Recommended Tourist Attractions & Activities in Nairobi City

Nairobi is much more than just Kenya’s capital city; it is also one of the best places to visit in Africa, combining the best of wildlife, culture, history, adventure, and modern city life.

What makes Nairobi a unique destination is the way you can go from one of Nairobi’s busy streets to the wildlife parks, forests, museums, or scenic landscapes so quickly.

Whether you are just visiting Nairobi before going on safari for a few days or want to take exciting day trips within Nairobi, you’ll find plenty of activities to suit your needs.

This guide to tourist attractions in and around Nairobi City covers things to do like feeding giraffes, visiting orphaned elephants, hiking scenic hills, and exploring various cultural centers.

1. Nairobi National Park – Safari Near the City

The Nairobi National Park is one of the most popular destinations to visit while in Nairobi.

The park is situated only a few kilometers outside of Nairobi and is the only one of its type to be located within a capital city.

Visitors get the opportunity to experience an authentic safari experience that is close to technological. Wildlife located within the national park includes:

• Lions
• Rhinos
• Buffalo
• Giraffes
• Zebra
• Cheetah
• Hyena

The national parks’ rhino conservation initiatives are known throughout the world and are considered to be one of the best places in Kenya to see black rhinos.

Game drives during the morning hours are recommended because animals are generally more active during cooler times.

2. Giraffe Centre – Feed Rothschild’s Giraffes

The Giraffe Centre is one of the top attractions in Nairobi.

The centre has a core mission of caring for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe through a hands-on experience of feeding giraffes by hand from several raised platforms to give an unforgettable experience.

The centre also has educational resources available about giraffe conservation and environmental care. It is a great attraction for families, couples, and photographers.

3. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Meet Baby Elephants

One of the most impactful wildlife experiences available in Nairobi can be found at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT).

This wildlife trust cares for orphaned baby elephants and rhinos that were abandoned after the loss of their mother, from either poaching or natural causes.

You’ll have the chance to see these baby elephants fed, bathe in mud, and, most importantly, play and socialize with their keepers during scheduled visitation hours.

Each baby elephant has its own unique history, which provides an educational and emotional experience for all who visit.

4. Karen Blixen Museum – History and Colonial Heritage

Once a residence of the renowned Danish author and writer, Karen Blixen, the Karen Blixen Museum gives visitors an idea of the history of the colonial period in Kenya and her literary works. The museum preserves her original home and provides visitors with a chance to learn about the area and her life through a tour of the house, garden, and grounds. Located in a tranquil atmosphere, the Karen Blixen Museum is a good place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi.

5. Bomas of Kenya – Experience Kenyan Culture

The Bomas of Kenya provides a representation of Kenya’s diverse culture through music, dance, architecture, and storytelling, as depicted by the various types of homes representing different ethnic groups throughout Kenya that are present in the complex. Many visitors particularly enjoy the live performances of traditional dances and songs that display the various tribes from across the country; these are typically the favorite part for many tourists who visit this location. The Bomas of Kenya is one location to experience the richness of Kenyan culture.

6. Karura Forest – Nature Escape in the City

Located within the boundaries of Nairobi, Karura Forest is an excellent way to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. The following are examples of what you can do while at Karura Forest:

• Trails for walking
• Bicycling paths
• Waterfalls
• Places to have a picnic
• Caves

If you enjoy jogging, hiking, observing birds, or just spending time in nature, then Karura Forest is the perfect place for you!

This forest has become an extremely popular spot for those visiting the city who are looking for some peace outdoors.

7. Ngong Hills – Scenic Hiking Adventure

The Ngong Hills, located a short distance from Nairobi, offer fantastic hiking opportunities.

With their rounded hills, the Ngong Hills provide many great views of the Great Rift Valley and the countryside around it.

People who visit the area can hike on ridges and take in amazing scenery while enjoying the cool winds that come up the hills. The area is well known for the wind turbines that cover the landscape and for its awesome sunsets.

Hiking at the Ngong Hills is ideal for travelers who love to hike in nature and take photographs while doing so.

8. Nairobi National Museum – Learn Kenya’s Story

Located in Nairobi, Kenya’s National Museum displays many facets of the country’s history, animals, culture, and prehistory.

The National Museum of Kenya features:

• Fossils/archaeological artefacts,
• Cultural exhibits,
• Wildlife exhibits, and
• Art gallery collections.

So if you’re interested in learning more about Kenya beyond game drives, the National Museum provides that opportunity.

In addition to all the exhibits, the botanical gardens around the museum serve as a calm and tranquil setting to unwind.

9. Maasai Market – Shopping and Local Crafts

Nairobi has an outstanding destination for buying souvenirs, arts and crafts – Maasai Market.

Visitors will find plenty of:

• Jewellery made with beads.
• Artistic works done in paint
• Fabrics used to make traditional clothing
• Carved wood sculptures
• Unique handbag and footwear options

There is also an opportunity to meet local artists and experience the city’s vibrant personality.

It is customary to haggle over price, so visitors should be prepared to negotiate.

10. Kiambethu Tea Farm – Tea and Countryside Experience

Kiambethu Tea Farm, located on the outskirts of Nairobi among the lush green rolling hills of Limuru, provides guests with a hosted tour to learn about the cultivation and processing of tea in Kenya. Guests will be able to visit tea plantations, view the beautiful scenery, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and tea tasting. For those interested in a peaceful and scenic countryside experience, this is a great way to spend a day.

Day Trips Near Nairobi

Having central access to Nairobi makes it convenient to visit many things close by.

Some commonly enjoyed day trips from Nairobi are:

• Lake Naivasha for boat tours or hippo watching,
• Hell’s Gate National Park for cycling or hiking,
• Mount Longonot for hiking trips, and
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy for viewing rhinos and doing Big Five safari trips.

All these destinations can be visited in less than a full day, as well as doing an overnight stay.

Best Time to Visit Nairobi

Nairobi is an excellent travel destination with great weather year-round, making it suitable for any time visiting.

The best times for outdoor recreation (dry season) are:

• June to October
• January to February

The rainy season provides:

• More green around the scenery
• Less crowded tourist attractions
• Better overall weather for taking pictures

Many of the attractions remain open year-round.

Why Nairobi is Worth Exploring

The majority of travelers visit Nairobi solely as a transit point before going on safari, but the city provides a variety of attractions and things to do far exceeding those found in the surrounding areas.

Nairobi’s attractions include:

• Wildlife experiences
• Cultural attractions
• Historical sites
• Outdoor activities
• Modern entertainment

Very few cities worldwide offer this level of diversity within proximity.

Final Thoughts

Nairobi is one of the most exciting places to travel in Africa.

From giraffe feeding to elephant viewing to hiking the Ngong Hills or learning about the local culture at Bomas of Kenya, every activity gives you an experience that is different than the previous one.

If you are starting or finishing your Kenya safari, taking the time to explore Nairobi will make the overall trip much more exciting.

For any type of traveler looking for something new, Nairobi has plenty of unique attractions and things to do, whether they be wildlife, culture, history, or nature.