Things to Do in Nairobi

About Nairobi

Lions roar five miles from downtown. Nairobi is the only major city with a national park inside its limits, where matatu minibuses rumble past the same grasslands where predators hunt at dawn. Skyscrapers tower over packed markets. The contrasts define everything here. Karen's quiet, tree-lined suburbs sit miles from Kibera's art collectives, where painters and sculptors work in converted shipping containers. Business deals happen over Kenyan coffee. Maasai beadwork vendors set up next to contemporary art galleries. This is Kenya's capital. Ancient cultures collide with tech startups and construction cranes. Every neighborhood carries stories of survival and reinvention. The altitude keeps temperatures mild year-round. You can drink wine while giraffes stick their heads through restaurant windows at the Giraffe Manor, or you can spend your evenings in Westlands, where live music spills out of bars until sunrise. Both experiences feel equally Nairobi. The city doesn't apologize for its chaos. It won't slow down for visitors. But if you match its pace, you'll find a place that rewards curiosity—crowded, loud, and unapologetically itself.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Matatus (shared minibuses) cost 20-100 KSH ($0.15-0.75) for city routes. The SGR train to Mombasa runs 1,000-3,000 KSH ($7.50-22.50) depending on class. Uber and Bolt are reliable for 200-800 KSH ($1.50-6.00) per trip. Bodabodas (motorcycle taxis) charge 50-200 KSH ($0.40-1.50) but traffic is chaotic. The BRT system covers major routes at 20-50 KSH ($0.15-0.40). Tuk-tuks cost 100-300 KSH ($0.75-2.25) for short distances. Avoid rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm) when traffic can triple journey times.

Money: Kenyan shilling (KSH) dominates, though USD is accepted at hotels. Equity Bank and KCB ATMs are everywhere, dispensing 500-40,000 KSH ($3.75-300) per transaction. M-Pesa mobile money is universal - even street vendors use it. Budget $25-40 daily for mid-range travel. Tipping 10% is standard at restaurants. Cards work at Westgate, Two Rivers, and Sarit Centre malls. The Nairobi Securities Exchange area has the best forex rates. M-Shwari offers instant loans through M-Pesa for emergencies.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'Jambo' or 'Habari yako' (How are you?) and expect lengthy small talk - it's considered rude to rush. Handshakes are firm with the right hand only. Remove hats when entering churches. The 'Kenya time' concept means events start 1-2 hours late. Dress conservatively in rural areas and mosques. Never touch someone's head or point with your index finger. During Ramadan, eating publicly during daylight hours is disrespectful. Bargaining is expected at markets like Maasai Market but not in supermarkets.

Food Safety: Nyama choma at Carnivore Restaurant costs 1,500-3,000 KSH ($11.25-22.50) per person. Ugali with sukuma wiki at a local kibanda runs 150-300 KSH ($1.15-2.25). Samosas from street vendors are 20-50 KSH ($0.15-0.40) each. Tusker beer at a pub costs 200-400 KSH ($1.50-3.00). Chapati and beans for breakfast is 100-200 KSH ($0.75-1.50). Java House coffee runs 250-500 KSH ($1.90-3.75). Always check meat is well-cooked at local joints. Bottled water is 50-100 KSH ($0.40-0.75).

When to Visit

Nairobi enjoys a pleasant highland climate year-round, sitting at 5,500 feet elevation with temperatures ranging 50-77°F (10-25°C). The dry seasons (January-March and June-October) offer ideal conditions with minimal rainfall (under 2 inches monthly) and clear skies perfect for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. Peak tourist season runs July-October and December-January, with accommodation prices increasing 40-60%. The long rains (April-May) bring heavy downpours but fewer crowds and 30-40% lower prices – perfect for budget travelers who don't mind afternoon showers. Short rains (November-December) offer a sweet spot with moderate precipitation, lush landscapes, and reasonable prices. Major events include the Nairobi International Trade Fair (September), Koroga Festival (quarterly), and various cultural celebrations during Jamhuri Day (December 12). Wildlife ensoiasts should visit during dry months when animals congregate around water sources. Business travelers find March-May and November optimal for meetings, avoiding holiday periods. First-time visitors benefit most from June-September's reliable weather, while repeat visitors might appreciate the authentic, less touristy atmosphere during shoulder seasons.