Things to Do in Nairobi in August

August Weather in Nairobi

24°C (75°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

18mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect wildlife viewing conditions - dry season means animals congregate around water sources in Nairobi National Park, making game drives 40% more successful than rainy months
Minimal rainfall with only 18mm (0.7 inches) means excellent road conditions for day trips to Maasai Mara (3-hour drive vs 4+ hours in wet season)
Clear skies provide stunning views of Mount Kenya (160km/99 miles away) and ideal conditions for photography with UV index of 8 creating brilliant lighting
Peak season for cultural festivals including Nairobi Festival (mid-August) and increased traditional dance performances at Bomas of Kenya with weekend shows

Considerations

Accommodation prices increase 30-50% during August peak season, with safari lodges booking out 8-12 weeks in advance
Dust levels are highest during dry season, particularly challenging for visitors with respiratory sensitivities or contact lens wearers
Temperature swings from 12°C (54°F) at dawn to 24°C (75°F) midday require layered clothing and early morning game drives can feel surprisingly cold at 1,661m (5,450ft) altitude

Best Activities in August

Nairobi National Park Morning Game Drives

August's dry conditions concentrate wildlife around remaining water sources, making this the best month for spotting lions, rhinos, and giraffes against Nairobi's skyline. Morning drives (6:00-9:30am) take advantage of active wildlife and cooler temperatures before midday heat. Clear skies provide exceptional photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 days ahead through Kenya Wildlife Service or licensed operators. Entry costs typically KES 1,500-2,000 for residents, KES 4,000-5,000 for non-residents. Morning slots fill fastest. See current tour options in the booking section below.

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Visits

August's dry season means baby elephants are more active and playful during the 11am-12pm public viewing. Clear weather ensures the daily mud bath demonstrations proceed without rain interruptions. The adjacent Giraffe Centre benefits from excellent visibility for feeding the endangered Rothschild giraffes.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for standard viewing, but VIP adoption programs cost KES 15,000-25,000 annually. Arrive by 10:45am for best viewing spots. Combined visits with Giraffe Centre take 3-4 hours total.

Karen Blixen Museum and Coffee Farm Tours

August's cooler morning temperatures (12-18°C/54-64°F) make walking tours of coffee plantations comfortable. This is harvest season for some varieties, offering hands-on picking experiences unavailable other months. Clear skies showcase the Ngong Hills backdrop that inspired 'Out of Africa'.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs KES 1,000-1,500, coffee farm tours typically KES 2,000-3,500 including tastings. Book coffee experiences 3-5 days ahead as harvest activities are weather-dependent. Morning tours (8:00-11:00am) avoid afternoon heat.

Nairobi City Walking Food Tours

August's moderate humidity (70%) and minimal rainfall make street food exploration comfortable. This month coincides with fresh produce season, particularly ugali, sukuma wiki, and seasonal fruits. Evening tours (5:00-8:00pm) take advantage of cooling temperatures and active street food scenes in CBD and Eastleigh.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost KES 3,000-5,000 including 6-8 tastings. Book with operators providing stomach-safety guarantees and bottled water. Eastleigh Somali food tours are particularly authentic but book through recommended guides for safety.

Mount Kenya Day Hikes from Nairobi

August offers the clearest visibility for Mount Kenya day trips (190km/118 miles from Nairobi). Dry trails and stable weather make Naro Moru route accessible for intermediate hikers. Early morning departures (5:00am) utilize cool temperatures and return before afternoon UV intensity peaks.

Booking Tip: Day hikes cost KES 8,000-15,000 including transport and guides. Book 7-10 days ahead with operators providing proper gear for altitude changes. Full-day trips require 12-14 hours, departing Nairobi at dawn.

Maasai Cultural Village Day Trips

August's dry roads make accessing authentic Maasai communities easier, with 2.5-hour drives vs 4+ hours in rainy season. This period coincides with traditional ceremonies and cattle movements. Clear weather ensures outdoor cultural demonstrations and traditional dances proceed uninterrupted.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost KES 6,000-12,000 including transport and cultural fees. Book through operators with direct community partnerships to ensure authentic experiences and fair compensation. Trips typically last 8-10 hours from Nairobi.

August Events & Festivals

Mid August

Nairobi Festival

Annual celebration of Nairobi's cultural diversity featuring traditional music, dance, and art exhibitions across multiple venues including Uhuru Park and National Theatre. Local and international performers showcase East African culture with food markets and craft demonstrations.

Late August

Kenya Music Festival Regional Finals

Major cultural competition bringing together school and community choirs, traditional dance groups, and instrumental performances from across Kenya. Held at various venues including University of Nairobi and National Theatre with public performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 12°C (54°F) while afternoons reach 24°C (75°F), pack removable fleece or light jacket

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 at 1,661m (5,450ft) altitude with intense equatorial sun

Dust mask or bandana - August is driest month with high dust levels, particularly problematic during game drives on unpaved roads

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - morning dew makes walkways slippery, and game parks have rocky terrain

Light rain jacket or poncho - despite low rainfall, afternoon showers occur 10 days per month and can be sudden

Warm sleepwear - indoor temperatures can drop to 15°C (59°F) at night, many accommodations lack heating

Moisturizer and lip balm - low humidity during dry season causes skin dehydration, especially at altitude

Binoculars (8x32 minimum) - dry season wildlife viewing distances average 50-100m (164-328ft) for optimal animal spotting

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent power fluctuations in August, UK-style three-pin plugs standard

Bottled water or purification tablets - increased dust can affect water quality, carry 2L minimum for day trips

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation before June 30th to avoid 50% price increases - August is peak safari season and Nairobi serves as the gateway, causing citywide rate hikes

Start game drives at 6:00am when gates open - animals are most active before 9:00am, and you'll avoid tourist bus crowds that arrive after 10:00am

Use Uber or Bolt instead of taxis for city transport - fixed digital pricing prevents tourist surcharges, typical rides within CBD cost KES 200-500 vs KES 800-1,500 for street taxis

Shop at City Market on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00-11:00am) for authentic crafts at 40-60% lower prices than weekend tourist crowds, negotiate in Swahili for better deals

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for early morning activities - many visitors pack only for 24°C (75°F) daytime temperatures and suffer during 12°C (54°F) dawn game drives

Booking safari accommodation less than 8 weeks ahead - August is peak season and premium lodges fill early, forcing expensive last-minute options or substandard alternatives

Attempting same-day Maasai Mara trips without confirming road conditions - while August roads are generally good, some operators oversell accessibility and day trips become rushed or cancelled