Most visitors arrive in Nairobi eager to begin their safari adventure, often heading straight to the Maasai Mara or Amboseli. We almost did the same. Instead, we spent two days exploring Kenya’s vibrant capital, and it turned out to be the perfect introduction to the country.
Nairobi is a city of contrasts. Modern skyscrapers stand alongside wildlife reserves, busy markets are just minutes from peaceful gardens, and some of Kenya’s most important conservation efforts begin right here. From feeding endangered giraffes to meeting orphaned elephants and learning about Kenya’s history, we found plenty to fill two memorable days.
If you’re planning a Kenya safari, I highly recommend spending at least a day or two in Nairobi. Here’s how we spent our time and the experiences I’d recommend.
After years of dreaming and months of planning, it was Time for Africa and we were pretty excited when we landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. We had no bags to check-in, so we collected our duffel bags and climbed down the steps on to the tarmac.
Most of the safari trips start in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and we saw a few already in their safari gear.. both, young and old and a few families. We lined up to the Immigration booth and showed our eVisa and were promptly picked up by our Safari guide from Angama Safari.
We had only 2 days and here are the best things to do in Nairobi, or rather things we did in Nairobi…
WHAT IS IN THIS POST
Best things to do in Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi National Park
On the way to our hotel, our guide pointed to us, Kenya’s most accessible safari experience. Set on the city’s southern outskirts, Nairobi National Park (at 117 sq km, one of Africa’s smallest) has abundant wildlife that can, in places, be viewed against a backdrop of city skyscrapers and planes coming into land – it’s one of the only national parks on earth bordering a capital city.
We didn’t go on a safari there but drove by it a couple of times and wondered how cool to have this wildlife so close to the city and still have their own space
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Our visit to the elephant orphanage was one of the most emotional experiences of our Kenya trip.
Watching the baby elephants run toward their keepers for their bottles, roll around in the mud, and play together was both joyful and heartbreaking once you learned their stories. Many had lost their mothers to poaching, drought, or human-wildlife conflict.
The work being done here is incredible, and if you have time for only one conservation experience in Nairobi, I would make it this one.
Occupying a plot within Nairobi National Park, this nonprofit trust was established in 1977, shortly after the death of David Sheldrick, who served as the antipoaching warden of Tsavo National Park.
We saw a black rhino and watched baby tembos (Swahili for “elephants”) running back home to be fed and put to bed. A handler leads each of them into their stall and keeps it company, just as its mother would have.
More details about our visit and the baby elephant we adopted here.
Giraffe Center
One of our favorite experiences in Nairobi was visiting the Giraffe Centre. Getting up close to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes and feeding them by hand was something all of us enjoyed.
The center was established to help protect the Rothschild’s giraffe, one of Africa’s most endangered giraffe subspecies. The knowledgeable staff shared information about conservation efforts, making it much more than simply a photo opportunity.
Today the population numbers more than 300, and the center has successfully released these beautiful creatures into Lake Nakuru National Park (home to around 45 giraffes), Mwea National Reserve, Ruma National Park, and Nasalot National Reserve.
You can observe, hand-feed or even kiss one of the giraffes from a raised wooden structure, which is quite an experience. You may also spot a few warthogs snuffling about in the mud.
If you’re visiting with kids, this will likely become one of their favorite memories from Kenya.
You probably have seen pictures of Giraffe Manor on Instagram or other social media when the giraffes poke their heads into the breakfast room or your balcony. If you can’t afford to stay there you can still see the exact same Giraffes at the Giraffe center.
Karen Blixen’s House & Museum
Fans of Out of Africa will enjoy visiting the former home of Karen Blixen. Walking through the beautifully preserved house offers a glimpse into Kenya’s colonial history and the story behind one of Africa’s most famous books.
The museum sits on a beautiful garden and you see the tractors and other equipment used by the coffee farm. Inside the house, you can see Blixen’s kitchen, her cuckoo clock that the Masai children came to see every day at noon and the patio where she sat down to prescribe medicine to the people.
The museum pairs well with a visit to the nearby Giraffe Centre.
See here for more photos from the Museum.
Nairobi National Museum
Situated on Museum Hill, a ten-minute drive from Nairobi CBD lies the Nairobi National Museum. The museum and its surroundings link to the four pillars of Kenya’s national heritage – nature, culture, history and contemporary art. The museum precinct includes not only the actual museum but an art gallery, botanical gardens, a snake park.
Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Kenya and the archaeological origins of man, see the animals and birds of Africa in the galleries, appreciate contemporary Kenyan art, and then go for a stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens.
If you’re brave, visit the snake park and get up close and personal with some of Africa’s reptiles.
Kenya Railway Museum
The main collection here is housed in an old railway building and consists of relics from the East African Railway. There are train and ship models, photographs, tableware and oddities from the history of the railway, such as the engine seat that allowed visiting dignitaries like Theodore Roosevelt to take potshots at unsuspecting wildlife from the front of the train.
In the museum grounds, there are dozens of locomotives in various states of disrepair, dating from the steam days to independence. You can walk around the carriages at your leisure.
At the back of the compound is the steam train used in the movie Out of Africa. The museum can be reached by a long lane beside the old train station where the walls are filled with colorful murals.
Where to Shop in Nairobi
You can get all your East Africa souvenirs at the Maasai Market that are held in different parts of the city on different days. At these open-air markets, you can find curios, paintings, drawings, clothes and fabrics with East African prints, jewelry and wood-carvings, many hand-made in Kenya by local artisans. Ask your guide or hotel for more details.
Kazuri
One stop we especially enjoyed was Kazuri Beads, where beautiful ceramic jewelry is handmade by local women.
Watching the artisans at work gave us an appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each piece, and it was one of the best places to pick up meaningful souvenirs while supporting a local social enterprise.
Kazuri – means “small and beautiful” in Swahili. It began in 1975 as a tiny workshop experimenting in handcrafted ceramic beads and now has grown tremendously. It now has a large workforce of over 340 women skilled in the crafting of ceramic beads, strung into beautifully and artistically jewelry.
Its founder started with two single motherhood women and soon discovered that there were many others in the villages around Nairobi, most of who were disadvantaged and were in great need of regular employment.
You can walk around the factory and see how these women try clay into pieces of art. The finished products in hot colors of fiery sunsets, ocean blues, and patterns of hooves and spots will be a keepsake you cherish forever.
I brought home a few in shades of red and gold to remind me of the colors of this beautiful land.
MatBronze
More than 600 wildlife bronzes by Denis Mathews… from jewelry and small lion-cub-footprint dishes to much larger pieces running into thousands of dollars make MatBronze another great place to shop in Kenya.
All the pieces are produced at the on-site foundry and every piece is a work of art. There is also a small cafe serving light meals on the beautiful garden filled with more sculptures.
Where to eat in Nairobi
The staple and most common food in Kenya is a cornmeal starch made into a thick paste known as ugali. It is heavy and hearty and goes down well with fried vegetables or any kind of meat or vegetable stew.
Chapatis – the Indian flatbread is another staple we found everywhere from restaurants to safari camps.
Nyama Choma is the East African style of roasted or bbq meat. Meat or chicken is slow-roasted over coals with nothing more than salt. The meat is often eaten plain and dipped in more salt or accompanied by chilies and a tomato salsa known as kachumbari.
Carnivore
While I’m not a big meat eater, the Carnivores in the family aka the boys wanted to try the Carnivore which serves up Kenya’s most famous Nyama Choma. It’s been an icon for tourists, expats and well to do locals for over 25 years. At the entrance is a huge barbecue pit laden with real swords of beef, pork, lamb, chicken and farmed game meats such as crocodile and ostrich.
Our guide told us that in recent years, because of strict new hunting laws, zebra, kudu and the like are now off the menu, but you can get ostrich, crocodile or camel which are raised in the farms nearby.
There had a separate vegetarian menu and the stir fry noodles that I ordered were pretty good. It was a memorable night with local music occasional dances by the staff while the gang had a beast of a feast and had some exotic meats.
Tamambo
Tamambo in Karen is where we stopped for lunch after visiting the Karen Blixen Museum. It is located on a beautiful garden on Karen road about half a mile from the Karen Golf course and country club.
It was a little chilly out in the garden, but we had a heater and some plaid shuka, the colorful Maasai blankets to keep us warm. The place had a colonial vibe and service, food and atmosphere were lovely.
Where to stay in Nairobi
We stayed for 2 nights at the Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi. We were greeted with warm towels and refreshing passion juice on arrival. We had two adjoining rooms that were beautiful and spacious and had a view of the city from the balcony. We had dinner one night at Lucca and it did not disappoint. We ordered room service desserts since we were a little jet-lagged.
Hemingway’s Hotel in the Nairobi suburb of Karen is another great choice if you don’t mind being away from the city center. It is in a peaceful location and closer to the Giraffe Center and Karen Blixen museum. You can also go there for a relaxing lunch on their terrace overlooking their extensive garden.
Staying at Giraffe Manor is another great option if you can afford it – it’s not very often you can see Giraffes poking their head into your room. Once in a lifetime experience for the kids for sure. Make sure you book early, a year early since they are pretty popular and get booked.
Getting Around Nairobi
One of the questions we were asked most often before our trip was how easy it is to get around Nairobi. While ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are widely available, we chose to hire a private guide and driver for our time in the city, and it was one of the best decisions we made.
Having a local guide meant we didn’t have to worry about navigating traffic, finding attractions, or planning the most efficient route between stops. We also learned so much about Kenya’s history, culture, and everyday life that we would have missed on our own. Since many of Nairobi’s top attractions are spread across different parts of the city, having a driver saved us time and made sightseeing much more relaxing.
Traffic in Nairobi can be heavy, especially during morning and evening rush hour, so be sure to allow extra travel time when planning your day. If you’re only in the city for a day or two before your safari, a private guide is well worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Nairobi
Is Nairobi worth visiting before a safari?
Absolutely. Many travelers treat Nairobi as simply a gateway to the Maasai Mara, but we found it to be a destination worth exploring in its own right. Between the incredible wildlife experiences, conservation centers, museums, shopping, and excellent restaurants, spending one or two days here adds another dimension to your Kenya adventure.
How many days should I spend in Nairobi?
We recommend spending at least two days in Nairobi before your safari. This gives you enough time to visit the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi National Park, and a few cultural attractions without feeling rushed. If you only have one day, focus on the Giraffe Centre and the elephant orphanage.
Is Nairobi safe for tourists?
Like any large city, Nairobi requires common sense and awareness of your surroundings. We felt comfortable throughout our visit, especially with our private guide. Stick to well-known attractions, avoid displaying valuables, and use reputable transportation or guided tours. Most visitors experience Nairobi without any issues.
A visit to Karen Blixen’s museum is a must if you are an ‘Out of Africa’ fan
Can you visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust?
Yes, but advance reservations are required. Visitor numbers are limited to help minimize stress on the orphaned elephants, so it’s important to book your visit before your trip. Watching the baby elephants during their feeding time was one of the highlights of our time in Kenya.
Is the Giraffe Centre ethical?
Yes. The Giraffe Centre was established to help protect the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe through conservation, education, and breeding programs. Your visit helps support these efforts while giving you the opportunity to learn more about one of Kenya’s most iconic animals.
Can you see wildlife in Nairobi without going on safari?
Yes! That’s one of the things that makes Nairobi so unique. You can feed endangered giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, meet orphaned elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and even see lions, rhinos, zebras, and giraffes at Nairobi National Park, all within easy reach of the city.
Where should you stay in Nairobi before a safari?
We stayed at Villa Rosa Kempinski and found it to be an excellent base before heading to the Maasai Mara. The comfortable rooms, outstanding restaurants, and warm hospitality made it the perfect place to relax after our international flight. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Giraffe Manor is another iconic option, though it books well in advance.
What is the best time to visit Nairobi?
Nairobi can be visited year-round thanks to its pleasant climate. The dry seasons, from January to March and June to October, are especially popular because they’re ideal for wildlife viewing and coincide with Kenya’s safari season. We visited before our Maasai Mara safari, and it was the perfect way to begin our adventure.
Tips for Visiting Nairobi
Book the elephant orphanage in advance, as visitor numbers are limited.
Allow extra travel time between attractions because traffic can be unpredictable.
Carry Kenyan Shillings for markets and smaller vendors, although most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards.
Final Thoughts
Nairobi surprised us in the best possible way. We expected it to be a stopover before our safari, but it became an important part of our Kenya experience. Between the conservation efforts, fascinating history, welcoming people, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, the city offers much more than most travelers expect.
If you have the time, don’t rush through Nairobi. Spend a day or two exploring the city before heading into the bush. It is the perfect introduction to Kenya and one you’ll remember long after your safari ends.
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Angama Mara Luxury Lodge Review
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2 comments
It was really insightful.
Thanks for such a nice content.
Cheers
This is a great list of places to visit while in Nairobi. I’m sure you had a great time exploring the area and discovering what there is to love about it. I, personally, would love to get to go to the Giraffe Center. Were you also able to visit the bazaars and flea markets? I hear their great places to go to if you’re on the hunt for local products. I also heard that Nairobi is also known to be the “African city that never sleeps”, I think it has something to do with the nightlife in town. A short stop in Nairobi would definitely be a good way to enjoy nature and a good time in town.