5 Interesting Things to Do in Nairobi Kenya

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya is one of the captivating destinations in Africa. Nicknamed the “The Green City in the Sun ”, Nairobi has plenty of attractions. You’ll find parks and gardens, breathtaking landscapes, jaw-dropping wildlife, and warm friendly people.

If you have plans to visit Nairobi, I’ll help you put together things you’ll need, the best places to visit, and a detailed guide on where to start. Don’t miss the thrilling safari experience of the Nairobi National Park where lions, leopards, and giraffes roam against the backdrop of skyscrapers.

Nairobi City Overview

Nairobi is the capital and largest city in Kenya. It was named after a Maasai phrase “Enkare Nairobi” which translates to “place of cool waters”. The city started in the 1800s as a railway station on the colonial Uganda-Kenya railway. It later expanded and attracted settlement.

Due to its high elevation at 5,889 feet above sea level, Nairobi has a refreshing climate throughout the year. This made the British consider it a perfect resting place. Many industries and trading activities made the town grow faster hence becoming the capital city of the Republic of Kenya.

Today, Nairobi is a unique blend of history and modern life. The city hosts thousands of multinational companies and key international organizations. The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) located right next to the beautiful Karura Forest is the UN’s headquarters in Africa.

Traveling to Nairobi

There are many options for getting to Nairobi depending on where you are starting your journey. You can arrive by road, air or rail. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the main entry point for air travelers. National and regional carriers like Kenya Airways, and  Ethiopian Airlines will give you luxury and comfort.

To enter the country, you will need a Visa, so it’s best to stay informed about the entry requirements. The good news, getting a visa to Kenya is pretty easy. Simply go to Electronic Travel Authorisation and make your application. Your electronic visa will cost around $50.

To make things easier, I recommend planning your trip through a reputable travel agency. They handle logistics like transportation, accommodation, and activity bookings, saving you time and planning effort. Navigating unfamiliar places needs experienced guides for safety reasons.

Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya

Once you have successfully entered Nairobi, there are plenty of interesting things to do.

1. Tour the Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is one of my favorite places around the city. This is where you get your firsthand experience with wildlife within the bustling city limits. The park is home to iconic wildlife animals like lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and a hundred species of birds.

Beyond game drives, Nairobi National Park offers a variety of activities. Visitors can relax at picnic sites, explore nature trails on foot or bike, or even camp under the stars. Getting to this amazing place is less than 30 minutes from the JKIA terminus. 

2. Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, established in 1977 is a rescue center for orphaned elephants, rhinos, and other animals. Here you’ll witness how the rescued wildlife are rehabilitated and cared for before they are reintegrated back into their natural habitats. Seeing baby elephants being fed milk and enjoying mud baths is a truly heartwarming experience.

Getting to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is straightforward. A drive from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or city center takes only 30 minutes. The easiest means of transport is using a taxi or requesting the service from a ride-sharing app like Bolt or Uber. 

3. Go feed and interact with giraffes

Encountering the majestic Rothschild giraffe at the Giraffe Centre will make your Nairobi trip unforgettable. The sanctuary was established to protect the endangered species. On the raised observation platform, tourists get a chance to feed provided pellets to these gentle creatures.

If your pockets are deep enough, you can book a stay at the Giraffe Manor, located just next to the sanctuary. This is a boutique hotel where you can enjoy your breakfast with giraffes. It’s equally a unique place with a rich history of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.

4. Visit the Nairobi National Museum

The Nairobi National Museum has a collection of materials portraying the country’s culture, nature, history, and contemporary art. It is one of the best places to visit while in Nairobi Kenya. You’ll marvel at life-size displays of lions, elephants, and other iconic creatures.

Beyond showcasing, the museum also has a Snake Park. This is where you’ll learn about various slithering serpents found in different parts of the region. The botanical garden in this museum is also a beautiful place to relax and learn about various plants.

5. Take a nature walk in Karura Forest

Visiting Karura Forest is one of the interesting things to do in Nairobi. It’s a precious urban oasis offering fresh air to the Nairobians. This 1,000-hectare reserve, gazetted in 1932, is one of the largest city forests in the world. It boasts indigenous trees and iconic waterfalls.

Karura Forest caters to a variety of recreational activities. Hikers enjoy the scenic trails, cyclists speed along designated paths, and families picnic on designated lawns. The forest even features a dedicated dog walking area. Thousands of birds also live here, making it a haven for birdwatchers. 

When to go to Nairobi Kenya

Kenya lies on the equator and that makes it a year-round destination with no climate variations. There are no seasons like winter or summer. However, the most preferred time to visit Nairobi is during the dry season June to September, and December to February.

Nairobi is a great connecting point to other scenic places in the country. From there you can go to the Lake Nakuru National Park, an exhilarating place to see millions of Flamingos painting the shallow soda lake pink. The Hells Gate National Park with breathtaking geological features is just a stone-throw away.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is also a few kilometers from Nairobi. In fact, it’s in the same direction as you head to Nakuru. This is where you can witness the Great Migration of wildebeest, the largest animal movement on the planet which takes place around June to September.

Where to Stay in Nairobi

Nairobi offers a variety of neighborhoods to stay in. Westlands is a great choice for visitors who prefer the convenience of connecting to other places in the city. This upscale neighborhood is home to many five-star hotels and restaurants including the Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi. 

If you’re looking for a quiet and leafy escape, Karen is a good option. This affluent suburb is home to the Giraffe Centre, the Karen Blixen Museum, and several coffee farms. Some of the best places to stay include the Giraffe Manor (booking is done in advance) and Karen Blixen Cottages.

Travelers on a budget can also enjoy their stay in the heart of the city. Some of the best hotels in the CBD include the Serena Hotel, Sarova Stanley, and The Boma Nairobi. Although they are located in busy and slightly noisy places, you will easily explore the vibrant nightlife of Nairobi.

Important things to carry when traveling to Nairobi

• Pack breathable clothes in neutral colors. Pants and shirts with sleeves are recommended to protect yourself from sunburn and mosquitos.
• A light sweater or fleece jacket for layering. Nairobi can get surprisingly chilly in the evenings.
• A pair of closed-toe walking shoes. Consider packing sturdy boots if you are planning to hike.
• Pack a swimsuit if your hotel has a swimming pool. This is also essential if you have plans to visit the coast of Mombasa.
• A nice casual outfit is your best bet for evening dinners or any important business meeting.
• Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Sometimes Nairobi gets too sunny.
• Don’t forget to carry insect repellent. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially during the rainy seasons.
• Pack a small medical kit with any essential medications. Ensure it has some painkillers and even basic antihistamines.
• Carry a camera if you wish to capture all your memories in Nairobi.
• Make photocopies of your Identification documents just in case you lose the originals.
• Carry some cash in Kenya Shillings for smaller purchases, taxis, and tipping. 

Is Nairobi Safe?

Without beating around the bush, Nairobi is a safe place to visit. Like any other city in the world, travelers are urged to be extra vigilant about their surroundings. Petty theft, muggings, armed robberies, and carjackings occur in certain areas, especially at night.

Terrorism is a threat in the region, targeting foreigners and public places but the Government of Kenya in collaboration with other agencies is working around the clock to ensure the safety of its citizens and everyone traveling to the country. Travel advisory might be offered at the height of suspected terrorist activities.

Final Thought

Traveling to  Nairobi can be a very worthwhile experience. The city has delicious food, exciting nightlife, and plenty of attractions. A safari in the Nairobi National Park, breakfast with giraffes, and exploring further into multi-day safaris or hikes will make your visit forever memorable.