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What to Pack for Nairobi

What to Pack for Nairobi

Nairobi Nairobi County, Kenya Travel Guide

Dry Season Attire

Pack lightweight clothing for daytime comfort during sunny days (Jan-Feb, Jun-Oct). Include a warm layer for the cooler evenings.

Essentials for Dry Weather

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Sweater, fleece, or a Light jacket for cool evenings.
  • Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun protection.

Rainy Season Ready

During rainy periods (Mar-May, Oct-Dec), rain showers are common. A waterproof layer is a good idea to stay dry.

Rainy Weather Preparedness

Footwear Guidance

City Explorers

Comfortable Walking shoes or Sneakers are essential for urban excursions and museum visits.

All-day comfort

Relaxed Wear

Bring Sandals or flip-flops for casual use and relaxation at your accommodation.

Leisure & casual

Trail Ready

Pack Sturdy hiking boots if you plan on exploring Ngong Hills or rougher trails in Karura Forest.

Hiking & outdoor

Cultural Etiquette

Modesty in Dress

Nairobi is a cosmopolitan city, but showing respect through modest dress is appreciated, specifically when visiting religious sites, government buildings, or more traditional neighborhoods.

  • Avoid overly revealing clothing to show respect.
  • Covering your shoulders and knees is a thoughtful gesture in many contexts.
  • Women should carry a head covering for visits to mosques.
  • Modest attire is important for religious sites.
  • Safari: Opt for neutral colors like khaki or brown to blend with nature and avoid attracting insects.
  • Hiking: Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots and layered clothing.
  • Swimming: Standard Swimwear for hotel pools; modesty outside private hotel settings.
  • Formal Events: Some luxury hotels or fine dining establishments may require smart casual or more formal wear.

Travel Documents

Identification

Carry your main identification and entry permits securely throughout your trip.

Essential IDs

  • Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay and include at least A couple of blank pages.
  • Visa Documentation: Carry a printed copy of your approved e-Visa or proof of visa exemption.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Needed if you plan to drive in Kenya, alongside your national driving license.

Travel & Health Records

Keep all making reservations and health records easily accessible for a smooth travel experience.

Records & Bookings

  • Travel Insurance Policy: Print both physical and digital copies. Include emergency contact numbers.
  • Flight Plan & Accommodation: Printed and digital copies of all flight, hotel, plus tour reservations.
  • Vaccination Records: Your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate and records for other recommended vaccinations.

Backup & Contacts

Document Copies

Make several photocopies of your passport, visa, and other important documents. Store these copies separately from the originals.

Digital Backups

Keep digital copies on a secure cloud service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) or email them to yourself. This avoids loss if a device is stolen or damaged.

Emergency Information

Create a list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, your country's embassy or consulate in Nairobi, and local emergency numbers (999 or 112).

Gadgets & Connectivity

Power Up

Ensure your devices are compatible with local power standards for seamless use.

Power Essentials

  • Power Adapter & Voltage: Kenya uses Type G (UK standard) plugs. The voltage is 240V at 50Hz. Pack a Universal travel adapter.
  • Portable Chargers & Power Banks: These are useful for extended days out or in case of electricity cuts.
  • Mobile Phone Compatibility: Kenya uses the GSM network. Your Unlocked mobile phone will work.

Stay Connected & Capture Memories

Local SIM cards and camera gear improve your travel experience and connection.

Connectivity & Photography

  • SIM Card Options: Local SIM cards (Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom) are available at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or retail stores. Passport is needed for registration.
  • Camera Equipment: If you plan safaris, a camera with a decent zoom or Telephoto lens is useful. Protect your equipment from dust.
  • Backup Solutions: Use cloud storage services for backing up photos and other important data. NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure public Wi-Fi access.

Useful Apps & Tech

Navigation & Rides

  • Ride-sharing Apps: Uber, Bolt, Little Cab offer transparent pricing and tracking features.
  • Google Maps: Download offline maps for Nairobi to help with navigation without data.
  • Airalo: Purchase an eSIM for immediate cellular connectivity upon arrival.

Communication & Conversion

Activity-Specific Gear

Safari Photography

Capture wildlife with the right camera gear for your safari adventure.

  • Binoculars for spotting distant animals.
  • Camera with a Telephoto lens.
  • Protection for equipment from dust and bumps.
  • Extra batteries and memory cards.

Hiking Essentials

Prepare for trails in Karura Forest or Ngong Hills with suitable gear.

  • A Lightweight daypack for essentials.
  • Reusable water bottle and trail snacks.
  • Sturdy hiking boots for rough terrain.
  • Dressing in layers for changing conditions.

Leisure & Comfort

Items for relaxation and comfort during your city exploration or travels.

Health & Personal Care

Medical Kit Must-Haves

A well-stocked Personal first aid kit is a good idea for minor illnesses and injuries.

First Aid Checklist

Personal Prescriptions & Remedies

Bring a sufficient supply of any required prescription medications in their original, clearly labeled containers.

Medication & Special Needs

  • Prescription Medications: Have a copy of your prescription and a doctor's letter.
  • Over-the-Counter Medications: Pack remedies for colds, headaches, upset stomach, or Motion sickness.
  • Altitude Sickness Remedies: Include these if your itinerary visits higher altitudes like Mount Kenya (Nairobi's elevation is generally not problematic).

Protection & Hydration

Insect & Sun Guard

  • Insect Repellent: Choose a repellent with a high DEET content (20-50%) or Picaridin. Apply regularly.
  • Sun Protection: Pack High SPF sunscreen, a Wide-brimmed hat, and good quality Sunglasses.
  • Night Protection: Apply repellent regularly, especially from dusk to dawn, to deter mosquitoes.

Water & Personal Hygiene

  • Water Purification: Carrying a Water filter bottle or Purification tablets provides a a copy for water safety.
  • Personal Hygiene Essentials: Bring Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and any specific brands of toiletries you prefer.
  • Specialized Items: Some specialized items may be difficult to find or more expensive locally; bring them from home if you need them.

General Travel Items

Travel Comforts

Enhance your journeys with these small additions for relaxation during long flights or commutes.

On-the-Go Comfort

  • A Neck pillow for long flights or bus rides.
  • An Eye mask and Earplugs for restful travel.
  • A good book or entertainment for downtime.
  • A portable power bank for device charging.

Personal Security

Secure your valuables discreetly to minimize risks while exploring Nairobi.

Valuable Protection

Eco-Friendly & Local Considerations

Reusable Water Bottle

Fill with filtered or bottled water, helping the environment.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Kenya has a strict plastic bag ban, so bring your own.

Reusable Utensils

Helps to reduce waste from single-use plastics.

Headlamp/Flashlight

Useful during power outages or for walking at night in less-lit areas.

Destination-Specifics

Local Gestures

  • Small, culturally appropriate gifts for hosts can be a thoughtful gesture if you plan homestays.
  • These gifts serve as a way to express appreciation during community visits.
  • Learning a few basic Swahili phrases is a nice touch for interactions with locals.

Items to Consider

  • A guidebook for local insights and navigation, providing valuable information.
  • A physical map as a contingency to digital options, notably in areas with limited connectivity.
  • A small notebook and pen for quick notes, journaling, or jotting down local recommendations.

Packing Smart

Roll clothes tightly to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization and easy access to items.

Pack heavier items near the wheels of your suitcase when using a wheeled bag for better balance and maneuverability.