Nairobi Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board

In the “Green City in the Sun”, you can enjoy a safari with giraffes, elephants, lions and other wildlife, all within the city limits.

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, offers cultural displays, historical and ethnographic museums, craft markets and delicious local coffee and beer. Although the city is known for its high crime rate and recurring terrorism threats, people still book a trip to the “Green City in the Sun” for one big reason: An amazing wildlife park set amid reserves of forest and grassland is located right within the city limits.

See lions, leopards, rhinos, wildebeest and more than 400 bird species at the Nairobi National Park, just 10 kilometres (6 miles) from the heart of the city. Don’t miss The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located within the park, where you can visit orphaned baby rhinos and elephants. Nairobi is also home to the AFEW Giraffe Centre and an arboretum. 

Immerse yourself in Kenya’s art, history, culture and natural history at the Nairobi National Museum. This museum is part of the National Museums of Kenya, which also manages the Nairobi Snake Park and the Karen Blixen Museum.

Experience tribal culture at Bomas of Kenya where you can tour traditionally crafted huts and enjoy a dance and acrobatics performance. Maasai crafts such as jewellery, carvings, beadwork and fabric can be found at the Maasai Markets, which rotates its location daily. Ask a local for the whereabouts of the market.

After a day of sightseeing, try local food and drink, such as Tusker beer and nyama choma, a meal including barbecued meats. If you’re looking for things to do at night, the suburb of Westlands is known for its more secure bars and cocktail lounges. Even so, it’s best not to go out or use public transport at night in Nairobi. 

Taxis and minibuses known as matatus are a cheap way to get around, but allow for plenty of extra time to arrive any where on schedule. Nairobi is best to visit during the drier seasons, from January to March and July to October. Check your government’s official travel advice for the latest updates about the events in Kenya and possible safety warnings.

Where to stay in Nairobi

Default Image

Westlands

The restaurants, shopping and spas are just a few things travellers enjoy about Westlands. If you want to experience more of the area, check out Sarit Centre or Westgate Shopping Mall.

Westlands
Default Image

Kilimani

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Kilimani is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yaya Centre and Arboretum.

Kilimani
Default Image

Karen

You'll enjoy the restaurants and spas in Karen. You might want to make time for a stop at Karen Blixen Museum or The Hub Karen.

Karen
Nairobi featuring city views, a high-rise building and a city

Nairobi Central

If you're spending some time in Nairobi Central, City Market and City Square are top sights worth seeing.

Nairobi Central
Default Image

Lang'ata

You'll enjoy the gardens and parks in Lang'ata. You might want to make time for a stop at Karen Blixen Museum or Nairobi National Park.

Lang'ata
Default Image

Gigiri

4/5(4 area reviews)

Unique features of Gigiri include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Village Market or Karura Forest while you're exploring the area.

Gigiri

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Nairobi

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
20
5 - Excellent 24%
4 - Good
30
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
29
3 - Okay 35%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Shane

Everybody speaks English. Malls are just big with overpriced (non-Kenyan) stuff, you must visit the markets if you want to really explore Nairobi (but watch out for pickpockets and scammers)

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

National Park is worthwhile seeing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nairobi is a great place to visit and Uber can get you anywhere

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

I only stayed one night at the Crowne Plaza as a stop over between flights.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Moses accompanied me to supermarket & exchange bureau. I had to be picked up and there was a delay the hotel allowed me to stay until I was ready to leave. It’s close to all services. I recommend this hotel.but leave info in the rooms for guests.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Amazing and looking forward to going back

Cities near Nairobi