AfricaPhoto by Mustafa Omar on Unsplash
Nairobi
Savanna skyline, single-origin coffee, and nyama choma smoke.
Why visit
01 / 10The case for going
Nairobi is East Africa's beating heart, a city that offers a singular juxtaposition: a modern skyline against a backdrop of wild savanna, teeming with rhino and giraffe.
It is the only capital city globally that has a national park within its metropolitan boundary, where you can see lions and skyscrapers in the same frame.
What to do
02 / 10Ways to spend a day
Activities €100–200 total
- 01Spot lions and rhinos on an urban safari in Nairobi National Park. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 02Feed Rothschild's giraffes at the Giraffe Centre in Karen. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 03Day trip to Lake Naivasha for a boat safari among hippos. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 04Bike through Hell's Gate National Park among zebra and giraffe. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 05Explore local crafts and souvenirs at Maasai Market. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 06Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's elephant orphanage. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
Book activities & tickets
Savanna skyline, single-origin coffee, and nyama choma smoke.
Where to stay
03 / 10The right base
Accommodation €60–120/night
Karen
leafy, upscale, close to giraffe manor and museums
Westlands
dynamic nightlife, shopping malls, good restaurants
Kilimani
residential, central, easy access to business and leisure
Lang'ata
close to Nairobi National Park, convenient for wildlife
Find a place to stay
How to get there
04 / 10Easiest way in
Fly into:
- Jomo Kenyatta International NBO
Plan the journey
How to get around
05 / 10Once you land
Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are reliable and affordable for getting around the city. For day trips to Lake Naivasha or Hell's Gate, hire a private car with a driver or join an organised tour.
Get around
What to eat
06 / 10Order this
Food €20–40/day
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Nyama choma
grilled goat meat
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Ugali
maize meal porridge
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Sukuma wiki
collard greens stir-fry
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Mukimo
mashed potatoes, maize, beans
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Githeri
maize and bean stew
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Mahamri
fried coconut bread
By the numbers
07 / 10Cards on the table
Safety index
68/100
General guide, not advisory data
Best seasons
Winter · Summer
When it's at its best
Stay for
5 days
The sweet spot
Daily spend
$$
Mid-range
How to fit in
08 / 10Read the room
Embrace Nairobi's vibrant coffee culture: linger over a slow brew in a local café. When seeking authentic nyama choma, head to a busy roadside pit where the meat is grilled fresh and served with kachumbari.
How to pack
09 / 10What goes in the bag
Best in Winter
Winter: mild and dry with pleasant days around 20-25C, cooler evenings, and low humidity.
- light layers for safari mornings
- sun hat and sunscreen
- sturdy walking shoes for parks
- reusable water bottle
- insect repellent
How to prepare
10 / 10The boring bits
Three things worth sorting before you fly.
Tomorrow's detour
One place worth the trip.
Curated destinations, one a day.