Nairobi Nairobi County, Kenya Travel Guide
Maximize a short stopover with a focused itinerary. Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Arrange a pre-booked transfer or use a ride-sharing app to reach the Giraffe Centre.
Spend time feeding the giraffes, then go to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for the 11:00 AM elephant feeding session (book both in advance). Enjoy a quick lunch, then embark on a mini-safari in Nairobi National Park. Head to Westlands for dinner before your onward flight or hotel.
Explore Nairobi and elsewhere with itineraries tailored to your trip duration.
A weekend in Nairobi offers a good taste of its unique offerings. Day 1: Arrival AND Urban Culture (Nairobi National Museum, Westlands dinner). Day 2: Wildlife & The Colonial past (Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karen Blixen Museum, Nyama Choma dinner). Day 3: Urban Safari & Departure (Nairobi National Park game drive).
A week provides ample time for exploration and a day trip. Days 1-3: Weekend itinerary. Day FOUR: Rift Valley adventure (Hell's Gate, Lake Naivasha). Day 5: Nature & Retail (Karura Forest, Maasai Market). Day 6: Choose between Limuru tea tour or Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The FINAL day: Relaxation & Departure.
Combine Nairobi's highlights with extended adventures across Kenya. Week 1: Follow the One-Week Comprehensive Experience itinerary for Nairobi. Week 2: Extend with a 3-5 day safari to Maasai Mara or Amboseli. Spend 3-4 days on the Kenyan Coast (Mombasa or Diani Beach) for relaxation and Swahili culture. Travel to the coast via SGR train or domestic flight.
For extended stays, embrace local living. Rent a serviced apartment in neighborhoods like Kilimani, Westlands, or Lavington. Immerse yourself in local culture: explore neighborhoods, learn Swahili, and engage in community activities. Consider volunteering with local NGOs.
Nairobi is a natural starting point for getting around the region. Consider combining your Kenya trip with Tanzania for Serengeti safaris or Uganda/Rwanda for gorilla trekking. The Northern Circuit and Southern Circuit routes showcase diverse landscapes and wildlife within Kenya.
Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater), Uganda & Rwanda (gorilla trekking).
Northern Circuit (Mount Kenya, Samburu, Maasai Mara), Southern Circuit (Amboseli, Tsavo, Mombasa).
Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater.
Tailor your Nairobi journey to your specific passions.
Explore the Nairobi National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum, National Archives, and Railway Museum. Take a guided walking tour of the CBD's historical buildings and the Uhuru Gardens A Memorial garden.
Explore local eateries ('vibandas'), visit 'nyama choma' joints, and try snacks at the Maasai Market. Consider a cooking class. Take a coffee or tea farm tour. Discover diverse international restaurants in Westlands and Kilimani.
Embark on a game drive in Nairobi National Park. Take a long walk or cycle in Karura Forest. Plan a day trip to Hell's Gate National Park to cycling and gorge exploration. Walk the Ngong Hills and experience zip-lining at Kereita Forest.
Prioritize the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and a short game drive in Nairobi National Park. Visit the Bomas of Kenya for cultural performances. Explore Karura Forest for easy walks. Consider Mamba Village. Two Rivers Mall offers amusements.
Explore the National Archives (Murumbi Gallery), Nairobi National Museum (contemporary art), and various art galleries.
Seek yoga and meditation centers. Enjoy peaceful walks in Karura Forest. Visit area religious sites. Indulge in spa treatments.
Gain architectural views from the KICC viewing deck or discover unique glass art at Kitengela Hot Glass.
Nairobi caters to all budgets with smart planning.
Stay in hostels (dorm beds) or budget guesthouses. Eat street food and at local eateries ('vibandas'). Use matatus for daytime transport. Prioritize free or low-cost activities like Karura Forest. Join group tours for Nairobi National Park to split costs.
Stay in mid-range hotels or comfortable Airbnb apartments. Eat at popular local chains (Java House, Artcaffe) and mid-range restaurants. Use ride-sharing apps (Uber/Bolt) for convenience. Include major attractions and a rewarding day trip.
Stay in 5-star hotels or unique boutique lodges (e.g., Giraffe Manor, Hemingways). Indulge in fine dining restaurants. Arrange private chauffeurs and tour guides. Go for private safari experiences, exclusive cross-cultural meetings, and potentially helicopter tours.
Travel during the shoulder season for a balance of good weather and lower prices. Mix local food with a few mid-range restaurant meals. Balance ride-sharing with some matatu use for short distances. Look for package deals for safaris or day trips.
Nairobi's seasons present different pros for visitors. Dry Seasons (Jan-Feb, Jun-Oct) are optimal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. Rainy Seasons (Mar-May, Nov-Dec) bring lush green landscapes, excellent birdwatching, and lower prices.
During the rainy seasons, certain rural roads might become impassable. Always check local conditions and forecasts.
Always consult local weather forecasts and advice before embarking on off-road trips during rainy periods.
