Things to Do in Nairobi
Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya, is the perfect starting point for your safari adventure. Explore Nairobi’s must-see attractions, enjoy day trips to Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta, and Lake Naivasha, and immerse yourself in Kenya’s wildlife and culture.
Nairobi: Your Perfect Starting Point for a Kenya Safari and Top Day Trips to Explore
Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is a vibrant and dynamic hub where the wild meets urban life. Often referred to as the “Green City in the Sun,” Nairobi is the gateway for most visitors heading out on iconic Kenyan safaris. But don’t rush out of the city too fast! Nairobi offers plenty to explore—wildlife, culture, history, and great food—before you head into the wilderness.
Why Nairobi is the Ultimate Starting Point for Your Safari
As Kenya’s largest city, Nairobi is where most international travelers begin their safari adventures. Whether you’re flying in from Europe, the U.S., or other parts of Africa, you’ll likely land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, just a short distance from the city center. But Nairobi isn’t just a pit stop before heading out on safari—it’s a city that offers the perfect blend of urban and natural experiences. Here’s why it’s the perfect place to kick-start your Kenyan adventure:
Gateway to Major National Parks: Nairobi is just a stone’s throw from major wildlife reserves. The city itself is home to Nairobi National Park, where lions and rhinos roam against a backdrop of city skyscrapers. Beyond that, you’ll find easy access to famous parks like Amboseli and Lake Nakuru.
Rich Culture and History: Nairobi’s vibrant cultural scene, including museums, art galleries, and markets, offers a glimpse into Kenya’s past and present, making it a great place to immerse yourself in local life.
Convenient Travel Hub: Nairobi’s well-connected transportation network makes it easy to organize your safari, whether you’re driving to nearby parks or catching a domestic flight to more distant reserves.
Things to Do in Nairobi
Activities to do in Nairobi
1. Nairobi National Park
This park is unique because it’s located just 10 kilometers from the city center, giving you a taste of the safari experience without leaving Nairobi. The park is home to lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, and even rhinos. It’s the only national park in the world that’s within a capital city.
- Tip: Early or Evening hours we go you covered also a half day or full day>the choice is yours.
2. Giraffe Centre
A must-visit, especially if you love animals. You’ll have the chance to feed endangered Rothschild giraffes and learn about the conservation work being done to protect them. Don’t forget your camera—giraffe selfies are a must!
3. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
This elephant orphanage is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating baby elephants. It’s a heartwarming experience where you can learn about wildlife conservation and even adopt an elephant to support their work.
Activities to do in Nairobi
4. Karen Blixen Museum
The former home of the famous author of Out of Africa, this museum offers insight into Kenya’s colonial past and the life of Karen Blixen. History buffs will love the preserved artifacts and beautiful gardens.
5. Nairobi National Museum
Want to dive deep into Kenya’s history and heritage? The Nairobi National Museum showcases the country’s rich cultural tapestry, from archaeology to modern art. It’s a great spot to get a sense of Kenya before exploring more of the country.
6. Local Markets – Maasai Market
For a vibrant and colorful shopping experience, head to the Maasai Market. This bustling market offers traditional crafts, jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. Remember, haggling is part of the fun!
7. Karura Forest
If you’re looking to escape the city buzz, head to Karura Forest for a peaceful walk or bike ride through lush greenery. The forest features waterfalls, picnic spots, and birdwatching opportunities.
Day Trips from Nairobi
If you’ve got extra time, Nairobi is ideally located for day trips to some of Kenya’s most iconic natural attractions. Here are some top destinations you can visit within a day:
Day Trips tours from Nairobi
1. Amboseli National Park
Located about a 4-hour drive from Nairobi, Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which sits just across the border in Tanzania. Amboseli offers a classic safari experience, where you can see elephants, lions, cheetahs, and more.
Why Visit: Amboseli provides a striking contrast to Nairobi with its vast open plains and scenic backdrop of Africa’s highest peak. It’s a great place for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
What to Do: Game drives to spot elephants, birdwatching, and visits to Maasai villages for a cultural experience.
2. Lake Nakuru National Park
A 3-hour drive from Nairobi, Lake Nakuru is famous for its stunning pink flamingos that gather along the shoreline. The park is also home to rhinos, lions, leopards, and waterbucks, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing.
Why Visit: The sheer number of flamingos and other bird species make it a paradise for birdwatchers. Lake Nakuru also boasts picturesque landscapes, from its serene waters to the surrounding acacia woodlands.
What to Do: Game drives around the lake, birdwatching, and exploring the park’s scenic viewpoints like Baboon Cliff.
Day Trips tours from Nairobi
3. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
If you’re an animal lover, Ol Pejeta, located about 3 hours from Nairobi, is a must-visit. It’s home to the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa and is also the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Why Visit: Ol Pejeta is not just a conservancy but a model for wildlife conservation. In addition to rhinos and chimps, it’s home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo).
What to Do: Game drives, rhino tracking, night safaris, and a visit to the chimp sanctuary.
4. Lake Naivasha
Located just 1.5 hours from Nairobi, Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning wildlife. Hippos are a common sight in the water, and the lake is home to a large variety of bird species.
Why Visit: Lake Naivasha offers a peaceful retreat from the city with activities like boat rides, birdwatching, and nature walks. It’s a great spot to unwind and take in Kenya’s natural beauty.
What to Do: Boat safaris to spot hippos and birds, nature walks on Crescent Island, and visits to nearby Hell’s Gate National Park for hiking and cycling.
Nairobi enjoys a mild climate throughout the year, making it a great destination to visit anytime. However, the best time to visit, especially for safaris, is during the dry seasons: June to October and January to February. These months offer the best wildlife sightings as animals gather around water sources. The wet season (March to May) brings lush greenery and fewer crowds but can make some roads difficult to navigate.
Nairobi is more than just a safari gateway—it’s a vibrant city filled with culture, wildlife, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Nairobi or taking a day trip to Kenya’s stunning national parks and lakes, you’ll find that Nairobi offers the perfect start to your African adventure. From feeding giraffes to spotting elephants with Kilimanjaro as your backdrop, this city and its surrounding gems are sure to leave you with lasting memories.
Nairobi FAQS
Nairobi is known for being the only city in the world with a national park within its limits. It’s also famous for being a hub of African culture, business, and politics.
Nairobi is a dynamic mix of modern skyscrapers, bustling markets, and green spaces. It’s a place where the energy of urban life meets the tranquility of nature.
Nairobi is located in Kenya, in the south-central part of the country, roughly 480 kilometers from the Indian Ocean coast.
From wildlife safaris at Nairobi National Park to exploring cultural landmarks like the Karen Blixen Museum and Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi offers a variety of activities for every interest.
You can choose from a wide range of accommodations in Nairobi, including luxury hotels like The Sarova Stanley, boutique hotels, safari lodges, and budget hostels.
Nairobi is easily accessible by air via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the largest airport in East Africa. There are also train and bus routes connecting Nairobi to other major Kenyan cities.
