Exploring Kenya – Nairobi
Welcome to Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital, where fast-paced city life meets raw, untamed nature. What started as a small railway stop in 1899 has grown into one of East Africa’s most important cities, shaped by a rich mix of cultures, stories, and energy.
What truly sets Nairobi apart is how close the wild really is. In one moment, you’re navigating busy streets and interesting people, and the next, you’re spotting lions and rhinos in Nairobi National Park, all within minutes of the city centre. Add in great food, a buzzing social scene, and a strong creative spirit, and you’ve got a city that feels exciting, layered, and full of life.
Nairobi works well whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or exploring solo. Like any major city, this has its challenges, but it’s also a place that rewards curious travellers wanting to explore this African destination. Spend time here, and you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Kenya’s history, culture, and warmth.
I visited Nairobi on a mother-daughter trip for a wedding, and it was an exceptional experience. Between hopping between hotels, attending a beautiful celebration, and ticking off some of the city’s must-see spots, we really got a feel for local life. In this guide, I’ll share what you need to know, the best things to do in Nairobi, top places to stay, and helpful travel tips to make planning your trip easy.
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Mum and I flew to Nairobi, Kenya, to support love!
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All You Need To Know About Nairobi
Language: Due to Nairobi’s diverse population, various Kenyan ethnic languages are spoken. Swahili (or Kiswahili) and English are Kenya’s official languages. English is primarily used in government, education, and tourism, making it convenient for tourists visiting this African destination.
Currency: The currency used in Nairobi is the Kenyan Shilling, usually abbreviated as KES, KSh, or Sh. Although cards are accepted at many places, bringing some cash is a good idea. You can find ATMs in shopping malls; however, many machines have withdrawal limits or are out of cash.
Getting Around: Having a private driver is a convenient and safe way to explore. Taxis should be booked via apps rather than hailed on the street. Matatus (local minibuses) are cheap but are better suited to confident travellers only. Renting a car can be challenging because you must complete the required procedures to drive legally in Kenya. Even if you manage this successfully, the streets do not meet Western standards. Check out East African Travel Tips, a blog written by Anthony. He is a local African guide with excellent coverage of safety tips for walking, renting, sharing, and other key recommendations.
Duration & Seasons: The best time to visit is June–October (dry season, great weather). The rainy seasons are March–May (long rains) and November (short rains). The ideal amount of time to spend in Nairobi depends on your plans. You can do a city break in as little as 3 days, or a safari-based visit in as little as 5 days.
Norms & Values: Dress modestly in local areas; smart-casual works well in the city. Public displays of affection are minimal. Always ask before photographing people. Greetings matter; a simple hello goes a long way, and respect for elders is essential.
Safety In Kenya’s Capital City
We assumed that, as we are of mixed heritage (half Jamaican and British), we would be more accepted in Kenya. However, that was not the case. It wasn’t as welcoming as other destinations we’ve visited, but we felt safe. We did, however, have a private driver to assist us for the majority of our outings.
Having a private driver is useful and a safe way to explore. I initially booked a taxi through Booking, from the airport to our resort and asked if he would be our private driver for the week. I would advise setting a fixed fee if you are on a tighter budget. However, our driver allowed us to pay whatever we wanted (which worked better for him as we gave tips).
Our private driver introduced us to Ugali, fish and greens, a traditional Kenyan dish.
We also treated him along the way by paying for him to visit attractions with us and by having him join us for meals, thereby building a friendship. He introduced us to the popular Kenyan dish, Ugali, which was delicious. You should also try the nyama choma and samosas whilst you are there!
I always recommend checking GOV.UK for travel guidance and up-to-date changes in every country. Knowing what’s going on before you arrive at that destination is a great free source of information. If you plan to travel solo, here are some general safety tips.
Where To Stay In Nairobi
Westlands: Westlands is one of the most popular areas to stay in Nairobi, especially if it’s your first visit. It’s lively, modern, and packed with restaurants, cafés, bars, shopping malls, and grand hotels. You’ll find everything from stylish boutique stays to international chains, plus easy access to transport and tour pick-ups. It feels safe, social, and convenient, perfect if you want comfort with a buzz.
🩵 Recommends: High-end hotels like Sankara Nairobi and Villa Rosa Kempinski are perfect places to relax after a long day of exploring!
Karen: Karen is greener, quieter, and more laid-back, with its proximity to Nairobi’s national parks and cultural attractions. It’s home to places such as the Giraffe Centre, the Karen Blixen Museum, and leafy cafes tucked into beautiful gardens. Hotels here feel more like retreats than city stays, making it ideal if you want space, calm, and a connection to nature without leaving the city entirely.
🩵 Recommends: Luxury lodges such as Hemingways Nairobi in Karen are ideal for those seeking tranquillity.
Nairobi Serena Hotel
This 5-star hotel is a great base just a short walk from the Central Business District. The Nairobi Serena Hotel is a 4-minute walk to the Nairobi Gallery, which features rich African heritage displays, and All Saints Cathedral.
The hotel has a restaurant, fitness centre, wellness centre, and pool. We enjoyed this hotel, but it had a business vibe rather than a holiday one. This option may be ideal if you plan to spend all day exploring.
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Safari Park Hotel & Casino
We loved the entrance to this rustic 5-star hotel. Upon arriving at the Safari Park Hotel & Casino, we were impressed by the green and spaciousness. The reception was excellent, with a large elephant statue at the centre, and we were impressed by the staff’s warmth.
Restaurants, bars, casinos, entertainment areas, and a gym exist. They also have a large, lovely pool; however, during our stay, it was somewhat dirty, so we couldn’t swim (well, I couldn’t swim, mum doesn’t know how to!). It’s a popular wedding resort, so you’ll sometimes see large numbers of guests. We had a great stay here and loved the vibes.
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Radisson Blu Hotel
Our final stay was at the 5-star rated Radisson Blu Residence Hotel. We loved the sophistication and boujee vibes of this place. Our room was upgraded, so we had a lovely, spacious studio. We were impressed by the food and the live band playing in the centre of the hotel.
Also in the centre is a pool, which was a nice touch, but not ideal for those wanting to swim in peace, as the restaurant also has outdoor seats, so there will be all eyes on you. It’s very Western with African influences. The hotel has a fitness and wellness centre, making it a fabulous place to vibe.
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Fun Things To Do In Nairobi
Nairobi National Museum
We had a fun time exploring the Nairobi National Museum. If you plan to go, I recommend hiring a private driver or joining a guided tour to get there, as there’s no option to pay in cash or by card. Alternatively, you can apply via eCitizen; however, there have been reports of issues signing up.
Once inside, you’ll get lost in the fantastic displays of history, geography, culture, language, and evolution. The museum is quite big, and the entrance can be slow, so allow enough time if you have other plans. There are also opportunities to access Snake Park. You’ll find a few cafes on-site, but food service can be slow.
Visiting the Nairobi National Museum
Nairobi Safari National Park
We visited Nairobi National Park on a guided tour, which is a MUST-DO activity while in Kenya. We did the half-day tour, which starts early as it’s the best chance to see the wildlife in Nairobi. Alternatively, you can take a Full-day Tour that includes Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Elephant & Rhino Orphanage, the Giraffe Centre, and the Karen Blixen Museum. Wi-Fi is available, so you can pay the $43 per person entry fee.
We had never done a safari, so this was super fun. We saw a wide variety of wildlife, and spotting them was very enjoyable. From giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and black rhinos to lions and even two cheetahs, which were terrific, the Nairobi Safari National Park was an experience we’ll never forget.
Nairobi Safari National Park
Planning a solo trip but unsure where to begin? The Female Solo Travel Ebook has you covered!
The Nairobi Festival (December)
If you are in Nairobi in mid-December, consider attending the Nairobi Festival at the Uhuru Park Recreational Ground. At the first hotel, we noticed loud music, which we recognised. So, as curious as we were, we asked around, only to discover there was a free festival! It turned out to be one of our highlights. After changing into something more appropriate (covering up), we made our way to the Nairobi Festival.
We loved watching the artists; although we didn’t understand the language, we definitely understood the vibe. There was a vibrant display of art and culture, along with pop-up food stalls and drink vendors. It was a rewarding experience to spend part of our day interacting with locals and watching them have fun.
Enjoying the Nairobi Festival
Safari Tours In Kenya
National Safari + Baby Elephant Orphanage + Giraffe Centre: After an epic morning of sightseeing wildlife, you’ll go to the baby elephant orphanage, mingling with these adorable baby and teenage elephants. Your final stop will be at the giraffe centre, where you can feed these! This is a great Multi-Bundle Tour if you want to spend most of the day outdoors and with animals.
Amboseli Safari National Park: If you fancy seeing other types of wildlife, such as African bush elephants, cape buffaloes, impalas, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, Masai giraffes, Grant’s zebra, and blue wildebeest, then the Amboseli National Tour is the one to go for. You’ll spend the day on this private tour spotting wildlife, with a lunch break included.
Hell’s Gate National Park: This Hell’s Gate Tour is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, featuring a bike ride through the national park. You’ll get up close with wildlife, such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and gazelles, and visit Lake Naivasha, where you’ll have an opportunity to cruise to see birds and hippos.
Masai Mara: Arguably, the most well-known safari is the Masai Mara National Reserve, as the chances of spotting the Big 5 are pretty high. You can choose from a range of day tours to create an unforgettable experience. You can join a four-day safari to the Masai Mara, where you’ll have the best adventure ever! It’s rated a solid 4.9 out of 5, so you’ll have a great time!
Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Credit: Gunter (Adobe)
More Fun Activities
Cooking Tour: After taking you to a local market to select fresh ingredients, your guide will teach you to prepare a Kenyan main dish and side dish. The Cooking Tour is a great way to learn more about African culture and agriculture, and a fabulous experience you’ll cherish for life!
Masai Village Tour: Enjoy a day away from the city’s safari and hustle and bustle with a Masai Village tour. You’ll hear firsthand insights into Maasai traditions from community members and have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the culture.
The Cool Kids: Take the opportunity to hang around with some of the former street children on a Nai Nami Storytelling Tour through the city streets. This is a special encounter, as you’ll hear how the kids transformed their lives through the Nai Nami program for underprivileged youth.
Fun Tour Collection!
– Nairobi
That’s A Wrap!
Nairobi really stays with you. It’s one of those cities that doesn’t try too hard; it just is. Busy, colourful, a little chaotic at times, but full of life, warmth, and personality. From chilled cafes and buzzing streets to spotting wildlife just outside the city, it’s a place that constantly surprises you in ways you don’t expect.
If you travel with an open mind and a sense of curiosity, Nairobi gives back so much. Take your time, choose your accommodations wisely, and soak up the culture, food, and everyday moments. It’s not about ticking boxes here; it’s about the experience. And once you leave, you’ll realise Nairobi isn’t just a stop on your trip, it’s a place you’ll keep thinking about long after you’re home.
