Things to Do in Nairobi: A Complete Guide for Every Traveler
When people think of Nairobi, the bustling capital of Kenya, the first thing that often comes to mind is safari. And yes, Nairobi is the only capital city in the world with a national park right on its doorstep…a unique blend of urban energy and wild landscapes. But there’s so much more to Nairobi than lions and giraffes grazing with the city skyline in the background.
Nairobi is a city of contrasts. It’s where skyscrapers meet savannah, where traditional African culture sits alongside contemporary art, and where you can hike a forest trail in the morning, enjoy a gourmet brunch by midday, and dance the night away under the stars.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days before heading on safari, or planning to immerse yourself in Nairobi life, this guide will walk you through the best things to do in Nairobi, wildlife, culture, food, nightlife, shopping, day trips, and more.
Wildlife Experiences in Nairobi
Nairobi National Park
Just 7 km from the city center, Nairobi National Park is a breathtaking introduction to Kenya’s wildlife. Imagine this: you’re watching a lioness lounging in the grass with Nairobi’s skyscrapers shimmering in the background. It’s surreal.
The park is home to rhinos, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and over 400 bird species. Safaris here can be done in half a day. Perfect if you’re short on time. Morning game drives are particularly rewarding, as animals are more active before the midday heat.
Book a guided Nairobi National Park safari for a stress-free experience with hotel pickup and expert guides.
Pro tip: Visit early (6 a.m.) to catch predators before they retreat into the shade.
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
This sanctuary is heart-meltingly adorable and deeply inspiring. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rescues and rehabilitates orphaned baby elephants, most of whom have lost their mothers to poaching or natural causes.
Every day from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., the public can watch the baby elephants being fed milk bottles and splashing about in the mud. It’s an intimate experience that also educates visitors about conservation challenges in Kenya.
Reserve your spot on a Nairobi wildlife tour that includes the Elephant Orphanage.
Giraffe Centre
If you’ve ever dreamed of feeding a giraffe by hand, the Giraffe Centre is your spot. Located in Lang’ata, this non-profit sanctuary protects endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. Visitors can climb a raised platform and feed giraffes pellets. Just be prepared for a friendly giraffe kiss!
Combine the Giraffe Centre with the Elephant Orphanage on this popular Nairobi day trip
It’s a fun stop for families, and you’ll leave with unforgettable photos.
Nairobi Safari Walk
This is like a living zoo-meets-wildlife education center, right next to Nairobi National Park. The Nairobi Safari Walk offers elevated wooden boardwalks that take you through habitats featuring cheetahs, leopards, lions, and rhinos in more controlled environments. It’s a good way to see animals up close, especially for kids.
For a more controlled wildlife encounter, consider a guided safari walk.
Cultural & Historical Attractions
Karen Blixen Museum
If you’ve read Out of Africa or seen the film, you’ll recognize the name. Karen Blixen’s former home, set against the backdrop of the Ngong Hills, is now a museum. Skip the hassle and join a Karen Blixen & Giraffe Centre tour, a great combo for history and wildlife lovers.
The colonial-era farmhouse is beautifully preserved, and guided tours offer insights into her life and the history of Kenya during that time.
Even if you’re not a fan of her work, the lush gardens and serene setting make it worth the visit.
National Museum of Kenya
For history buffs and curious travelers alike, the National Museum of Kenya is a must. It’s has a lot of Kenyan culture, history, and natural heritage. Highlights include prehistoric fossils from Lake Turkana, ethnographic exhibits, and impressive collections of Kenyan art.
Pair your visit with the adjacent Snake Park, which houses live reptiles and amphibians.
Bomas of Kenya
This cultural village is a vibrant way to explore Kenya’s rich ethnic diversity. “Boma” means homestead, and here you’ll find replicas of traditional houses from different communities across Kenya.
But the real highlight is the live cultural performances: traditional dances, music, and acrobatics that bring Kenya’s traditions to life in an interactive way.
Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC)
One of Nairobi’s iconic landmarks, the KICC is a hub for conferences and events but for visitors, the main draw is the rooftop helipad. From here, you get a 360-degree view of Nairobi: the bustling city center, Uhuru Park, and even distant hills on clear days.
Go in the late afternoon for stunning sunset views.
Adventure & Outdoor Activities
Ngong Hills
Just a 40-minute drive from the city, Ngong Hills is a hiker’s dream. Rolling green hills dotted with wind turbines stretch as far as the eye can see. If you don’t want to navigate on your own, try a guided hike of the Ngong Hills.
The trail runs about 20 km, but you can do shorter sections for a less strenuous day.
Pack a picnic and soak in the views. It’s a refreshing escape from the city bustle.
Karura Forest
A favorite for Nairobi locals, Karura Forest is a tranquil urban forest perfect for walking, running, or cycling. Highlights include caves once used by freedom fighters, a beautiful waterfall, and peaceful picnic spots.
Fun fact: Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai led the fight to preserve this forest, and today it’s one of the city’s green lungs.
Uhuru Park & Central Park
These two parks in the heart of the city are Nairobi’s classic hangout spots. Families gather on weekends for paddle boating, picnics, or simply lounging in the sun. Street vendors sell ice cream, and you’ll often catch live events or political rallies here.
It’s the perfect place to observe local life at its most authentic.
Mount Longonot (Day Trip)
If you’re up for a day trip, head about 60 km from Nairobi to Mount Longonot National Park. This dormant volcano offers a moderately challenging hike up to the rim, with spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley. Check out a Mount Longonot hiking day trip with transport included.
You can even hike around the crater rim if you’re feeling adventurous.
Food & Nightlife in Nairobi
Street Food Experiences
Nairobi’s street food culture is lively and flavorful. Try mutura (African sausage), roasted maize, or samosas from local vendors. These snacks are cheap, delicious, and perfect for an authentic experience.
Stay close to the action by booking a hotel in Nairobi’s lively Westlands district.
Local Restaurants
From nyama choma (grilled meat) joints to high-end African fusion restaurants, Nairobi has it all. Carnivore is famous for its all-you-can-eat meat feast, but smaller local eateries serve equally mouthwatering goat, beef, or chicken.
Cafés & Brunch Spots
Nairobi is slowly becoming a café culture hub. Neighborhoods like Karen and Westlands boast trendy cafés serving excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and hearty brunches.
Java House, a Kenyan chain, is a reliable stop for coffee lovers, but smaller artisan spots like Artcaffé and Tin Roof Café are worth seeking out.
Nightlife
When the sun sets, Nairobi comes alive. Westlands is the go-to district for nightlife. Rooftop bars, live music venues, and clubs that keep the city buzzing until dawn. Popular spots include Kiza Lounge, Brew Bistro, and The Alchemist (a creative space with food trucks, live DJs, and art events).
Shopping & Souvenirs
For souvenirs, the Maasai Market is unbeatable. Held at different locations on different days, it’s a treasure chest of beadwork, carvings, textiles, and jewelry. Bargaining is part of the experience, so bring your best negotiation skills.
For a more curated experience, shops like Spinners Web and Utamaduni offer high-quality crafts from across Kenya.
Day Trips from Nairobi
Lake Naivasha
A serene freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is ideal for birdwatching and boat rides. Book a Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island day trip for a chance to walk among giraffes.
You’ll spot hippos lounging in the water and an incredible variety of bird species. Crescent Island, accessible by boat, lets you walk among giraffes and antelopes.
Hell’s Gate National Park
Just beyond Naivasha, Hell’s Gate is famous for its dramatic cliffs, geothermal hot springs, and gorges. It’s one of the few parks in Kenya where you can cycle or hike among wildlife like zebras and giraffes.
Join a Hell’s Gate National Park cycling tour for a unique adventure.
The scenery is so cinematic that it inspired the landscapes in The Lion King.
Ol Donyo Sabuk
This mountain and national park north of Nairobi is less visited but equally rewarding. It’s home to baboons, buffalo, and beautiful hiking trails leading to a summit with panoramic views.
Hidden Gems & Offbeat Experiences
Kazuri Beads Factory
This women’s cooperative produces beautiful handmade ceramic beads and pottery. A factory tour shows the entire bead-making process, and you can shop directly for unique souvenirs while supporting a social enterprise.
Railway Museum
A quirky but fascinating stop, the Nairobi Railway Museum preserves Kenya’s railway history from the colonial era. Vintage trains, carriages, and locomotives bring to life the stories of the “Lunatic Express.”
Nairobi Arboretum
This 30-hectare green space near State House is perfect for birdwatching, picnicking, or simply enjoying nature without leaving the city. Locals often come here for jogging or yoga.
Street Art Tours
Nairobi has a thriving street art scene, particularly in neighborhoods like Kibera and Westlands. Guided tours introduce you to colorful murals that tell stories of resilience, culture, and social commentary.
Practical Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: Nairobi is pleasant year-round, but the dry seasons (January–March and July–October) are best for outdoor activities. For the best rates and convenience, book your Nairobi accommodations on Expedia.
- Getting around: Uber and Bolt are widely available. Matatus (minibuses) are cheap but chaotic—best for the adventurous.
- Safety: Nairobi has areas where you should exercise caution, particularly at night. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid carrying valuables.
- Currency: The Kenyan Shilling (KES). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but cash is useful for markets and small vendors.
- Language: English and Swahili are widely spoken. Learning a few Swahili phrases like “Asante” (thank you) goes a long way.
Conclusion
Nairobi is a city unlike any other. A place where you can watch lions at sunrise, sip coffee in a trendy café by noon, explore cultural history in the afternoon, and dance under the stars by night. It’s wild, modern, vibrant, and full of surprises.
Whether you’re here for a short layover or a longer stay, Nairobi will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Ready to explore? Discover Nairobi’s top-rated tours and experiences or secure the perfect hotel in Nairobi before your trip.
Plan Your Nairobi Adventures
If Nairobi has captured your imagination, why stop at reading?
Below, you’ll find a curated selection of the most popular Nairobi experiences, designed to help you make the most of your visit. These handpicked tours and activities are trusted by travelers worldwide and offer seamless ways to explore the city’s highlights.
Check out the top-rated Nairobi experiences here:
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