Nairobi
Introduction
“The World's Wildlife Capital! ”
Welcome to Nairobi, where the urban energy meets wild beauty! Nairobi sits at the heart of East Africa and is the capital city of Kenya. Nairobi is the city where, just minutes away from the busy city, is Nairobi National Park, where lions and majestic giraffes roam free against a backdrop of Nairobi’s skyscrapers. Visitors get to get up close with giraffes and feed them in the Giraffe Centre, explore the rich history of the Karen Blixen Museum and Kazuri beads, visit the Sheldrick elephant orphanage, and experience the lively culture within Nairobi. Nairobi’s charm will have you hooked!
Location
Nairobi is the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, making it a unique urban destination. Nairobi National Park is located just 7 km from Nairobi Central Business District, just a short drive away. A visit to Nairobi National Park will leave you awed with its perfect blend of nature and the city’s skyscrapers trying to compete with the majestic giraffes. The magic of spotting the Big 5 so close to civilization never ceases to amaze!
Nairobi Attractions
Giraffe centre
Cameras rolling? Get ready to experience a dream come true at Giraffe Centre, where you get a close-up encounter with the majestic creatures while feeding them straight from the hand, right for the daring, straight from the lips! This conservation haven allows you to get an eye-to-eye experience with the rare and endangered Rothschild giraffes. As you enjoy these long-necked beauties, you will get to learn more about the conservation efforts.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Want to adopt a baby elephant? If yes, visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where they aim to rescue elephants, rehabilitate them, and reintroduce them back into the wild. The purpose of visiting this elephant orphanage is to watch the playful calves play in the mud baths, trumpet with joy, and interact with their caretaker. The experience will remind you of nature’s beauty and resilience.
Kazuri Beads
Kazuri—a Swahili word meaning small and beautiful. This beads factory is a testament to women’s empowerment and artistic excellence. A visit to Kazuri Beads lets you watch and participate in the beadwork process. The factory supports single mothers and underprivileged women, making it a beautiful way to take home a little piece of Kenya with you.
Museum of Illusions Nairobi
Welcome to the Museum of Illusions, Nairobi, where reality is just a suggestion! Prepare to have your mind twisted and your senses deceived. Every corner challenges what you think, from mind-bending vortex tunnels to gravity-defying rooms. Shrink before your friend’s eyes, walk on walls, and question whether your brain is playing tricks on you. An adventure where seeing isn’t always believing!
National Museum of Kenya
This museum displays stunning human evolution, African art, and wildlife, offering an eye-opening journey through Kenya’s past and present. Step into a world where history, science, and culture collide, with displays of ancient fossils that tell the story of human evolution. Don’t miss the massive skeleton of Ahmed, Kenya’s most famous elephant, or the live snake park.
Karen Blixen Museum
Heard of the film and book “Out of Africa”? The Danish author Karen Blixen immortalized Kenya in her memoir, where she recounts events of her life on her coffee plantation farm home in Kenya. The Karen Blixen Museum showcases some of Karen’s belongings, with the museum surrounded by lush green gardens and the backdrop of the rolling Ngong hills. This colonial farmhouse offers a glimpse of Kenya’s past.
Ngong Hills
By just taking a short drive from Nairobi, Ngong Hills invites adventurers, those seeking meditation, peace of mind, and breathtaking views, and those hiking for fitness. These hills are mentioned in the book “Out of Africa,” as they were visible from Karen Blixen’s homestead. As you hike these hills, keep an eye out for grazing buffalo and the occasional antelope.
The Railway Museum
For history and train enthusiasts, have you heard of the “iron snake” that transformed East Africa? This railway museum gives the history of the vintage locomotives that were used in the colonial era, and the carriage where a man-eating lion attacked a passenger. Uncover Kenya’s captivating history in modes of transport and step back in time.
Nairobi Accommodations
Giraffe Manor
The Emakoko
Hemmingways Nairobi
Villa Rosa Kempinski
Fairmont The Norfolk
Ololo Safari Lodge
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi
Palacina the Residency
Four Points by Sheraton
Emara Ole Sereni
Radisson Blu Hotel
Kwetu Nairobi
Sarova Stanley
Argyle Grand Hotel
Sarova Panafric
Eka Hotel Nairobi
Boma Nairobi
Entim Sidai
Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel
Masai Lodge
Red Buffalo House Hotel
Glam Hotel
Ol-Supat Lodge
Giraffe Manor
The Emakoko
Hemmingways Nairobi
Villa Rosa Kempinski
Fairmont The Norfolk
Ololo Safari Lodge
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi
Palacina the Residency
Four Points by Sheraton
Emara Ole Sereni
Radisson Blu Hotel
Kwetu Nairobi
Sarova Stanley
Argyle Grand Hotel
Sarova Panafric
Eka Hotel Nairobi
Boma Nairobi
Entim Sidai
Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel
Masai Lodge
Red Buffalo House Hotel
Glam Hotel
Ol-Supat Lodge
Safari Transport Options
The Land Cruiser is built for power, comfort, and unbeatable adventure, taking you off the beaten path and straight into the wild. Whether you are tracking lions in the Masai Mara or chasing sunsets in Amboseli, the pop-up roof gives you a front-row seat to nature's drama as it unfolds.
“Baby carriers and ramps for the differently-ableda can be arranged.”
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Feel the wind in your hair and the thrill of the wild as you conquer the savannah with the open-sided land cruiser, built for adventure. These beasts offer unobstructed views of nature’s finest and the wild as you enjoy your game drives.
“Baby carriers and ramps for the differently-ableda can be arranged.”
Termed as “The Beast on Wheels,” this converted lorry machine is a road warrior, built for both functionality and adventure. Go all out with this truck and experience a whole different way of safaris in the wild.
"Baby carriers and ramps for the differently-abled can be arranged.”
Turn your trip into a 360° safari experience, giving you front-row seats to the breathtaking views, wildlife, and breeze. Experience Nairobi National Park in a different style and escape the ordinary, making your journey unforgettable.
“Baby carriers and ramps for the differently-ableda can be arranged.”
Excursions/Transfers Options
This 7-seater masterpiece redefines class and sophistication, designed with plush leather seats, ambient lighting, and a first-class cabin feel. Every ride feels like a VIP experience. The Toyota Vellfire guarantees a smooth and stylish journey.
“Baby carriers and ramps for the differently-abled can be arranged.”
Perfectly timed for your safari schedule, the arrival time is 11:00 AM and the departure time is 4:40 PM. Lewa Airstrip is 5,400 feet above sea level, sitting within Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and Lewa Safari Camp is just a few minutes away.
It is nestled 5,700 feet above sea level in the heart of the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, giving you full access to the Big Five and the endangered white rhinos. The airstrip is 5 minutes away from the luxury tented Sweetwaters Serena Camp. The arrival and departure times revolve around 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
Segera Airstrip lies at 5,600 feet above sea level, with arrival time being 11:30 AM and departure time 3:45 PM. The closest accommodation is the eco-luxury Segera Retreat, where art, conservation, and adventure blend seamlessly.
Nairobi Safari Packages
Nairobi Cuisines
Dine at Matbronze, where art meets culinary delight, where they combine bronze art with a tranquil cafe setting. Enjoy a gourmet meal or fresh coffee surrounded by beautiful sculptures in a peaceful garden. The perfect spot for art lovers who enjoy a good meal.
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This one-of-a-kind ‘beast of a feast” experience. Carnivore restaurant serves exotic meats like crocodile, ostrich, and camel meat, along with other traditional meals like nyama choma (roast meat). This makes it a roller coaster of delicacies.
Located in Karen, this restaurant blends cuisine with rich African flavors in an artistic manner of setting. Their legendary feta and coriander samosas, juicy steaks, and craft cocktails make it a top choice for food enthusiasts.
Nairobi’s street kitchens offer a vibrant mix of East African flavors, from spicy samosas and smoky nyama choma to fresh chapati, pilau, and sweet mandazi. It’s a lively showcase of the city’s rich culinary diversity in every bite. Donuts, “mahamri,” are deep-fried and dusted with sugar, while sweet mandazi tempt passersby with their coconut-infused simplicity.
Common Activities in Nairobi
Visit Nairobi National Park
Experience African Cuisine at Carnivore
Feeding giraffes
Visit Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Hiking in Ngong Hills
Explore Karen Blixen
Participate in jewelry crafting in Kazuri beads
Discover vintage locomotives
Zip-lining at Ngong Hills
Participate in Nairobi’s nightlife
Experience Nairobi's Matatu Culture
Nairobi FAQs
What is Nairobi famous for?
Nairobi is known as the green city in the sun, famous for being the only city in the world with a park within its boundaries, with its wildlife, vibrant culture, and as a major business hub in Africa.
What is the weather like in Nairobi?
Nairobi has a moderate climate due to its high altitude, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 26°C.
Can I feed and dine with Giraffes in Nairobi
If you want to feed giraffes only, this is possible at Giraffe Center from USD 11 per adult and USD 5 per child, but if you want to feed and dine with giraffes, you do this at Giraffe Manor. Please note that you must book at least one night at Giraffe Manor (approximately USD 1500 per person) to have this experience.
How far is the main airport from Nairobi?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is about 15 km from the city center.
What should I do in case of an emergency?
Dial 999 for police, fire, or medical emergencies for a quick response. Or rather, private hospitals like Aga Khan Hospital or Nairobi Hospital.
