🌍 Nairobi, Kenya

Things to Do in Nairobi

Top attractions, hidden gems, and free activities. Everything you need for the perfect Nairobi experience.

8
Attractions
0
Free Activities
19h
Total Time
$80
Top 10 Cost
⭐

Must-See in Nairobi

#1
🌳
Nairobi National Park

The world's only national park within a capital city, offering an incredible juxtaposition of wildlife against Nairobi's skyline. Home to lions, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and over 400 bird species. Just 7km from the city center, you can go on a safari before your morning meetings. Best visited early morning for optimal wildlife viewing. A truly unique experience that defines Nairobi's character as 'the city in the sun.'

⏱️ 4h
#2
🌳
Giraffe Centre

A beloved conservation center in Langata dedicated to the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Stand eye-to-eye with these magnificent creatures on an elevated platform and feed them special pellets. The center has successfully bred and released giraffes into protected parks across Kenya. Includes a nature trail along the Gogo River for birdwatching. A must-visit that combines wildlife education with an unforgettable up-close animal encounter.

⏱️ 1.5h
#3
🌳
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

World-renowned elephant orphanage that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases orphaned elephants and rhinos back into the wild. The public visiting hour (11 AM - 12 PM daily) lets you watch baby elephants being bottle-fed and playing in mud baths while keepers share each elephant's rescue story. An emotional and educational experience that supports vital conservation work. Book in advance as visits are limited.

⏱️ 1.5h
πŸ“…
If You Have 1 Day
The essential Nairobi experience
  • 1Nairobi National Park4h
  • 2Giraffe Centre1.5h
  • 3David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust1.5h
  • 4Karen Blixen Museum2h
Total: ~9 hoursEst. cost: ~$40
πŸ—“οΈ
Weekend Itinerary
2 days of Nairobi highlights

Day 1

  • Nairobi National Park
  • Giraffe Centre
  • David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
  • Karen Blixen Museum

Day 2

  • Nairobi National Museum
  • Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC)
  • Karura Forest
  • Bomas of Kenya
Total: ~19 hoursEst. cost: ~$80
πŸ’°

Budget Calculator

Budget Explorer
$30
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Standard Visitor
$50
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$80
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* Estimates based on typical entry fees. Actual prices may vary.

All Attractions

🌳

Nairobi National Park

nature

The world's only national park within a capital city, offering an incredible juxtaposition of wildlife against Nairobi's skyline. Home to lions, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and over 400 bird species. Just 7km from the city center, you can go on a safari before your morning meetings. Best visited early morning for optimal wildlife viewing. A truly unique experience that defines Nairobi's character as 'the city in the sun.'

⏱️ 4h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration4h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
🌳

Giraffe Centre

nature

A beloved conservation center in Langata dedicated to the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Stand eye-to-eye with these magnificent creatures on an elevated platform and feed them special pellets. The center has successfully bred and released giraffes into protected parks across Kenya. Includes a nature trail along the Gogo River for birdwatching. A must-visit that combines wildlife education with an unforgettable up-close animal encounter.

⏱️ 1.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration1.5h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
🌳

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

nature

World-renowned elephant orphanage that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases orphaned elephants and rhinos back into the wild. The public visiting hour (11 AM - 12 PM daily) lets you watch baby elephants being bottle-fed and playing in mud baths while keepers share each elephant's rescue story. An emotional and educational experience that supports vital conservation work. Book in advance as visits are limited.

⏱️ 1.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration1.5h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
πŸ›οΈ

Karen Blixen Museum

museum

The historic farmhouse where Danish author Karen Blixen lived while writing 'Out of Africa.' Set at the foot of the Ngong Hills, the beautifully preserved colonial home showcases original furniture, artifacts, and memorabilia from her time in Kenya (1914-1931). The lush gardens offer stunning views and insight into colonial-era Kenya. A pilgrimage site for literary enthusiasts and history buffs.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
πŸ›οΈ

Nairobi National Museum

museum

Kenya's flagship museum offering a comprehensive journey through the country's cultural and natural heritage. Highlights include prehistoric fossils, Kenya's tribal diversity, contemporary African art, and an impressive taxidermy collection. The adjacent snake park and botanical garden add to the experience. An excellent introduction to East African history, geology, and culture in the heart of the city.

⏱️ 3h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration3h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
πŸŒ„

Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC)

viewpoint

Nairobi's iconic 28-story cylindrical tower and architectural landmark. The rooftop observation deck offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the city, surrounding hills, and even glimpses of Mount Kenya on clear days. A perfect spot to orient yourself with Nairobi's geography and snap stunning skyline photos. The building itself is an impressive example of African modernist architecture.

⏱️ 1h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration1h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
🌳

Karura Forest

nature

An urban oasis covering 1,000+ hectares in the heart of Nairobi - one of the largest urban forests in the world. Features well-maintained trails for walking, jogging, and cycling, plus waterfalls, caves, and picnic spots. Popular with locals for weekend escapes and outdoor exercise. You might spot monkeys, duikers, and over 200 bird species. A refreshing break from the city right in Nairobi.

⏱️ 3h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration3h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
πŸ“

Bomas of Kenya

entertainment

A living cultural museum showcasing the traditional homesteads (bomas) and lifestyles of Kenya's 42 ethnic tribes. Daily traditional dance performances (2:30 PM weekdays, 3:30 PM weekends) feature energetic displays of music, dance, and acrobatics from various communities. Walk through replicated villages to learn about different tribal customs, architecture, and crafts. An immersive way to understand Kenya's rich cultural diversity.

⏱️ 3h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration3h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
πŸ—ΊοΈ

πŸ’‘ Sightseeing Tips for Nairobi

1

Book popular sites in advance. Major attractions sell out weeks aheadβ€”book online to avoid disappointment.

2

Go early or late. Major attractions are packed midday. Visit at opening time or after 5pm for smaller crowds.

3

Look for free entry days. Many museums offer free entry on certain days or evenings.

4

Get a city pass. If you're visiting multiple attractions, city passes often save money and include transport.

πŸ”— More About Nairobi

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