Nairobi Travel Guide
Kenya’s capital pairs wildlife, culture and a growing business scene — here’s how to spend your time and get around.
Wildlife & culture in the city
Nairobi National Park is genuinely unusual — a wildlife park with lions and giraffes a short drive from downtown skyscrapers. Pair it with the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage, the Karen Blixen Museum, and the Nairobi National Museum for a fuller picture of the city.
Maasai Market & beyond
The Maasai Market (its location rotates by day of the week) is the place for beadwork, textiles and curios — bargaining is expected. For a more conventional shopping trip, Westlands and Village Market both have modern malls and restaurants.
Choosing an area
Westlands
Central, walkable, close to restaurants and malls — a solid default base.
Karen
Leafy and quiet, near the Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum — further from downtown.
Kilimani & Lavington
Residential areas with a growing number of boutique hotels and serviced apartments.
Gigiri
Diplomatic and UN district — quiet, upscale, near Village Market.
Airports & transport
JKIA handles international flights; Wilson Airport handles most domestic and safari-connection flights. Within the city, ride-hailing apps are the simplest option for visitors; matatus (shared minibuses) are the local standard but take some getting used to.
Beyond the city
Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru both make feasible day or overnight trips from Nairobi. The Maasai Mara and Amboseli are further out and better suited to a multi-day safari, typically reached by a short domestic flight or a longer road transfer.