Things to Do in Nairobi in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Nairobi
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Jacaranda season transforms the city into purple-canopied boulevards - October is peak bloom time when Nairobi's streets become genuinely photogenic, particularly along Uhuru Highway and in Karen. The timing coincides with drier weather, so you can actually walk around and enjoy it.
- Short rains pattern means quick afternoon showers rather than all-day washouts - typically 20-30 minute bursts that clear the dust and cool things down. Most mornings stay dry, so you can plan outdoor activities for 8am-2pm with reasonable confidence.
- Wildlife viewing hits a sweet spot as the dry season transitions - animals concentrate around remaining water sources in national parks, making them easier to spot. Nairobi National Park is particularly good right now, and you'll have fewer safari vehicles competing for sightings compared to July-August peak season.
- Shoulder season pricing on accommodations and tours - you're looking at 20-30% lower rates than high season without sacrificing weather quality. International flight prices to Nairobi also dip in October as European summer holiday demand ends, though book at least 8 weeks out for best deals.
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability makes rigid planning frustrating - that 10-day rain forecast means you genuinely cannot guarantee outdoor plans will go smoothly. The rain usually holds off until afternoon, but when it comes, Nairobi's drainage struggles and some roads flood within 15 minutes.
- Nairobi's altitude at 1,795 m (5,889 ft) combined with variable October weather creates surprisingly cool evenings - that 14°C (58°F) low actually feels cold when you've been sweating in 27°C (80°F) afternoons. First-timers consistently underpack warm layers.
- Dust and pollen levels spike before the rains properly settle in - if you have respiratory sensitivities or allergies, the first two weeks of October can be rough. The city sits in a bowl that traps particulates until the rains wash everything clean.
Best Activities in October
Nairobi National Park morning game drives
October mornings offer crystal-clear visibility before afternoon clouds roll in, and wildlife congregates around shrinking water sources. The park sits just 7 km (4.3 miles) from the city center, making it perfect for early starts when you're jet-lagged anyway. Animals are most active 6:30-10am when temperatures are cool, and you'll spot lions, rhinos, and giraffes against the incongruous backdrop of Nairobi's skyline. The short rains haven't fully greened the landscape yet, so animals stand out against golden grass.
Karen Blixen Museum and Giraffe Centre combined visits
These Karen suburb attractions work perfectly for October's unpredictable afternoons since both offer indoor and covered outdoor spaces. The Giraffe Centre lets you hand-feed endangered Rothschild giraffes from a raised platform - genuinely magical and weather-proof. Karen Blixen's farmhouse museum tells the Out of Africa story and takes about 90 minutes including gardens. They're 2 km (1.2 miles) apart, so combine them in one half-day trip. October's jacaranda blooms make the Karen area particularly beautiful.
Bomas of Kenya cultural performances
When afternoon rains hit, this indoor cultural center showcases traditional dances, music, and homestead recreations from Kenya's 40-plus ethnic groups. The main performance happens at 3:30pm daily in a covered auditorium, making it perfect for post-lunch activities when weather gets dodgy. October timing means you might catch rehearsals for upcoming cultural festivals. Located 10 km (6.2 miles) from city center in Langata, it's genuinely educational rather than touristy - locals bring visiting relatives here.
Karura Forest walking and cycling trails
This 1,063-hectare urban forest offers 50 km (31 miles) of maintained trails perfect for October mornings when it's cool and dry. The forest sits in Nairobi's northern suburbs and provides genuine escape from city chaos - you'll see colobus monkeys, hundreds of bird species, and waterfalls. October's humidity makes the forest lush without being muddy yet. Trails range from easy 5 km (3.1 mile) loops to serious 15 km (9.3 mile) hikes. Bike rentals available at gates.
Nairobi food market tours and cooking experiences
October brings seasonal produce like tree tomatoes and passion fruit to Nairobi's markets, and the cooler mornings make walking through crowded market stalls actually pleasant. City Market in the CBD and Maasai Market locations offer authentic interactions with vendors selling everything from sukuma wiki to Kenyan coffee. Cooking class experiences teach you to make ugali, nyama choma, and chai properly. These indoor-outdoor activities adapt well to October's variable weather.
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage visits
This elephant and rhino rescue center opens to public for just one hour daily, 11am-12pm, when orphaned baby elephants come for their mud bath and milk feeding. October timing is perfect because the short rains create ideal mud bath conditions - elephants are more playful and active. Located in Nairobi National Park area, it's a 20-minute experience that's genuinely moving and supports real conservation work. The covered viewing area protects you from weather.
October Events & Festivals
Nairobi Restaurant Week
Typically runs in late October, offering prix-fixe menus at the city's top restaurants for fixed prices around 1,500-3,000 KES. It's a chance to try places that normally run 4,000-6,000 KES per person. Restaurants across Westlands, Karen, and CBD participate. Book tables at least a week ahead as popular spots fill fast. The event showcases Nairobi's increasingly sophisticated dining scene beyond nyama choma stereotypes.
Oktoberfest Nairobi
The German community and various venues host Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the month, with the main event usually at Nairobi Arboretum or similar outdoor venues. Expect German beer, bratwurst, live music, and a surprising turnout of locals and expats. Entry typically 500-1,000 KES. It's oddly popular here and worth experiencing for the cultural mashup alone.