Mid-Range Travel Guide: Nairobi

Accommodation

$35-85 per night

Private rooms in mid-range hotels, boutique guesthouses, serviced apartments with amenities

Food & Dining

$15-40 per day

Mix of local restaurants, casual dining spots, hotel breakfast, occasional upscale meal

Transportation

$8-25 per day

Mix of matatus and Uber rides, occasional taxi, airport transfers

Activities

$25-70 per day

Paid attractions, guided day tours, national park entries, cultural experiences, shopping

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)