There are plenty of things to experience in Nairobi. This amazing city offers a combination of vibrant culture, abundant wildlife, and memories made here will be unforgettable.
No other city has what we call a “unique destination” (the ability to go from urban to wildlife/nature within minutes), making it a great place to visit.
You might find that many of the visitors to Nairobi use it as a jumping-off point to begin their safari; however, Nairobi is also home to many opportunities to enjoy historical sites, outdoor activities, and cultural interactions both in and around the city.
Here are 10 things you should do if you plan on visiting Nairobi.
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Visit Nairobi National Park – A Safari Within the City
Nairobi National Park is so different from other national parks – there are no other parks like it!
Nairobi National Park is located close to downtown Nairobi and provides you with the opportunity to experience a true African safari – lions, rhinos, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and numerous types of birds.
Your best chance to spot game is when you go on a game drive in the early morning. This is when the animals are the most active and will provide the best light for your photos. You will be able to see animals in their natural environment with the Nairobi skyline in the background.
If you are only in Nairobi for a short time, this is an excellent way to get a glimpse of the wildlife of Kenya in one day.
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Feed Giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
At the Giraffe Center in Nairobi, you can have an extraordinary and hands-on wildlife experience. Here, you will be able to have a close encounter with a Rothschild’s Giraffe (an endangered species of giraffe), with the chance to feed the giraffes directly from a raised platform.
No matter if you are a family or couple visiting, you will create beautiful memories of this amazing experience and gain insight into why it is imperative to protect and conserve all giraffes (including other species) and their habitat.
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Visit Orphaned Elephants at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi will make you cry with joy and inspire you as well. The trust provides a safe environment for baby elephants orphaned by poaching and other natural disasters until they are ready to return to the wild.
The sights and sounds of the baby elephants being fed or just having fun in the mud will tug at your heartstrings. Each orphaned baby elephant has its own unique story, adding to the overall experience. If you are an animal lover or interested in conservation, this is a must-see!
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Explore Karen Blixen Museum – History and Heritage
The author, Karen Blixen, was an excellent author who produced many works. One of her most famous books is titled Out of Africa where she expresses what she experienced while living in Kenya.
The Karen Blixen Museum is now located within her home. By visiting the museum, you will be able to do a guided tour through the house’s colonial past and also explore how Karen’s life has affected society both positively (her career) and negatively (her life).
The museum also includes access to the garden areas for those who would like to take a walk around the beautiful gardens adjacent to the museum. There is something for anyone who chooses to spend time visiting or reading about the museum; whether you are a historian or enjoy a story, there is something here for everyone!
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Experience Culture at Bomas of Kenya
Although there are several ways to experience Kenya’s diversity of culture, the Bomas of Kenya is one location where you can experience much of the cultural diversity of Kenya all in one place.
As you walk through the Bomas, there will be many representations of traditional homes of many different communities from all over Kenya. You will see how communities live in different areas of Kenya as you go from one house to the next.
Perhaps the best thing to see and do at the Bomas of Kenya would be to watch a variety of traditional dances, which include music and storytelling combined with a variety of lively dancing from many different communities.
If you want to learn what it is like to live in all of Kenya (not just to see wildlife), visit the Bomas of Kenya.
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Hike the Ngong Hills – Scenic Views and Fresh Air
For all outdoor enthusiasts out there, the Ngong Hills are an ideal vacation spot.
Located just a short distance from Nairobi, the hills feature rolling terrain and stunning views over the Great Rift Valley.
Exploring the various routes of the hills offers stunning landscapes, brisk winds, and impressively scenic vistas. For tourists seeking a respite from the tumultuous environment of urban areas, the Ngong Hills are a terrific place to escape.
Numerous individuals decide to visit the Ngong Hills at either sunrise or sunset as well.
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Relax at Karura Forest – Nature in the City
Karura Forest is one of the best green areas in Nairobi.
There are many ways to enjoy the forest: walking trails, bike paths, waterfalls, and picnic spots all make it a great place to unwind, get fit, or just be in nature.
There are several caves to explore, birds to see, and a peaceful setting to escape the commotion of the city.
This makes Karura Forest a great place for a morning walk or for some quiet time in the afternoon.
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Visit Kiambethu Tea Farm – Tea and Tranquility
Located just north of Nairobi, Kiambethu Tea Farm offers a perfect break from the crowded city and allows you to experience the tranquil beauty of country living.
It is one of the oldest tea estates in Kenya and gives you a chance to see firsthand the complete stages of growing, harvesting, and processing tea. You will be able to meander around the tea fields, inhale the fresh air, and appreciate the stunning landscape. Usually included in this day experience is a lunch cooked onsite, followed by a tea tasting meal.
If you are looking for a refreshing and relaxing getaway from Nairobi, this is a great option!
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Discover Nairobi National Museum – Art, Culture, and History
Visitors can learn more about Kenya’s past, present, and future, culture, and natural environment in the Nairobi National Museum. The Museum exhibits display our early human ancestors, as well as the many animals that inhabit Kenya.
It also displays artistic works in the form of fine art (paintings and sculptures) from Kenya, and a representation of what it is like to live in the local community adjacent to the Museum.
In addition, behind the Museum are botanical gardens and natural areas that allow you to experience an enjoyable escape after visiting the Museum.
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Shop and Experience Local Life at Maasai Market
Maasai Market offers an energetic environment for its visitors. It is a wonderful place to learn about and purchase local artisans’ works or items specific to this region.
At Maasai Market, there are so many different items available to purchase, including handcrafted necklaces and earrings, handcrafted goods, clothes, art, and other unique materials.
There is a great selection to choose from. Besides offering many choices for absolutely beautiful gifts, shopping at Maasai also allows you to purchase something delicious and to help local artists who may not have access to other sources for selling their artwork.
Bargaining is a standard part of the experience at the Maasai Market, so plan to negotiate your prices!
How to Plan Your Nairobi Day Trips
You will find lots of Nairobi attractions located very close to each other. As such, you could easily combine several activities over a single day.
A common full-day itinerary might involve:
- A morning game drive in Nairobi National Park
- A visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- A stop at the Giraffe Centre
Alternatively, a second day could include:
- The Karen Blixen Museum
- The Bomas of Kenya
- An evening visit to the Maasai Market
If you want something more laidback, look into visiting either Kiambethu Tea Farm or Karura Forest.
Best Time to Visit Nairobi
Nairobi has plenty of opportunities to explore at any time of the year.
The best months for outdoor activities or seeing animals are the dry seasons, which run from June to October and January to February.
Even in the rainy season, however, the major tourist attractions will still be available to be enjoyed.
Final Thoughts
Nairobi should not be a one-time stop on your itinerary. There are so many different experiences to have both inside the City of Nairobi and also just outside the City of Nairobi (but still located in Nairobi County). Some of the experiences you can participate in include animal viewing, cultural events, visiting historical sites or museums, and experiencing the outdoors.
Within Nairobi, you can see lions at Nairobi National Park. You can feed the world’s tallest land mammals (the giraffe). You can also enjoy tea in the Kenyan countryside. There are also numerous other activities you can participate in to make your vacation memorable.
When you take time to discover Nairobi, you will discover an incredible city with countless unforgettable experiences!