- Nairobi National Park lets you see lions with skyscrapers in the background—unique in the world.
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is the place to adopt and visit baby elephants (11am-12pm only).
- Giraffe Centre allows you to feed endangered Rothschild giraffes by hand from a platform.
- Karen Blixen Museum (Out of Africa) is a piece of colonial history in a beautiful garden.
- Maasai Market is the spot for colorful crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs (haggling is mandatory).
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When to go: Dry Seasons
July-October and January-February are dry and best for safaris.
The Great Migration in the Mara happens July-October (many start in Nairobi).
- Best: Jul-Oct, Jan-Feb.
- Rain: Mar-May, Nov.
- Migration: Jul-Oct.
Getting there: Uber or Transfer
Jomo Kenyatta (NBO) is the main airport. Traffic is notorious. Use Uber or a pre-booked transfer.
The new Expressway has cut travel time significantly (but costs a toll).
- Uber: Reliable.
- Expressway: Fast.
- Matatu: Local bus (chaotic).
Where to stay: Westlands or Karen
Westlands is the expat/nightlife hub with malls and hotels. It's lively.
Karen is leafy, quiet, upscale, and near the giraffe/elephant centers (but far from CBD).
- Westlands: Nightlife.
- Karen: Nature/Quiet.
- CBD: Busy/Avoid at night.
What to see: Animals!
Start with the Elephant Orphanage (book in advance!). Then the Giraffe Centre. Visit the National Park for a game drive.
See the National Museum for history and culture.
- Elephants: Sheldrick Trust.
- Giraffes: Giraffe Centre.
- Lions: National Park.
- Museum: Culture.
Food: Nyama Choma
Nyama Choma (roasted meat) is the national obsession. Carnivore Restaurant is the famous tourist spot for exotic meats.
Java House is the local coffee chain (great coffee).
- Nyama Choma: BBQ meat.
- Carnivore: Meat feast.
- Java House: Coffee.
- Tusker: Local beer.
Getting around: Uber
Uber is safe and easy. Matatus (minibuses) are cheap, loud, and colorful but can be dangerous/confusing for tourists.
Walking is not recommended at night or in unknown areas.
- Uber: Best option.
- Matatu: Adventure.
- Walk: Caution needed.
Budget: Moderate
Nairobi is not cheap for tourists. Park fees and tours add up.
Food and Uber are reasonable.
- Park Fees: High ($40+).
- Food: Reasonable.
- Uber: Affordable.
1 Day in Nairobi
Morning: Nairobi National Park game drive (start at 6am).
Late Morning: Elephant Orphanage (11am sharp).
Lunch: Karen Blixen Coffee Garden.
Afternoon: Giraffe Centre. Karen Blixen Museum.
Evening: Dinner at Carnivore or in Westlands.
- Morning: Safari.
- Noon: Elephants.
- Afternoon: Giraffes.
- Evening: Meat.
FAQ
Is it safe?
It has a nickname 'Nairobbery'. Be vigilant, don't walk at night, use Uber.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, Kenya requires an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for all visitors.
Can I really see lions in the city?
Yes, inside the fenced National Park. Not roaming the streets!