14 Best Things to do in Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi is a vibrant city with a whole lot to do. On just a short visit you can meet giraffes and baby elephants, indulge in delicious Kenyan cuisine, and learn about the country’s human and animal history. Most people start their visit to Kenya in this city, but skip over it in order to start their safari faster. There are plenty of things to do in Nairobi to fill up a day or two before heading out for the wildlife!

Before I visited Nairobi, I’ll admit, I was a little overwhelmed! The city has a reputation as being a little rough around the edges. However, I can confidently say I loved my time in Nairobi, so much so that I’ve been to the city several times now and will be back again in the future. Here are my recommendations for the 14 best things to do in Nairobi. 

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1. The Giraffe Centre

Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre is an amazing opportunity to see these beautiful animals up close and also support a great cause. The centre’s main goal is to educate local children about the animals who they share a home with, and the way they accomplish this goal is by providing an opportunity for all visitors to get up close and personal with the giraffes.

There is a small structure which you can enter, once there you’ll be surrounded by giraffes. The giraffes stick their heads into the platform you’re standing on to get snacks. You can easily give pats, get licks, and take plenty of photos. This is truly a unique and totally unforgettable experience.

2. Karen Blixen House and Museum

Best known for her memoir Out of Africa, Karen Blixen was a Danish woman who spent part of her life in Kenya. The property that the Karen Blixen House and Museum is located on was once a part of the farm that she owned with her husband. 

At the museum, you can learn all about the author and her life. The property is still full of lush gardens which you can explore on your visit.

The best way to see the museum is on a guided tour. You can book an exterior tour or get a guide at the museum. 

3. Nairobi National Park

Visiting Nairobi National Park is an amazing way to see local wildlife in their natural habitat without having to go far from the city. You can actually even see the city skyline while out on safari in the park! 

There is a long list of species which call the park home. It includes highlights such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and hippos. The park also serves as a rhino sanctuary and conservationists oversee breeding here to restock rhino herds in other parks throughout the country. 

You can self-drive the park or join an organized safari. And while the park is a great intro to Kenya’s wildlife, it only skims the surface of what the larger parks offer. If you are putting together an itinerary for a trip of seven or more days in Kenya you should definitely plan on visiting more parks.

4. Utamaduni Craft Centre

If you want to bring home a unique, handmade souvenir, you have to stop off at Utamaduni Craft Centre. The centre is made up of 18 different shops which sell a variety of unique items. Everything sold here is handmade by artisans from Kenya and across Africa. 

You can find clothing, soaps and lotions, bags, kids toys, jewellery, shoes, and more. And if you’re at all worried about haggling during your time in Kenya, this is the perfect place for you as all of the items have fixed prices. 

The property also has a small cafe and garden where you can sit and enjoy a drink. 

5. Dine in one of Nairobi’s Delicious Restaurants

There are several dishes you should make sure to try during your trip to Kenya. One of those is ugali, which is the country’s national dish and a staple in many meals. Ugali is very simply made from corn flour and water — essentially corn porridge — and usually comes with other parts of a meal such as vegetables, fish, or meat. You’ll find dishes like this on the menu at many of the restaurants in Nairobi, but you can definitely try it at Kienyeji’s Store.

For traditional dishes from west Africa, stop by The Golden Stool. Or for some Euro-African fusion, I recommend a meal at Talisman, my personal favourite restaurant in Nairobi.

6. Nairobi National Museum

Nairobi National Museum showcases all facets of Kenya. You’ll find exhibits on the country’s history and culture as well as collections of both art and nature. 

No matter your interest, you’ll find a section of this museum that interests you. There is an exhibit on evolution — from elephants to shrews — for those interested in science and animals. And there is also an exhibit focused entirely on money, banking, and trade in Kenya. 

While tour guides are available at the museum, there is a good amount of detailed signage in English so you’d be fine to tour on your own.

7. David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

I think David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is one of the most fascinating stops to make in Nairobi and is also one of the most worthwhile organizations you can support. The trust does amazing work which includes, but is not limited to rescuing, raising, and re-releasing orphaned wild elephants. 

If you visit, firstly you should make sure to book ahead so you’re not disappointed. Visits are available every day from 11 am – 12 pm and they provide a chance to see the baby elephants being fed. While you can’t be right up next to the elephants you will get a great view and the explanations and stories about each elephant are so pure — you’ll learn all about each of their quirks, hobbies, likes, and dislikes. 

8. Oloolua Nature Trail

The Oloolua Nature Trail brings you through dry indigenous forests, waterfalls, caves, and swamps. The entire trail is about 3.5 km (just over 2 miles) and takes around an hour to complete. 

The trail is well maintained with a combination of dirt, steps, and raised pathways. It is considered easy to complete. 

This escape from the city allows you to see a diverse assortment of fauna such as birds and butterflies and also some monkeys. 

You’ll need to purchase a ticket to access the trail. That can be done online through Kenya’s e-citizen platform. 

9. Nairobi City Tour

To get a good picture of Nairobi city, it’s a great idea to take a city tour.

There is a variety of tours offered and the best one for you will depend on what you are most interested in focusing on. You could take a walking tour that focuses on the history of the city. Or if you’re interested in visiting markets and picking up more local goods you might book a tour totally dedicated to shopping in Nairobi. You might also just want to do a real general overview of the whole city.

If you prefer not to join an actual tour you might consider following a self-guided walking tour.  

10. Maasai Market

I recommend including time visiting a Maasai tribe if you’re planning a five-day Kenya itinerary, but the Maasai Market in Nairobi is a great way to get an introduction to the people and their artistry. 

Keep in mind that the market moves throughout the city and is located somewhere different each day. You can see the days, locations, and times here. I especially enjoy and recommend the Friday village market. 

These markets are full of great crafts and unique gifts. But do keep in mind that you should definitely haggle, and this experience can be overwhelming if you’re not used to it. Don’t feel pressure, and always know you can walk away if you need a moment or simply no longer want an item. 

11. Bomas of Kenya

Bomas of Kenya is a tourist village that puts on daily music and dance performances. The village was built following traditional methods — from the mud huts to their thatched roofs. 

The performances are put on by professional dancers who showcase dances from different ethnic tribes throughout the country. 

There is also a restaurant in the village — Utamaduni Restaurant. There you can try a variety of freshly made Kenyan dishes, from barbeque to grilled fish. 

12. Ngong Hills

The Ngong Hills sit along a lush green ridge southwest of Nairobi. From the hills, you can see amazing views of both Nairobi and the Great Rift Valley. 

The most common day trip to the area is for a hike to the top of the seven peaks, following the ridgeline. The entire trail is just under 12 km and is a short, but full day of around six hours of hiking. The hike starts in Ngong town and ends at Kona Baridi.

While doable for anyone with a reasonable fitness level, it is a long hike with a lot of ascending and descending. Note that there is no security on the trail so it is advisable to do it with a tour guide or group. While the trail is fairly populated and most animals will avoid it, you still might encounter buffalo along the way. 

13. Kenyan Cooking Class

The best way to learn about Kenyan food is to get your hands dirty and make it yourself. You can take a cooking class with native Kenyans who will teach you recipes from the tribes they grew up in. For example, this traditional cooking class is led by a food writer and includes a market visit. 

Of course, after the meal is cooked you’ll have the chance to sit down and enjoy it with other tour participants and your host. This really is an excellent way to try a lot of traditional food and to get to chat with a local, ask them questions about the dishes, and bring a recipe home with you to make again. 

14. Karura Forest

Karura Forest is located within Nairobi city, north of the central districts. The greenery covers about 1,041 hectares (around 2,570 acres). On a trip to the protected forest, you can walk a loop and visit a water lily pond, caves, and waterfalls. There is also a diverse assortment of birds and some monkeys in the park.

Final thoughts

A trip to Nairobi is a great introduction – so don’t skip over this city for your safari in Kenya. There is a diverse range of things you can do in the city, from up-close encounters with giraffes to exploring natural habitats and it’ll get you ready for more explorations further out in the country.

Read More about Kenya

Best Safari Parks in Kenya

Visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

How to Plan a Safari to Kenya

Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Masai Mara, Kenya

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