Handy Tips For Exploring Nairobi
Start with the Nairobi National Park
Located just outside the city, Nairobi National Park is one of the only national parks in the world where you can see wildlife with a city skyline backdrop. It’s home to lions, giraffes, zebras, and more, offering a quintessential safari experience.
Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
This elephant orphanage allows you to get up close with rescued baby elephants. Visit during feeding time to watch the elephants play and learn about conservation efforts.
Explore the Giraffe Centre
At this sanctuary, you can feed and interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity that also supports conservation education.
Discover Karen Blixen Museum
Step into the world of Out of Africa by visiting the former home of author Karen Blixen. The museum offers insights into her life and Kenya’s colonial history.
Tour the Nairobi National Museum
Learn about Kenya’s rich history, culture, and natural heritage at this museum, which houses impressive collections, including prehistoric artifacts and tribal art.
Shop at Maasai Market
This open-air market is a fantastic place to find handcrafted souvenirs, jewelry, textiles, and artwork. It rotates around Nairobi, so check its location in advance.
Take a Safari Walk at Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Next to Nairobi National Park, this sanctuary houses rescued animals. A safari walk lets you view wildlife up close, making it a great introduction to Kenya’s fauna.
Enjoy the Views from Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC)
The KICC building offers a rooftop view of Nairobi’s skyline. It’s a great spot for panoramic city views, especially at sunset.
Explore Karura Forest
This urban forest offers serene trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots. It’s a popular spot for walking, running, or biking, providing a refreshing break from the city’s hustle and bustle
Visit the Kazuri Beads Women’s Cooperative
Discover the unique beadwork of Kenyan artisans at Kazuri Beads. The cooperative empowers local women, and you can even take a tour of the workshop.
Stroll Around Village Market
This large shopping and entertainment complex has shops, restaurants, and even an art gallery, making it a perfect spot for shopping or grabbing a bite.
Savor Local Cuisine at Carnivore Restaurant
Known for its selection of meats, including game meat (depending on availability), this iconic restaurant offers a truly Kenyan dining experience in a lively setting.
See the Railway Museum
Dive into Kenya’s colonial history with a visit to the Railway Museum, which exhibits vintage trains, artifacts, and the story of the iconic “Lunatic Line” railway.
Take a Walk Through the Kibera Community
Guided tours of Kibera, Nairobi’s largest informal settlement, provide insights into the community’s resilience, creativity, and local initiatives. Ensure you go with a trusted guide.
Explore the Bomas of Kenya
Experience traditional Kenyan culture with dance performances, music, and replicas of traditional homesteads. It’s an immersive way to learn about Kenya’s diverse ethnic group.
Plan a Day Trip to the Ngong Hills
Just outside Nairobi, the Ngong Hills offer hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Rift Valley. It’s a refreshing escape from the city’s fast pace.
Try Nyama Choma
This Kenyan-style grilled meat is a must-try. Visit a local restaurant, such as Njuguna’s Place, and savor this delicious local favorite.
Visit Paradise Lost
This hidden gem on the outskirts of Nairobi features waterfalls, caves, and a lake where you can go boating. It’s a great place for a family picnic or a leisurely day outdoors.
Walk Along Nairobi Arboretum
The Nairobi Arboretum is a beautiful, green space with over 350 species of indigenous and exotic trees. It’s ideal for a nature walk, birdwatching, or a quiet afternoon picnic.
Experience Nairobi’s Nightlife
Nairobi has a lively nightlife with various options, from jazz clubs and lounges to bustling bars. Westlands and Kilimani are popular areas with a range of venues for a night out.
A Day in Nairobi: A Perfect Balance of Nature, Culture, and City Life
Nairobi is a city where lush green spaces blend seamlessly with the urban buzz, and one day here offers a taste of Kenya’s vibrant culture, wildlife, and hospitality. Here’s how to spend an unforgettable day in Nairobi.
Morning: Safari at Nairobi National Park
Start your day with an early visit to Nairobi National Park, one of the only places in the world where you can see wildlife against a backdrop of city skyscrapers. This unique park is home to a wide range of animals, including lions, giraffes, and rhinos. Taking a safari drive here lets you experience Kenya’s iconic wildlife without leaving the city. Bring a camera—you’ll want to capture the surreal sight of zebras roaming near the city skyline!
Mid-Morning: David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
From the park, head over to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for an inspiring encounter with orphaned elephants. The center is a haven for young elephants rescued from the wild and offers visitors a chance to learn about their rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Watching the elephants play and feed is both heartwarming and educational, giving you insight into Kenya’s commitment to wildlife protection.
Late Morning: Giraffe Centre
Next, visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can get up close with the endangered Rothschild giraffes. Here, you can hand-feed these gentle giants and even stand on a raised platform to see them at eye level. It’s a fun, family-friendly stop and a great place to snap some unique photos. Take a moment to visit the on-site education center to learn about giraffe conservation and the important work being done to protect these beautiful animals.
Lunch: Traditional Kenyan Flavors at a Local Restaurant
For lunch, head to a local restaurant to savor traditional Kenyan cuisine. Try places like Carnivore Restaurant for a lively dining experience featuring Kenyan-style grilled meats, or sample local favorites such as nyama choma (barbecued meat) or ugali (maize porridge) served with sukuma wiki (collard greens). Kenyan dishes are rich, flavorful, and satisfying—a true taste of the region’s culinary culture.
Afternoon: Cultural Insights at the Karen Blixen Museum
After lunch, make your way to the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the famous Out of Africa author. This peaceful property offers a glimpse into colonial Kenya, with beautiful views of the Ngong Hills from the gardens. Walking through the rooms and seeing Blixen’s original furniture and belongings gives you a fascinating look into her life and the Kenya of her time.
Late Afternoon: Bomas of Kenya for Traditional Performances
Head over to the Bomas of Kenya, where you can experience Kenya’s diverse cultural heritage firsthand. This cultural center showcases traditional dances, music, and rituals from various Kenyan tribes. You can also wander through the replica villages, each representing different ethnic groups, to see their unique architectural styles and lifestyles. The performances are colorful, lively, and provide an immersive way to connect with Kenya’s vibrant traditions.
Evening: Sunset at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC)
As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) for a panoramic view of Nairobi’s cityscape. The rooftop viewing deck offers stunning 360-degree views, and sunset adds a special glow to the city’s skyline. From this vantage point, you’ll see a captivating contrast between modern buildings, sprawling parks, and the distant Nairobi National Park.
Dinner: Explore Nairobi’s Dining Scene
Cap off your day with dinner at one of Nairobi’s top restaurants. Westlands and Kilimani neighborhoods offer a variety of dining experiences, from Kenyan fusion and Indian cuisine to Italian and Japanese fare. Try restaurants like Tamarind for seafood specialties or Mawimbi for a stylish, upscale vibe. Nairobi’s dining scene is diverse and vibrant, offering something to suit every palate.
Night: Unwind with Nairobi’s Nightlife or a Cozy Lounge
If you’re in the mood for nightlife, Nairobi offers a range of spots to suit any vibe. Head to Westlands for lively bars and lounges, or try one of the city’s jazz clubs if you’re looking for a more laid-back evening. The city’s nightlife is a great way to end your day with music, good company, and the friendly, energetic spirit that Nairobi is known for.
A day in Nairobi combines adventure, culture, and culinary delights, giving you a well-rounded taste of what Kenya’s capital has to offer. By the end of the day, you’ll have explored the wild, historic, and modern sides of this fascinating city, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
