Famous Landmarks in Nairobi. Attractions, Monuments, Sightseeing

Iconic Landmarks - Wildlife

Nairobi National Park is the only national park in the world located within a capital city. It serves as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and giraffes. The striking image of wild animals grazing against the backdrop of Nairobi's skyline creates an unforgettable experience.

The Giraffe Centre dedicates itself to the conservation of the endangered Rothschild's giraffe, making it possible for guests to feed and interact with these gentle giants. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants and rhinos.

Wildlife Attractions

Nairobi National Park: Open daily from SIX:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Non-resident adult entry fee is US$43. Visit early for best wildlife viewing.
Giraffe Centre: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Non-resident adult entry fee is KSh 1,500. Plan your visit around 11:00 AM or 3:00 PM for popular feeding times.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Public viewing 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily. Suggested donation KSh 1,500 for non-resident adults. Arrive early for public viewing.
Karen Blixen Museum: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Non-resident adult entry fee is KSh 1,200. Combine your visit with the Giraffe Centre and Kazuri Beads Factory.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Major Museums

Nairobi National Museum: This is the main museum in Kenya, housing extensive collections related to Kenya's natural history, culture, art, and paleontology. It includes a botanical garden and snake park. Open daily 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Combined entry fee KSh 1,200 for non-resident adults.
National Archives: Located in the CBD, this institution houses public records, historical documents, and a significant collection of Pan-African artwork from the Joseph Murumbi Gallery. Open weekdays 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A small entry fee applies.
Bomas of Kenya: This cultural center showcases traditional homesteads from various Kenyan ethnic groups. Dance performances occur daily. Open daily 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Non-resident adult entry fee KSh 1,000.
Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC): Iconic cylindrical building in the CBD. Features a helipad in its prime top, giving panoramic 360-degree views of the city. Visit on a clear day, preferably late afternoon, for stunning sunset views.

Historical Sites

Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park: Kenya's largest memorial park, commemorating independence in 1963. Features a monument and a significant Mugumo tree. Open daily. Entry to the park is free, with a small fee for museum and monument access.
Railway Museum: Covers the past of the Uganda Railway and its impact on Kenya's development. Features a collection of old locomotives and rolling stock. Open daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Non-resident adult entry fee KSh 600.

Many of Nairobi's attractions are geographically clustered. Grouping visits to nearby sites (e.g., Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Trust, Karen Blixen Museum) maximizes your time and minimizes travel.

Nairobi National Park

Wildlife against a city skyline backdrop, an unique safari experience. Important for rhino conservation.

Giraffe Centre

Interact and feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes. A personal wildlife encounter.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Observe orphaned elephants and rhinos at their daily feeding. A moving conservation experience.

Unique & Lesser-Known Attractions

Venture beyond the main tourist circuit to discover Nairobi's lesser-known treasures.

Kazuri Beads Factory: Located in Karen, this fair trade workshop creates handmade ceramic beads and pottery. Tour the workshop to see the bead-making process and purchase unique products.
Mamba Village: This crocodile farm, situated near Nairobi National Park, houses hundreds of crocodiles, along with ostriches. It gives insight into these reptiles and occasionally hosts cultural performances.
Kitengela Hot Glass: This unique glassblowing studio and gallery sits just outside Nairobi National Park, accessible by a charming suspension bridge. It features stunning glass art, mosaics, and a cafe.

Natural Attractions within the City

Even within the city, Nairobi has green spaces and natural beauty.

Karura Forest

This large urban forest within Nairobi is an important green lung for the city. It has extensive walking and cycling trails, picturesque waterfalls, hidden caves, and serene picnic sites, acting as a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.

Visitor Information & Tips

The forest opens daily from SIX:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A small entry fee of KSh 100 for non-residents applies.
Bicycle rentals are available at the main entrances. Karura Forest is great for walking, jogging, or cycling.
It is a wonderful opportunity to experience nature without leaving the city.

Uhuru Park & Central Park

These large public parks, adjacent to the Central Business District, feature expansive green spaces, a boating lake (in Uhuru Park), and relaxation areas. They often host public events and gatherings.

Visitor Information & Safety

Both parks open daily. Admission is free.
Safety: Exercise caution, especially at dusk or if the parks appear uncrowded. Keep valuables out of sight.

Ngong Hills

A number of hills located just outside Nairobi, featuring panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley and the surrounding environment.

Hiking & Zip-lining

They provide outstanding hiking trails.
An opportunity for zip-lining, making them a popular quick escape from the city.

A Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) entry fee applies. The area can be windy.

Nairobi National Museum

The main museum in Kenya, housing extensive collections related to Kenya's natural history, culture, contemporary art, and paleontology.

Collection Highlights

Exhibits on early human fossils.
Galleries dedicated to Kenya's rich bird and mammal life.

Combined entry fee for the museum and snake park is KSh 1,200 for non-resident adults.

Kenyatta International Convention Centre KICC

An iconic cylindrical building in the CBD, a prominent landmark of Nairobi.

Panoramic Views

Features a helipad at its top, giving panoramic 360-degree views of the sprawling city.
Go on a clear day, preferably late afternoon, to enjoy stunning sunset views.

Inquire at reception for access and fee (approximately KSh 500-1,000).

Additional Recommendations

GetYourGuide

A platform for booking attraction tickets and tours for various Nairobi experiences. GetYourGuide

National Archives

Discover the Murumbi Gallery's impressive array of Pan-African art, alongside historical photographs and documents that chronicle Kenya's past.

Railway Museum

This gallery covers the history of the Uganda Railway (also called the Kenya-Uganda Railway) and its immense impact on Kenya's development.

Planning Tip

Maximize your time by grouping visits to nearby sites (e.g., Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Trust, Karen Blixen Museum). This allows for the most of your time and minimizes travel.

Famous Landmarks in Nairobi