Dynamic and dizzying, offering both sky-high urbanity and rural wildlife preserves, Nairobi is a dazzling contradiction, and one of East Africa’s largest cities. Ranking among the top things to do in Nairobi, the Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offer opportunities to discover elephants, rhinos, giraffes, lions, and more without leaving on safari. For a dose of culture, head to the National Museum or visit the Bomas of Kenya to learn about the region’s tribal groups. And don’t retreat to your hotel after dinner—Nairobi’s nightlife is legendary.
Owing to its high elevation, Nairobi enjoys relatively moderate temperatures throughout the year. However, avoid its rainy seasons—from October through December and March through May—if you want to explore and take a safari without worrying about weather. The high season is from June to early October, and it coincides with zebra and wildebeest migrations, as well as events such as Madaraka Day (a national celebration of the republic of Kenya on June 1) and the Kenya Music Festival in August.
Nairobi is served by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the Nairobi Railway Station. Public transportation in the city consists of matatus (smaller passenger vans), which can be lively but also unpredictable and sometimes unsafe. Passenger buses are an alternative, as are taxis, where price-haggling is often required. Ride-share services are generally a good bet for international travelers, as are guided tours.
Looking for the perfect panoramic view of Nairobi? Bring your camera along and head to the distinctive Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), a 28-story skyscraper; for a fee, you can ascend to its roof deck and soak up the setting until early evening. As is common in many destinations in Nairobi, you will need ID and to go through a security screening before your visit.
Attractions 18 | Tours 2,445 | Reviews 13,035 |
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, a vibrant city with energetic nightlife, colorful markets, leafy suburbs, and the country’s finest museums. It’s also famed as a metropolis where African wildlife roams freely within view of downtown skyscrapers, as nearby Nairobi National Park is home to lions, giraffes, zebras, and more.
...MoreYes, Nairobi is worth visiting. The city is one of East Africa’s most vibrant places, rewarding visitors with great nightlife, restaurant culture, galleries, and shopping ranging from upscale boutiques to Maasai markets. The National Museums of Kenya preserve history, while lions, zebras, and giraffes roam in nearby Nairobi National Park.
...MoreA week is enough time to see Nairobi’s top sites, including Nairobi National Park, National Museums of Kenya, Giraffe Centre, and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. You’ll have time for a few day trips, too—popular options include outings to Maasai villages, Lake Naivasha birdwatching, and nearby tea plantations.
...MoreWith 24 hours in Nairobi, you can see some of the city’s most popular sites. The Karen suburb has access to both history and wildlife, so visitors can take in the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and Nairobi National Park in just one day.
...MoreYes, you can walk around Nairobi during daytime hours. However, the city’s sprawling geography means most tourist sites aren’t within easy walking distance of each other. For most visitors that means contending with regular traffic jams while getting around using licensed taxis, rideshares, buses, and budget-friendly matatus, or public minibuses.
...MoreTranquil parks are popular destinations for Nairobi couples, with favorites including Oloolua Nature Trail, The Nairobi Arboretum, and Karura Forest. Wildlife lovers frequent the Giraffe Centre and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage. Culture fans, meanwhile, can browse handicrafts at the Maasai Market or African art exhibits in Nairobi Gallery.
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