Nairobi Travel Guide
Where a lion can stalk the plains with skyscrapers on the skyline, giraffes nibble from your hand and the city hums with markets, museums and coffee. Nairobi is the most surprising capital in Africa, and the starting line of almost every Kenyan adventure.
By the BicoTravels team · Updated October 2026Start exploringThree ways to meet Nairobi
Wildlife, orphans and day trips: start with these, then explore the city.
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is genuinely unusual: a wildlife park with lions and giraffes a short drive from downtown skyscrapers. Watch the skyline shimmer across open savanna as giraffes lope past, then be back in the city for dinner.
Good to know: Perfect as a half-day or a first game drive before a longer safari.
Compare Nairobi hotels →Giraffe Centre & the Sheldrick Trust
Pair the Giraffe Centre, where you can feed tall, gentle giraffes face to face, with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage, where rescued baby elephants play in the mud. Both are easy, emotional highlights in Nairobi’s leafy southwest.
Good to know: Pair them with the Karen Blixen Museum for a full day.
Compare flights to Nairobi →Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru
Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru both make feasible day or overnight trips from Nairobi, with birdlife, hippos and wide lake shores within easy reach. 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.
Good to know: Domestic flights depart from Wilson Airport.
Read the Maasai Mara guide →More to experience
Karen Blixen Museum
The former home of the author of Out of Africa, in leafy Karen, a window into colonial-era Kenya.Nairobi National Museum
A fuller picture of the country, from natural history to culture and art, perfect for a rainy afternoon.Maasai Market
Beadwork, textiles and curios, with bargaining expected. Its location rotates by day of the week, so check before you go.Westlands & Village Market
Modern malls, restaurants and cafes for a more conventional shopping and dining day.Four ways Nairobi gets under your skin
Nairobi through the year
Choose your area
Ways to build your trip
Practical planning
Airports
JKIA handles international flights; Wilson Airport handles most domestic and safari-connection flights.Getting around
Ride-hailing apps are the simplest option for visitors; matatus (shared minibuses) are the local standard but take some getting used to.Safety tips
Like any major city, use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps at night, keep valuables out of sight and check current government travel advisories.Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Nairobi?
One to two full days covers the main sights well (Nairobi National Park, one or two museums and some time in Westlands or Karen) before heading on to safari or the coast.
Is Nairobi good for business travel?
Yes. Nairobi is East Africa’s main business hub. See our business travel guide to Nairobi and Lagos for planning tips.
Is Nairobi a good base for remote work?
It’s increasingly popular. See our guide to the best African cities for digital nomads for details on connectivity and coworking options.
Is Nairobi safe for visitors?
Like any major city, take standard precautions: use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps at night, keep valuables out of sight and check current government travel advisories before you go.
Which area should I stay in?
Westlands is a solid default base: central, walkable and close to restaurants. Karen suits quiet, leafy stays near the Giraffe Centre.