Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is often seen as a gateway city—where travelers land before setting off on safari discovery of the Maasai Mara or beach holidays in Mombasa. But those who get a chance to linger, discover that Nairobi is much more than a stopover. It’s a city of contrasts: glass skyscrapers shadowing bustling open-air markets, green forests tucked between highways. The only global tourist destination with a park within its borders.
This blend of urban energy, nature’s beauty and an eccentric atmosphere makes Nairobi a destination in its own right. Whether you’re here for a few days or a week, there’s plenty to experience. Here are 10 things every traveler should do in Nairobi, complete with travel tips to make your visit memorable.
1. Visit Nairobi National Park – Wildlife on the City’s Doorstep
Where else in the world can you watch a pride of lions hunt with city skyscrapers in the background? Nairobi National Park is a marvel, just 15 minutes from the central business district.
The park spans 117 square kilometers and is home to rhinos, lions, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and over 400 bird species. If you’re lucky, you might even spot cheetahs or leopards. Morning and evening game drives are best for wildlife viewing when the animals are looking for their daily meals.
Game drives are the most popular way to explore, with early mornings and late afternoons offering the best chance to sight animals. Picnics within the park provide quiet spots to relax while soaking in the beautiful lush green background. For lovers of history and conservation, the Ivory Burning Site, where Kenya’s presidents burned confiscated ivory to protest poaching, adds a powerful conservation message to the visit.
Travel Tip : Mornings are perfect for spotting when animals are most active. If you don’t have your own car, hire a guide or join a group tour for a richer experience.
2. Meet Gentle Giants at the Giraffe Centre
In the leafy suburb of Karen, the Giraffe Centre lets visitors come face to face with Rothschild’s giraffes, one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies. Visitors can hand-feed pellets to these gentle giants from an elevated wooden platform, often rewarded with a long, sloppy giraffe kiss. The giant giants allow visitors to appreciate the importance and role of animal conservation to ensure continuity of endangered species in today’s era of climate change. The center doubles as a conservation and education hub, so your entrance fee helps fund giraffe protection.
Travel Tip : Travellers are advised to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and pair it with a stop at the nearby Karen Blixen Museum.
3. Fall in Love at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Few experiences in Nairobi are as moving as a visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) in Nairobi is one of the most heartwarming experiences a traveler can have. Nestled at the edge of Nairobi National Park, this sanctuary is world-renowned for its work in rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants, many of whom have lost their mothers to poaching or human-wildlife conflict.
The experience begins with a gathering around a roped-off area where the young elephants are brought out for their daily feeding and mud bath. Keepers, who act as surrogate parents, bottle-feed them with specially milk and guide them as they splash, roll, and play in the mud. Each elephant has a name and story, and listening to the keepers share these touching journeys makes the experience deeply personal.
What makes DSWT unique is its mission. The ultimate goal isn’t to keep the elephants in captivity but to slowly reintroduce them back into the wild. Visitors leave with not only a sense of joy but also deep respect and admiration for the conservation work being done.
Travellers are advised to visit early-visiting hours usually from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm—so plan ahead. If you adopt an elephant, you can arrange a more private evening visit.
4. Dive into Color at the Maasai Market
For a burst of Kenyan culture, head to the Maasai Market, an open-air market where artisans sell beadwork, paintings, clothing, carvings, and fabrics. It’s the best place for authentic souvenirs and a chance to support local craftspeople.
Expect to negotiate—bargaining is part of the fun and culture. Vendors will usually start at high prices, so don’t be shy about negotiating with a smile.
Travel Tip: The market rotates locations (Tuesday at Prestige Mall, Saturday at High Court parking, Sunday at Yaya Centre, etc.). Check ahead or ask locals to know where it is that day.
5. Explore Kenya’s Past at the Nairobi National Museum
Stepping into the Nairobi National Museum feels like opening a living storybook of Kenya’s past. The building itself, set within serene gardens just minutes from the city center, creates a quiet retreat where history, culture, and nature blend seamlessly.
The journey begins in the Great Hall of Kenya, where towering exhibits of wildlife remind visitors of the country’s unmatched biodiversity. From majestic elephants to delicate butterflies, it’s a celebration of Kenya’s natural heritage. Moving deeper, the museum unfolds Kenya’s human story through its prehistory gallery.
Equally captivating are the ethnographic displays. Traditional attire, beadwork, musical instruments, and ritual artifacts from over 40 ethnic groups showcase Kenya’s cultural richness. Each piece tells a story of identity, resilience, and tradition, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who have shaped the nation.
Art lovers are drawn to the contemporary gallery, where Kenyan artists explore modern identity, politics, and expression through striking paintings and sculptures. Outside, the lush gardens and open café offer a perfect space to reflect on the experience.
What makes the Nairobi National Museum truly special is its ability to weave together Kenya’s wildlife, human origins, cultural diversity, and creativity under one roof. It’s not just a place to learn; it’s a place to connect—to see Kenya as a land where nature and humanity have evolved side by side, each shaping the other.
Travel Tip: Visiting the museum is more than a tour; it’s an intimate journey into the heart of Kenya’s past, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation of its present and future.
6. Escape into Green at Karura Forest
Just minutes from Nairobi’s busy center lies Karura Forest, a sanctuary that feels a world away from the city’s hustle. The moment you step inside, the noise of traffic fades, replaced by birdsong, rustling leaves, and the occasional chatter of monkeys swinging in the canopy.
Covering over 1,000 hectares, Karura is more than just a green escape—it’s a story of resilience. Once threatened by encroachment, the forest was saved through the tireless efforts of environmentalist Wangari Maathai – first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize – and her Green Belt Movement. Today, it thrives as one of the world’s largest urban forests, open for all to enjoy.
Walking along its well-marked trails, you encounter shaded groves, bamboo stands, and even a hidden waterfall tumbling into cool pools. There are caves steeped in history, said to have sheltered Mau Mau fighters during Kenya’s independence struggle. Cyclists zip along dirt paths, joggers find rhythm in the winding routes, while families picnic in sunny clearings.
What makes Karura unforgettable is the sense of calm it offers—a chance to breathe deeply and reconnect with nature without ever leaving Nairobi. It’s proof that even in a growing metropolis, green spaces can thrive, inviting city dwellers and travelers alike to pause, reflect, and simply be.
Travel Tip: Rent a bike at the entrance for an active adventure, and carry water and snacks if you plan to spend several hours exploring.
7. Step Back in Time at the Karen Blixen Museum
The farmhouse of Danish author Karen Blixen, made famous by her memoir Out of Africa, is now a museum. Visitors can tour the house, filled with furniture and memorabilia from the colonial era, and stroll through the manicured gardens at the foot of the Ngong Hills.
It’s a charming stop, especially for lovers of history, literature, and film.
Travel Tip: Pair this visit with the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Orphanage to make a full day exploring Karen suburb.
8. Indulge in Nairobi’s Food Scene
Nairobi is a melting pot of flavors. Here, you can dine on traditional Kenyan favorites or explore international cuisines. Nairobi’s food scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself, reflecting its mix of cultures, traditions, and modern creativity. From smoky roadside grills to upscale restaurants, food here is not just about eating—it’s about community, storytelling, and identity.
At the heart of Nairobi’s cuisine is nyama choma—succulent roasted meat, often goat or beef, served with ugali, kachumbari, and a cold drink.
- Nyama Choma: Head to Carnivore or local favorites like Njuguna’s Place for the classical Kenyan barbecue.
- Street Food: Try mutura (spiced meat stuffed sausages), chapati, and roasted maize from roadside vendors.
- Trendy Cafés: Nairobi has a booming café culture—perfect for sampling Kenyan coffee.
- Swahili Cuisine: Coastal dishes like pilau and biriyani can be found in Nairobi’s eateries, bringing the spice of the coast inland.
Travel Tip: For a food adventure, join a guided Nairobi food tour that combines street eats with hidden gems.
9. Dance to the Beat of Nairobi’s Nightlife
Nicknamed the “city that never sleeps,” Nairobi has a buzzing nightlife scene. Areas like Westlands, Kilimani, and Ngong Road are dotted with clubs, pubs, and lounges. From Afrobeat to reggae, amapiano and hip-hop Nairobi’s music scene is alive and diverse.
For a more relaxed evening, there are rooftop bars with skyline views and live music venues showcasing local talent.
Travel Tip: Nightlife in Nairobi starts late—most places get lively after 10:00 pm. Stick to reputable venues and use reliable taxis or ride-hailing apps for safety.
A Day Trip to Ngong Hills
For a quick escape from the city, head to Ngong Hills, just 30 minutes outside Nairobi. The rolling green hills are perfect for hiking, offering great views of the Great Rift Valley on one side and the city skyline on the other. The cool breeze and wide-open spaces provide a refreshing contrast to Nairobi’s hustle and bustle. A day trip here offers the perfect refresher from city life—fresh air, sweeping views, and a touch of adventure.
The name Ngong comes from a Maasai phrase meaning “knuckles,” inspired by the way the hills’ seven peaks resemble a clenched fist. Hiking the ridges is the highlight of any visit. The trail stretches about 21 kilometers end-to-end, with moderately challenging climbs rewarded by breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley on one side and Nairobi’s skyline on the other. Along the way, you may spot gazelles, buffalo, or even the occasional colobus monkey.
The atmosphere is rejuvinating yet serene. Strong winds whistle across the hills, giving the place an almost spiritual energy. It’s easy to see why Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, wrote so fondly of Ngong Hills
Travel Tip: Go with a guide if hiking in a group, carry water, and wear comfortable shoes. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for views.
Nairobi, More Than a Stopover
Nairobi is often underestimated. Many travelers treat it as a transit point on their way to Kenya’s safaris or beaches. Yet those who give the city time are rewarded with natural beauty, cultural treasures, vibrant markets, and a buzzing food and nightlife scene.
It’s a city where modern Africa thrives—full of contradictions, creativity, and charm. Spend a few days here, and Nairobi will show you its heart: a place where skyscrapers meet savannahs, where tradition blends with modernity, and where every experience remains unforgettable.