This guide shares my top-rated activities, safety strategies, accommodation picks, cost breakdowns, transport hacks, and pro tips for an unforgettable 4-7 day trip, complete with personal stories and must-know contacts.
Key Takeaways
- Visit Nairobi National Park for urban safaris, spotting lions just 20 minutes from downtown.
- Feed Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre and orphaned elephants at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust daily at precise feeding times.
- Budget $50-150 daily for mid-range stays, meals, and activities; save by using matatus and street food.
- Stay safe by avoiding walking alone at night and using Uber; the best time is June-October for dry weather.
- Ideal length: 4-7 days to blend city thrills with day trips like Hell’s Gate.
Top-Rated Things to See and Do in Nairobi
I’ve spent countless weekends hopping between Nairobi’s iconic spots, and these stand out for their wow factor and value.
Ratings come from my visits plus aggregated traveler feedback on sites like TripAdvisor.
Nairobi National Park: Urban Safari Adventure (Rating: 4.8/5)
On my first solo safari here, I watched a pride of lions lounging near the city skyline, an experience that’s drawn over 200,000 visitors yearly.
Entry is about 43 USD for non-residents; game drives start at 50 USD via GetYourGuide. Open 6 AM-6 PM; book early, as mornings yield better animal sightings. Pro tip from my last trip: Pack binoculars for cheetah spotting on the Athi Plains.
Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum Combo (Rating: 4.7/5)
Picture this: A towering Rothschild giraffe extending its purple tongue for a pellet from your hand, as I did last month. Combine with the Karen Blixen Museum (home of Out of Africa author) for 20 USD total.
The center is open 9 AM-5 PM; feeding peaks at 11 AM. Travelers rave about the warthog feeding nearby, calling it “life-changing” on Booking.com reviews.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Elephant Orphanage (Rating: 4.9/5)
During evening visits (5-6 PM, 5 USD entry), I watched baby elephants bottle-fed milk, rescued from poachers. Over 300 rhinos and elephants have been rehabilitated here since 1977. My emotional highlight: A calf named Sanaa trumpeting joyfully. Book via the official site.
Essential Safety Tips for Nairobi Visitors
I’ve navigated Nairobi’s streets for years without issue by sticking to these rules. Petty theft is common in crowded areas like markets, but violent crime is rare for alert tourists.
- Use Uber or Bolt apps over street taxis; fares average 5 USD city-wide.
- Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in CBD; stick to well-lit malls like Two Rivers.
- Carry minimal cash (under 100 USD), use hotel safes, and get travel insurance from Expedia.
- Emergency contacts: Police 999, Ambulance 999, Tourism Police +254 20 222122.
Best Neighborhoods and Hotels to Stay in Nairobi
Karen and Westlands suit luxury seekers; Westgate is for budget seekers. I’ve crashed at mid-range spots, balancing vibe and security.
Sarova Panafric (Westlands, Mid-Range)
80-120 USD/night, 4.5/5 rating. Rooftop pool views; steps from Village Market. Book on Agoda.
Nairobi Serena (CBD, Luxury)
200+ USD/night, 4.6/5. Historic charm, casino on-site. Via Hotels.com.
Airbnb in Lavington (Budget)
40-70 USD/night, secure compounds. Check Vrbo.
Nairobi Trip Costs, Budgets, and Money-Saving Hacks
Daily spend: Budget 50 USD (hostel, matatu, street eats), Mid-range 100-150 USD, Luxury 250+ USD. Total for 5 days: 500-1250 USD excluding flights.
Smart Ways to Get Around Nairobi
Matatus (minibuses) are chaotic but cheap at 1 USD; Uber/Bolt is reliable for 5 USD on average. Fly Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) arrivals; airport taxi 20 USD to city. Rent cars via TripAdvisor partners, but traffic is intense.
Optimal Times to Visit Nairobi and Weather Guide
June-October is the dry season for safaris (temps 59-81°F); January-March is green and lush. Avoid April-May rains. I’ve timed trips for July wildebeest migration views from the park.
Arriving in Nairobi: Airports and Ground Transport
Main hub Jomo Kenyatta (NBO), 45-min drive to center. Wilson Airport for charters. Pre-book transfers on GetYourGuide for 25 USD.
Day Trips Around Nairobi: Hell’s Gate and Beyond
Hell’s Gate National Park (2 hrs away, 26 USD entry) for biking and gorges; book via Booking.com. Lake Naivasha boat safaris spot hippos. My fave: Maasai Mara 5-hr drive for the Big Five.
Top Tours to Book in and Around Nairobi
- Nairobi City Half-Day: 40 USD, covers museum and markets.
- Elephant/Giraffe Combo: 60 USD on Expedia.
- Overnight Maasai Village: 150 USD, cultural immersion.
Perfect Length of Stay in Nairobi
4 days for essentials, 7 for day trips. I once did 10 days blending city and Aberdare hikes, but 5 hits the sweet spot without burnout.
My Personal Insights, Pros, Cons, and Pro Tips
“Nairobi hooked me on my first visit with its raw energy, from skyline safaris to nyama choma feasts,” I recall from a 2025 trip. Pros: Wildlife access unmatched globally, 24/7 vibe, affordable eats. Cons: Traffic jams eat hours, occasional hustlers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Nairobi
What are the best things to do in Nairobi for first-timers?
Start with the Nairobi National Park safari, giraffe center feeding, and Sheldrick Orphanage. These pack wildlife thrills into one day.
Is Nairobi safe for solo travelers?
Yes, with precautions like Uber use and daytime outings. I’ve solo-tripped safely multiple times.
How much does a Nairobi trip cost per day?
50-150 USD covering basics to comfort level.
When is the best time to visit Nairobi?
June to October for dry, wildlife-viewing weather.