Nairobi travel guide
Kenya's capital and the region's main travel hub game drives inside city limits, a buzzing food and nightlife scene, and the easiest gateway to Maasai Mara and the coast.
Overview
Nairobi is where most East Africa trips begin; it’s the region’s largest airport hub, with direct connections to Zanzibar, Mombasa, Kigali, and onward safari routes. It’s also a destination in its own right: Nairobi National Park sits right at the edge of the city, giraffes and rhinos included, and the city has one of the liveliest restaurant and nightlife scenes in East Africa.
Best time to visit
Jun–Oct, Dec–Mar (dry seasons)
Main airport
Jomo Kenyatta Intl (NBO)
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KSh)
Visa
~1,795m — cooler than coastal towns
Related guides
Nairobi to Zanzibar flight guide→
Nairobi to Maasai Mara: how to get there→
Best neighborhoods to stay in Nairobi→
Where to go
Nairobi National Park
The only national park bordering a capital city with lions, giraffes, and rhinos within a 30-minute drive of downtown.
Giraffe Centre & Karen Blixen Museum
A relaxed half-day combo in the leafy Karen suburb.
Westlands
Nairobi's food, bar, and nightlife hub is a good base for shorter stays.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Elephant orphanage visits book the public viewing slot in advance.
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt) cover the city well and are the easiest option for short stays. If you're using Nairobi as a base to explore further out Naivasha, Nakuru, or the Mara, hiring a car with a driver is common and often more practical than self-driving.