Capital of Kenya and the African safari capital, the city of Nairobi is a remarkable destination. Built in less than a century, its downtown is nestled within wild nature, with its national park home to many of Africa's most iconic animals. Discover everything there is to do and see during a stay in Nairobi.

What to Do and See in Nairobi's Downtown?

Here are the main attractions to see and do when visiting Nairobi's downtown:

Visit the Nairobi National Museum and Its Snake Park

The Nairobi National Museum is a must-see attraction in the capital. It features both temporary and permanent galleries showcasing Kenya's rich heritage. The permanent galleries are organized thematically: the Cradle of Humanity, mammal history, Kenyan history, and life cycles.

A visit to the Nairobi National Museum is an opportunity to learn more about Kenya's history, from prehistoric times to the present day, including the British colonial period. You'll also discover the local fauna and flora: the museum features a beautiful collection of indigenous birds, fossils, and other collections worthy of a natural history museum. The complex also includes botanical gardens and a snake park (separate admission fee).

Practical Information*:

Hours: Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Night visits from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. can be arranged by reservation.

Admission:

• Nairobi National Museum entry for non-residents: 1200 Ksh for adults and 600 Ksh for under 16;

• Snake Park entry for non-residents: 1200 Ksh for adults and 600 Ksh for under 16;

• Nairobi National Museum + Snake Park package (non-resident rate): 1500 Ksh for adults and 1000 Ksh for under 16.

Important! Tickets must be pre-booked online via the eCitizen portal.

Admire the Jamia Mosque

The Jamia Mosque is one of the largest Islamic places of worship in Kenya, and indeed in East and Central Africa. Built in the early 20th century, it features Islamic Arab architectural style. Located in the central business district, it is easily recognizable by its 3 silver domes and twin minarets.

Note:

Non-Muslims are not always admitted inside, although many travelers have had the opportunity to visit the mosque with a guide.

Shop for Crafts at the Maasai Market

Want to discover local craftsmanship? Looking to bring home souvenirs from your Kenya trip? Head to Nairobi's Maasai Market! You'll find a wide variety of handcrafted items primarily fromMaasai communities but also from other Kenyan tribes.

By way of examples, you can find Maasai masks, wooden sculptures representing savanna animals, paintings, traditional jewelry and beads, as well as clothing. The Maasai Market also features several stalls selling fresh produce from local farmers and shops offering Kenyan specialties and street food.

As in many Kenyan markets, you can negotiate prices. But watch out for scams! Certain men, called brokers, will follow you offering "great deals." To avoid being ripped off, always negotiate and pay directly to vendors. We also recommend asking locals first (at your hotel for example) to get an idea of prices before heading to the market.

Practical Information*:

The Maasai Market operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at different locations depending on the day:

• Tuesday: at Prestige Plaza along Ngong Road;

• Wednesday: along Mombasa Road;

• Thursday: at Junction Mall and Garden City Mall;

• Friday: at Junction Mall, along Limuru Road and Langinton shopping center;

• Saturday: at the High Court parking lot across from Prestige Plaza;

• Sunday: at Yaya Centre parking lot, in Hurlingham.

Stroll Through Uhuru Park

Need a break between visits? Head to Uhuru Park, a public urban park of over 12 hectares adjacent to Nairobi's central business district. Featuring an artificial lake, national monuments, and picnic areas, it's the ideal place to stroll and observe local life. However, visiting the park after dark is not recommended.

A bit of history...

Uhuru Park was saved from destruction in the 1980s thanks to Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmental activist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her work against deforestation in Kenya. She was indeed the first African woman to receive this distinction. Her funeral was held in the park in 2011.

Take in the Views from the Top of the Kenyatta International Conference Center

The Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) is a cylindrical tower used for national and international conferences as well as trade shows. At 105 meters tall with 32 floors, it is the city's 3rd tallest building. The conference center opens its doors to visitors to access its top and enjoy a 360° view of Nairobi.

Practical Information*:

Address: City Square, along, Harambee Ave, Nairobi, Kenya

Admission: 500 Ksh per person to reach the top of the building.

What to Do and See Around Nairobi?

While Nairobi's downtown deserves some exploration, the city's finest attractions are mainly in its surroundings. Here are things to do and see around Nairobi:

Visit the Karen Blixen Museum, Home of the Author of the Famous Novel Out of Africa

Located 10 km from downtown, the Karen Blixen Museum is dedicated to Danish author Karen Blixen, made famous by her novel "Out of Africa" which inspired the film of the same name. The museum is housed in the home where the author and her husband lived. They chose to settle at the foot of the Ngong Hills in 1917 to run a coffee plantation.

Now transformed into a museum, the building houses objects and furniture from the iconic film and provides insight into the life of the Danish novelist. Visitors can also enjoy the gardens, shop for souvenirs, and dine at the café.

Practical Information*:

Hours: Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guided tours are available throughout the day.

Admission: 1200 Ksh per non-resident adult and 600 for non-resident children under 16.

Go on Safari at Nairobi National Park

Located on the outskirts of Nairobi, just 7 km south of downtown, the Nairobi National Park is a must-see in Kenya's capital.

Founded in 1946, Nairobi National Park is Kenya's oldest park. It's also the only wildlife park in the world this close to a city. Covering 117 km², it features vast grassy plains dotted with acacia bushes with Nairobi's skyscrapers in the background.

During a wildlife safari at Nairobi National Park, you can admire much of theiconic animals of the African savanna: lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinoceros, hippopotamuses, buffalo, gazelles, zebras, impalas, baboons, ostriches, Nile crocodiles... The park is also home to 400 species of migratory and endemic birds. Only the elephant is missing from the Big 5.

Practical Information*:

Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Admission:

• 100 USD per non-resident adult year-round

• 35 USD for non-resident children under 12 in peak season (July to March) and 20 USD in low season (March to June).

Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage

Located within Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a rescue and rehabilitation program for orphaned baby elephants and rhinoceros. It was created by Daphne Sheldrick, wife of the famous Southern African wildlife conservation pioneer David Sheldrick.

The orphanage is open to the public for 1 hour per day. During a visit, you can learn about the stories of orphaned animals and the program's conservation work. You can participate in feeding the baby elephants and watch them play and enjoy mud baths. You can even adopt an orphan to help fund the organization.

One thing's for sure: a Sheldrick Wildlife Trust visit is an experience that will captivate both adults and children. It's an absolute must-do when visiting Kenya with family.

Practical Information*:

The number of daily visitors is limited. For this reason, access to the nursery is by prior reservation only. To visit, you must pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee. You must then make a donation to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust with a minimum amount of:

• 20 USD per non-resident adult,

• 5 USD per non-resident child under 12.

For more information on booking procedures, visit www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

See Giraffes Up Close at the Giraffe Centre

Here's another must-see attraction for nature lovers: the Giraffe Centre. Opened in 1979, it is a private sanctuary dedicated to protecting Rothschild giraffes, a giraffe subspecies found only in East African grasslands and which is endangered. The centre is located in Langata, just 20 km south of Nairobi.

In addition to offering awareness and education programs for children, the centre allows visitors to get very close to giraffes and even feed them from an observation platform. During a walk on the trails, you can also encounter other animals such as warthogs, dikdiks, and many bird species.

Practical Information*:

Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission:

• 1500 Ksh per non-resident adult,

• 750 Ksh per non-resident child under 12,

• Free for children under 3.

For more information, visit www.giraffecentre.org 

For an even more unusual experience, you can book a night at theGiraffe Manor hotel. Imagine yourself having breakfast and seeing a giraffe's head pass by your window... It's possible at this 5-star establishment located in the heart of the Giraffe Centre! An experience with a price tag, but one that promises unforgettable memories...

Take a Walk in Karura Forest

Located north of Nairobi, about 10 kilometers from downtown, Karura Forest is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some cool air. Covering over 1000 hectares, it has numerous hiking trails.

You'll find a 15-meter waterfall, archaeological sites, Lily Lake (a former stone quarry pond), sacred caves, marshes, and many indigenous trees. With a bit of luck, you can observe several wild animals such as monkeys, bush pigs, reptiles, bats, and over 200 bird species.

Practical Information*:

Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission:

• 600 Ksh per non-resident adult,

• 50 Ksh for non-resident children under 13.

Note that specialized guided eco-tours of the forest are offered by Friends of Karura Forest (CFA).

For more information, visit www.friendsofkarura.org 

Discover Kenyan Tribal Customs at Bomas of Kenya

Created by the Kenyan government in 1971, Bomas of Kenya is a cultural center located just 4 km south of Nairobi. Its mission is to preserve, promote, and enhance the cultures of Kenya's various ethnic groups.

You'll find full-scale reproductions of traditional villages (or bomas) from 23 Kenyan ethnic tribes. The centre also houses an auditorium where daily performances of traditional songs and dances take place, as well as a restaurant (Utamaduni restaurant) where you can taste local culinary specialties.

Practical Information*:

Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Performances take place Monday to Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Song and Dance Performance Admission:

• 20 USD per non-resident adult,

• 10 USD per non-resident child.

For more information, visit bomasofkenya.go.ke

*All hours and admission are provided for reference only and may be subject to change.