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Often known as the Inexperienced Metropolis beneath the Solar, Nairobi is likely one of the prime vacationer locations in Africa. It’s a vibrant capital that’s dwelling to a combination of wildlife, nature, and cultural heritage.
With a nationwide park located on its outskirts and a Giraffe Centre and Elephant Sanctuary close by, it’s straightforward to see why so many guests are drawn to this metropolis. In addition to visiting museums, you may as well take a stroll alongside the busy streets and expertise the Inexperienced Metropolis’s historic, cultural, and enterprise aspect.
As a Kenyan native and somebody who’s lived in Nairobi for a few years, I like sharing my metropolis and Nairobi secrets and techniques. Though a few of my favourite spots embody vacationer sights, I’ll additionally share with you some native locations, excellent nightlife joints, and hidden gems.
Right here’s my checklist of among the most enjoyable issues to do whereas in Nairobi.
This submit was up to date in 2023 to incorporate new Nairobi sights and actions.
25 Issues to Do in Nairobi
As an area Kenyan and somebody who’s lived in Nairobi for a substantial period of time, I’m excited to share with you my favourite Nairobi sights, bars, eating places, day journeys, and extra. Nairobi is likely one of the prime locations to go to in all of Kenya. Let’s get into it.
1. Discover the Nairobi Nationwide Park
Nairobi Nationwide Park is located just a few kilometers from the town heart. Apart from being among the finest locations to go to in Nairobi, the park is an efficient start line for recreation reserve and safari journeys in Kenya.
It’s accessible each by personal and public means from the capital. Nevertheless, the easiest way to expertise this magical park is by taking a guided recreation drive.
Throughout the 5-hour early morning recreation drive of the Nairobi Nationwide Park, you’ll have the possibility to identify wildlife like lions, black rhinos, cheetahs, buffalos, giraffes, and hippos, in addition to many fowl species.
Some individuals favor doing the sport drive solely, however visiting the Safari Stroll contained in the park can also be each educating and refreshing. The safari stroll is dwelling to rhinos, hyenas, and different wild animals. It ranks excessive up as among the finest locations to go to in Nairobi for {couples}.
2. Go to the Nairobi Elephant Sanctuary
Often known as the Nairobi Nursery, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is a good attraction near the town. It’s a sanctuary the place orphaned elephants are taken care of earlier than being re-introduced into the wild.
Visiting the Elephant Sanctuary is considered one of my favourite issues to do on a day journey from Nairobi. The sanctuary is located about 25 minutes by taxi from the town heart.
There’s an entrance charge/donation of 1500 shillings ($15), and it’s solely open to guests for an hour: between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. That is the time when the keepers convey the newborn elephants to a feeding space the place the general public can see them.
One of the best ways to expertise the Elephant Sanctuary is by becoming a member of an organized tour. You not solely go to the nursery but in addition the close by Giraffe Heart too.
Tackle: KWS Central Workshop Gate, Magadi Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
3. Go to the Giraffe Centre
An initiative of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, (AFEW), The Giraffe Centre is a conservation, schooling, and breeding heart for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.
It’s open day by day between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, together with weekends and public holidays. Apart from the data heart, there’s additionally an elevated platform that lets you hand-feed the giraffes, an exercise that shortly grew to become a favourite of buddies of mine I’ve proven across the space.
The middle is likely one of the hottest day journey locations in Nairobi. It’s additionally a part of the Nairobi wildlife experiences which embody a recreation drive at Nairobi Nationwide Park, a go to to the Elephant Sanctuary, and the Karen Blixen Museum.
An alternative choice is to spend an evening at this beautiful BnB that’s about 1 kilometer (a fast stroll) to each the Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Belief heart.
Tackle: Duma Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
4. Expertise Kenyan Tradition on the Bomas of Kenya
The Bomas of Kenya is a vacationer attraction that shows totally different facets of Kenyan tradition and heritage. It’s one other nice choice for a day journey from Nairobi as a consequence of its proximity to the capital.
In the event you’re inquisitive about Kenyan communities and their heritage, then the Bomas of Kenya is a must-see. Whilst an area, I nonetheless discover this sort of cultural tour fascinating as a glimpse into one other lifestyle.
On the tour, you’ll expertise Kenyan range by means of conventional dances, meals, and vernacular structure.
Nai Nami (Nairobi With Me) is an initiative began by youths and is aimed toward creating consciousness about Nairobi road kids by means of strolling excursions.
Each metropolis on the planet has a narrative – enjoyable, attention-grabbing, or darkish – and Nairobi is not any exception. Each traveler returns dwelling with their very own tales based mostly on expertise or hypothesis.
One of many mysteries of the town is why it’s known as “Nairobery.” For a few years, I by no means knew the rationale both.
In the event you’re eager on unlocking the thriller, like I used to be, be part of the town strolling tour and wander alongside the alleys. You’ll uncover and perceive its previous and current by means of the eyes of those that have lived right here night time and day.
The excursions are run by a youthful technology from slums and former road children who know each nook of the town just like the again of their arms, making this expertise among the finest excursions in Nairobi.
A few of the metropolis sights featured on the strolling tour embody well-known landmarks, museums, monuments, and previous structure.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Finest Issues To Do and Locations to Go to in Mombasa
6. Go Purchasing at a Maasai Market
As an area, I like the Maasai Market and nonetheless go to frequently after I’m in Nairobi. It’s no shock that it’s one of many prime Nairobi sights.
The Maasai Market is an open-air market in Nairobi that’s held in numerous areas all through the week.
Vacationers go to the Masai Market to see and store for items and keepsakes like work, beads, jewellery, materials, and wooden carvings.
The very best days to go to are Saturdays and Sundays when the market is positioned in Nairobi metropolis heart, (on the excessive court docket car parking zone).
A substitute for the Masai Market is the Metropolis Market which is open day by day.
In the event you’re eager to check your bargaining abilities, be part of this Maasai Market and skyline expertise in Nairobi.
7. Go to the Gikomba Market
Located on the outskirts of the town, Gikomba is likely one of the largest markets in Kenya. Distributors available in the market promote garments, equipment, and different gadgets.
Due to its dimension and plenty of shops, it’s straightforward to get misplaced available in the market, even for locals. I’ve most likely gotten misplaced each time I’ve visited. Though considerably daunting, this additionally makes it probably the most adventurous locations to go to in Nairobi.
I like to recommend that you simply go together with somebody who is aware of the market nicely to information you thru the stalls and to keep away from heading off beam.
Tackle: Kamukunji Street, Nairobi, Kenya
☞ SEE ALSO: 10 Finest Issues To Do in Nanyuki
8. Expertise the Nairobi Nightlife
Check out native meals like Nyama Choma and Kachumbari, drink Tusker beer (an East African pale lager), and create some moments to recollect by becoming a member of this wonderful Nairobi nightlife expertise.
With out experiencing the nightlife, a visit to any metropolis or city is often incomplete. In my youthful years, I spent a number of time having fun with late nights out in Nairobi and I can say from expertise that the nightlife is actually wonderful.
You possibly can take pleasure in nighttime actions like partying, board gaming, karaoke, dancing, watching performs, or listening to stay bands.
Exploring Nairobi at night time is nice, and it’s a enjoyable and thrilling method to expertise the native tradition.
In the event you’re planning on touring round Kenya, ensure that to take a look at our full Kenya Journey Information which presents plenty of info on the issues to do, prices of journey, locations to go to, dos and don’ts, learn how to get across the nation and rather more.
9. Go Climbing on the Ngong Hills
Located some kilometers from Ngong City, the Ngong Hills are among the finest locations to go to close to Nairobi. The hills supply a tremendous day hike outdoors the town with unimaginable views of the nice rift valley.
For so long as I’ve lived in Nairobi, I’ve all the time thought of Ngong Hills an incredible vacation spot. The seven hills from the Ngong Forest Gate to Kona Baridi will check your health stage and reward you with essentially the most memorable expertise.
There aren’t any wild animals in Ngong Hills, making it an incredible place for solo vacationers and teams. The forest is open day by day from 8:00 am to five:00 pm and the charges are inexpensive.
Please word that money funds should not accepted on the Ngong Hills – solely Mpesa or Card, (Visa or MasterCard).
One of the best ways to expertise the Ngong hills is to hitch a climbing journey. The climb takes about 5 hours from gate to gate, by means of open fields and pure forest trails. To prime if off you may attempt ziplining over the forest cover (non-compulsory).
10. Chase the Githiga Caves and Waterfalls
In the event you’re in search of waterfalls close to the town, the Githiga Waterfalls must be on the prime of your checklist.
Karuru Falls (within the Aberdares) and Ragia Falls are essentially the most spectacular, however the beauty of visiting the Githiga waterfalls is that the journey takes you thru idyllic highlands and tea farms.
And on the finish, you’ll see caves the place Kenyan freedom fighters hid throughout the battle for independence.
I like waterfalls, and as a tour information, when planning my actions in Nairobi, I’m all the time positive to incorporate locations that supply lovely waterfalls.
Do you want chasing waterfalls too? If sure, be part of this enjoyable waterfall tour.
11. Expertise Nature on the Karura Forest
In the event you’re into nature and out of doors actions, you’ve a adequate purpose to go to Nairobi – specifically, the Karura Forest.
In addition to partaking in actions corresponding to jogging and biking, Karura Forest is an excellent place for fowl watching, strolling, and stress-free.
The forest is open day by day from 6:00 am to six:00 pm (gates shut at 7:00 pm).
For first-timers, it’s greatest to go to and expertise Karura Forest with somebody who is aware of the paths nicely. They’ll be capable to expertly information you thru the tracks, which is very useful when working or biking.
12. Go to a Native Farmer’s Market
In addition to wildlife, safaris, and nightlife, there are different enjoyable issues to do in Nairobi, corresponding to visiting an area farmer’s market.
There are a lot of grocery outlets in Nairobi neighborhoods, however for an adventurous and great buying expertise, I favor visiting the Metropolis Park Market.
This native market has every thing from recent greens and fruits, to meat and cereals. It’s located near a public park the place locals and residents hand around in the night.
13. Study to Prepare dinner a Conventional Kenyan Meal
Shopping for, getting ready, and cooking Kenyan meals is likely one of the most enjoyable actions in Nairobi, and this cooking class immerses you into the individuals’s lifestyle and their tradition. It’s excellent for those who’re a little bit adventurous and inquisitive about creating some Kenyan meals for your self.
In the event you’re not available in the market portion of the tour, the identical chef additionally has the identical tour minus the market go to, and it’s a little bit bit cheaper. Study extra right here.
If that is one thing that pursuits you, take a look at locals who supply such experiences, typically from their very own properties!.
14. Go to a Kenyan Espresso Farm
The most effective issues to do in Nairobi is to go to a espresso farm, and the most well-liked espresso farms close to the town are Fairview Espresso Property and Karunguru Espresso Farm.
A go to to both of those farms presents an opportunity to be taught every thing you possibly can want to find out about Kenyan espresso. You’ll be taken on a journey of how it’s grown, processed, roasted, and ready. On the finish of this glorious expertise, you’ll get to take pleasure in a cup of espresso while watching the on a regular basis actions of the scenic farms.
In the event you’re the kind of traveler in search of grassroots schooling, there’s no higher place in Africa to immerse your self in espresso than Kenya. Be part of a tour and learn to roast your personal beans for the proper cup of espresso.
15. Go to a Tea Farm in Limuru
Tea is a lot greater than only a beverage. It’s additionally a tradition, and for a lot of Kenyans, a means to supply for his or her households. Touted as one of many world’s greatest tea nations, the Kenyan tea story is each lovely and academic.
From choosing the leaves to understanding the method of tea manufacturing, Limuru is likely one of the locations it’s essential to go to close to Nairobi.
A visit to one of many tea-growing farms in Limuru like Tigoni will get you out of the busy metropolis and in addition takes you thru the attractive landscapes of the Kenyan highlands.
In addition to, you get to work together with locals, be taught the method, and get hands-on as you put together your personal cup of tea.
A number of native hosts supply immersive tea farm excursions close to Nairobi, the place you’ll be taken to a tea farm in a spot like Tigoni.
16. Study to Play the African Djembe Drum
Similar to in different nations, conventional music is a type of language for Kenyans. The accompanying beats and percussions are therapeutic.
Devices such because the djembe drums, Litungu, and shakers talk about our cultures greater than phrases can, and studying learn how to make music from these devices is an artwork you’ll be happy to share whenever you return dwelling.
The Bomas of Kenya is likely one of the most original locations to go to in Nairobi the place you may study Kenyan music. Simply previous the Utamadumi restaurant, there are outlets that showcase and promote conventional musical devices.
Alternatively, vacationers can learn to play African devices like Djembe from skilled dance artists in Nairobi.
17. Be part of a Tour of the Karen Blixen Museum
Karen Blixen Museum Tour is considered one of our greatest for Nairobi sightseeing. It explores the life, love, struggles, and tragedies of Karen Blixen throughout her time in Kenya.
This museum is a fantastic farmhouse and park the place Baroness Karen von Blixen, creator of Out of Africa, lived from 1914 till 1931.
In the event you love historical past, it is a great spot to study Nairobi throughout the early years of the twentieth century. There’s quite a lot of info, and each time I go to I be taught one thing new and attention-grabbing.
The museum is open day by day for guided excursions and moreover studying, you’ll additionally discover Karen’s books in addition to souvenirs within the reward store.
Afterward, you may take pleasure in a cup of espresso on the Tamambo Restaurant or go to the close by Kazuri Beads Manufacturing facility.
Tackle: Karen Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
18. Take an Empowerment Strolling Tour of Kibera
The Kibera Empowerment strolling tour is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Nairobi. This domestically guided tour takes you thru the most important slum in Africa.
A few of the experiences embody visiting a crafts heart and listening to highly effective tales from dreamers and creatives who name the slum dwelling – probably the most genuine experiences in Nairobi.
19. Take heed to the Tales of Kenya at Pawa254
In the event you love artwork, then Pawa254 is a must-visit. Go to this a inventive area in Nairobi for artists, painters, and storytellers to hearken to the tales of Kenya from Imbaka. Right here, you may take pleasure in each vocal and visible tales.
We’re all tales, or fairly, our tales outline us. Tales about Kenya – how we stay, dance, play, worship, and extra, are nicely value exploring in your journey to Nairobi.
20. Stroll in Search of Nairobi Monuments
Nairobi wouldn’t be a number one vacationer vacation spot in Kenya with out its monuments: Dedan Kimathi statue, Tom Mboya statue, battle memorial pillars, Kipande home, Macmillan library, and plenty of extra.
All of those nationwide monuments recount the colonial historical past of Kenya. It’s an journey again in time to when Nairobi was simply however a swamp. Previous, current, and future representations of the town intermingle. New streets pop up, and previous buildings are changed, however some monuments nonetheless stand tall.
There are historic monuments, majestic structure, and statues to stare upon on nearly each nook. Taking a stroll by means of any a part of Nairobi is a journey of discovery, one which I take pleasure in very a lot each time I hit its bustling metropolis streets.
21. Get Misplaced on the Nairobi Nationwide Museum
Situated a couple of minutes from the town heart, Nairobi Nationwide Museum is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Nairobi. It’s a flagship of the Nationwide Museums of Kenya and homes collections of artworks, tradition, and historical past of Kenya.
The Nairobi Nationwide Museum expertise could be very fashionable with locals and worldwide guests. I do know, having loved it simply as a lot because the worldwide buddies I’ve taken there.
Tackle: Kipande Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
22. Go to the August 7 Memorial Park
The August 7 Memorial Park is located alongside Haile Selassie Avenue within the coronary heart of Nairobi. It’s a peaceable out of doors area for remembering victims of the 1998 US embassy bombing.
The data heart showcases photographs and a documentary of occasions resulting in the dual bombings in Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam.
Tackle: Junction of Moi Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya
23. Go on a Day Journey to the Amboseli Nationwide Park
One of the vital wonderful nationwide parks close to the town is Amboseli, considered one of my all-time favorites anyplace on the planet for gorgeous panoramic views.
In the event you’re brief on time however nonetheless desire a safari expertise outdoors Nairobi, you need to completely think about a day journey to the Amboseli Nationwide Park.
Most safari journeys to nationwide parks and vacationer sights in Kenya are simply accessed from Nairobi, together with Amboseli, positioned about 4 hours away.
You’ll get the possibility to go on a recreation drive, spot Mount Kilimanjaro, go to an area Masai Village, and nonetheless make it again to Nairobi in time for a nightlife expertise.
24. Discover the Railway Museum
One other place value visiting in Nairobi is the Railway Museum.
What I like concerning the museum is its distinction with the close by railway station. Whereas the station is new with trendy facilities, the museum takes you thru Nairobi’s wealthy historic previous.
It homes info and details about the railways of Kenya and the way they had been constructed, and reveals the Kenya-Uganda railway. Exterior the primary constructing, there’s a show of previous locomotives together with the well-known Garatts.
In your method to the museum, there’s a bridge from which a railway graveyard is seen. Previous rolling inventory from the 1900s is parked alongside the tracks and this expertise brings about concepts of what life with the steam locomotives will need to have been like.
Go to the Nairobi Railway museum and take a tour of the historical past of railway transport in East Africa.
25. Cycle within the Wild on the Hells Gate Nationwide Park
After visiting sights in Nairobi, you may need to spend a day away from the town within the nice outdoor at Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park.
Located about 90 kilometers outdoors Nairobi, the park could be very distinctive and the one one in Kenya the place you may stroll or cycle within the wild. You possibly can cycle while having fun with nice landscapes, and watch wildlife corresponding to giraffes, zebras, and gazelles.
After the actions within the park, go for a swim on the pure pool or go to the close by Lake Naivasha for a ship journey.
See additionally: 15 Finest Issues To Do in Naivasha
Nairobi has many sights that enchantment to those that are desirous about historical past, artwork and native tradition, wildlife, nature, or buying. A few of the different fashionable customer sights embody the Nairobi Arboretum, Oloolua Nature Path, the Kenyatta Worldwide Conference Centre (KICC), Uhuru Gardens, and the African Heritage Home.
Go to and discover genuine experiences in Nairobi.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Nairobi
Are you visiting Kenya’s capital quickly and questioning what there’s to do and see?
If sure, beneath is a listing of enjoyable issues to do in Nairobi. It consists of itineraries for Nairobi for those who’re visiting for the day, three days, or every week.
1 Day in Nairobi Itinerary
In the event you’ve solely bought in the future in Nairobi, you’ll need to plan effectively. This itinerary lets you get a very good sampling of the highest actions to do within the metropolis.
Begin your day by heading to the outskirts of the town. Go to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary and the close by Giraffe Heart. Afterward, return to the town heart for a strolling tour.
A strolling tour of Nairobi is a must-do. It takes you thru historic buildings, monuments, and museums that you simply may in any other case miss alone. You additionally get an opportunity to check your bargaining skills while searching for items on the Masai Market (open air) or Metropolis Market.
There’s no higher method to finish your in the future in Nairobi than to expertise the town’s nightlife. There are a variety of eating places and bars value visiting. There are a lot of decisions that supply good meals, drinks, and occasional stay bands.
2-3 Days in Nairobi Itinerary
It’s doable to cowl among the greatest issues to do in Nairobi in a day. Nevertheless, if I’m trustworthy, 24 hours within the metropolis isn’t ample to expertise all of the wonderful actions the town is thought for.
I beneficial staying for at the very least 2 days in Nairobi to see all the primary sights. Under are the issues it’s essential to do in Nairobi in 3 days.
The first day in Nairobi must be devoted to a wildlife expertise. It prepares you for safari expeditions you probably have extra time in Kenya. Your first cease would be the Nairobi Nationwide Park for a recreation drive. Afterward, you may go to the Elephant Sanctuary and Giraffe Heart.
There are a number of enjoyable locations to go to in Nairobi Metropolis Heart. In your second day, you’ll begin by strolling alongside the streets of the town. Right here, you’ll respect historical structure, see essential monuments, and be taught the historical past of Kenya. The final cease of the day is at a bar or restaurant to expertise Nairobi’s vibrant nightlife.
The third day takes you to Bomas of Kenya the place you be taught concerning the wealthy tradition and heritage of Kenya. Watch conventional dances, see homesteads, and luxuriate in native delicacies on the Utamaduni restaurant afterward.
1 Week in Nairobi Itinerary
When you’ve got a complete week in Nairobi, it’s doable to expertise every thing inside the metropolis and even take pleasure in enjoyable day journeys.
Monday to Wednesday: Go on a recreation drive on the Nairobi Nationwide Park and go to different wildlife facilities just like the Giraffe Heart.
Thursday to Friday: Discover different locations to go to close to Nairobi. You possibly can be part of a day journey to Amboseli Nationwide Park, hike Mt Longonot, expertise Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park, and go to Lake Naivasha.
Saturday and Sunday: Your final 2 days in Nairobi must be spent exploring the town, visiting artists in Kibera, sampling conventional meals, and immersing in Kenya’s tradition. Finish your weekend by experiencing the perfect of the town’s nightlife.
FAQs About Issues to Do in Nairobi
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Nairobi.
There are a lot of low-cost locations to go to in Nairobi. These embody the Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe Heart, Masai Market, and Railway Museum. You can even expertise the town on foot or discover its nightlife.
In addition to the Nairobi Nationwide Museum and Bomas of Kenya, the Metropolis Market, Karen Blixen Museum, and Ngong Hills are among the prime sights in Nairobi.
Exploring Nairobi on foot with former road children, consuming conventional meals at Ronalo meals, and visiting the Giraffe Heart are thought of the most well-liked actions in Nairobi.
Visits to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary happen daily between 11 am and 12 midday. The middle is closed on December twenty fifth. Entry charges are Kshs 1500 and tickets can be found by means of advance reserving solely. Nevertheless, for those who’re becoming a member of a day journey to the Elephant Sanctuary, a reserving will likely be made in your behalf.
There are a number of vacationer sights close to Nairobi Nationwide Park just like the Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe Heart, Uhuru Gardens, and Mamba village.
There are a number of sights and issues to do close to Karen Blixen Museum like Kazuri Beads Manufacturing facility, Tamambo restaurant, and Olollua nature path.
There are a number of vacationer sights close to Nairobi Nationwide Museum just like the August seventh Memorial park, KICC, Railway Museum, and Nairobi Gallery.
Jomo Kenyatta Worldwide Airport, (NBO), is the most important airport for arrivals. It’s positioned about 18 Kilometers from the town heart and shared taxis like Uber are the most cost effective and best choice relating to transfers to your motels in Nairobi. A visit into most neighborhoods prices about Kshs 2000.
You possibly can expertise Kenyan delicacies on the Ronalo Kosewe Meals or Kilimanjaro restaurant positioned alongside Kimathi road. They’ve totally different Kenyan dishes like ugali and fish which begins at Ksh 500. Nyama Choma, (barbecue), can also be out there from roadside eating places which works nicely with a chilly Tusker beer.
Now You Know What to Do in Nairobi
There are a lot of locations to go to and issues to do in Nairobi. The actions are located both close to the town or only a brief distance away, however all of them give you a worthwhile expertise.
Whether or not you select to go for a recreation drive, nature walks, or take pleasure in historic excursions and nightlife, Nairobi is not going to disappoint.
Go to Kenya and uncover the enjoyable, the wild, and the cultural aspect of the Inexperienced Metropolis Underneath the Solar.
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