Quick Answer
Nairobi is Kenya's capital and the only city in the world with a national park (with lions, rhinos, and giraffes) inside the city limits. It's the launching pad for the Maasai Mara and Amboseli safaris. Hotels start from $75/night. July through October is dry season and best for safari, January and February also work.
Explore Nairobi in Detail
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Top Tours in Nairobi
Nairobi National Park Morning Safari
Early morning game drive in Nairobi National Park with a 4x4 and ranger guide. Best chance to spot rhinos, lions, and giraffes against the city skyline.
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Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre Tour
Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphanage during the daily feeding hour, then hand-feed Rothschild's giraffes at the Giraffe Centre.
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Maasai Mara 3-Day Safari from Nairobi
3 days of game drives in the Maasai Mara reserve, accommodation in safari camps, full meals, and Land Cruiser transfers from Nairobi. Best in July-October.
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The experiences travelers come back to Nairobi for, year after year.
Itineraries for Nairobi
Day-by-day plans built by travelers who actually went.
Nairobi in 3 Days
The essential first-time itinerary — the must-sees you came for, plus the local moments you came home talking about.
Nairobi for Couples
Quiet mornings, slow dinners, and the views the brochures don't show. Built for two.
Nairobi with Kids
Activities everyone enjoys, restaurants that welcome little ones, and downtime built into the plan.
Getting Around Nairobi
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Nairobi at your own pace. Compare rates from all major suppliers in one search.
Best Time to Visit Nairobi
Best months to visit Nairobi: April–June and September–October offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July–August is peak season. December–February is coldest but cheapest.
Why Visit Nairobi?
Nairobi is the city most safari travelers transit through for 1-2 nights and then realize they should have stayed longer. The city has more wildlife experiences within 30 minutes of downtown than anywhere else on the continent, and the food and coffee scenes are quietly excellent.
Nairobi National Park is the bizarre wonder: 117 square kilometers of savannah inside the city limits, where you can spot lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras with the skyline as backdrop. Morning game drives are 4 hours and you’ll see Big Five (minus elephants). The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphanage rehabilitates baby elephants and is open to the public for one hour daily (11am-12pm) for the daily feeding and mud-bathing. Bookings essential. The Giraffe Centre in Karen lets you hand-feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes from an elevated platform. Karen Blixen Museum is the colonial farmhouse from Out of Africa, still preserved. The Nairobi National Museum holds the most important hominid fossil collection in the world (this is Leakey country). Westlands and Karen are the upscale dining and shopping districts. Kibera is the second-largest urban slum in Africa and visits should only happen through legitimate community-led organizations. Beyond the city, the Mara is 5 hours by 4×4 (or 1 hour by light aircraft). Amboseli for Mt. Kilimanjaro views is 4 hours. Lake Nakuru’s flamingos and rhinos is 3 hours. Nairobi is also the cheapest east African capital and has the continent’s best coffee scene.
Frequently Asked Questions — Nairobi
How much do hotels in Nairobi cost?
Hostels and guesthouses start at $20/night. 3-star hotels run $75-$150. 4-star hotels are $150-$280. Luxury 5-star hotels like Hemingways, Giraffe Manor, or Fairmont The Norfolk are $300-$1,000/night. Safari packages typically include lodge stays.
When is the best time to visit Nairobi?
July through October is dry season and the best time for safari (great migration in the Mara is July-October). January and February are the second dry window. March through May is the long rains. November and December are short rains. Year-round temperatures are mild (60-80F) due to elevation.
How many days do I need in Nairobi?
Two days for the city sights including Nairobi National Park, elephants, and giraffes. Add 3-5 days for a Maasai Mara safari, plus 2-3 days for Amboseli or Lake Nakuru. A proper Kenya trip is 10-14 days.
Is Nairobi safe for tourists?
Nairobi requires caution. Westlands, Karen, and the city center are generally safe during the day. Avoid walking at night anywhere, use Uber (which works well). Carjackings have happened in CBD. Stay in established hotels, skip street stalls, and use registered safari operators.
What area should I stay in?
Westlands for upscale modern hotels and restaurants. Karen for colonial-era atmosphere, the Giraffe Centre, and Karen Blixen Museum. Gigiri for diplomatic district safety and proximity to UN compounds. Avoid the CBD for hotel stays unless it's a major chain with secure transfer.
How do I get around Nairobi?
Uber and Bolt work well and are the safest option for tourists, with rides usually $3-10. The new Nairobi Expressway makes airport transfers fast. Skip matatus (minibuses) unless you have a local guide. Walking is risky outside of upscale neighborhoods.
What food should I try in Nairobi?
Nyama choma (grilled meat) at Carnivore Restaurant, ugali (cornmeal porridge) with sukuma wiki (collard greens) at any local place, samosas at Diamond Plaza, mukimo (potato-corn-greens mash) at Habesha, and Kenyan coffee at Java House or Connect Coffee.