it moved and is it far from original location and tours stop here? Wife really wants to go here and get plenty of gifts as she loved the one I brought back years ago.

thank you Siyabonga & Abeni

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

August 22, 2023 at 12:33 pm

Hi Siyabonga,

So happy you are finding our itinerary useful as you and your wife plan your trip to Nairobi. So yes, Kazuri Beads has moved since you would have visited as it happened fairly recently (after COVID) and the new location is only about a 10 minute drive from where you would have visited before. It is on Langata Road next to Karen Green. The factory and store are both located next to one another as they were in the prior location.

So Kazuri Beads is open and they do the free factory tours year around, but the factory is closed on Sundays. The normal factory hours (according to their last posted times) are Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm and Saturday 8:00am to 1:00pm; however, the shop is open until 6pm every day of the week, including Sundays. So if you want to see the factory (when it has workers), be sure to arrange to arrive before 4pm, but if you arrive later you can still visit the shop and generally someone is still around to show you around the factory as well but no one will be working. We’ve visited on a Sunday afternoon as our primary goal was to buy some gifts and a staff member showed us around the little factory even when no one was working inside.

Yes, if you are planning on joining a tour many of them include a stop at Kazuri Beads – you can check out our listed tours as many of those include a stop here to see factory and visit the shop. If you are with a private driver/guide, then just be sure you let them know you want to make a stop at Kazuri Beads on Langata Road.

Also note that if for any reason you don’t get a chance to come out here, there are other shops in Nairobi that carry the products, but you’ll find the best selection at the Karen factory shop for sure.

Have a wonderful trip!

Best, Jessica

James Post author

June 13, 2022 at 4:01 am

I really like this itinerary. Would it work in terms of timing to replace Karen Blixen house museum with the bomas? we only have one day and this would be our one chance to catch some sort of music/dance show. thanks, James

June 13, 2022 at 4:39 am

Glad you are finding our Nairobi itinerary helpful. And yes, you could certainly replace the visit to the Karen Blixen Museum with a visit to the Bomas of Kenya instead. You just need to really watch your timing since you are interested in catching the afternoon cultural performance. This usually takes place at 2:00pm so you’d want to plan to arrive at the Bomas a little before then.

So to modify our suggested itinerary, you could do lunch by 1:00pm (could even eat at the Utamaduni Shops or at the Bomas since they have a restaurant) and then head to Bomas. Or if you wanted to fit in Kazuri Beads, you could do that instead of Utamaduni Shops after the Elephant Orphanage and then eat a quick lunch before heading to the Bomas.

For a tour with transport that includes the Bomas instead of the Karen Blixen museum, I’d check out this small group tour

Now, if you are planning to visit Nairobi soon, you should know that the Bomas are currently closed to public visits. They have not given an opening date but I suspect they won’t re-open until the end of August 2022 or September 2022. Hopefully if you are visiting after the summer, they will be reopen for the dates of your visit. If not, you might consider something like this evening show which features modern dancing and music, by a local dance group.

Hope that helps, and wishing you a wonderful trip to Nairobi.

mavi rashad Post author

June 12, 2022 at 12:33 am

Thanks for all the information on Nairobi!

June 12, 2022 at 3:25 am

You’re very welcome, glad you enjoyed the article. If you are planning a visit to Nairobi, feel free to ask us any questions as you plan your trip.

eleanor graves Post author

May 30, 2022 at 6:27 pm

just found this after reading your things to do in Nairobi post! So this helps answering one of my questions I asked, but it made me think of another. My sister is a vegetarian, do you have any suggestions vegetarian-friendly alternative to carnivore? thanks again Jessica!

May 31, 2022 at 6:02 am

Hi Eleanor,

Yes, Carnivore is not a great place for vegetarians or vegans. There are vegetarian items like the soups (usually vegetarian), the salads, sauces, baked potatoes, and dessert. But since the focus is on meat, probably not the best place to take your sister.

Boho Eatery may be a good bet as in the Langata area (near the Giraffe Centre) and serves primarily vegetarian and vegan food. It is open for lunch and for dinner on some days, so I’d check the hours once you have your dates set and are planning your time in Nairobi.

In that area are also Tamambo Karen Blixen Coffee Garden (usually open for breakfast/lunch/dinner), Cultiva Farm (lunch and dinner, reservations usually necessary), Utamaduni Restaurant (part of the Bomas of Kenya, serves Kenyan food, usually lunch and dinner but would check opening dates and times), the cafe/restaurant at Utamaduni Shops (I think just open for lunch, great casual spot), Asmara (Eritrean food, lunch and dinner), and there is the main restaurant at Tamarind Tree Hotel (Carnivore is also located here). While none of these restaurants are vegetarian, they all have vegetarian options.

Another option although further away (so may work for dinner but not lunch) is Chowpaty Westlands restaurant which serves only vegetarian Indian dishes if you both enjoy Indian food. Chowpaty has a few restaurants in Nairobi and is very popular with local vegetarians.

It is going to depend on whether you are going for lunch or dinner at some of these places as some are not open for dinner (or only on certain days of the week). Most are also closed at least one day per week.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Cori Post author

July 12, 2019 at 8:28 am

Thanks so much for this post! I’ve been in Nairobi on business for a week but it seems I will have about a day and a half of free time before heading back across the pond, and I hope to make the most of it. This was incredibly helpful.

July 17, 2019 at 10:24 am

Hi Cori, Glad our post is helpful and I hope you enjoy your time in Nairobi. The city does not have the best reputation (because of terrorist events) but we used a local driver and felt safe. The city has lots of interesting places and attractions and I hope you enjoy some of them during your visit. I am sure your business colleagues will have even more places to suggest to you as well. Best, Jessica

Gerald Njuguna Post author

May 12, 2017 at 2:56 am

When you have time in Nairobi, i’d recommend you do two things 1. Tell your guide to take you on a ride in the city’s transport buses that are run by private businesses…those buses that are colored with heavy graffiti, pimped out seats, flat screen tvs and blaring music..its an experience you wont easily forget 2. If you are in the city on Thursday, go to Mayfair hotel where they have a special dining offer every Thursday where you eat unlimited pork ribs till you give up

May 13, 2017 at 11:16 am

Thanks for those two interesting tips about other things to do in Nairobi!! Sounds like you know the city very well.

We have used matatus (privately owned minibuses used as share taxis) in Nairobi and they can be quite an interesting local experience. But am not sure that they would appeal to the average visitor to Nairobi. The city is also trying to phase them out and keep them out of the downtown central business district (CBD).

Marie P. Post author

September 15, 2014 at 6:19 pm

Ahah! Great post on Nairobi, just been kissing an elephant last week :p

travelcats Post author

September 19, 2014 at 4:44 pm

Really?! That sounds interesting!!

Rachel Post author

September 2, 2014 at 1:52 am

Lovely post, Nairobi is my home my city 🙂

September 3, 2014 at 10:33 am

Hi Rachel, thanks so much! Means a lot to hear you thought the post was good as a local from Nairobi!

Meredith Post author

August 25, 2014 at 1:58 pm

I hadn’t heard very much about touring Nairobi before, which is a little surprising given how many interesting things listed just in this article! It sounds like a city that warrants greater consideration (and a slightly longer layover 🙂 ). I would love to see the Out of Africa homestead! I love the book and the movie, so it would be interesting to see where it was based/filmed just to say I’d been there. Love the conservation parks – especially the elephants!!

August 26, 2014 at 8:27 pm

We keep hearing people saying they have never heard much about things to do in Nairobi or they avoided it during their visit because they heard it was “not nice”. We loved our time in Nairobi and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust visit was truly inspirational! I think you’d really enjoy the visit to the Karen Blixen Museum:)

Alan Feldstein Post author

August 24, 2014 at 9:50 pm

All great things! We do all of these at Infinite Safari Adventures when we have clients in Nairobi!

August 26, 2014 at 8:22 pm

Hi Alan! We are really happy you liked the suggested places being a safari owner yourself and quite the expert on Kenya:) We would love to return to Nairobi and Kenya to see more of it as we spent the majority of our time in Tanzania. Both countries were just stunning!

Muza Chan Post author

August 24, 2014 at 9:40 pm

Lovely photos…wonderful post on how to spend a day in Nairobi. Hope to travel to Kenya soon.

August 26, 2014 at 8:20 pm

Anna Post author

August 24, 2014 at 1:24 pm

Ack! I’m always so jealous when I see people mixing with wildlife.. I would LOVE to do this! I’ve heard about the Giraffe Manor before and really want to do that someday! I’m glad there are such good organizations doing all they can to help the orphaned elephants. Thanks for the great tips on Nairobi. I’m going to pin it for when i finally make it out there. 🙂

I hope you get a chance to stay in the Giraffe Manor, Ethan would love to do this if we return:) Thanks for pinning the post!

Noel Morata Post author

August 24, 2014 at 11:38 am

Wow, that really is Out of Africa, what a stunning home, I would have loved to visit the actual home of the author and take the tour. Your Nairobi tour sounds fantastic.

August 26, 2014 at 8:19 pm

Thanks for stopping by Noel and the home was really great to visit as a fan of the book and movie. Thanks for inviting me to share the post!

Johanna Post author

August 24, 2014 at 1:58 am

What a wonderful story, and a fantastic resource. Loved your photos too 🙂

August 26, 2014 at 8:18 pm

Thanks Johanna!

Esther Post author

August 24, 2014 at 1:16 am

What an amazing day and what a great city guide, thanx! (Will bookmark). What you say about Nairobi is also very true for Johannesburg in South Africa I think. Many people arrive and immediately set off for Kruger or Pretoria, while there is actually so much going on there and lots to explore. The gap between rich and poor is heartbreaking, but I do have hope for the future. Anyway, thanx for a great blog.

Thanks for bookmarking Esther! Yes, there are a lot of places that tourists don’t visit because the guidebooks say to avoid them, but I think missing a place like Johannesburg or Nairobi is missing out on seeing “real” urban Africa. In Nairobi, the government is slowly building housing in Kibera for the poor and has plans to try to help the residents so hopefully this will eventually make a big difference.

Corinne Post author

August 23, 2014 at 11:39 pm

Jessica, I have not been to Nairobi, and actually this is the first time I’ve read to give it a try. Most people tell you to get out of there as soon as you can. You have some great things on your list. Who wouldn’t want to be kissed by a giraffe?

August 26, 2014 at 8:13 pm

Hi Corinne, I would definitely consider spending at least a day in Nairobi if you head to Kenya. I think many people avoid visiting because of safety concerns and I would definitely recommend a driver/guide but we felt perfectly safe otherwise. We would definitely consider re-visiting to check out some of the places we missed.

heather Post author

February 20, 2018 at 11:00 am

Great list! We’re going for work in March and want to pack in some social stuff. Would you recommend the best way to find a driver/local tour guide? Ask the hotel?

February 20, 2018 at 2:02 pm

Hi Heather, Yes, I think you should definitely do some cultural stuff while in Nairobi in between business stuff if you have time. There are a number of fun things to do in and around the city. Our guide was booked via Amani Afrika which we can highly recommend for East Africa (especially Tanzania) tours. But I think any hotel should also be able to recommend a few guide/drivers, especially if you were just looking for a day tour. I’d just perhaps get price quotes from a couple of driver guides first to make sure you are getting a fair price. Enjoy your time in Nairobi. Best, Jessica

Emma Post author

August 23, 2014 at 10:25 pm

Wow. That is such a brilliant comprehensive list. I have an Uncle from Nairobi, and I have always wanted to travel there with him to see his village and meet his family… I am jealous that you got to go to the Karen Blixen Museum too. I quite often visited her house in Denmark when we lived there (that’s a museum now as well…) . Emma 🙂

August 26, 2014 at 8:01 pm

Hi Emma, I didn’t realize that Karen Blixen’s house in Denmark has also been maintained as a museum – I’d love to visit it as well ! I hope you get a chance to visit your uncle in Nairobi.

jan Post author

August 23, 2014 at 9:09 pm

Thanks for all the information on Nairobi. We do hope to get there one day soon and this will be invaluable. I don’t know about kissing the Giraffe though 🙂

August 26, 2014 at 7:58 pm

Hehe, giraffe kissing is not for everyone!

Brianna Post author

August 23, 2014 at 7:03 pm

Great tips for visiting Nairobi, I like that you included a mix of cultural and natural sites.

August 26, 2014 at 7:57 pm

Yes, it’s great that there is such a variety of possibilities and I think most travelers could find enough things to do to keep them entertained for a day or two.

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Things To Do In Nairobi

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1. Wildlife Safari at Nairobi National Park

8 km from city center 1 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Nairobi National Park, located about seven kilometres from downtown Nairobi, is the city's most famous attraction. It offers an exciting safari experience, where visitors can see lions, cheetahs, rhinos, hippos, and giraffes roaming in the dense grasslands. What makes it unique is that it's the only national park in the world situated within a capital city.

2. Feed a Giraffe at Giraffe Centre

13 km from city center 2 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is an environmental conservation centre dedicated to protecting the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. A visit to the Giraffe Centre not only allows you to get up close and personal with Africa's tallest mammal but also directly supports the conservation efforts for these majestic creatures.

3. National Museum

2 km from city center 3 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The Nairobi National Museum, founded in 1929, is an important place in Kenya where you can learn about the country's four pillars - history, culture, and natural heritage. You can explore exhibits and collections that show Kenya's diverse identity, including its long history of human civilization and the amazing wildlife and landscapes found here.

4. Visit Karen Blixen Museum

14 km from city center 4 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The Karen Blixen Museum, located about ten kilometres from downtown Nairobi, was once the home of the famous Danish author Karen Blixen. Opened in 1985 to remember her life and work, the museum displays collections that reflect the time she spent in Kenya, giving visitors insight into her fascinating life and the historical period she lived in.

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Kenya's 7-day wildlife and lake safari adventure, 9 days best of kenya and tanzania: great migration safari, 10 days ultimate luxury giraffe manor & wildlife safari expedition, wilderness of south africa and kenya: 11 day 10 night package, kenya tour package: from nairobi's bustle to masai mara's majesty, 5. see the elephants at david sheldrick wildlife trust.

11 km from city center 5 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located in Nairobi National Park, is a well-known nonprofit organisation that rescues and helps elephants, rhinos, and other animals in Kenya. They take care of orphaned baby elephants that have been hurt by poaching, drought, or conflicts with people. Visitors can watch these baby elephants being fed, cleaned, and playing in mud baths.

6. Giraffe Manor

13 km from city center 6 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya, is a unique boutique hotel known for its outstanding hospitality and resident Rothschild's giraffes. Guests staying in the twelve uniquely decorated rooms can enjoy breakfast and afternoon tea with these majestic creatures. The Retreat at Giraffe Manor, located on the same property, offers extra amenities such as a swimming pool, steam room, sauna, hot tub, and gym.

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7. Enjoy Panoramic View from Kenyatta International Conference Centre

0 km from city center 7 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Kenyatta International Conference Centre, situated in the heart of Nairobi, is a renowned landmark is best known for holding official gatherings, meetings and conferences. Visitors can marvel at its impressive architecture and panoramic views from the rooftop helipad, accessible during business hours.

8. Shop & Eat at Village Market

7 km from city center 8 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Nairobi Village Market is the largest entertainment and shopping outlet in East Africa, located in the Gigiri residential area. It is designed to resemble an African market in the open, with waterfalls, rivers, plants and gardens dotting the complex.

9. Bomas of Kenya Tour

8 km from city center 9 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Bomas of Kenya is a tourist village tour in Nairobi, offering a glimpse into the traditional villages of Kenya's tribes. Through exhibits, visitors learn about each tribe's way of life, including their social structure, music, and dance, providing an enriching cultural experience.

10. Visit the Railway Museum

0 km from city center 10 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Built in 1971, the world-famous Nairobi Railway Museum is a spectacular landmark promising to protect and showcase the precious antique records of the railways of East Africa. The museum has many galleries displaying the age-old collections of local trains.

11. Shop for Souvenirs at Masaai Market

1 km from city center 11 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Widely popular and extremely recommended by every local, Masaai market is a must-visit for handicraft shoppers. This is a vibrant open-air market in multiple locations in Nairobi where visitors can shop for authentic African crafts, jewellery, and souvenirs. From historic African paintings to amazing handicrafts, this endless market is all the more attractive because of its cheap rates.

12. Bike Around Karura Forest

6 km from city center 12 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The urban gazetted Karura forest is located in Nairobi, Kenya, and is abundant with natural beauty and resources. It is divided into three parts by Limuru and Kiambu roads. The forest has a natural trail running up to 50 km that facilitates visitors to walk, run, and bike around the forest. One can also rent a trail bike.

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13. See the Memorial at Uhuru Gardens

6 km from city center 13 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Uhuru Gardens is Kenya's largest urban commemorative and memorial park, located along Langata Road, Nairobi. It was established to celebrate the country’s independence from the British Empire in 1963 and was declared a National Monument in 1966. It houses three historically significant monuments that draw the attention of tourists

14. Two Rivers Mall

10 km from city center 14 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The Two Rivers Mall is the largest shopping centre in Sub-Saharan Africa, located on Limuru Road in Ruaka, Nairobi. It houses over 20 local and international brands and 200 stores. The dancing fountains here are spectacular, especially when lit up at night. Africa’s tallest Ferris wheel, the Eye of Kenya, is also located here.

15. Shopping at The Hub Karen

14 km from city center 15 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The Hub Karen is a massive mall and entertainment centre in the Karen suburb of Nairobi. It has more than 85 stores selling clothing, footwear, accessories, pet products, toys, sports goods, electronics, beauty and skincare products, homeware items, etc. Fun activities like ziplining and airbag jumping are available here too.

16. Westgate Shopping Mall

5 km from city center 16 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The Westgate Shopping Mall is situated in the Westlands division of Nairobi. It houses over 80 stores, restaurants, an arcade and KidsClub. It also organises pop-up markets such as Alessia’s Toyland, Crafty Rainbow, Liquor Shack and IKOJN.

17. Oloolua Nature Trail

15 km from city center 17 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The Oloolua Nature Trail is a 5km natural trail in the tropical Oloolua Forest of the Karen neighbourhood. The trail is popular for jogging, walking, picnicking amidst stunning forest views, and hiking. Many indigenous trees and plants can be found here. A 20-foot waterfall at the forest entrance is the highlight, along with a campsite equipped with bonfire facilities.

18. August 7th Memorial Park

0 km from city center 18 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The US Embassy Memorial Garden, also known as August 7th Memorial Park, is the site of the former US Embassy bombed in 1998. It is located between Moi and Haile Selassie Avenues in downtown Nairobi. It is a minimalistic well-kept garden with a remembrance gallery featuring antiquities, testimonials and data from the day of the bombing.

19. Boating & Picnic at Uhuru Park

1 km from city center 19 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Uhuru Park is a 13-hectare residential park located on Uhuru Highway, across from Nairobi InterContinental Hotel. It is equipped with an artificial lake, a fountain and an assembly ground perfect for skateboarding. It also houses the Nyayo monument and offers great views of the city’s skyline. Boating, horse and camel riding, and remote control mobile cars are popular activities here.

20. Kazuri Beads Factory Tour

14 km from city center 20 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The Kazuri Beads Factory is an artisan workshop in Mbagathi Ridge in Nairobi. The establishment is famous for making ceramic beads, jewellery and pottery. Guided tours include observing the women's work and visiting the different sections of the factory-like the clay processing area, pottery room, storage facilities etc.

21. Jamia Mosque Nairobi

1 km from city center 21 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The Jamia Mosque is the most important mosque in Kenya, located between Banda Street and Kigali Street in Nairobi. It dates to the beginning of the 20th century and boasts beautiful Arabic Islamic architecture.

22. Visit Ivory Burning Site and Picnic Area

7 km from city center 22 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Ivory Burning Site & Picnic Area is a historic landmark located just inside the Nairobi National Park within walking distance from the Nagolomon reservoir. It is a monument established to mark president Daniel Arap Moi’s burning of 11 tonnes of seized ivory in 1989 as an act of solidarity for wildlife conservation. It is also a popular picnic site. Carrying binoculars is recommended for game viewing and bird watching.

23. Hells Gate National Park

73 km from city center 23 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Hell’s Gate National Park is located south of Lake Naivasha, northwest of Nairobi. It is excellent for walking, hiking, cycling, rock climbing and motorcycling. Bird watching is also popular here since it houses over 100 bird species. Its breathtaking landscape boasts of two extinct volcanoes, Hobley’s and Olkaria.

24. Lavington Mall

6 km from city center 24 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Lavington Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in Nairobi, located along the James Gichuru Road within the Lavington Green shopping area. It is the ideal destination for shopping, dining and other fun activities. It is filled with quaint bakeries and diners, pocket friendly apparel stores and pampering skin and haircare locations.

25. Visit Nairobi Gallery

1 km from city center 25 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Situated on Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi, the Nairobi Gallery is a museum showcasing African art. It is housed within a National Monument established in the early 20th century on the site of the old Provisional Commissioner's office. It is also the site of Point Zero, from which all distances used to be measured in Israel.

26. Samburu National Reserve

26 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The Samburu National Reserve is one of East Africa’s most famous safari destinations located on the banks of the river Ewaso Ng’iro in Northern Kenya. Road safaris and flying safaris are popular here, along with hot air balloon safaris, game drives, horseback safaris, nature hikes, Maasai village visits, and sunset watching.

27. Birdwatching at Lake Naivasha

1 km from city center 27 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake located in Nakuru County, northwest of Nairobi. It is part of the Great Rift Valley and is named for the sudden storms that arise here. It is popular for boating and spotting exciting wildlife such as hippopotamuses, pelicans and eagles.

28. Picnic at Ruaka Falls

10 km from city center 28 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Located in : Karuru Forest

Ruaka Falls, also called Paradise Lost, is found in Karura forest near Nairobi. It's a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for picnics and relaxation. The waterfall flows into the Ruaka River, which joins the Nairobi River, making it even more charming. The waterfall is amidst lush greenery, and hence, is a great choice for a picnic spot.

29. Tour Kibera Slum

4 km from city center 29 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Kibera is Nairobi's largest slum and the second largest slum in the world. Home to about 2,50,000 people, it is divided into several villages such as Kianda, Laini Saba, Mashimoni, Soweto East and Siranga that can be explored via guided or self-guided tours.

30. Hike to Ngong Hills

24 km from city center 30 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Ngong Hills, near Nairobi, Kenya, are a famous set of peaks known for their stunning views and cultural significance. Rising sharply from the plains, these hills became well-known through Karen Blixen's book and movie "Out of Africa." Standing at around 2,460 meters tall, they offer amazing views of the Rift Valley and Nairobi.

31. National Archives

1 km from city center 31 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

A major landmark in the capital, National Archives was established in an old building. Showcasing the rich Kenyan tribal social culture and also the history, art works and information on politics of the country. The collection of artefacts and paintings, that dominates the majority of the building is truly inspiring and attracts several visitors from different nations.

32. See the Wildlife at Nairobi Animal Orphanage

7 km from city center 32 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Nairobi Animal Orphanage is a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Nairobi National Park. It is the oldest of its kind in Kenya. Hyenas, leopards and scarce Sokoke cats are some wildlife that can be found here. Various birds can also be viewed, including parrots, guinea fowls, crowned cranes and ostriches.

33. Stroll Through National Park

1 km from city center 33 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

The Central Park of Nairobi is a public park situated behind Nairobi Serena Hotel and adjacent to the famous Uhuru Park. Nyayo monument, dedicated to Kenya’s second president, Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, is a major landmark within the park for tourists and photographers. It is also a popular picnic spot and boasts a children’s playground.

34. Explore Biodiversity at Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary

13 km from city center 34 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary is a managed forest on the outskirts of Nairobi in Jamhuri. It is a popular place to explore the flora of Kenya and go for a quick run or walk Bushbucks, civets, porcupines, pythons, green snakes, puddle frogs, and many more animals can be spotted here. Roughly 113 bird species exist within the forest, including African Harrier Hawk and Narina trogons.

35. Visit the Stunning Fourteen Falls

45 km from city center 35 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Fourteen Falls is a spectacular waterfall located just outside the Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park in Nairobi. The view of the falls is stunning, especially with the mountain acting as a backdrop. Photography, bird and animal watching, fishing and picnics are popular here. You can also take a boat ride to the other side of the river to get a different perspective on the Falls.

36. Walk Through Nairobi Arboretum

3 km from city center 36 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Nairobi Arboretum is 30.4 acres of a wooded paradise home to over 350 species of indigenous and exotic plant life and over 100 species of birds. It is located along the State House Road in Kilimani. It has shaded trails for walkways, picnic lawns and jogging trails. Sykes and Vervet monkeys can also be spotted here.

37. Day Trip to Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

52 km from city center 37 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is the place to visit in Kenya to get a glimpse of the eclectic mix of native wildlife. It is located in Machako County. It is the ideal location for camping, trekking and viewing indigenous wildlife. Fourteen Falls is located just outside the park and is a major highlight as the sight of waterfalls gushing down is spectacular.

38. Tana River

38 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Tana River is the longest river in Kenya, flowing from the Aberdare mountains to the Indian Ocean. Popular attractions along its banks include the Tana River Delta Ramsar Site, George Adamson Bridge, Tana River National Primate Reserve and Arwale National Reserve. It is ideal for picnics, boat rides, and wildlife sightings.

39. Fedha Valley Arcade Shopping Mall

6 km from city center 39 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Fedha Arcade, located on Gitanga Road, is one of the most popular shopping malls in Nairobi. It has a selection of everything from food and groceries to clothing items and other accessories. The boulangerie, pastry shops and wine selection at Fedha Valley Arcade Shopping Mall are particularly popular.

40. African Heritage House

2 km from city center 40 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

A National Monument and museum, the African Heritage House is situated in front of the Nairobi National Park in Mlolongo. Within the house are artefacts, artworks, jewellery, textiles, traditional pottery, weapons, antiques, ceremonial clothes and more. It is open for tours, lunches or dinners and overnight stays.

41. Nairobi Snake Park

2 km from city center 41 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Situated near Nairobi National Museum, the Snake Park showcases a variety of Kenyan snake species and other reptiles. Visitors can learn about these creatures through guided tours. The park is accessible by road, and a visit here typically takes 1-2 hours.

42. Guided Tours at Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site

53 km from city center 42 out of 42 Things To Do in Nairobi

Located about 70 kilometres southwest of Nairobi, this site is a significant archaeological site showcasing early human history. With fossilized artefacts and evidence of ancient human activity, visitors can explore the excavation area and learn about its importance through guided tours lasting around 1 to 2 hours. The site is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October and January to February.

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The 8 most unmissable places in Kenya

Nov 28, 2023 • 8 min read

Here are the best places to add to your Kenya itinerary © Chris Minihane / Getty Images

A trip to Kenya is synonymous with safari, and rightfully so. Its national parks teem with wildlife, with the most famous being the Masai Mara Game Reserve, famous for the Big Five – lion, leopard, black rhino, elephant and buffalo – and the Nilotic Maasai tribe with their distinct red traditional shuka (checkered cloth).

But Kenya has much more to offer than national parks . There are forested mountains begging to be clambered up and sprawling cities teeming with vibrant social and cultural scenes. You can relax on pristine beaches, dive into underwater wonderlands in the Indian Ocean, or go on a thrilling off-road adventure. 

No matter what type of trip you seek, Kenya will provide it. Here are the best places to add to your itinerary.

Best place for culture and nightlife

A city at the center of it all, Kenya’s capital is a great stopover if you’re looking to head off on safari, hit the beach or visit incredible restaurants.

Unpack your bags and spend a couple of days eating and drinking your way across the array of bars and restaurants in Nairobi  – buzzy spots such as Cultiva , where the chef’s South American roots can be tasted in each farm-to-table dish, or  Unseen Nairobi , an independent art house and rooftop bar, where signature sandwiches serve as the perfect side to indie films.

With art galleries, open-air cinemas showcasing African films, shopping, stand-up comedy shows and museums, Nairobi is rich in cultural experiences. 

Planning tip: Even in the capital, you can get up close with wildlife. Options include seeing orphaned baby elephants at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust , feeding Rothschild giraffes at the  Giraffe Centre  and spotting four of the Big Five (not elephants) at Nairobi National Park against an unlikely backdrop of billboards, traffic and skyscrapers.

Best place for rugged exploration

Remote, inhospitable and historically drought-stricken, Turkana looks like a vast empty area on a map of Kenya, but it’s a big draw for adventurers who thrive on challenge. Although the region has an airport, the thrill is in driving, which requires a reliable 4x4 to navigate the craggy roads. 

Given how hot and arid the region is, jade-blue Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world, is a wonderful surprise. Visit Eliye Springs with its sandy beaches and towering green palm trees, and you'll think you’re on Diani Beach on the Kenyan coast, or rent a speedboat and zip to Central Island , where a short hike leads up to a volcanic crater lake. Don’t forget your swimming trunks, and be wary of Nile crocodiles camouflaged on the rocks.

Fast-developing Lodwar town bursts with lively nightlife and also features its own replica of Brazil’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue. For a real glimpse into the past, drive 129km (80 miles) west to see a replica of the archeological fossil remains of Turkana Boy, which is how this region came to be known as the “cradle of mankind.”  

Planning tip: Time your visit with the annual Lake Turkana Cultural Festival in June for better insight into northern tribes such as the Borana, Rendille, Turkana and Samburu. Drive east of Lake Turkana, and you’ll get to the Chalbi Desert, which has salt pans that spread to the Ethiopian border. You can sandboard the dunes and meet villagers at North Horr to gain an insight into their culture.

3. Masai Mara

Best place for safari

One of Africa’s great bucket-list safari destinations, Masai Mara lies in Kenya’s southwestern region and stretches for 1510 sq km (583 sq miles) into Tanzania’s Serengeti. Spot all the Big Five and other wildlife here, as well as more than 450 species of birds.

Choose your own adventure and observe wildlife from a safari vehicle, aboard a hot air balloon with a champagne breakfast, on horseback or on a guided walking safari.

You can also visit Maasai villages for a first-hand insight into this legendary tribe’s way of life and their historical and spiritual bond with the land.

Planning tip:   The best time to visit  is between July and October when millions of wildebeest migrate across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem in search of verdant pasture and to calve, an action-packed scene that often involves them being hunted down by crocodiles and big cats.

Best place for birdwatching

Kisumu is the gateway into western Kenya and boasts an idyllic proximity to one of the African Great Lakes, Lake Victoria .

Boat rides and bird-watching are the big draws here. Head to Le Pearl or Dunga Hill Camp to try tilapia, either deep-fried or slathered in a thick and delicious fried tomato and onion base, served with ugali (a local staple similar to a thick porridge).

The sunsets over the water in Kisumu are worth the trip, but you can also dance until morning to popular ohangla music at various spots in town, explore the  Impala Sanctuary or visit out-of-town caves and rock formations, such as Kit-Mikayi and the lesser-known Abindu Caves.

Zip down to the lake’s most popular islands: Mbita, Rusinga and Takawiri, where the beaches are powder white and the sunsets glow. As the sun sets, you'll see the “ghost cities” formed by hundreds of lanterns hoisted on wooden canoes by fishermen heading off to fish by night.

Planning tip:  Getting here from Nairobi requires either a 45-minute flight or at least six hours on the road, but your best bet is the passenger train service .

5. Lamu Island

Best place for relaxing beach breaks

If you’re looking for a laid-back destination with gorgeous beaches in Kenya, the Lamu archipelago is the place.

History buffs should head to ancient Lamu Town – as the oldest Swahili settlement along East Africa’s coastline, everything from the architecture to the food is storied. The streets are so narrow that it’s inaccessible by car; donkeys or walking were once the only mode of transport, but in recent years, motorbike taxis called boda-boda  have changed the vibe of the town, whizzing through the corridors blasting the latest hits. 

Hop on a speedboat and explore other spots across the archipelago, such as Kiwayu Island. Sitting in Kiunga Marine National Reserve, it’s ideal for diving or sport fishing. In Shela village, holiday homes with infinity pools that gaze out to the sea are the norm. The annual Lamu Yoga Festival in October draws students from across the world. 

An evening sunset cruise aboard a traditional Mozambican-style dhow (wooden boat) is a must. The island has lots of great restaurants, such as those at Peponi Hotel and Kijani Hotel, or have a drink at the Floating Bar. 

Planning tip: Clothing that covers shoulders and chests is expected; Lamu is a largely Muslim town.

6. Amboseli National Park

Best place to see elephants up close

With miles of dusty semi-arid grassland unexpectedly dotted with acacia trees and green marsh fed by underground water sources, Amboseli National Park features large herds of elephants wallowing in the shallows, dust-bathing or coming so close to your vehicle that you can see their eyelashes. 

Africa’s tallest mountain might be in Tanzania, but the best views of Mt Kilimanjaro are undoubtedly from Kenya. On a clear day, you can see its snowcapped peak jutting out into the sky, making an incredible shot for photographers. Come evening, kick back with a sundowner and enjoy the views, which are even better at sunrise from the vantage point of a hot air balloon. 

Wildlife use the neighboring Kimana Sanctuary as a corridor to move from the park to the Chyulu Hills and Tsavo , and your visit supports a community-owned conservancy – Kenya’s first, set up in 1996. To champion the shift from hunting to conservation in a community where killing lions was once a rite of passage, they also host a fun biennial Maasai Olympics, in which young men compete in club- and spear-throwing, high jumping and sprinting races.

7. Matthews Range

Best place for hiking

Getting to the far-flung Matthews Range in Samburu is no easy feat. Hikers can choose from various scenic routes , each just as serene as the next, but for the best experience, pick a trail that leads through a canopy of trees with emerald undergrowth so thick you'll need a machete to clear the pathway, emerging at an icy cold rock pool on River Ngeng. 

The highest peak in these mountains is 2688m (8819ft), and temperatures get as low as 10ºC (50ºF). You can camp or stay at remote lodges, like Kitich Forest Camp , where you'll be paired up with a Samburu guide who will help you navigate the area and point out wildlife by their tracks and sounds.

On your way down from the peak, try to spot Hartlaub's turaco, a bird that may as well be the Kenyan mascot because it has the same colors as the flag, and De Brazza’s monkey, a master at camouflage.

Best place for marine life

Watamu is a great hub for exploring the north coast, and the culture has such a distinct Italian influence that several locals speak the language; improbably, Italians first came here in the 1960s to work at the nearby Luigi Broglio Space Center. Many restaurants offer pasta, pizza and gelato, and even some street signs are in Italian.

Go diving or snorkeling in the marine park , join the Saturday evening parties at Papa Remo Beach , visit the striking canyons at Marafa Hell’s Kitchen (just not in the middle of the day because you might pass out from the heat), sign up for boozy sunset cruises down Mida Creek or kite surf at Che Shale .

Planning tip: If you’re here in October, watch huge humpback whales launch themselves into the air before landing back in the sea a few feet away from your boat.

This article was first published April 2022 and updated November 2023

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Top 25 fun places to visit in Nairobi

Nairobi is one of the most interesting cities in Africa and has some awesome places you can enjoy visiting whether you are a visitor or a resident.

The places you can visit Nairobi include museums, art centres, animal orphanages, forests, hills among other may fun activities.

Here’s a list of some of the best places to visit.

1. National Museum

The Nairobi National Museum was founded in 1920, and established at its present location in 1929. Want to learn about the country’s history, it’s people, culture and art then this is aplace you can start with. The Museum aims to interpret Kenya’s rich heritage and offers a one stop for visitors to sample the country’s rich heritage both for education and leisure. It is open on all 356 days throughout the year from 0830hrs -17300hrs.

2. Railway Museum

The Nairobi Railway Museum was established in 1971 to preserve and display the relics and records of the railways of East Africa and is located adjacent to Nairobi railway station.The museum’s collection of locomotives is increasing with the addition of some early diesel locomotives and, examples of passenger coaches

3. Karen Blixen

The Karen Blixen Museum, located 10 km outside of Nairobi, is the former African home of Danish author Karen Blixen, famous for her book Out of Africa which chronicles life at the estate.

4. Giraffe Center

The Giraffe Centre was started by Jock Leslie-Melville, the Kenyan grandson of a Scottish Earl, when he and his wife Betty captured a baby giraffe to start a programme of breeding giraffe in captivity at their home in Langata – home of the present centre. Since then the programme has had huge success, resulting in the introduction of several breeding pairs of Rothschild Giraffe into Kenyan national parks. It is located at Karen, approximately 5 kilometres from the centre of Nairobi.

5. Karura Forest

Karura Forest is an urban forest in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The forest was gazetted in 1932 and is managed by the Kenya Forest Service in conjunction with the Friends of Karura Forest. Features in the forest include a waterfall, bamboo forest, marshland, Mau Mau caves and an old church. The first trail, which is four kilometres long and connects Limuru Road with Old Kiambu Road was opened in May 2009.

6. Ngong Hills

The Ngong Hills is about 22km southwest of the city, makes it a very popular weekend destination for visitors. The hike up Ngong Hills starts from Ngong town at the northern foot of the hills 1961m above sea level, and traverses the whole range to the southern end at Kona Baridi. This takes about 4 to 5 hour to complete, depending on fitness levels.

7. David Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphan Centre

Dame Daphne established the Trust in honour of her late husband David Sheldrick, the founding warden of the Tsavo National Parks, and a pioneer conservationist in Kenya. The orphanage caters for the welfare of orphaned Elephants and Rhinos who are raised in the sanctuary and eventually released back to the wild.

8. Blue Sky Tours in Diamond Plaza – indoor rock climbing

You don’t have to go out into the wild to enjoy some rock climb thanks to Blue Sky’s indoor rock climbing facility located in the Diamond plaza. Whether you’re a pro or an amatuer out to try something new there’s something for everyone.

9. Panari sky centre – ice skating

You’ve seen it in movies and probably want to try it out. Panari sky centre offers you the opportunity to turn your dreams of ice skating into reality. An hour in the Ice Rink will cost about 500 for kids and 700 Kenya shillings for adults respectively and boots are provided on arrival.

10. Nairobi Arboretum

Nairobi Arboretum was established in 1907 by Mr. Batiscombe, then Deputy Conservator of Forests, to try out introduced forestry trees for Kenya.It is located along state house road in Kilimani. The Arboretum occupies 30 hectares and holds over 350 tree species and offers a great space for walks, picnics and events.

11. Bomas of Kenya

The Bomas of Kenya offer you a chance to get an insight into the cultures of some of Kenya’s tribes with tribal villages and interactions with some of those versed in the same.

12. Uhuru gardens

Uhuru gardens is the largest memorial park in Kenya. The inaugural ceremony for Kenya’s first president, President Jomo Kenyatta was conducted at this park on 12 December 1963 when Kenya gained its independence. A 24-metre high monument commemorating Kenyas’ struggle for independence is the centrepiece of attractions at Uhuru Gardens.

13. Gp Karting

If you love speed and racing then step away from the console and get yourself to gp karting in Langata. The venue is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9am and 6pm.

14. Village market

The Village Market is located in the Gigiri and is one of Kenya’s largest shopping, recreation and entertainment complex housing over 150 stores outlets. There are several outlets that specialize in African artifacts and other Kenyan crafts. Moreover, every Friday, the shopping center hosts the Maasai Market – a cultural bazaar that brings together around 400 artisans and craftsmen who specialize in an array of ethnic relics.

15. Mamba village

Nairobi Mamba Village is a sanctuary for crocodiles located 12 km south of Nairobi City. The farm also houses Ostrich and is a popular destination for tourists and students. The best time to visit is during crocodiles feeding time. You will be thrilled at how high giant crocs can jump to grab thrown pieces of meat oblivious of the other gaping giant crocodiles.

16. Paintball Fury Limited

Paintball Fury Limited is located in Karen and Langata and offers you the chance to enjoy paintball which simulates armed combat with teams fighting to possess and advance a flag to the opponent’s end, without being shot at. Protective gear like overalls, headgear and a back and chest protector are provided once you purchase 100 paintballs (minimum) for 1000 Kenya shillings.

17. Maasai ostrich farm

The Maasai Ostrich Farm is located about 45 km south of Nairobi. You will not only enjoy a taste of Ostrich meat but you will also get a chance to ride on Ostrich.

18. Paradise lost

Paradise lost is a beautiful oasis in the middle of a coffee farm close to Kiambu Town, about 10km from Nairobi. It is one of very few places close to Nairobi that offers a myriad of attractions and activities for the whole family. The most popular attraction at Paradise Lost is a labyrinth of caves eroded by the waters of the nearby Gichi River, with their entrance screened by a spectacular waterfall. These caves are estimated to be 2.5 million years old, based on obsidian rock artefacts from the late stone age that were discovered inside. Artificial lighting has been installed a few meters into the caves up to a large cavern within.

19. August Memorial park

The August 7th Memorial Park is located at the 1998 Bomb blast scene along Haile Selassie Avenue. It is dedicated to those who lost their lives and contains a notice board listing their names.

20. Kenya National Archives

The Kenya National Archives is situated at the edge of the central business district in downtown Nairobi along Moi Avenue next to Ambassadeur Hotel. It was established in 1965 and holds 40,000 volumes. It also houses the Murumbi Gallery which is currently the largest Pan-African art gallery in Africa and contains ancient art collections from different regions and communities of Africa. The collected artifacts were acquired by the government of Kenya after a concessionary arrangement was agreed upon with Joseph Murumbi, who had initially turned down several huge offers to buy his collections by overseas bidders

The Kenyatta International Conference Centre is an internationally renowned venue for conferences, meetings, exhibitions and special events and among the tallest buildings in Nairobi. For Ksh. 200 bob you can go to the rooftop and enjoy a marvelous and exclusive view of the city.

22. Art centres

Nairobi has some of the continent’s most renowned art centres like Kuona Trust and the godown arts centre where you get to interact and see some of the art workd completed and being worked on by Kenyan artists.

23. Oloolua Nature Trail

The National Museums of Kenya established the 5km long Oloolua Nature Trail in part of the Oloolua forest, in Karen, providing a quiet peaceful place for city residents looking to escape the city hustle and bustle. The trail is open every day from 9am to 6pm. Click here for more details.

24. Nairobi national park

Nairobi National Park is a unique ecosystem by being the only protected area in the world close to a capital city. The park is located only 7 km from Nairobi city centre. Major wildlife attractions are the Black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, buffaloes, Giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, elands and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. It’s an awesome place to spend your weekends and also houses other attractions include the Ivory burning site Monument, Nairobi Safari Walk, the Orphanage and the walking trails at hippo pools.

25. Parliament

The Parliament building is the symbol of and houses the Kenyan legislature. It represents the history of Kenya’s governance and thus making it one of the top places to visit while in the city.

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21 Beautiful & Fun Places to Visit in and Around Nairobi, Kenya

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Nairobi, you have come to the right place! Since moving to Kenya, we have enjoyed exploring so many beautiful places this country offers and have written several posts about our adventures here.

Most of our outings have happened outside Nairobi but this isn’t to say that the city is bereft of fun attractions. In this article, I will share twenty-one beautiful and fun places to visit in Nairobi for every type of traveller and every budget.

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One of my favourite things about Nairobi is the abundance of green and outdoor spaces. I was missing this in Lagos, where I lived before moving here. I love the parks and gardens around the city and the wildlife is wonderful too, especially for a busy metropolitan area!

So, if you’re looking to explore some of the best places in Nairobi for nature and wildlife, here are my top picks!

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Best Places to Visit in Nairobi: Nature & Wildlife

1. karura forest.

Karura Forest is a protected urban forest reserve and one of my favourite outdoor places to visit in Nairobi. This is a nice area to picnic, take a casual walk, run, bike or even go horse riding!

If you’re visiting Nairobi for a fairly long period, I think this is a stop worth adding to your itinerary, especially if you love nature walks. You can read more about our first visit to Karura Forest in this post . Since that visit, we have returned often, with Mark going practically every morning for a run with our pup.

Setting your expectations correctly : This is a forest with a nature trail, a small waterfall and occasional animal sightings. Dogs are allowed and are expected to be registered before you can bring them in. They also have to be on a lead but there is an off-leash area/dog park.

There are two cafes, located at different entrances of the forest and these are pretty much the only “development” you would see in the park. Go here for serene nature walks.

2. The Giraffe Centre

Visiting the Giraffe Centre is one of the highlights of a trip to Nairobi and like many popular places, how you choose to visit could affect your overall experience.

I have visited several times and have consistently had a great experience, mainly because I always arrive for opening time and also because giraffes are my favourite animals to see in the wild. You can read about my experience here .

Setting your expectations correctly : The Giraffe Centre is akin to a petting zoo – but just for giraffes. It is a small area with not much else to do. Visiting early morning or just before closing time is recommended to avoid the crowd.

The centre, run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), has several giraffes but sometimes, most of them hang out at the Manor close by. You can often see the resident warthogs too.

3. The AFEW Nature Sanctuary Forest Trail

Just opposite the Giraffe Centre is the AFEW Nature Sanctuary Trail. This place is often overlooked by visitors to the Giraffe Centre but I believe it is worth checking out if you have the time.

Ideally, I’d recommend arriving early to visit the Giraffe Centre and taking a short walk in the Sanctuary Forest while waiting for opening time. This was what I and my sisters did during their recent trip to Kenya. The great thing is that it opens up early for visitors, at no extra charge, so you can enjoy a short walk before or after your visit to the centre.

Setting your expectations correctly : This is a short nature trail that is very easy to walk through. It also features several small animals, birds and sometimes, giraffes.

4. Ngong Hills

Next on this list of the best places to visit in Nairobi is Ngong Hills . This range of hills forms part of the Great Rift Valley and is popular for day hikes, picnics and stunning panoramic views.

This is where you will find the popular windmills which you may have come across in photos or seen from a distance on a clear day. I would probably rate this as my top scenic picnic spot in Nairobi and have enjoyed my visits here.

Setting your expectations correctly : In my opinion, Ngong Hills is just as pretty as it looks in photos – maybe even better. But picnickers and hikers beware; you will often find debris and broken glass in the picnic areas and if you plan to hike far out, it is recommended to hire the services of a KWS guide to go with you and your group.

5. Nairobi Arboretum

This is another park much like Karura Forest, albeit smaller, but also great for walks, runs and picnics. If you plan to visit to enjoy a relatively quiet time here, then I recommend going early in the morning.

Setting your expectations correctly : Due to its relatively affordable entrance fees, the park tends to get crowded. You will often find large groups of people exercising, hanging out or praying loudly.

6. Nairobi National Park

When I say that this city has incredible wildlife, I mean it. Nairobi National Park is truly the epitome of wildlife sightings. It’s pretty wild that this is located within the city!

Here you can spot animals including rhinos, lions, zebras, giraffes and more, making it one of the best places to visit in Nairobi for wildlife. I recommend visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to improve your chances of spotting your favourite wildlife.

Setting your expectations correctly : Entrance fees are quite steep for foreigners, therefore if you plan to visit other parks in Kenya, you can skip this one. However, it might be worth combining this with a trip to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust as the same entry fees are required for both places.

7. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage)

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is renowned for its work in rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned baby elephants and is one of the best places to visit in Nairobi for wildlife enthusiasts.

Here you can watch as handlers feed and interact with baby elephants and listen to the stories about their journey to the centre.

Be aware that recently, the Kenyan Government made it compulsory for visitors going to the orphanage to purchase a ticket to enter Nairobi National Park. The orphanage is located within the park, therefore visitors have to pay the park fees in addition to the orphanage’s entrance fee.

Because of this, I recommend combining both visits to get the best value for your money when visiting as a non-Kenyan citizen or resident.

Setting your expectations correctly : This place is open to visitors from 11 am to 12 pm only – during the public feeding and bath time. There’s a barricade between visitors and the elephants, so you won’t be interacting with them directly but are free to touch them if they come close to you.

8. Paradise Lost

This spot is not exactly in Nairobi but because it is an easy half-day trip from the city, I have decided to include it here. Paradise Lost , located in Kiambu, is another option to consider if you’re looking for an outdoor space to relax or enjoy a picnic.

Setting your expectations correctly : Please read about my experience here to help set the right expectations.

9. Champagne Ridge

I can’t tell you how much I love Champagne Ridge . If you love vast untouched landscapes and stunning sunsets, then this is the place for you. In terms of activities, there isn’t much to do besides hiking and relaxing but that is the beauty of a place like this!

You simply come here to relax and recentre yourself. Some animal sightings are possible – we have seen zebras, baboons and hyraxes and I have heard that there’s the possibility of the odd leopard sighting but I would come here just for the stunning views!

Setting your expectations correctly : The best way to experience Champagne Ridge is to book a stay in the area. Most accommodation options are self-catering or they typically have an in-house chef who will prepare the food you bring. You can probably hike the nearby Ngong Hills or hire a local guide to hike around the valley.

10. Tea Farms in Nairobi

Picturesque landscapes, endless tea farms as far as the eyes can see, and gorgeous waterfalls – these are just some of the things that make the tea farms in Limuru one of the best places to visit in Nairobi!

Visit these areas for a lovely hike through tea farms or maybe even sign up for a tour to learn more about one of Kenya’s largest exports. I plan to sign up for a tour with Kiambethu Farm or Gatura Greens soon and when I do, I will write all about it here too!

11. Nairobi’s Golf Courses

Nairobi has several well-maintained golf courses all around the city, so you can spend a nice day out

Now, let’s look at some of the best places to visit in Nairobi if you’re a history buff or someone who loves museums…

Best Places to Visit in Nairobi: Museums & Cultural Experiences

12. nairobi national museum.

The Nairobi National Museum showcases Kenya’s rich cultural and natural heritage through diverse exhibits in palaeontology, ethnography, art, and paleoanthropology.

A walk through the museum can be both educational and fun, so this is a great place to check out especially if you’re travelling as a family with children.

13. Karen Blixen Museum

Fans of the book and movie “Out of Africa” will appreciate visiting the former home of the Danish author for whom the museum is named.

Inside the museum, you will find several artefacts from the movie and visitors have the option to take a guided tour to learn more about Karen’s life in Kenya.

Setting your expectations correctly : If you don’t have any strong affiliations with the movie and book, I think this is a place that might be worth excluding from your itinerary. If you do visit, it’s best to combine your trip with attractions nearby. See my recommendations in this article .

14. Kenya Cultural Centre

The Kenya Cultural Centre – which also doubles as the Kenya National Theatre is a great place to go see live plays and musicals. I saw a rendition of The Nutcracker here once and it was a lovely experience; I look forward to attending other live events in this theatre.

There are a few more places to visit in Nairobi for historical and cultural experiences but I have listed only my top three spots. Please leave your recommendations in the comment section for places you have enjoyed visiting.

Best Places to Visit in Nairobi: Adventure & Fun Outings

Let’s move on to other places to visit in Nairobi for thrill seekers and adventurers. First up is the Panari Sky Centre’s ice skating rink.

15. Panari Sky Centre – Ice Skating

I haven’t been here yet but it is one place that is firmly on my list. I think it’s a good idea to learn a new hobby now and then and ice skating seems like a fun one to try.

Who knows, you could be seeing me on stage in the next Olympic event, representing Nigeria in the figure skating competition. Don’t worry, Kenya, I’ll thank you after I receive my gold medal!

16. BlueSky Tours in Diamond Plaza – Indoor Rock Climbing

If you’ve ever dreamed of trying out rock climbing or bouldering, you can begin your adventure by visiting the BlueSky rock climbing gym. Here, you can learn the basics of rock climbing and have an instructor coach you on the best techniques.

17. The Forest

Imagine the thrill of ziplining on East Africa’s longest zipline, the wind in your hair and the forest beneath you! This is the experience you get at The Forest; just check out this video of Aina having the time of her life!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aina Dada (@ainadada_)

I’m pretty nervous about going on this zipline but still, it’s a must-do activity for me and something many thrill seekers will appreciate.

In addition to the zipline tour, The Forest also has an array of activities to do including mountain biking, paintballing, and archery, amongst others. It is located about an hour away from the city but can be done as an easy day trip from Nairobi.

18. Burudani Adventure Park

This is another outdoor recreational centre in Nairobi where you can participate in activities such as ziplining, nature walks, high rope courses and more. It is one of the best places to visit in Nairobi for teambuilding activities or a fun hangout with a group of friends.

19. The KICC Building

For gorgeous views of Nairobi, head up to the top of the KICC building. From the helipad, you can take in the views of the Central Business District (CBD), different parks and green spaces and even Nairobi National Park!

20. Maji Magic Aqua Park

Maji Magic Aqua Park is located at the Waterfront Mall in Karen. This is an inflatable water park where guests can have a good time exploring the obstacle courses or engaging in other activities including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

21. Nairobi Malls (Westgate, Village Market, Two Rivers)

And speaking of malls in Nairobi, there are a few located around the city with each one having an array of fun activities to do besides shopping.

For example, you can go bowling in Westgate, Village Market and Sarit Centre; visit the Ozone Trampoline Park at the Village Market Mall or ride the Ferris Wheel at the Two Rivers Mall. The malls here provide a fun way to spend time in the city and are great options for families with children.

There you have it. My list of 21 beautiful and fun places to visit in Nairobi! Have you been to any? Share your favourite spots with me in the comment section below!

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I love to hear from you, leave a comment here cancel reply, 13 comments.

It’s exciting to see all the options out there! I’m hopeful about visiting Kenya this year and this is such a helpful list. Thanks for sharing!🥳

Hope to see you soon in Kenya!

I have just noticed that I can comment your articles again on the WP reader. Whoo hoo! Thanks for opening my eyes to Nairobi, a city I knew very little about beyond the basics. Amarachi…. it is one of our dreams to feed giraffes someday, so visiting the centre would be just amazing. Have you ever been to Giraffe Manor? I often wonder if it would be worth paying their exorbitant prices. Elsewhere, we’d love to do some hiking in the national park and the Ngong Hills. We would also be all over the Karen Blixen Museum. As for Champgane Ridge, just wow! By the way, your picnic basket is epic.

Haha, thanks, Leighton! Finally decided to permanently remove the problem plugin 🙂

I have a good feeling that you will love Nairobi and Kenya in general. I hope you get to visit soon and explore all the beautiful places the country has to offer. I haven’t been to the Giraffe Manor yet, it was high up my list for a while but it has since been replaced by a fairly similar accommodation with a lower price point in Namibia 🙂 I imagine that an experience at the Manor will be special though.

And the picnic basket – I often joke with Mark about it being my favourite purchase since we moved to Nairobi! It has served me well, haha!

For as long as I remember Nairobi was always high up on my travel wish, even more so now, after I’ve seen your beautiful photos! Can’t wait to visit 🥰🥰 thanks for sharing, and have a good day 😊 Aiva xx

Thank you, Aiva! Hope you get to visit Nairobi and Kenya at large very soon! It’s a pretty incredible country!

Ah, this is making me excited due a trip I haven’t even planned. Saving for later!!

Haha! Hope you visit soon! I’m sure you’ll love Kenya!

Every place on this list looks wonderful! I look forward to visiting Nairobi one day 🙂

I hope you do visit soon!

So many great spots! I need to visit Nairobi again!

I often urge people to sped more time outside the city but a few days in Nairobi is certainly worth it! Hope you visit again soon!

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Top 15 Places to Visit in Nairobi

• Duncan Maigua on December 29, 2022
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Are you planning to make a visit to Nairobi, the vibrant capital city of Kenya? From its bustling streets and vibrant nightlife to its stunning natural surroundings, Nairobi has something for everyone.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich culture and history or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic metropolis. If you’re planning your trip and trying to decide where to go, you’ll definitely want to check out our list of the top 15 places to visit in Nairobi.

From world-renowned museums and stunning parks to exciting outdoor adventures and delicious dining experiences, these are the must-see attractions that you won’t want to miss. So, get ready to pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to Nairobi!

1) Nairobi National Park

Located just a short distance from the city center, Nairobi National Park is a must-see for any visitor to the city. This national park is home to an array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, rhinos, and over 400 species of birds. Visitors can take a safari tour and see these amazing animals in their natural habitat, or visit the elephant orphanage, which cares for abandoned and injured elephants. The park is also home to a variety of landscapes, including savannah, bushland, and forests, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

In addition to the wildlife and natural beauty, Nairobi National Park is also an important place for conservation. It is home to several endangered species, and the park works to protect and preserve these animals for future generations. Visitors can learn about the conservation efforts being undertaken at the park and see firsthand the impact they are having on the local ecosystem.

2) Giraffe Centre

Located just outside the city, the Giraffe Centre is home to a herd of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. This center is dedicated to the conservation of these beautiful animals and works to protect and preserve their habitat. Visitors can feed the giraffes and learn about the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect these animals.

In addition to the giraffes, the Giraffe Centre also offers educational programs for visitors of all ages. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including the importance of conserving wildlife and the role that individuals can play in protecting the environment. The center is a great place for families to learn about these important issues and make a positive impact on the world.

3) Karen Blixen Museum

Located in the suburb of Karen, the Karen Blixen Museum is housed in the former home of Danish author Karen Blixen, who is best known for her memoir “Out of Africa.” The museum offers a glimpse into the life and times of Karen Blixen and the colonial history of Kenya. Visitors can see the author’s writing room, where she penned her famous book, as well as a collection of her personal belongings and artifacts from the period.

In addition to the museum, the Karen Blixen Museum is also home to a beautiful garden, which is open to the public. The garden is a great spot for a peaceful stroll or a picnic, and it offers a lovely setting for taking in the beauty of the surrounding area.

4) National Museum of Kenya

Located in the city center, the National Museum of Kenya is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of Kenya. This museum offers a comprehensive overview of the country’s history, from prehistory to the present day. Visitors can learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Kenya and their customs, as well as the impact of colonialism on the country.

The National Museum of Kenya is home to a wide range of exhibits and displays, including artifacts, photographs, and works of art. It is a great place to learn about the country’s rich cultural heritage and get a sense of what life was like in Kenya in different periods of its history.

5) Bomas of Kenya

Located on the outskirts of the city, the Bomas of Kenya is a cultural center that represents the different cultural groups of Kenya. This center is home to traditional homesteads, or bomas, that showcase the daily life and traditions of these groups. Visitors can learn about the customs and traditions of these groups through demonstrations, performances, and exhibits.

In addition to the cultural exhibits, the Bomas of Kenya is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and other amenities. It is a great place to spend the day and learn about the diverse cultures of Kenya.

6) Nairobi Arboretum

Located in the city center, the Nairobi Arboretum is a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city. This arboretum is home to over 300 species of trees and plants, as well as a variety of birdlife. It is a popular spot for picnics and nature walks, and it offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty of nature.

In addition to the trees and plants, the Nairobi Arboretum is also home to a variety of educational programs and events. Visitors can learn about the different species of plants and animals that call the arboretum home, as well as the importance of conserving natural habitats. It is a great place for people of all ages to learn about the natural world and the role that humans play in protecting it.

7) David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Located just outside the city, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is dedicated to the protection and conservation of elephants and rhinos. This trust works to protect these animals from poaching and other threats, and it also cares for orphaned and injured elephants and rhinos. Visitors can learn about the work of the trust and visit the elephant orphanage, where they can see the baby elephants being cared for.

In addition to the elephant orphanage, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust also offers educational programs for visitors. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including the importance of conserving wildlife and the role that individuals can play in protecting the environment. The trust is a great place for families to learn about these important issues and make a positive impact on the world.

8) Karura Forest

Located on the outskirts of the city, Karura Forest is a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city. This forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, bushbucks, and over 150 species of birds. It is a popular spot for hiking, picnics, and nature walks, and it offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty of nature.

In addition to the wildlife and natural beauty, Karura Forest is also home to a variety of educational programs and events. Visitors can learn about the different species of plants and animals that call the forest home, as well as the importance of conserving natural habitats. It is a great place for people of all ages to learn about the natural world and the role that humans play in protecting it.

9) Nairobi Gallery

Located in the city center, the Nairobi Gallery is a great place to learn about the artistic traditions of Kenya. This art gallery is home to a collection of Kenyan art and crafts, as well as exhibitions of international art. It is a great place to see the work of emerging and established artists and learn about the different artistic styles and movements of Kenya.

In addition to the art exhibits, the Nairobi Gallery also offers a variety of educational programs and events. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including art history, techniques, and contemporary issues in the art world. It is a great place for art lovers to learn about the rich artistic traditions of Kenya and beyond.

10) Nairobi Snake Park

Located in the city center, the Nairobi Snake Park is a great spot for visitors interested in learning about reptiles and amphibians. This park is home to a variety of snake species, as well as other reptiles and amphibians. Visitors can learn about the different species that call the park home, as well as the importance of conserving these creatures.

In addition to the exhibits, the Nairobi Snake Park also offers a variety of educational programs and events. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including the biology and behavior of reptiles and amphibians, as well as the role that these creatures play in the ecosystem. It is a great place for people of all ages to learn about these fascinating creatures and the role that they play in the world.

11) National Archives

Located in the city center, the National Archives is a great place to learn about the history of Kenya. This institution is home to a wide range of documents, photographs, and other materials that tell the story of the country’s past. Visitors can learn about the different periods of Kenyan history and the events and people that shaped the country.

In addition to the historical exhibits, the National Archives also offers a variety of educational programs and events. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including the history of Kenya, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, and the importance of preserving historical documents. It is a great place for history buffs to learn about the rich past of Kenya and the role that it has played in shaping the country.

12) Uhuru Gardens

Located on the outskirts of the city, the Uhuru Gardens is a memorial to Kenya’s independence. This park is home to a variety of monuments and memorials that commemorate the country’s struggle for independence and the heroes who fought for it. Visitors can learn about the history of Kenya’s independence and the role that these heroes played in shaping the country.

In addition to the historical exhibits, the Uhuru Gardens is also home to a variety of recreational facilities, including playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. It is a great place to spend the day and learn about the history of Kenya while enjoying the outdoors.

13) Nairobi Railway Museum

Located in the city center, the Nairobi Railway Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Kenya’s railway system. This museum is home to a variety of exhibits and displays that tell the story of the country’s railway history, from the construction of the first railway line to the present day. Visitors can learn about the impact that the railway has had on the country’s development and see a variety of artifacts and documents related to its history.

In addition to the historical exhibits, the Nairobi Railway Museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including the history of Kenya’s railway system, the role of the railway in the country’s development, and the impact that it has had on the economy and society. It is a great place for history buffs and railway enthusiasts to learn about the rich history of Kenya’s railway system.

14) Nairobi Planetarium

Located in the city center, the Nairobi Planetarium is a great place for visitors interested in astronomy. This institution offers educational shows about the stars, planets, and other celestial objects, as well as the latest developments in space exploration. Visitors can learn about the wonders of the universe and see how humans are working to explore and understand it.

In addition to the educational shows, the Nairobi Planetarium also offers a variety of programs and events related to astronomy. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including the history of astronomy, the latest discoveries in the field, and the role that astronomy plays in our understanding of the universe. It is a great place for people of all ages to learn about the wonders of the cosmos.

15) Nairobi Animal Orphanage

Located on the outskirts of the city, the Nairobi Animal Orphanage is home to a variety of orphaned and injured animals. This institution cares for a variety of animals, including elephants, rhinos, and chimpanzees, and works to rehabilitate and release them back into the wild whenever possible. Visitors can learn about the work of the orphanage and see the animals being cared for.

In addition to the animal exhibits, the Nairobi Animal Orphanage also offers a variety of educational programs and events. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including the importance of conserving wildlife and the role that individuals can play in protecting the environment. It is a great place for families to learn about these important issues and make a positive impact on the world.

Other Top Places

Other places to visit in Nairobi include the Nairobi City Park, which is home to a variety of plants and animals, and the Nairobi National Theatre, which hosts a variety of cultural events and performances. The Nairobi Museum, located in the city center, is home to a collection of Kenyan art and artifacts, and the Nairobi University, located on the outskirts of the city, is a great place to learn about higher education in Kenya.

Final Words

In conclusion, Nairobi is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors. From its stunning national parks and cultural centers to its educational institutions and recreational facilities, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or the natural world, Nairobi has something to offer.

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18 Fun Places To Visit In Nairobi

Nairobi shouts its beauty in swanky and evident elegance, from the natural wildlife habitats to the salient skyscrapers. The capital city of Kenya, offers many great times to its visitors and residents. Beside the scenic views of the city that KICC Helipad offers, there are so many exciting things to do and fun places to see.

The New Year is nearly upon us and many are already looking for fun places to visit with friends and families. With this in mind, we combed the city to find you places that offer fun and frolic. Here are 18 fun places to visit in Nairobi that will give you lifetime memories:

1. Uhuru Park

Nairobi has some of the finest gardens and parks in Africa and Uhuru Park is one of them. Uhuru Park is the most beautiful and popular inner city park in Nairobi and it offers a wide range of fun and exciting activities such as boat riding on the lake, camel riding, picnic with friends and family. The recreation park features a variety of natural play areas for children, an artificial lake and several national monuments. It is a favourite retreat for residents and tourists.

Location: Lang’ata Road, Nairobi, Kenya

2. imax theatre, photo source: capitalfm.co.ke.

What could be more fun and exciting than watching your favourite actor’s new movie from a 3D screen in the theatre? Located in 20th Century Plaza, Imax Theatre is Nairobi’s unique movie theatre that makes movie better.  With delicious popcorn in your lap, snuggle into a supple seat and allow the movie to entice you while you listen to a sound that feels like it is routed into your ear lobe. You will definitely have a good time! Visit: Imax

Location: Mama Ngina St, City Centre, Nairobi, Kenya

3. jeevanjee gardens, photo source: nairobiwire.com.

Jeevanjee Gardens is a serene and relaxing place to be. The recreation garden is sprinkled with impressive sculptures, leafy and shady trees, and arty benches. The garden is especially fun when you hang out with your friends and family, it is a perfect place for a picnic as you enjoy the great tranquillity and spend quality time with your family. Jeevanjee Garden is located in Nairobi CBD, it is a peaceful escape just some steps away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Location: Nairobi Central, Nairobi, Kenya

4. galleria shopping mall.

Galleria Shopping Mall is one of the most impressive retail destinations in Nairobi, which offers leisure, entertainment and shopping experience. The mall offers unparalleled activities and facilities such as deluxe department stores, amazing restaurants, fashion stores and entertainment play areas for children. You will also find some most renowned Kenyan brands such as Bata,, Nakumatt, ArtCaffe, Safaricom, KFC and many more here. You will have fun looking around, window shopping and dining at the mall. Visit: Galleria Shopping Mall

Location: Langata Road, Nairobi, Kenya

5. brown’s cheese factory and farm.

Lunch at Brown’s Cheese Farm is a amazing retreat at all times of year. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch, excellently prepared cheese accompanied with a variety of home-made breads and biscuits, chicken tacos, roasted vegetables and gourmet salads. Take a tour of the factory and experience the cheese making process, enjoy a very fulfilling afternoon in a peaceful environment. The farm is located about half an hour drive out of Nairobi and it’s definitely worth a visit. Visit: Brown’s Cheese Factory and Farm

Location: Second Parklands Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya

6. finix casino, photo source: finix casino.

Finix Casino is a house of fun, a place where you can act like a high roller without rolling high. If you want to relax and have lots of gaming action and fun, Finix Casino is the place to be. The casino offers players with lots of games and an extensive selection of slot machines including electronic Roulette Table. The best part of having fun in Finix Casino is wining a jackpot. Visit: Finix Casino

Location: Nyaku House, Argwings Kodhek Rd, Nairobi, Kenya

7. nairobi safari walk.

Taking a walking adventure in Nairobi Safari Walk is an exciting activity. It’s a great way to experience African wildlife and nature on foot. It gives you an opportunity to establish a relationship with nature and wildlife and even share their paths and space.Visit: Nairobi Safari Walk

Location: National Park, Nairobi City

8. sarit center.

Sarit Center is one of the major shopping centres in Nairobi. Located in the Westlands area, it is home to most renowned brands and high street favourites such as Bata, Adidas, Airtel, Truworths, Levi’s, Safaricom and many more. There are several restaurants and food courts in the mall and you will find an interesting mix of shops as well as banks, gym, cinema and hospitals. You can simply while away time window-shopping, dining or shopping in Nairobi. Visit: Sarit Center

Location: Westlands area, off Waiyaki way, Nairobi

9. village market.

Village Market is a regular fixture for everyone. The market is an extensive shopping centre and leisure facility, and it captures the impressive western lifestyle mixed with African conventions. The market boasts more than 150 shops which include restaurants and bars, cafes, a 12-lane bowling alley, 9 hi-tide waterslides, Nu-Metro Cinema hall, Maasai Market, and other entertainment facilities. It is a great place to relax and have fun with families and friends. Visit: Village Market

Location: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi

10. paradise lost.

If you love nature, the best fun place to visit is Paradise Lost. It is an beautiful retreat located close to Kiambu Town, which is about 10 km from Nairobi. The paradise is a maze of caves and it features stunning waterfall. If you keep a watchful eye, you will see lots of beautiful birds, ostriches and indulge yourself in several entertaining activities such as horse-riding, boating, camping and many more.

Location: Kiambu District, Kenya

11. panari sky centre.

Panari Sky Centre is a fun place to be, it is a gleaming shopping centre and hotel that houses the one and only skating rink in Nairobi. There are several stores and entertainment facilities at the centre. It is really an amazing place to spend time with your friends and family. You could go shopping or skating here. Visit: Panari Sky Centre on Facebook

Location: Mombasa Road, Nairobi

12. ngong racecourse, photo source: n omad.sleepout.com.

Nairobians are known for their immense interest in horse racing. Ngong Racecourse is located along Ngong Road and it is where big horse races take place. The racecourse is owned by Jockey Club of Kenya and it is used for both racing and non-racing events such as weddings, conferences and exhibitions. It offers a fantastic setting with countryside views.

Location: Woodley, Ngong Road; Nairobi

13. splash water world.

Splash Water World is Nairobi’s wettest water park with water slides and swimming pools. Splash Water World is number one stop for fun in Nairobi and it is a children’s paradise. If you ever get tired of the splashing, you can try the camel and horse rides, beach volleyball and other entertainment options. There is a restaurant and bar where you can relax and chill while you get something to eat. Visit: Splash Water World

Location: off Langata Rd, next to Carnivore, Nairobi

14. bomas of kenya.

Bomas of Kenya is a cultural hotspot, where you get to see the fascinating range of cultures in Kenya. Located about 10km from the city centre, Bomas of Kenya showcases diverse parts of Kenyan cultures in music, dances and acrobatic shows. Visit the Bomas of Kenya and enjoy an memorable day out with your friends and family. Visit: Bomas of Kenya

Location: Kuwinda, Nairobi, Kenya

15. maasai ostrich farm, photo source: kenyadiggit blog.

Instead of looking for fun in the regular places, why not visit Maasai Ostrich Farm? There are plenty things to see and do in this farm, from swimming to ostrich riding. You also get an opportunity to go on a farm tour, learn more about the Ostrich and get entertained. It is a whole new experience you wouldn’t want to miss! Visit: Maasai Ostrich Farm

Location: Kitengela, Kajiado County, on Athi River/Kitengela plains, Kenya

16. gp karting, photo source:  africanparadisesafaris.com.

There is nothing as fun as Motorsports, it’s really fun. There are a wide variety of thrill-seeking activities to indulge in at the venue. There’s also a restaurant and bar where you can wine and dine after racing. Take your friends and family and visit one of the most exciting entertainment places in Nairobi. Visit: Gp Karting

Location: Carnivore road off Langata Road. Racing Circuit, Nairobi

17. nairobi national park.

You don’t need to leave Nairobi for a safari adventure, the city has it all. Nairobi National Park offers wildlife experience to both locals and visitors. It is home to many animal species such as Elephants, Lion, Rhinos and many others. The park is a place where you can get an opportunity to see animals in their natural African surroundings. Visit: Nairobi National Park

Location: Langata Road, Nairobi

18. paintball fury.

Paintball Fury is an interesting game and it’s becoming more popular in Nairobi. It’s a sport where the participants shoot paint balls with markers. Participants are given paintball gear, a variety of costumes that makes the game more fun and exciting. Visit the Paintball Fury with your friends and enjoy the game. Visit: Paintball Fury

Location: Langata, Nairobi

Nairobi is known for a lot of things and it’s always an amazing city to visit. These 18 places should be at the top of your bucket list this new year, whether you are a local or a tourist looking to explore Kenya. Have you visited any of these places? Share your experience with us in the comment below:

Our Readers Comments

NICE PLACES,WILL VISIT SOON

I’d love to know the charges to Nairobi safari walk.for the locals n foreigners

resident: – adult 200 children 150 non-resident 800

I would like to know the charges for panari ice skating and langata gp karting

These are some of the best places u can ever visit

How much do the tickets at imax sell and how can I get their schedule

I would like to know the price in splash

Wish to know charges for splash water world for a family of 3 per day. Thank you.

Kindly what are the charges for paintballing at gpkarting?

What are your prices for splash water world, Imax

Please how much is the water splash cost per adult?

Please how much does splash water world cost per person

What’re your prices per hour/day for Nairobi Safari Walk for an adult/a child.

Splash is closed and the waterpark in village market has been removed to make a hotel instead go to two Rivers it’s relaxing with a variety of shopping malls jewelry stores gaming centres and a water coaster and rollercoaster for kids

Kenya is a beautiful Country. I love my motherland.

This is a very well researched guide. I also think you would have added nature walks like the About Oloolua Nature Trail among others.

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Nairobi, Kenya - 5 Places to See if an African Safari is on your Travel Bucket List

W ith a mix of ethnicities and nationalities worldwide, Nairobi , the capital city of Kenya, warmly embraces all her visitors and works to make you at home quickly. Yet despite having a space for everyone who visits, Nairobi still sets itself apart and offers a unique vacation to all its visitors.

If an authentic safari experience is on your bucket list, Nairobi is definitely worth considering. Here are some recommendations to make the most of your trip to Kenya.

The Nairobi Culture

Nairobi is a busy city just like any other city in the world. The streets are bustling as ever and there are tons of places to visit and see. As a Nairobian tourist, it would help to learn a few Swahili words. “ Hujambo ” for greeting or “ Habari yako ”, “ Karibu ” for “welcome”, “ asante ” means “thank you”, “ pole ” means “sorry”, and “ tafadhali ” means “please”. See the incredible thing about Nairobi, nobody expects a foreigner to be fluent in Swahili. Throw in one of the above words and continue your speech in English and that’s more than enough.

Beyond language, politeness is paramount in Nairobi. Tip your servers in the restaurants when you can. Always start all your conversations with greetings and don’t leave too many leftovers . Wasting food is looked down upon in Kenyan culture.

There is no strict dress code in Nairobi, much less for a visitor. Fridays in Nairobi are spent socializing in malls, bars, clubs, and or at restaurants for tea or coffee. If you want a never-ending nightlife, find your way to the Westlands . Indulge in some club-hopping before you retire for the night.

Things To Do In Nairobi

1. visit nairobi national park.

About an hour from the city center, you will find Nairobi National Park. Enjoy an authentic safari experience in the savannah grassland in a park teeming with lions, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, rhinos, wildebeests, and buffalo. The only animals you won’t find here are elephants. It’s an incredible sight to watch the wildlife in their natural habitat with the city’s skyline as a backdrop.

In addition to Nairobi National Park, the city has many animal sanctuaries in the region that are open to the public. Many endangered species of animals like Sokoke cats, buffalos, ostriches, flamingos , hyenas, blue wildebeest, rhinos, hartebeest, waterbuck, common warthog, and black-backed jackal can be seen – both at the sanctuaries and on safari excursions. In addition to endangered animals, some sanctuaries house endangered plants.

2. Explore Maasai Market

Immerse yourself in Maasai culture at this incredible market that changes its location every day of the week. This is in keeping with the Maasai nomadic culture. This market is a must-visit as part of the Nairobi experience. Stroll through the market and experience vibrant colors in beadwork, woven shukas, and house ornaments all handcrafted by the Maasai people.

3. Visit Nairobi National Museum

Enjoyed even by non-museum fans, the Nairobi National Museum is an excellent showcase of Kenya’s history. Located within the city, the museum is a popular destination and easily accessible. Besides Kenya’s history, the museum also takes you through a journey of human ancestors. Explore the snake park within the museum and the beautiful botanical garden.

4. Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage

Located right next to the Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of the animal sanctuaries that will be the highlight of your trip to Nairobi. Here you will find the most adorable baby elephants. Watch as their caretakers bring them out, feed them, and play with them. Your heart will melt at the bonds between these baby elephants and their caretakers.

5. Have breakfast at the Giraffe Manor

Can you imagine having breakfast while petting and feeding giraffes? The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is home to the critically endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Founded in 1979, this sanctuary is one of Nairobi’s greatest gems. Meet and learn the names of the welcoming giraffes and take as many pictures as possible with these lovely creatures.

Kenyan Food You Gotta Try

Kenyan cuisine is inspired by over 44 tribes in the country of Kenya. Over time, these meals have made their way through the country and have become staples in households everywhere.

Foodies will find a haven in Nairobi as it offers dishes from just about every part of the world. From delectable and spicy Mexican dishes to creamy pasta, Kenyan dishes have made a name for themselves and serve as part and parcel of a Nairobi experience.

Sample Ugali , a meal made by adding maize flour to boiling water until it hardens. It pairs well with stews and vegetables, especially collard greens Kenyans love to call Sukuma Wiki (push the week). Ask for Pilau , a delicious traditional cinnamon, ginger, and garlic. Try chapati , a Kenyan flatbread inspired by the Indian naan. Vegans will love Kenyan cuisine for dishes such as githeri (a mix of maize and bean), mokimo (pounded potatoes, maize, and greens), matoke (cooked green bananas), and Maandazi , a sweet treat made with leavened flour.

Safety Tips

As with any big city, Nairobi has its fair share of security issues. Here are some tips to keep you safe as you visit:

• Always keep your valuables close to you. Whether it’s your handbag, backpack, or wallet, make sure it is well-kept. There are pickpockets and tourists can make for an easy target.
• Don’t walk alone at night – for the most part, Nairobi taxis are pretty safe. When you are out at night, it is safer in a taxi or any vehicle than walking alone. For more safety, you can use ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt to navigate your way through the city.
• Do a bit of research about Nairobi before arrival. This will familiarize you with the city, which should make your exploration much safer.
• Stay connected and reachable at all times. Stay online and inform your loved ones of your itinerary and whereabouts every day. Buy a local SIM card for your phone to ensure you have a reliable connection throughout your stay.

A Bucket List City

Boasting as the only city in the world with a national park within its confines, Nairobi is a mix of raw untamed wilderness and vast urban sprawl. Whether you decide to spend your days in Nairobi exploring wildlife in the national park and sanctuaries or embark on a museum blitz around the city, your stay in Nairobi is bound to be unforgettable.

Hujambo na karibu katika jiji la Nairobi!

Written by Sharon O. – a proud resident of Kenya.

Photo credit: Nairobi National Park