Best things to do in Nairobi
Find out more about those top places in Nairobi
Nairobi: Concrete Jungle Meets Actual Jungle (Where Lions Roar at Skyscrapers!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to East Africa's Buzzing Hub!
Jambo, city slickers and safari enthusiasts! Prepare for a delightful culture clash because we're diving headfirst into Nairobi, East Africa's sprawling metropolis and a surprisingly diverse and vibrant hidden gem that stands in delightful contrast to the untamed natural beauty found elsewhere in Kenya. Forget your preconceived notions of dusty capitals; Nairobi has a clutch of star attractions right within its urban heart that would make other African capital cities green with envy (perhaps the same shade as the lush vegetation just outside!).
Within the city limits, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating ethnographic exhibitions at the National Museum, where you can learn about the incredible tapestry of cultures that make up this region. Then, prepare your taste buds for a nyama choma adventure! Nairobi is practically synonymous with this mouth-watering grilled meat, and the city is abuzz with numerous restaurants serving up sizzling platters that will have you saying "mmmh!" with every juicy bite. And for a dose of history (with a side of reflection), the suburbs house some enlightening museums dedicated to Kenya’s colonial past, offering a crucial perspective on the nation's journey.
Now, here's the truly wild part (literally!): escaping Nairobi's concrete jungle is surprisingly easy. This bustling city is nestled right at the edge of the incredible Nairobi National Park! Yes, you read that correctly. You can be navigating city traffic one minute and spotting rhinos, cheetahs, lions, giraffes, and other iconic safari species the next. It's like having a real-life wildlife documentary playing out on the city's doorstep – talk about convenient sightseeing!
Remarkably, some of the park’s highest points offer breathtaking, almost surreal views of the glassy high-rises of the city’s central business district. Imagine snapping a photo of a giraffe gracefully munching on acacia leaves with skyscrapers gleaming in the background – it's a juxtaposition that's both bizarre and brilliant, and definitely one of Nairobi's unique top attractions.
Nairobi is a city of contrasts, a place where urban energy meets wild beauty. It's a melting pot of cultures, a hub of innovation, and a fantastic starting point for exploring the wonders of Kenya. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a wildlife lover, or just someone looking for a unique urban adventure, Nairobi has a whole lot to offer.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this dynamic East African capital. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring world-class museums and indulging in delicious local cuisine to embarking on thrilling safaris with city views and delving into the nation's rich history, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Nairobi a truly special and hilariously surprising destination.
Top Attractions: City Culture Meets Safari Thrills!
Nairobi offers a unique blend of urban experiences and incredible wildlife encounters:
Nairobi National Park: Safari with a Skyline
Experience the incredible Nairobi National Park, located right on the city's edge, offering fantastic sightseeing opportunities to spot lions, rhinos, giraffes, and more with the city skyline as a backdrop. A truly unique top attraction.
The National Museum: Cultural Insights
Immerse yourself in Kenyan culture and history at the National Museum, home to excellent ethnographic exhibitions and the famous early human fossils. A key place to visit for cultural enrichment.
Bomas of Kenya: Traditional Village Experience
Explore the Bomas of Kenya, a cultural center showcasing traditional Kenyan villages, music, and dance. A vibrant way to experience the country's diverse heritage and a great thing to do.
Giraffe Centre: Up Close with Gentle Giants
Get up close and personal with Rothschild's giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, where you can even feed them! A popular attraction and a fun thing to do for all ages.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Elephant Orphanage
Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an inspiring elephant and rhino orphanage where you can witness the heartwarming work of conservationists. A moving and educational place to visit.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks: Markets, Food, and Historical Exploration!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Nairobi vibe:
- Savor Nyama Choma: Indulge in Kenya's famous grilled meat at one of Nairobi's many bustling nyama choma restaurants.
- Explore the Maasai Market: Haggle for colorful crafts and souvenirs at this vibrant open-air market (check for location and days).
- Visit the Karen Blixen Museum: Step back in time at the former home of the author of "Out of Africa."
- Discover Nairobi Railway Museum: Explore the history of Kenya's railways.
- Enjoy the Nightlife: Experience Nairobi's vibrant nightlife scene, with its diverse bars and clubs.
So, if you're looking for places to visit in East Africa that offer a thrilling blend of urban culture and incredible wildlife encounters, Nairobi is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared for a city that roars in more ways than one! Karibu Nairobi! (Welcome to Nairobi!)
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Nairobi National Park
Perched above Nairobi’s southern suburbs, the Kenyan capital’s own national park is one of Africa’s unique safari experiences. With the glassy high rises of Nairobi’s central business district glistening distantly, visitors to the park can spot a wide range of Africa’s iconic safari experiences: black rhinos roam the savannah; prides of lions rest under giant baobab trees; and packs of hyena race through the grasslands. For the best experience, local guides can show you the best areas to spot even the most elusive wildlife, including cheetahs.
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Giraffe Center
The Giraffe Center is one of Africa’s most famed conservation stories. In 1979 there were fewer than 100 rare Rothschild Giraffes roaming the grasslands of East Africa and the species looked to be facing imminent extinction. Fortunately, thanks to the hard work of the Giraffe Center the species now numbers over 300 in the wild. For more details of the painstaking conservation work, local guides are available for tours of the center.
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Karen Blixen Museum
The former home of the author famed for Out of Africa, which was later adapted into a Hollywood movie starring Meryl Streep, the Karen Blixen Museum is one of Nairobi’s star attractions. Blixen’s grand colonial house has been transformed into a museum detailing her fascinating and often tragic life while the gardens are immaculately maintained.
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Bomas of Kenya
For visitors seeking an insight into traditional Kenyan culture, look no further than the Bomas of Kenya. Set amongst rich woodlands on Nairobi outskirts, the Bomas is a heritage village where the lifestyle, artistry and agricultural practices of various Kenyan tribes have been preserved. Interestingly, Barack Obama Senior, the father of the American president, founded the village.
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Hell's Gate
Named as a result of the immense geothermal activity within its bounds, Hell’s Gate National Park is one of Africa’s most unusual: big predators are rare in the park allowing visitors to explore the savannah, Rift Valley cliff tops and rich tropical forests walking or by bicycle. While the park may lack lions, leopards and other carnivores, it more than makes up for this was vast numbers of zebra, hyrax and giraffe. For the best experience take a guided tour where you will also explore the park’s hot springs.
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Overnight Safari
If the bustle of the big city is too much then take an overnight safari tour, which leave regularly from Nairobi, to get out into the pristine wilderness of the Rift Valley. Spread over two days, the safari takes you to one of a selection of game lodges, which are perched atop watering holes on stilts allowing for bird’s eye views of iconic African safari species.
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The Maasai Market
Maasai's culture is ubiquitous throughout Kenya but there is no better place for exploring its rich heritage and recent revival than at Maasai Market located in the Ngong Hills. Run in partnership with One Horizon Africa, which seeks to alleviate poverty in South Africa and Kenya, the tour takes you to traditional craft markets and will teach you the ancient skills of Maasai jewelry making.