Travel Guide of Nairobi in Kenya by Influencers and Travelers

Nairobi is the capital and the largest city of Kenya. The name comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi, which translates to "cool water", a reference to the Nairobi River which flows through the city.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Nairobi

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Kibera

Kibera is a division of Nairobi Area, Kenya, and neighbourhood of the city of Nairobi, 6.6 kilometres from the city centre. Kibera is the largest slum in Nairobi, and the largest urban slum in Africa.

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2 - Uhuru Park

Uhuru Park is a 12.9 hectare recreational park adjacent to the central business district of Nairobi, Kenya. It was opened to the general public by the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta on 23 May 1969.

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3 - Tours & Sightseeing | Day Trips from Nairobi

On this day tour of Nairobi National Park, you can leave the transport from and to Nairobi up to your driver. Once you arrive at the Nairobi National Park, an expert guide will give you a tour of the park and the giraffe center, as well as answer all your questions. The park is home to an array of Kenya creatures; lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and many bird species.

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4 - Nairobi County

Nairobi is the capital and the largest city of Kenya. The name comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi, which translates to "cool water", a reference to the Nairobi River which flows through the city.

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5 - Korogocho

   9 km away

Korogocho is one of the largest slum neighbourhoods of Nairobi, Kenya. Home to 150,000 to 200,000 people pressed into 1.5 square kilometres, northeast of the city centre, Korogocho was founded as a shanty town on the then outskirts of the city.

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6 - Sightseeing | Nairobi

Experience the unseen side of Nairobi on a walking day kibera slum tour with a local born and raised in the slum. Discover creativity and happiness in a unique neighborhood.

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7 - Nairobi National Park

   11 km away

Nairobi National Park is a national park in Kenya that was established in 1946 about 7 km south of Nairobi. It is fenced on three sides, whereas the open southern boundary open allows migrating wildlife to move between the park and the adjacent Kitengela plains.

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8 - GiraffeCentre

   13 km away

The Giraffe Centre is located in Lang'ata, approximately 20 kilometres from the centre of Nairobi, Kenya. It was established in order to protect the vulnerable giraffe, that is found only in the grasslands of East Africa.

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9 - Birdwatching | Nairobi

The Masai Mara is one of the most famous wildlife conservation areas in the world, This safari gives you the best experience you can ever get. Pick up/Drop off, meals and accommodation is included

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10 - Giraffe Centre

   13 km away

The Giraffe Centre is located in Lang'ata, approximately 20 kilometres from the centre of Nairobi, Kenya. It was established in order to protect the endangered giraffe, that is found only in the grasslands of East Africa.

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11 - Ngong Hills

   24 km away

The Ngong Hills are peaks in a ridge along the Great Rift Valley, located southwest near Nairobi, in southern Kenya. The word "Ngong" is an Anglicization of a Maasai phrase "enkong'u emuny" meaning rhinoceros spring, and this name derives from a spring located near Ngong Town.

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12 - Hiking | Nairobi

Embark on a transformative journey through the heart of Nairobi as you explore Karura Forest, a hidden urban paradise like no other.

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13 - Limuru

   29 km away
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14 - Juja

   30 km away
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15 - Ngong

   36 km away

Ngong is a town near the Ngong Hills along the Great Rift Valley within Kajiado County, located in the southwest of Nairobi, in southern Kenya.

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Pictures and Stories of Nairobi from Influencers

16 pictures of Nairobi from Sam Power, Peter Usher, Zac Wolff and other travelers

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Why should you visit Nairobi ?

Travel to Nairobi if you like:

  🐾 Wildlife     🏖️ Surfing     🌲 Forest     🗼 Landmark     🛣️ Off-roading  

How to visit Nairobi ?

Why travel to Nairobi?

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is a vibrant and diverse destination, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and urban charm. As the gateway to East Africa, Nairobi is the perfect starting point for exploring Kenya's national parks and reserves, as well as its rich cultural heritage. With a thriving arts scene, bustling markets, and world-class dining options, Nairobi is sure to leave a lasting impression on every traveler.

How to get there?

Most international travelers arrive in Nairobi via the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), which is well-connected to major cities around the world. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange a private transfer to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can use the public bus system, which is an affordable but crowded option. Nairobi also has a railway station connected to Mombasa, making it accessible by train if you're traveling within Kenya or neighboring countries.

What to book in advance?

To make the most of your visit to Nairobi, it's essential to book certain attractions and experiences in advance. This includes tickets to the famous David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center, and Nairobi National Park. Additionally, if you plan to go on a safari, it's best to book your tour and lodgings well in advance to ensure availability and secure the best rates.

What are the costs?

Nairobi offers a range of options to suit various budgets. Accommodation can range from budget-friendly hostels at around $10 per night to luxury hotels that can cost upwards of $200 per night. Meals at local restaurants can cost between $5 to $15, while fine dining can set you back around $50 per person. Transportation costs are relatively affordable, with taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber being the most convenient options.

Best things to do:

- Visit Nairobi National Park: Home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and rhinos, this park offers a unique safari experience just a short drive from the city center.
- Explore the Karen Blixen Museum: This museum, located in the former home of the famous author, offers a glimpse into Kenya's colonial past and the life of the 'Out of Africa' writer.
- Discover the city's vibrant arts scene at the Nairobi Gallery, GoDown Arts Centre, and local markets like Maasai Market and Village Market.

Where to eat?

1. Carnivore Restaurant: A Nairobi institution, this restaurant serves up a variety of grilled meats in an all-you-can-eat setting.
2. Talisman: Located in the Karen suburb, this elegant restaurant offers a fusion of European, Asian, and African cuisines.
3. Mama Oliech: For a taste of traditional Kenyan dishes, head to this local eatery, famous for its fried fish and ugali.

Where to stay?

1. Fairmont The Norfolk: This historic luxury hotel offers a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, with beautifully manicured gardens and top-notch amenities.
2. Tribe Hotel: A contemporary boutique hotel, Tribe is known for its stylish design and excellent service.
3. Wildebeest Eco Camp: For budget-conscious travelers, this eco-friendly camp provides comfortable accommodations in a serene setting.

Off the beaten path:

For a truly unique experience, visit the Kibera Slum, one of Africa's largest urban slums. Participate in a guided tour organized by local residents, who use the proceeds to fund community projects. This eye-opening experience will provide you with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the local community and the resilience of its people.

Learn More about Nairobi

 Nairobi is the capital of Kenya. Nicknamed the African New York, it has a population of nearly 5 million in 2020.

Located in the southwest of the country and perched at an altitude of 1600 meters, this dynamic metropolis has experienced impressive development. 

At the beginning of the 20th century, it was still only a small stopover village during the construction of the Kenya Uganda Railway, which linked Mombasa, a Kenyan city located on the coast, to neighboring Uganda.

In less than a century, the city has become a major economic center on the African continent,

playing a leading role in finance, tourism and university education. With the Jomo-Kenyatta airport located 15km from the city center, Nairobi is a very accessible city, even for foreign visitors.

Although the city itself has few monuments to visit, apart from the beautiful Jamia Mosque, the outskirts are full of wonders to discover. The Nairobi Natural Park, with an area of 120km², was created in 1946 less than 10km from the city. It is home to remarkable wildlife, including wildebeest, black rhino, zebra and hippo. You can also visit the Giraffe Centre to observe and even feed giraffes. For a more cultural outing, visit the Bomas of Kenya, where the homes of a dozen Kenyan tribes are reproduced, or the Masaai Market to buy local handicrafts. For those looking for a breath of fresh air, you can walk through Uhuru Park with its 13 hectares of greenery right next to the business district. Alternatively, drive to the Karura and Sigiria forests just a few kilometers from town, where you'll find numerous hiking trails.



Nairobi became the capital of Kenya relatively recently, as it was named in 1905. It is also the largest city in the country with an area of 150 km².

 Like most capitals in the world, Nairobi is a city with many tourist attractions.

However, it remains, more often than not, a starting point to reach the animal reserves of Kenya.

 The city itself is quite noisy and often suffers from numerous traffic jams. A place in effervescence at every hour of the day. Its altitude allows it to enjoy a pleasant climate all year round. The city is located at an average height of 1,660 meters. It culminates at 1,850 meters at its highest point.

For those who decide to spend a day or two here, there are many places to go. The area around the city offers wildlife attractions, while the city center offers cultural attractions such as the Nairobi National Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Nairobi

Nairobi : what to do?

• Stop at Kazuri: a small tour of the factory where a large number of women make these beautiful ceramic beads. For shopping enthusiasts, there is a store at the entrance.

• For animal lovers, the closest game reserve to Nairobi is the Nairobi National Park, a 20-minute drive from downtown.

• The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: this is an orphanage where young elephants have been taken in. The curious can go there from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm to pet them and see them being bottle-fed.

• The Giraffe Centre: this center deals exclusively with giraffes, as its name indicates. Tourists can feed them and stroke their heads!

Nairobi : what to eat?

The legacy of the many colonizations is abundantly felt in the local food. Kenyans use many different spices.

There is of course a wide variety of seafood and many dishes in sauce such as Kuku wakupaka, chicken cooked in coconut milk. 

Kenyans often accompany their dishes with ugali, a kind of crushed corn porridge. Unfortunately, this dish does not have any particular flavor.

There is also very good Indian cuisine. Food lovers will be delighted to try the mandaazis (fritters) or the sambusas. It is quite rare to leave the table still hungry!

Nairobi : what to bring back?

Kenyan handicrafts are very varied. There are an incredible number of figurines carved in wood.

They represent all the animals of the savannah. There are also beautiful Masai masks.

• For painting enthusiasts, Kenyan paintings are very colorful.
• Most of them depict Maasai villages but also hunting scenes. There is no point in rushing to the first market that comes along, all the stores sell the same thing, with a few rare exceptions
• . Do not hesitate to haggle over prices, Kenyans love it!

   Where to Stay in Nairobi

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