Things to Do in Nairobi in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Nairobi
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Jacaranda season is peaking - the city transforms into a purple canopy paradise, especially along Uhuru Highway and in Karen. The blooms typically last through early October, making this one of the most photogenic times to visit.
- Minimal rainfall with only 18mm (0.7 inches) spread across 10 days means you'll mostly see brief morning drizzles that clear by 9am. The rain actually settles the dust and leaves the city feeling crisp and clean without disrupting your plans.
- Wildlife viewing hits its stride as the dry season continues - animals congregate around water sources in Nairobi National Park, making game drives significantly more productive than the wetter months. You'll spot rhinos, lions, and giraffes with much less effort.
- Shoulder season pricing is in full effect. Hotels drop rates by 20-30% compared to July-August peak season, and you'll find better availability at popular restaurants and attractions without the December holiday crowds.
Considerations
- Temperature swings are dramatic - that 13°C (55°F) morning chill catches first-timers off guard, especially since it climbs to 26°C (79°F) by afternoon. You'll need layering options, which feels counterintuitive when you're packing for 'Africa'.
- The 1,795m (5,889 ft) altitude affects people differently in September's dry air. That combination of elevation and 70% humidity means you might feel breathless climbing stairs for the first 2-3 days, and the strong UV (index 8) burns faster than you'd expect.
- September sits in an awkward spot for the Great Migration - the herds have moved north to the Mara, so if you're combining Nairobi with safari plans, you'll need to factor in the 5-6 hour drive or short flight to catch the action.
Best Activities in September
Nairobi National Park Morning Game Drives
September's dry conditions make this the smartest month for the park. Animals cluster around the remaining water sources, and the thinner vegetation means better sightings. The park sits just 7km (4.3 miles) from the city center, and morning drives (6am-9am) offer the best wildlife activity before the afternoon heat kicks in. The dramatic backdrop of Nairobi's skyline against grazing giraffes is genuinely surreal. Expect to see black rhinos, lions, leopards, and over 400 bird species. The dry ground also means fewer muddy tracks, so even basic safari vehicles can access most areas.
Karen Blixen Museum and Giraffe Centre Combined Visits
The Karen suburb is spectacular in September when jacarandas line the streets leading to both attractions. The Giraffe Centre's resident Rothschild giraffes are most active in the cooler morning hours (9am-11am), and feeding them from the raised platform is worth the crowds. The adjacent nature trail through Gogo River forest takes about 45 minutes and offers genuine tranquility. Karen Blixen's colonial-era farmhouse sits 2km (1.2 miles) away and provides fascinating context for Out of Africa fans. The September weather is perfect for the outdoor gardens and veranda.
Nairobi Food Walking Tours in City Center
September's comfortable temperatures make walking the downtown streets actually pleasant, unlike the hotter months. The city's food scene reflects Kenya's diversity - nyama choma (grilled meat) spots, Swahili coastal cuisine, Indian influences from the railway era, and modern fusion restaurants. Walking tours typically cover 1.5-2km (0.9-1.2 miles) over 3-4 hours, hitting 5-7 tasting stops. You'll try mandazi (Kenyan donuts), samosas, ugali, and fresh tropical fruits while learning about the city's history through its food. The variable September weather means occasional light drizzles, but most tours include covered market stops.
Bomas of Kenya Cultural Performances
This living museum showcases traditional homesteads from Kenya's 42+ ethnic groups, and September's dry weather means you can comfortably explore the outdoor village recreations. The main draw is the daily 2:30pm performance in the covered auditorium - 90 minutes of traditional dances, music, and acrobatics from different communities. It's touristy, yes, but genuinely well-executed and provides context you won't get elsewhere. The 10-hectare (25-acre) site sits 10km (6.2 miles) from the city center in Langata, near the national park entrance.
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Morning Visit
The orphanage opens to public viewing for just one hour daily (11am-12pm), when baby elephants return from the bush for their milk feeding. September's pleasant weather makes the outdoor experience comfortable, and you'll watch 15-20 orphaned elephants interact with their keepers while learning individual rescue stories. It's genuinely moving, not performative. The facility sits within Nairobi National Park boundaries but has separate access. Each elephant will eventually be reintegrated into wild herds in Tsavo. The hour passes quickly, so arrive right at 11am.
Karura Forest Walking and Cycling Trails
This 1,063-hectare (2,627-acre) urban forest sits in the heart of Nairobi and offers 50km (31 miles) of maintained trails through indigenous forest. September's dry conditions mean the trails are in excellent shape, and the 70% humidity under the canopy feels refreshing rather than oppressive. The forest has waterfalls, caves, and abundant birdlife. You'll spot Sykes monkeys and occasionally bushbuck. It's where Nairobians go to escape the city without actually leaving it. The main gates have bike rentals available, and the mostly flat terrain suits casual riders.
September Events & Festivals
Nairobi Restaurant Week
Typically runs for 10 days in early September, with 40-50 participating restaurants offering three-course prix fixe menus at fixed prices (usually 1,500-2,500 KES or 13-22 USD for lunch, 2,500-3,500 KES or 22-30 USD for dinner). It's a chance to try high-end restaurants at accessible prices. Reservations open about two weeks before and fill quickly for popular spots. The event showcases Nairobi's increasingly sophisticated dining scene, from rooftop restaurants in Westlands to farm-to-table spots in Karen.