Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will begin your Kenya safari adventure. You can transfer directly to your first destination, take the rest of the day to get acclimated to the new time zone, or go on an independent city tour. Your overnight stay can either be in Nairobi or outside of the city.
Nairobi, Kenya, is one of the best African countries to visit, especially for your first trip to the continent.
Nairobi experiences huge traffic, but once you spend time in the city, you’ll realize just how cool it is and how many great things there are to do in Nairobi.
Kenya’s capital is an exciting city with lots of art and culture, fantastic social initiatives, and great nightlife.
So read the list, which will give you some ideas for the best things to do in Nairobi!
1. Go to the top of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre
As one of the tallest buildings in Kenya, the cylindrical Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is the best place for a 360-degree panorama of Nairobi and its environs.
The rooftop helipad is open to visitors and offers unparalleled views of the central business district and beyond – even as far as Nairobi National Park.
2. Learn about Kenyan history in Nairobi’s museums
If you’re after some culture, head to the Nairobi Gallery, the Railways Museum, or the Karen Blixen Museum.
The Nairobi National Museum is a particular highlight, as it tells the story of Kenya’s rich heritage.
After an extensive renovation in 2005, today, you’ll find galleries dedicated to cultural anthropology, natural history, and the 1300 bird species of East Africa.
3. Discover the culture of Kenyan tribes at Bomas of Kenya.
Bomas (homesteads) of Kenya is a living museum that displays traditional villages of the many Kenyan tribes.
The aim is to preserve, educate, and promote the heritage of the varied ethnic groups of Kenya through cultural performance, artifacts, and research.
With live percussion and a repertoire of over 50 dances, the Bomas Harambee Dancers energetically showcase Kenya’s past and present.
4. Giraffe Manor
Thanks to its breakfast visitors, this historic manor house in the Lang’ata suburb is an iconic Nairobi landmark.
Each morning, the sunny terraces of this boutique hotel are visited by a resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes, who poke their long necks in through the windows in search of a treat.
Book a stay to experience it yourself.
5. Visit Nairobi National Park
For the chance to see the Big Five against a backdrop of skyscrapers, step across the raised wooden boardwalk of the Nairobi Safari Walk that cuts through this national park.
Only 7km (4 mi) from the city, Nairobi National Park is home to the rare bongo, albino zebra, and wandering primates.
6. Zipline at The Forest
Tap into your sense of adventure and go hiking, ziplining, and paintballing in the Forest activity center, a one-hour drive from Nairobi.
Here, you’ll be surrounded by the lush greenery of Kereita Forest, deep in the Aberdare mountain range.
Other activities include mountain biking, tree planting, camping, and archery.
7. Explore the Ngong Hills
The Ngong hills form a ridge in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, southwest of Nairobi.
A walking trail winds across these hilltops, with the eastern slopes looking out over Nairobi National Park and the western ones dropping 1000m (3281ft) into the Rift Valley below.
Visit the famous Ngong Hills wind farm and soak in some views.
8. Hike or cycle in Karura Forest.
This urban forest in the capital is a great place to hike or cycle, with its woodland trails leading to a waterfall, bamboo forest, and caves.
Look out for the colobus monkey, bush baby, dik-dik, and porcupine on your way around.
The entrance on Limuru Road is best for access to the waterfall and River Cafe, while the Peponi Road entrance is best for the quieter side of the forest.
9. See the African Heritage House exhibition
Alan Donovan designed the African Heritage House, and an exhibition of art, fabric, books, and jewelry is displayed that tells the story of Africa.
The house faces Nairobi National Park, and its structure was inspired by the mud palaces of Morocco, the Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali, and the Swahili architecture of the East African coast.
10. Visit the one-of-a-kind Kazuri bead factory
KOBE is the Swahili word for the African sea Turtle - a beautiful sea creature with a hard external shell.
We believe that KOBE represents the African Savannah's amazing beauty and toughness.
Today, it hires over 300 skilled local women and offers free tours to curious visitors.
Don’t forget to visit the shop afterward.
11. Thrift shop at Maasai Market.
This rotating, open-air market can be found in different places across the city on different days of the week and sells affordable souvenirs, paintings, curios, handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and utensils. As a tourist, you can expect inflated prices, so be prepared to haggle respectfully.
12. See amazing glassware at Kitengela Glass Art
When you arrive at Kitengela, you’ll be greeted by incredible glass sculptures and mosaic ornaments adorning the entrance.
Also present are the artisans who work to make glass into art and decor. There are activities, too, including horse riding, felting, swimming, and mosaic classes.
14. Walk on the Scary Bridge of Rolf’s Place
Rolf’s Place is a cliff mansion in the southeast of Nairobi National Park.
If you’re brave enough, walk the suspension bridge and be rewarded with views of Mount Kenya and the Ngong Hills. The nearby restaurant also has good food.
