Nairobi: Kenya's Capital City Guide

Nairobi is one of Africa’s most dynamic cities — a metropolis of four million people built at 1,795m above sea level, with a functioning national park on its doorstep and one of the continent’s fastest-growing tech sectors. It is also the gateway to Kenya’s safari circuit and the coast.

Getting There

By air: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) handles all international flights. Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, British Airways, KLM, and Turkish Airlines all serve the city with direct or one-stop routes from Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Asia. The airport is 15km from the city centre.

From the airport: The SGR train (KES 100, approximately 30 minutes) is the cheapest option to Nairobi Central station. Uber or Bolt cost KES 1,500–3,000 depending on traffic. Journey time by road is 30–90 minutes.

Getting Around

Nairobi’s main neighbourhoods for visitors are:

• CBD (Central Business District) — government buildings, budget hotels, Maasai Market
• Westlands — restaurants, bars, upmarket hotels, malls
• Karen — leafy suburb, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum
• Gigiri — UN complex, embassies, Village Market
• Kilimani — mid-range hotels and apartments

Uber and Bolt are the safest and most predictable transport options. Fares within the city centre and Westlands run KES 150–400. Matatus (shared minibuses) are cheaper but confusing for first-time visitors.

Things to Do

Nairobi National Park is 7km from the city centre — the only national park in the world directly adjacent to a capital city. Lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, and giraffe roam against a backdrop of city skyscrapers. Entry fee approximately KES 1,000 for foreign residents, USD 60 for non-residents as of 2026. Open daily 6am–6pm.

Giraffe Centre (African Fund for Endangered Wildlife) — feed endangered Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform at eye level. Located in Karen. Entry approximately USD 15 as of 2026. Open daily 9am–5pm. Book online at giraffecentre.org.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust — elephant orphanage caring for orphaned baby elephants. Public visits daily 11am–noon. Entry approximately USD 10. Located at the Nairobi National Park main gate. Book online in advance.

Nairobi National Museum — Kenya’s main natural history and cultural museum. Houses exhibits on Kenya’s prehistory, colonial history, and natural world. Entry KES 1,500 for non-residents. Located near Museum Hill. Open daily 9:30am–5:30pm.

Maasai Market — rotating open-air craft market selling Maasai jewellery, carvings, textiles, and souvenirs. Held Fridays at the CBD (City Square) and various other locations on different days. Prices are negotiable.

Where to Eat

Local/budget: Mama Oliech’s in Hurlingham serves legendary Kenyan fish, ugali, and sukuma wiki (approximately KES 300–600 per meal). Nyama choma joints on Ngong Road charge approximately KES 600–900 per kilo of goat or beef.

Mid-range: Java House (multiple locations) is the most reliable chain for breakfast, coffee, and all-day meals, with prices around KES 500–1,200. Artcaffe in Westlands offers similar quality with a broader menu.

Upmarket: Carnivore Restaurant in Langata (approximately KES 3,500–5,000 per person) serves African game meats including ostrich and crocodile. The Talisman Restaurant in Karen is the go-to for long lunches among Nairobi’s expat community (KES 2,000–4,000).

Where to Stay

Budget (KES 2,500–5,000/night): Nairobi Backpackers in Milimani is a reliable hostel with dorms and private rooms. Urban Eatery & Hotel in Westlands is clean and central.

Mid-range (KES 6,000–15,000/night): Trademark Hotel in Gigiri is well-located near the Village Market with strong security. Ole Sereni Hotel overlooks Nairobi National Park with excellent game-viewing from the restaurant.

Upmarket (KES 20,000+/night): Giraffe Manor in Karen (book months in advance) is famous for resident giraffes that visit at breakfast and dinner — from approximately USD 650 per person per night full board. The Tribe Hotel in Gigiri offers boutique luxury from approximately KES 25,000.

Day Trips from Nairobi

Nairobi National Park: The only national park adjacent to a major capital — big game within 20 minutes of the city centre.

Hell’s Gate National Park (90km west, 1.5 hours) — cycling and walking in a gorge, geothermal activity. Day trip.

Lake Naivasha (90km northwest, 1.5 hours) — hippos, boat trips, Crescent Island walking safari.

Machakos (65km southeast, 1 hour) — Akamba woodcarving cooperative, People’s Park. Afternoon excursion.

Thika (45km north, 1 hour) — Blue Posts Hotel and falls, pineapple plantation scenery.

Practical Information

Currency: KES (Kenyan Shilling). ATMs widely available throughout the city. 1 USD ≈ KES 130 as of 2026. USD is accepted at larger hotels and many safari operators.

Tipping: Expected at restaurants (10% is standard), in hotels for porter services (KES 100–200), and for game drive guides (KES 500–1,000 per day is the norm at most camps).

Safety: Use Uber or Bolt exclusively — never hail unlicensed street taxis. Avoid the River Road and Eastleigh areas after dark. Keep smartphones and expensive cameras out of sight in the CBD and in crowded areas.

Health: Malaria risk in Nairobi is very low (city is above 1,800m) but exists in lower areas around the city. Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from an endemic country. Check current requirements before travel at the Kenya government health portal.

Connectivity: Excellent mobile coverage throughout the city. Safaricom 4G is the most reliable network. Buy a Safaricom SIM at the JKIA arrivals hall (approximately KES 100, ID required). M-Pesa mobile money is accepted almost universally in Kenya — worth activating even for short trips.