Nairobi
Nairobi
Nairobi, known as the "Green City in the Sun," serves as a gateway to Kenya's landscapes and wildlife.
The city's skyline, dotted with skyscrapers, gives way to green spaces where lions, giraffes, and rhinos roam, blending urban and wild environments uniquely. Nairobi's markets burst with color and craftsmanship, offering everything from intricate beadwork to hand-carved wooden sculptures.
Cultural enthusiasts will find Nairobi's museums and galleries to be troves of history and art. These institutions provide comprehensive overviews of Kenya's cultural and natural heritage, as well as intimate glimpses into the lives of renowned figures. For those seeking a taste of Nairobi's modernity, the city's upscale neighborhoods offer an array of high-end restaurants, boutique shops, and chic cafes, where visitors can unwind with a cup of Kenyan coffee or savor a meal.
Hotels in Nairobi
When choosing a hotel in Nairobi, we typically opt to stay in neighborhoods like Karen, Lavington, and Runda, which are known for their greenery, luxurious homes, and calm atmosphere. Travelers can enjoy high-end restaurants, boutiques, and parks, plus easy access to attractions like local museums, galleries, and Nairobi National Park. If you’re just passing through and need quick digs until an early flight to a safari, Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport & Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport offer quick and easy accommodation. Below are two of our other favorite stays.
Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor, located in the leafy suburb of Langata in Nairobi, is a charming boutique hotel that offers an extraordinary bucket list experience. Set within 12 acres of private land, this historic manor house provides guests the unique opportunity to interact closely with the resident herd of Rothschild giraffes. Every morning and evening, giraffes poke their long necks through the windows in search of treats, allowing guests to feed them directly from the breakfast table, through the bedroom windows, and even from the front door.
Hemingways Eden Residence
Hemingways Eden Residence in Nairobi is a charming boutique hotel located in Karen, bordering the Giraffe Sanctuary forest. Originally built in 1992 by artists Tonio and Anna Trzebinski as a family home, it was later converted into a residence and art gallery. This intimate hotel offers just nine rooms with views of beautiful gardens and forested areas. The interior boasts a clean boho indoor-outdoor feel, surrounded by lush gardens and ample seating areas for relaxation.
Activities
Depending on how much time you have during your stop in Nairobi, we highly recommend a visit to the Sheldrick Trust and Giraffe Center. These organizations offer an immersive experience up close with the animals and are intensive conservation organizations that combat poaching, rehabilitate animals, and prepare them for release back into the wild. You'll find additional activities below, based on your particular interests—there's so much to see in the city!
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a conservation organization dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of elephants and rhinos. Established in 1977, the Trust is famous for its care for young elephants rescued from poaching and human-wildlife conflict. Visitors can join a daily one-hour tour to learn about the Trust’s efforts, meet and adopt elephants, and watch their feeding and mud-bathing activities. For a more interactive experience, private afternoon visits allow guests to meet and learn about each of the rescued animals.
If you don't get the chance to stay at Giraffe Manor, the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi offers access to a conservation facility focused on the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Founded in 1979, the center allows visitors to learn about giraffe conservation, feed and interact with the giraffes, and observe their behavior up close. It also provides educational programs and promotes wildlife preservation awareness.
Other Activities
Hiking & Excursions
Nairobi National Park - Home to lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos, Nairobi National Park provides an opportunity to witness a variety of African wildlife against the backdrop of Nairobi's skyline. The park offers the convenience of enjoying a safari without venturing far from the city.
Karura Forest Reserve - The Karura Forest Reserve, one of the world's largest urban forests, spans over a thousand hectares in northern Nairobi. Visitors can enjoy forest walks, bird watching, cycling, and dining al fresco at the River Café with panoramic forest views.
Ngong Hills - This hiking excursion is known for its seven hills, which span about 10.4 miles of terrain that you can climb in five hours.
Zip Lining with The Forest Adventure Centre at Kereita Forest - If you find yourself with a little extra time during your stay in Nairobi, you’ll find East Africa’s longest zip line tour about 40 miles away. It offers over 2.4 km (1.4 miles) of flight across the lush Kereita Forest.
The Oloolua Nature Trail - 5-km. nature trail in Oloolau Forest featuring a cave, a picnic site, campsites & a waterfall.
Art Galleries & Historical Museums
Circle Art Gallery - Circle Art Gallery is a contemporary art space showcasing a diverse range of works from emerging and established African artists.
Karen Blixen Museum - The Karen Blixen Museum, housed in the former home of the famous author, offers a fascinating glimpse into her life and the colonial history of Kenya. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved rooms, lush gardens, and learn about Blixen’s literary contributions and her time in Africa.
Matbronze Art Gallery & Foundry - Matbronze Art Gallery & Foundry is renowned for its exquisite bronze sculptures and fine art pieces inspired by African wildlife. The gallery also features a working foundry, allowing visitors to see the intricate process of bronze casting firsthand.
Artisan Shops
Utamaduni Artisans of Africa - An extensive collection of handcrafted items from local artisans, including jewelry, textiles, and home décor.
Langata Link Shops - A charming collection of boutiques featuring an array of locally made products, from fashion and accessories to homeware and artisanal foods.
The Souk Karen - A trendy marketplace that hosts a variety of specialty shops selling fashion, art, and gourmet foods.
Dining
Nairobi's dining scene offers a rich mix of culinary experiences, reflecting the city's diverse cultural influences. Upscale restaurants in areas like Karen and Westlands provide elegant atmospheres with global cuisines and innovative dishes.
Local favorites deliver traditional Kenyan dishes with a contemporary twist, including legendary meat feasts and home-cooked meals showcasing regional flavors. Nairobi's bustling street food scene offers affordable delights like mutura and chapati for an immersive experience.
International dining options range from spicy Indian curries to exquisite sushi, while stylish cafes celebrate the city's thriving coffee culture with world-renowned Kenyan coffee. This diverse culinary landscape ensures every meal in Nairobi is memorable and vibrant.
Close to the Karen neighborhood, you can indulge in:
Cultiva Farm Kenya - A farm-to-table dining experience with fresh, organic produce grown on-site, the menu features locally sourced dishes in a serene and rustic setting.
Talisman - A charming restaurant offering a fusion of global cuisines in a rustic, garden setting.
Carnivore - Famous for its all-you-can-eat meat feasts, featuring a variety of game meats roasted over an open flame.
Cave à Manger - A bistro-style restaurant known for its extensive wine selection, it offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The menu features a variety of classic French dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
A little further north, you can find:
Wasp & Sprout - A charming café offering light fare in a cozy, stylish setting, perfect for a relaxed meal or coffee break.
ạtė - Innovative fusion cuisine, blending African flavors with global techniques in a sleek, modern setting.
Re\Volver - A sleek interior serving fresh, expertly crafted cocktails, perfect for a nightcap or pre-dinner cocktail.
Mama Oliech - A local favorite known for its traditional Kenyan dishes, particularly the fried tilapia
In the Westlands you’ll find a vibrant neighborhood located near Nairobi's central business district. It is known for its lively atmosphere, bustling markets, and a variety of casual dining options.
Sinnerman and the The Alchemist are cocktail hotspots close to the well known Mama Rocks Gourmet Burgers outpost serving up some of the best burgers in town.
beit é selam - A diverse menu blends traditional and contemporary dishes, while the elegant yet comfortable decor creates a relaxed, sophisticated dining environment.
Nairobi Street Kitchen - A trendy and casual food hall offering a fun collection of dining options. Expect a street-food market experience where you can stroll through global food and drink offerings and shop from artisanal merchants.
INTI - A Nikkei Experience - A sophisticated dining experience that blends Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions. Stunning city views and elegant, modern decor offer a more upscale dining experience.
Logistics
When to Visit
Visitors should consider visiting Nairobi during the dry seasons, from January to March and June to October, as these periods offer the most favorable weather conditions for exploring the city and its surroundings. The climate is warm and sunny with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as safaris, hiking, and city tours.
The first dry season, from January to March, follows the short rains of November and December and is characterized by clear skies and moderate temperatures. This period provides excellent visibility for wildlife viewing in places like Nairobi National Park, with lush vegetation offering a beautiful backdrop for photography.
The second dry season, from June to October, is often considered the best time to visit Kenya overall. This period coincides with the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals move across the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara.
The cooler temperatures and dry conditions make it comfortable to explore the city's attractions, markets, cultural centers, and dining establishments without the hindrance of heavy rains.
Good Things to Know
Luggage Allowance: You will be traveling in vehicles and aircrafts with limited space. Luggage should be packed in soft bags weighing no more than 33 lbs. Hard suitcases are often times not allowed.
Plastic Bags: Kenya and Tanzania have banned all single-use plastic bags, including duty-free bags, which will be confiscated at the airport. Violators face fines up to KSh4,000,000 (approx. USD 38,000) or up to four years in prison. Although we’ve never seen first hand enforcement, it is advisable to remain aware and plan accordingly.
Clothing: There are several Islamic communities throughout Kenya. It is advisable to cover up shoulders and legs while spending time in certain settlements. Beach and swimwear is acceptable near beaches and pools, however, it’s advised to cover up before entering villages and towns.
Required Documentation
To travel to Kenya, you typically need the following travel documentation:
Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Kenya. Ensure you at least two consecutive blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) in your passport. We would recommend three or four blank pages if you are traveling through more than one country. If there is insufficient space in the passport then entry could be denied.
Visa: Most travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Kenya, which can be applied for online and received electronically. Check your visa requirements based on citizenship, as some nationalities are exempt. Submit the eTA at least two weeks before travel, though applications open up to three months in advance.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Travelers coming from or transiting through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission may need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate and/or vaccination upon entry to Kenya.
Return Ticket: Immigration authorities may ask for proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket, to confirm that you plan to leave Kenya within the allowed period.
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