Nairobi, often called 'The Green City in the Sun,' offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty. From wildlife parks just a few miles from the city center to historical sites and vibrant cultural experiences, Nairobi has something for every traveler. This guide highlights some of the most unique places to visit in and near Nairobi, ensuring you have an unforgettable Kenyan adventure.
Important Note: It's advisable to avoid public transport for getting around Nairobi. Consider hiring a car with a driver or booking day tours that include pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation. Local tour companies like Asilia Africa are highly recommended.
Nature and Wildlife Experiences
1. Nairobi National Park
What other capital city has a national wildlife park within 5 miles of town? Less than 5 miles from town, it’s a wonderful half-day or day out. Imagine watching elephants, giraffes, leopards, and zebras with 21st-century skyscrapers in the background. You can even spot white and black rhinos here. It’s pretty wild that this is located within the city!
Entrance Fees:
- July to March: USD $60 Adults; Kids under 12 $20
- Other Months: USD $40 Adult & $20 for Kids
- Under 3: Free
Note: Credit Card Only.
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Driving in Nairobi National Park? Honestly, we don’t recommend driving yourself here because you can’t get out of your car in the parks.
2. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage)
Thankfully the Sheldrick family saw the need for a sanctuary and set up this family-run conservation organization which is almost 50 years old! Visitor hours are scheduled to coincide with meal-times. Come to watch these elephants feeding up close - what a special experience. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust provides care and a home to dozens of orphaned baby elephants and rhinos from all over the country with the goal of being able to release them back into the wild.
Visitors can visit daily at 11:00am to watch the public feedings of the young elephants and learn more about the mission of the trust. Since March 2020, due to the pandemic, only guests who have confirmed pre-booked reservations are allowed to visit.
3. Giraffe Centre
Want to kiss a giraffe? For a more personal wildlife interaction head to the Giraffe Center - great for kids as it’s quite interactive. Yes, you get to feed them. For more than 40 years, this sanctuary has worked to protect the endangered Rothschild species of Giraffe. I have visited several times and have consistently had a great experience, mainly because I always arrive for opening time and also because giraffes are my favourite animals to see in the wild.
Setting your expectations correctly: The Giraffe Centre is akin to a petting zoo - but just for giraffes. It is a small area with not much else to do.
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The AFEW Nature Sanctuary Trail is Just opposite the Giraffe Centre. Ideally, I’d recommend arriving early to visit the Giraffe Centre and taking a short walk in the Sanctuary Forest while waiting for opening time. Setting your expectations correctly: This is a short nature trail that is very easy to walk through.
4. Karura Forest
Karura Forest is a protected urban forest reserve and one of my favourite outdoor places to visit in Nairobi. If you’re visiting Nairobi for a fairly long period, I think this is a stop worth adding to your itinerary, especially if you love nature walks.
Setting your expectations correctly: This is a forest with a nature trail, a small waterfall and occasional animal sightings. Dogs are allowed and are expected to be registered before you can bring them in. There are two cafes, located at different entrances of the forest, and these are pretty much the only “development” you would see in the park.
5. Ngong Hills
Come here if you love nature and we suspect you do if you’re heading to Kenya. You will be rewarded with views over the one and only Rift Valley and the city of Nairobi. Other activities include cycling, zip-lining, and even archery so you won’t get bored. Also, if you’re at Karen Blixen, you’re pretty close to the Ngong Hills so if you enjoy a hike, why not continue on to here?
Next on this list of the best places to visit in Nairobi is Ngong Hills. This is where you will find the popular windmills, which you may have come across in photos or seen from a distance on a clear day. Setting your expectations correctly: In my opinion, Ngong Hills is just as pretty as it looks in photos - maybe even better.
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🎒TPOP Tip: Wear a windproof jacket as it can be windy and cold on these hills and bring plenty of water.
Museums and Cultural Experiences
6. Nairobi National Museum
Open Mon-Sun 8.30am to 5.30 pm. We enjoy visiting at least one museum wherever we go because it is such a great way to appreciate past and often current cultures. Visit Nairobi’s National Museum where you can learn about Kenya’s rich heritage including culture, nature, history and art.
7. Karen Blixen Museum
Seen the film Out of Africa? Hours: Tues/Wed 11am-9pm; Thur-Sun 11am-5pm (closed Mondays). A personal favourite in Nairobi was our tour around the Karen Blixen Museum, her actual home here which is set in 15 acres of stunning gardens. We visited Karen Blixen Museum around 4pm on a Sunday and it was pretty quiet with plenty of car parking space.
Setting your expectations correctly: If you don’t have any strong affiliations with the movie and book, I think this is a place that might be worth excluding from your itinerary. If you do visit, it’s best to combine your trip with attractions nearby.
8. Bomas of Kenya
Hours: Daily 10am to 6pm. If you love social history, and dance and want to appreciate the traditional and cultural diversity of Kenya, you’re going to enjoy an afternoon at the Bomas. The word Bomas means ‘enclosed area/home’ in Swahili. The centre was set up to educate people about the different ethnic groups found in Kenya and to help preserve and celebrate the Kenyan culture.
Visitors can watch music and dance performances and see the many exhibits.
9. Maasai Markets
Markets are an adventure in themselves and if you have an opportunity to visit the open-air Masai market take it! It started as a market for Masai people to trade and has grown to represent a stunning array of handicrafts from across East Africa. If you prefer not to barter, then head to the Utamaduni Craft Center in Karen.
Adventure and Fun Outings
10. Hells Gate National Park
Hours: Daily 6am to 6pm. Entrance Fee $30 USD for Adults & $20 for ages 3-18 years. $5 less in low season.Overnight camping is available. Guided Tours from $50 USD. Daily Car Rental USD $150+ Self-Drive in Park.
Hells Gate National Park, a UNESCO heritage site, is fairly new only opening in 1984. But did you know that the waters running through here were the supply to ancient humans in the Rift Valley? In addition, if you have more flexibility to stay longer, you can come here to bike, hike, rock climb, and even camp overnight and hire a car to drive around. There’s wildlife to spot, birds, and incredible scenery.
11. KICC Building
For gorgeous views of Nairobi, head up to the top of the KICC building. The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is the 6th tallest building in Kenya, located in the CBD. For a small fee, you can take a lift up to the top of the tower for one of the best viewpoints in the city.
Food and Drink
12. Coffee Tasting Tours
You’re going to love the java scene in Nairobi as Kenya is a top coffee producer. We have also done these types of tours in Costa Rica Road Trip recently. The growers are fascinating to chat with and work so hard.
🎒TPOP Tip: Don’t leave without buying some organic Kenyan coffee to enjoy back home.
COFFEE FARM VISIT
13. Tea Farms
One of the best tea farms near Nairobi, is the Kiambethu Farm near Limuru town. Arriving at 11am, you’ll be offered a cup of tea (or coffee) and learn about the tea-making process and history of the farm, before taking a walk through the indigenous forest where you may see Colobus monkeys. Afterward, you’ll have a 3-course buffet lunch prepared with food from the garden, whilst enjoying the incredible views.
Safety and Accommodation
We have personally found Nairobi to be safe to visit. Driving around town it’s clear there is huge poverty, shanty housing on show, and people struggling to get by. We’re not trying to put you off! Although Business Day ranked Nairobi as one of the 7 safest cities in Africa, there is crime here and we are not going to hide this fact. However, we feel that each of us can evaluate our level of risk for any trip and make our own informed decision.
Pick a hotel based in Karen or Westlands Districts. These areas of town are safe and easier to get to/from the international and Wilson airports.
Here are 3 places to stay that are always popular with visitors and have excellent locations for our Nairobi activities.
- 📍Ole Sereni Hotel - next door to National Park as you can see from our dining view! Swimming Pool, Free Parking and Great Staff. It’s a quiet area despite the central location with a pool, gym, and free parking.
- 📍Nairobi International Airport 4 Points Sheraton Hotel is convenient for a first night as it is within the airport perimeter.
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