THE BEST 11 ACTIVITIES IN NAIROBI, KENYA
Kenya’s capital city is Nairobi, located in Africa. For many tourists, Nairobi serves merely as their point of arrival and departure when visiting other parts of Kenya. But there are tons of amazing sights and activities in Nairobi! Nairobi provides many activities for all age groups, including museums, woods, and wildlife.
CONCERNING NAIROBI
Nairobi, home to over 4.4 million people, is the biggest city in Kenya. It is the most advanced city in East Africa. In addition to Kenyans, Nairobi is home to sizable populations of people from Asia and Africa. The city has a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere as a result.
The moniker “Green City in the Sun” refers to Nairobi. Nairobi’s abundance of trees, parks, and gardens contribute to its beauty. Modern commercial centers and skyscrapers are connected by expansive roadways. In contrast to busy central districts are quiet suburban neighborhoods with luxury hotels and dining establishments.
Nairobi can seem chaotic, but as long as you exercise common sense, you should be safe. More police and security cameras have contributed to a decrease in violent crime. Nonetheless, guests must exercise common sense caution, particularly at night. When travelers plan, Nairobi has a wealth of amazing sights and activities.
1 – SAFARI IN NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
It may seem unbelievable, but you can visit a safari and witness wildlife without ever leaving Nairobi. The distance between Nairobi National Park and the city center is under ten miles. It safeguards riverbank trees and grassy fields spanning more than 45 square miles. Since there was already wildlife roaming the area, it was launched in 1946.
In addition to numerous mammals like lions, cheetahs, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, and other antelopes, the park is home to over 426+ different species of birds. But up close encounters with endangered black and southern white rhinos are the most well-known experience!
Renting a car at the main gate will allow you to independently explore Nairobi National Park. Alternatively, reserve a driver and knowledgeable guide for a guided safari in a unique 4WD vehicle. They are aware of the animals’ preferred hangouts throughout the day.
ADVANCED TOUR RATES AVAILABLE
The cost of admission to Nairobi National Park is $35 for adults and $20 for children. If you want to see a lot of animals, the ideal times to go are in the early morning and late afternoon or evening.
2 – VISIT THE SHELDRICK ORPHANAGE TO SEE BABY ELEPHANTS
Within Nairobi National Park, there is a unique orphanage managed by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. It looks after the young elephants and rhinos left orphaned when their moms passed away naturally or as a result of poaching. Visitors can see the cute baby animals play, exercise, and be fed every day between 11 a.m. and noon.
The orphans remain at the nursery until they are mature and strong enough to progressively relocate to a wilderness park under protection. Visitors get knowledge about the threats faced by elephants and rhinos by getting a close-up look at the orphans. And how crucial it is for conservation initiatives to safeguard these species.
Each individual must pay 500 Kenyan Shillings to enter; this money goes toward supporting the orphanage’s operations. You have the option to “adopt” a symbolically one of the resident elephant or rhino calves.
3 – DURING THE NIGHT AT THE NAIROBI TENTED CAMP
Why not stay the night as the national park is so near to the city center? Within the park, Nairobi Tented Camp provides nine opulent safari tents for overnight visitors. Sunrise sounds of roaring lions or chirping birds!
Pleasant mattresses, separate bathrooms with hot showers, and electricity are features of tents. There is a dining tent, campfire pit, and bar in the peaceful common area. The typical nightly rate is $130, which includes three delicious meals. Few camps allow you to sleep in the open air with a view of the skyline of a major city!
4 – TAKE A LOOK AT THE GIRAFFE CENTER
Protecting the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe is the goal of the Giraffe Center in the Langata neighborhood. Today, there are less than 1500 of these rare white-patched giraffes left in East Africa. A few decades ago, when the numbers were dangerously low, the center launched a fruitful breeding effort.
The long-necked inhabitants are fed and photographed by visitors from an elevated, eye-level platform. Educational discussions about the giraffes are also given by the kind personnel. Getting a close-up look at them is an amazing experience!
The Giraffe Center is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult non-residents must pay 1,500 Kenyan Shillings to enter, while children under 18 must pay 1,000. Aim to interact with these gentle giants for one to two hours.
5 – REMAIN AT THE HOTEL GIRAFFE MANOR
Only during the day is there a guided tour available at the Giraffe Center. However, true giraffe enthusiasts might choose to stay the night at Giraffe Manor nearby! Situated on 12 acres of private forest, this exclusive hotel is situated on the same property. It gets up close and personal with the giraffes.
Giraffe Manor is a 1930s-era magnificent home. The hotel is located close to Nairobi’s city boundaries and offers luxurious rooms furnished with antiques. The best part, though, is seeing the critically endangered Rothschild’s giraffes meander around the grounds and peek into the dining room!
Giraffe Manor starts charging about $875 a night. It’s a worthwhile investment for an incredibly amazing Kenyan experience, especially because all meals and giraffe-related activities are covered.
6 – DISCOVER THE AUTHOR OF ” OUT OF AFRICA “
A lot of people are familiar with Meryl Streep’s well-known movie Out of Africa. The true biography of Danish author Karen Blixen served as the inspiration for the film. Before leaving Kenya in 1931, she spent 17 years there and wrote about her experiences living on a farm outside of Nairobi.
Currently housed there is the Karen Blixen Museum. The exquisitely kept home where Karen lived, wrote, and threw lavish parties is open for tours by guests. Details regarding her romance with hunter Denys Finch Hatton are revealed by guides. Visitors can stroll through the vast lawns and gardens. Knowing Karen’s memoir enables you to comprehend the past Kenya and the environments that influenced her beloved book.
Every day from 9:30 am to 6 pm, the Karen Blixen Museum is open. Adult guided tours cost 1,200 Kenyan Shillings, but children under 18 only paid 600. Include a visit to the adjacent Giraffe Manor and Kazuri Bead Factory by adding this stop.
7 – TREK THE NGONG HILLS
Take a half-day hike in the Ngong Hills to experience Kenya’s breathtaking scenery. Karen Blixen’s homestead was set against the backdrop of these forested slopes. This area was also used for filming numerous sequences from Out of Africa.
On the lower hills, the Maasai tribespeople in the area are allowed to graze. However, in the Ngong elevations Forest Reserve, the highest elevations currently safeguard vulnerable forest ecosystems. Follow meandering dirt paths that ascend and descend seven summits, all rising above 2,000 feet.
Admire the expansive vistas of the Great Rift Valley and spot little antelopes, bush pigs, monkeys, and rare birds while strolling along the trails. The Ngong Hills, which are only around 15 miles west of Nairobi, provide the ideal natural retreat from the bustling city.
8 – EXPLORE THE MAASAI MARKET FOR HANDMADE ITEMS
Don’t miss the well-known Maasai Market, which is held twice a week and offers traditional jewelry and handicrafts from Kenya. Unique products such as wood carvings, paintings, textiles, baskets, sandals, and belts are sold by local sellers.
Naturally, the stunning accessories and jewelry crafted by Maasai tribe people using beads are the main draw. Making gorgeous collars, bracelets, and earrings out of tiny glass beads usually takes women several weeks to complete by hand.
Never forget to haggle civilly and smilingly! The Maasai Market moves midweek and on weekends between a few different places in Nairobi. While traveling, look up the timetable for the day and the location that are closest to you.
9 – ADMIRE AFRICAN ARCHITECTURE & ART
Spend some time visiting the African Heritage House to get a taste of influences from all around the continent. This is American collector Alan Donovan’s private residence and gallery, situated near the Athi River. He has been a resident of Kenya since 1967 and used traditional building methods to construct this ocher-colored home.
Every area is crammed with exquisite African artwork, musical instruments, masks, textiles, and other items that date back many years. The home is a stunning example of how mud architecture from Mali, Morocco, Sudan, and other places has blended.
Take a tour to learn the history of the unique objects and stroll through the grounds to see the enormous Zimbabwean baobab trees. Additionally, rooms for overnight stays can be reserved here. African Heritage House, which is only 25 minutes from Nairobi’s downtown, astounds visitors with its breathtaking pan-African architecture.
10 – DISCOVER THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF KENYA
The Nairobi Gallery, which dates back to 1913, is located in Kenya’s former colonial records office downtown. It now features both contemporary and traditional Kenyan artwork. The styles displayed in the exhibits range from beautiful photographs of wildlife to abstract paintings made with natural materials found in the area.
Priceless tribal relics amassed over several decades by the first vice president of Kenya and his British spouse are on display upstairs. The 42 tribal tribes of Kenya are represented via ceremonial attire, musical instruments, pictures, and everyday objects. A guide can assist in elucidating the cultural significance of specific objects.
Don’t forget to get your picture taken at Point Zero outside! This monument in the heart of Nairobi keeps track of the distances to every location in Kenya.
11 – GO SHOPPING AT HUB KAREN MALL
If you want to escape the noise and chaos of Nairobi, head 30 minutes north to Hub Karen Market. Surrounded by lush gardens, this modern market has 85+ stores selling fashion, home accessories, books, and more. The Kenyan middle class flies here to shop. international brands combine with local boutiques and craft stores. Families enjoy the playground and theater. Travelers will find SIM cards, adapters, travel guides, and delicious restaurants perfect for a lunch or coffee break. With ample parking and security guards, the Hub offers the best of Nairobi without the shopping.
In summary
When visiting Kenya, tourists can experience a plethora of unexpected activities and sights in Nairobi. Don’t just drive through the energetic capital of Kenya. Spend a few days exploring the vibrant markets, neighboring national parks, and top-notch dining options available here. Visit Nairobi’s museums to discover things you never knew about the country’s wildlife and indigenous communities. We assure you that you will find unforgettable experiences that will make your stay in Nairobi incredibly fulfilling!