Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Nairobi

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in backpacker hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$5-15 per day

Street food, local markets, nyama choma joints, ugali and sukuma wiki at local eateries

Transportation

$2-8 per day

Matatu minibuses, public buses, walking, occasional boda boda for short distances

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, local markets, occasional museum entry, community cultural experiences

Eat at local markets and street food stalls instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use matatu minibuses for city transport instead of taxis (usually 70-85% less expensive)

Book accommodation directly with properties rather than through international booking sites (often 10-20% savings)

Visit during shoulder season months for accommodation discounts of 25-40%

Join group tours instead of private tours (generally 40-60% cost reduction per person)

Shop at local markets like Maasai Market for souvenirs instead of hotel gift shops (typically 50-70% cheaper)

Stay in neighborhoods like Westlands or Kilimani rather than city center for better value accommodation

Taking Uber or taxis everywhere instead of learning the matatu system (can triple transportation costs)

Eating only in Westlands malls and tourist areas instead of exploring local food scenes (typically doubles food costs)

Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season without comparing options (often 40-80% more expensive)

Paying for overpriced airport transfers instead of using public transport or ride-sharing (usually 3-5x more costly)