Nairobi defies expectations as the only capital city in the world with a national park within its boundaries. Lions roam against a backdrop of skyscrapers, setting the tone for a city that blends urban energy with wild Africa. As East Africa's largest city and economic hub, Nairobi pulses with creativity, ambition, and a food scene that rivals any global capital. It's a city of contrasts:Maasai markets next to gleaming malls, tech startups alongside traditional craftsmen. For most visitors, Nairobi serves as the gateway to Kenya's safari circuit, but the city deserves more than just a transit stop. From the baby elephants at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to sundowners overlooking the national park, Nairobi offers experiences found nowhere else on Earth.
Things to Do in Nairobi
Nairobi National Park
NatureLions, rhinos, and giraffes with city skyline backdrop. The only national park inside a capital city.
Duration: ~4 hours
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
WildlifeOrphaned baby elephants being rehabilitated. Heartwarming experience, booking required.
Duration: ~1 hours
Giraffe Centre
WildlifeFeed endangered Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform. Can get giraffe kisses!
Duration: ~1.5 hours
Karen Blixen Museum
CultureHome of 'Out of Africa' author. Beautiful colonial house with Ngong Hills views.
Duration: ~1.5 hours
Nairobi National Museum
CultureKenya's natural and cultural history. Excellent prehistoric human fossils.
Duration: ~2 hours
Nairobi Neighborhoods
Where to stay and explore
Westlands
Good (stick to main areas)Upscale, buzzing, cosmopolitan
Nairobi's commercial and entertainment hub. High-rise offices meet rooftop bars, international restaurants, and the city's best nightlife.
Price level: Mid-high
Karen
Very goodQuiet, green, affluent
Leafy, upscale suburb named after Karen Blixen. Large properties, excellent restaurants, and close to major attractions like Giraffe Centre.
Price level: High
Kilimani
GoodResidential, trendy, laid-back
Residential area popular with expats. Good restaurants, cafes, and a more relaxed feel than Westlands.
Price level: Mid-high
Gigiri
ExcellentDiplomatic, secure, quiet
Home to UN headquarters and embassies. Very secure, quiet, and leafy. Limited dining but peaceful.
Price level: High
CBD (Central Business District)
Moderate (avoid at night)Hectic, authentic, bustling
The historic heart of Nairobi. Busy, chaotic, with markets and historic buildings. Not recommended for staying.
Price level: Budget
Langata
GoodSuburban, wildlife-adjacent
Adjacent to Nairobi National Park. Home to Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Trust, and Bomas of Kenya. Residential and green.
Price level: Mid
Food & Restaurants
Nairobi's food scene has exploded in recent years. From Nyama Choma joints to world-class fine dining, the city delivers. Ethiopian food is excellent (large diaspora), and the coffee is some of the world's best.
Must-Try Dishes
Nyama Choma
Grilled meat, usually goat:Kenya's national dish
Ugali
Maize meal staple, eaten with stews
Sukuma Wiki
Sautéed collard greens
Pilau
Spiced rice, coastal influence
Samosas
Indian influence, ubiquitous snack
Top Restaurants
Carnivore
$$$Meat/BBQ • Langata
All-you-can-eat grilled meats including game
Talisman
$$$International/Fusion • Karen
Beautiful garden setting, creative menu
Mama Oliech
$Kenyan • Kilimani
Best fish (tilapia) in Nairobi, local institution
About Thyme
$$$European/Farm-to-table • Karen
Gorgeous setting, excellent brunch
Habesha
$$Ethiopian • Westlands
Authentic Ethiopian, injera platters
Nairobi Nightlife
Nairobi comes alive at night, especially on weekends. Westlands is the main hub, with everything from rooftop bars to sweaty clubs. Things don't get going until 11pm.
Best areas: Westlands, Kilimani
Alchemist
Bar/ClubWestlands
Container park with multiple bars, food stalls, and club. Young, creative crowd.
Kiza Lounge
ClubKilimani
Upscale club with African music focus
Havana
ClubWestlands
Long-running club, multiple rooms
Mercury Lounge
BarWestlands
Live music venue, rock/indie focus
Shopping in Nairobi
From high-end malls to vibrant markets, Nairobi has diverse shopping. Best buys: Maasai crafts, coffee, kikoy fabric, soapstone.
Malls
- Village Market (Gigiri)
- Westgate Mall (Westlands)
- The Hub Karen (Karen)
- Sarit Centre (Westlands)
Markets
- Maasai Market - Crafts
- City Market - General
- Toi Market - Secondhand
What to Buy
Safety in Nairobi
Nairobi is safe with sensible precautions. Petty crime exists but violent crime against tourists is rare. Most visitors have no issues.
Safe Areas
- ✓ Karen
- ✓ Gigiri
- ✓ Lavington
- ✓ Westlands (daytime)
- ✓ Kilimani
Avoid
- ✗ Eastleigh
- ✗ Kibera
- ✗ Mathare
- ✗ CBD at night
- ✗ River Road area
Safety Tips
- • Use Uber/Bolt, especially at night
- • Don't walk with phone visible
- • Avoid flashy jewelry/watches
- • Don't walk alone after dark
- • Keep car doors locked
- • Use hotel safes for valuables
Getting Around Nairobi
Uber/Bolt
RecommendedSafest and most convenient option for tourists. Affordable, air-conditioned, and trackable.
Most trips $3-15
Taxi
Negotiate fare before departure. Only use marked taxis from hotels or malls.
Usually 20-30% more than Uber
Matatu (Minibus)
Local experience but can be overwhelming. Fixed routes, cash only, very crowded.
$0.30-0.50 per trip
Boda-boda (Motorbike)
Fast but risky. Avoid unless experienced with African traffic.
$1-3 for short trips
Nairobi Weather
Subtropical highland (mild year-round due to altitude)
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| january | 27°C | 13°C | 50mm | Warm, dry:excellent |
| february | 28°C | 14°C | 45mm | Warm, dry:excellent |
| march | 27°C | 14°C | 95mm | Warm, rains begin |
| april | 25°C | 14°C | 210mm | Long rains peak |
| may | 24°C | 13°C | 150mm | Rainy, cool |
| june | 23°C | 12°C | 35mm | Dry, cool |
| july | 22°C | 11°C | 15mm | Dry, cool:bring layers |
| august | 23°C | 11°C | 20mm | Dry, cool |
| september | 26°C | 12°C | 25mm | Warming up, dry |
| october | 26°C | 14°C | 55mm | Short rains begin |
| november | 25°C | 14°C | 150mm | Short rains |
| december | 26°C | 14°C | 90mm | Rains easing, warm |
How Many Days in Nairobi?
1
Minimum
2
Recommended
3
Ideal