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Nairobi - Things to Do in Nairobi in April

Things to Do in Nairobi in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Nairobi

26°C (79°F) High Temp
16°C (60°F) Low Temp
130 mm (5.1 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

  • Long rains bring lush green landscapes - Nairobi National Park looks absolutely stunning with fresh vegetation, and wildlife viewing is actually excellent because animals congregate around remaining water sources. The park sits just 7 km (4.3 miles) from the city center, so you can do a morning game drive and be back for lunch.
  • Significantly fewer tourists than peak July-August season - you'll have attractions largely to yourself, hotel rates drop by 25-40%, and you can book popular restaurants like Carnivore or Talisman without weeks of advance notice. Flight prices from Europe and North America are typically 30% lower than June-September.
  • Migratory birds arrive in massive numbers - over 100 species that spend European winters here, making April one of the best months for birding. Lake Naivasha, just 90 km (56 miles) northwest, becomes a birding paradise with flamingos, pelicans, and fish eagles everywhere.
  • Perfect weather for Nairobi's 1,795 m (5,889 ft) altitude - the rain cools things down from the hot March temperatures, and mornings are crisp and clear before afternoon showers. You'll actually appreciate the warmth at this elevation, unlike the chilly June-July season when you need a proper jacket.

Considerations

  • Afternoon rains are genuinely disruptive - they typically hit between 2pm-5pm and last 30-90 minutes, turning Nairobi's notoriously bad roads into mud pits. Traffic, already challenging, becomes absolutely nightmarish. Plan morning activities and accept you'll lose some afternoon hours.
  • Some safari camps in the Mara close entirely - while Nairobi itself is accessible, if you're planning to combine your visit with Masai Mara, know that many seasonal camps shut down during long rains. The wildebeest migration hasn't arrived yet anyway, so you're missing the main event.
  • Humidity makes the altitude adjustment tougher - at 70% humidity and 1,795 m (5,889 ft) elevation, some visitors feel more fatigued than usual for the first 2-3 days. The combination of thin air and moisture can be draining if you're coming from sea level.

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Best Activities in April

Nairobi National Park Morning Game Drives

April is genuinely underrated for the park - animals are easier to spot because they stick to accessible areas near water sources, and the vegetation, while lush, hasn't become the thick jungle of May yet. Go early, like 6:30am-10am, before the rains threaten. You'll see rhinos, lions, giraffes, and zebras with Nairobi's skyline in the background, which never stops being surreal. The park is practically empty compared to peak season, so you might have lion sightings to yourself.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 1,500-2,000 KES for residents, significantly more for non-residents. If you're not confident driving yourself on muddy roads, book guided safari vehicles through licensed operators - typically 8,000-15,000 KES for a half-day including park fees and guide. Book 3-5 days ahead, though you can often arrange same-day during April. Morning slots fill faster than afternoons for obvious weather reasons. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum Visits

These indoor-outdoor combo attractions are perfect for April's unpredictable weather. The Giraffe Centre lets you feed Rothschild giraffes from a raised platform - genuinely magical and takes about 45 minutes. It's 5 km (3.1 miles) from Karen Blixen Museum, so you can easily combine them in a morning before afternoon rains. The museum tour is mostly indoors, so if weather turns, you're covered. Both are in Karen suburb, about 20 km (12.4 miles) from city center.

Booking Tip: Giraffe Centre entry is around 1,500 KES for non-residents, Karen Blixen Museum about 1,200 KES. You don't need advance booking for either unless you're joining organized half-day tours that combine multiple Karen area attractions, which typically run 6,000-10,000 KES. Matatus and Ubers both reach Karen easily - Uber costs 800-1,500 KES from downtown depending on traffic. Go morning, finish by 1pm before weather shifts.

Nairobi National Museum and Snake Park

When afternoon rains hit, this is your refuge. The museum gives you proper context for Kenyan history, culture, and natural heritage - the paleontology section with early human fossils is genuinely world-class. Plan 2-3 hours here. The attached Snake Park is small but fascinating, especially if you're heading to safari areas later and want to know which snakes to actually worry about versus which are harmless. Fully indoors except brief outdoor garden sections.

Booking Tip: Entry around 1,200-1,500 KES for non-residents. Located right in city center near Uhuru Highway, easily accessible by Uber or matatu. No advance booking needed - just show up. Afternoons from 2pm onward are quietest because locals know the rain pattern. Combine with nearby Uhuru Park for a post-rain walk if weather clears - the park is lovely after showers when everything smells fresh.

Karura Forest Walking and Cycling

This 1,063-hectare urban forest in the heart of Nairobi is spectacular after April rains - waterfalls are actually flowing, trails are lush, and the air quality is noticeably better than the dusty dry season. About 50 km (31 miles) of trails for walking and cycling. The forest sits at similar altitude to the city, around 1,700 m (5,577 ft), so it's cool and pleasant. Go morning before 1pm - trails get muddy and slippery after rain, though they're well-maintained with murram paths.

Booking Tip: Entry is free for residents, around 300-500 KES for non-residents. Bike rentals available at gates for 300-500 KES per hour. Multiple entry points - Limuru Road gate is most popular. No advance booking needed. Bring proper walking shoes with grip, not sandals, because trails get slick. If you want a guided nature walk focusing on birds and plants, local eco-tour guides charge 2,000-4,000 KES for 2-3 hour walks. See current guided options in booking section below.

Bomas of Kenya Cultural Performances

Indoor cultural center showcasing traditional dances, music, and homesteads from Kenya's 42+ ethnic groups. Performances happen in a covered auditorium, making this perfect for rainy afternoons. Shows typically run around 2:30pm-4pm daily, which actually works well since you're avoiding the worst traffic anyway. Located about 10 km (6.2 miles) from city center near Nairobi National Park. The homestead exhibits are outdoors but covered, so light rain doesn't ruin the experience.

Booking Tip: Entry with performance around 1,500-2,000 KES for non-residents. Shows happen most days but confirm schedule ahead, especially on Mondays when some attractions close. Organized cultural tour packages including Bomas plus lunch and other stops typically run 8,000-12,000 KES per person. You can easily visit independently via Uber for 600-1,000 KES each way. Arrive 30 minutes before showtime to explore homestead exhibits first.

Nairobi Food Market and Restaurant Scene

April is when Kenyan produce is at its peak - the rains bring incredible fresh vegetables, and you'll find the best sukuma wiki, avocados, and tropical fruits. Check out Maasai Market for crafts combined with street food, or explore the restaurant scene in Westlands and Kilimani neighborhoods. Nairobi's food scene has exploded in the past few years with everything from nyama choma spots to high-end fusion restaurants. Indoor dining means weather doesn't matter, and April's lower tourist numbers mean easier reservations.

Booking Tip: Maasai Market rotates locations daily - Tuesdays at Village Market, Fridays at Village Market, Saturdays at High Ridge. Street food costs 100-300 KES per item, sit-down restaurants 800-2,500 KES per person for good meals. Popular spots like Carnivore or Talisman normally need advance booking in peak season, but April you can often walk in or book 2-3 days ahead. Food tour companies offer walking tours of different neighborhoods for 5,000-8,000 KES including tastings. Check current food tour options in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Early April

Nairobi Coffee Festival

Kenya produces some of the world's finest coffee, and this festival typically happens in early April at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. You'll find coffee tastings, barista competitions, and direct sales from local farmers and roasters. It's a genuine celebration of Kenyan coffee culture, not just a tourist event - locals actually attend in large numbers. Great place to buy quality beans to take home and learn about the industry that employs millions of Kenyans.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - not a heavy raincoat, just something packable that handles 30-60 minute afternoon downpours. The kind you can stuff in a daypack. Umbrellas work but are annoying when walking on crowded Nairobi sidewalks.
Layering clothes for 16°C-26°C (60°F-79°F) range - mornings are genuinely cool at 1,795 m (5,889 ft) altitude, especially after rain. Long sleeves for morning game drives, but you'll want t-shirts by midday. Avoid heavy cotton that takes forever to dry in 70% humidity.
Proper walking shoes with grip - Nairobi's sidewalks are notorious even when dry, and after rain they're slippery and flooded. You need closed-toe shoes with decent tread, not sandals or smooth-soled sneakers. For Karura Forest or any nature walks, actual hiking shoes help on muddy trails.
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 is serious at this altitude, and the equatorial sun doesn't mess around even on cloudy days. Reapply after rain. Locals will think you're paranoid, but you'll thank me when you're not burnt after a morning at Nairobi National Park.
Light scarf or pashmina - serves triple duty as warmth layer for cool mornings, sun protection, and modest covering for religious sites or conservative areas. Women especially will find this useful for entering mosques or rural areas outside Nairobi.
Quick-dry clothes - with 70% humidity and frequent rain, cotton takes ages to dry. Synthetic blends or merino wool dry faster and smell better. Pack more underwear and socks than you think you need because laundry won't dry overnight like it would in dry season.
Small daypack that's water-resistant - for carrying rain jacket, water bottle, and valuables during day trips. Nairobi has pickpocketing issues in crowded areas, so something you can wear on your front in matatus or busy markets is smart.
Insect repellent with DEET - April rains mean more mosquitoes, though Nairobi's altitude keeps malaria risk relatively low compared to coastal areas. Still, dengue exists, and mosquito bites are annoying. Use especially at dawn and dusk.
Reusable water bottle - Nairobi tap water isn't safe to drink, but most hotels and restaurants have filtered water dispensers. A 1-liter bottle saves you constantly buying plastic bottles, which are expensive and environmentally terrible.
Power adapter and backup battery - Kenya uses UK-style three-prong plugs. Power outages happen occasionally, especially during heavy rains, so a charged battery pack keeps your phone alive for Uber, maps, and mobile money which you'll use constantly.

Insider Knowledge

Download M-Pesa mobile money app before arrival if possible - Kenya runs on mobile payments, and many small vendors, matatus, and even some restaurants prefer M-Pesa to cash. You'll need a Kenyan SIM card, which you can get at the airport for 100-300 KES. Safaricom is the dominant network with best coverage.
Traffic in April rain is worse than you can imagine - what should be a 20-minute drive can take 90 minutes when afternoon storms hit. Schedule important appointments and flights for morning. If you must travel afternoon, add at least double the normal travel time. Locals know this, so restaurants and shops are quieter 3pm-6pm.
Nairobi National Park's Hippo Pools walking trail is actually accessible in April - during dry season it's too far and hot, but with cooler temps and morning clarity, the 2-hour guided walk is manageable. You must go with a ranger for safety, arranged at park gates. Costs around 2,000-3,000 KES per person. Morning only, never afternoon when weather threatens.
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden restaurant next to the museum is genuinely good - not just tourist trap food. After museum visits, their outdoor garden seating under covered areas is perfect for lunch even if it's drizzling. Prices are reasonable by Nairobi standards, around 1,200-1,800 KES for full meals. The coffee is excellent, obviously.
Westlands and Kilimani neighborhoods are where young Nairobi actually goes out - tourists stick to city center or Karen, but these areas have the best contemporary restaurants, bars, and cafes. Safer than downtown at night, easy Uber access, and you'll see what modern Nairobi actually looks like beyond the safari tourist bubble.
Book Nairobi accommodations at least 3-4 weeks ahead even in April - while it's low season for tourists, business travel to Nairobi is constant, and good mid-range hotels fill up with NGO workers, UN staff, and business conferences. You'll get better rates than peak season but availability can be surprisingly tight.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold mornings feel at altitude - tourists pack for tropical Africa and forget that Nairobi sits at 1,795 m (5,889 ft). That 16°C (60°F) morning temperature feels genuinely chilly, especially on open safari vehicles at dawn. Bring actual warm layers, not just t-shirts.
Planning afternoon outdoor activities - every single day you'll watch tourists get caught in 3pm downpours because they didn't believe locals about the rain pattern. It's incredibly predictable in April. Do outdoor stuff before 1pm, indoor stuff or rest afternoon, then evening activities after 6pm when rain usually clears.
Skipping Nairobi entirely to rush to safari parks - Nairobi itself is fascinating and has enough to fill 2-3 days easily. The national park, museums, food scene, and neighborhoods are worth experiencing. Too many tourists fly in, immediately transfer to Mara or Amboseli, then fly out. You're missing the actual capital city where 4.5 million Kenyans live.
Carrying large bills - many places can't break 1,000 KES notes, let alone 5,000 KES. Keep plenty of 50, 100, and 500 KES notes for matatus, street food, tips, and small purchases. ATMs often dispense only large bills, so break them at supermarkets or hotels when you can.
Trusting Google Maps time estimates - add at least 50% to whatever Google says for Nairobi driving times, more if traveling during rain or rush hours (7am-9am, 4pm-7pm). The app doesn't account for Nairobi's spectacular traffic jams, road conditions, or weather impacts.

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