Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
There are different places to visit in Nairobi which offer an exciting blend of sky-high urbanity and rural wildlife preserves. Whether you’re interested in local culture, roaming around the city’s history and art or heading off the thrilling wildlife adventures, Nairobi has it all. This article will navigate you through the 10 best places to visit in Nairobi. Find hidden gems, engross yourself in the local Kenyan culture and make unforgettable memories by exploring the top 10 places in Nairobi.
Popular Places To Visit In Nairobi
Here is the list of the top 10 famous places to visit in Nairobi, which will provide an amazing experience for every type of traveller.
1. Nairobi National Park
Photo: Ampimd / Wikimedia Commons
Can you imagine witnessing lions, giraffes and zebras roaming freely against the background of a buzzing city skyline? You’ll experience this scene in Nairobi National Park. This is just outside the city centre, allowing you to experience a safari adventure without travelling far. Nairobi National Park is home to a variety of African wildlife including lion, Rothschild and Maasai giraffe, buffalo, both black and white rhinos, zebras wildebeests and African elephants. These impressive arrays of wildlife and beautiful landscapes make it one of the most famous tourist attractions in Nairobi.
Highlight: Bird watching, Nairobi safari walk, Ivory burning site monument
Location: Animal Orphanage Road, Nairobi
2. The Giraffe Centre
Photo: Laika ac / Wikimedia Commons
The Giraffe Centre is considered to be an amazing place to visit in Nairobi. This conservation and education centre focuses on protecting the endangered Rothschild giraffes while providing visitors with an opportunity to come closer to these amazing creatures. In this centre, you can feed giraffes from a raised platform, allowing them to extend their neck and pluck food from your hand. From this centre, you can learn about giraffe conservation efforts through informative talks and displays.
Highlight: Feed giraffes in your hand, walk a nature trail to the Gogo River
Location: Duma Road, Nairobi
3. Karen Blixen Museum
Photo: Ruslik0 / Wikimedia Commons
Karen Blixen Museum is a place to visit in Nairobi for literature enthusiasts and history lovers. The museum is located 10km from the city centre and it belongs to a different period in the history of Kenya. This museum is situated in the serene suburb of Nairobi and offers a wonderful space for personal reflection in its nature trail. Karen, the author of ‘Out of Africa’, once lived in this colonial farmhouse, you can witness glimpses of Blixen’s fascinating life and works. The well-maintained garden offers different outdoor events and Karen’s Art Corner supports the local and upcoming artists.
Highlight: Sneak peeks at tree hyraxes, birdwatching, and the souvenir shop
Location: Karen Road, Nairobi
4. Bomas of Kenya
Photo: SteveRwanda / Wikimedia Commons
A trip to Nairobi is incomplete without experiencing the Bomas of Kenya. It was established in 1971 by the Government of Kenya to preserve, highlight and promote the rich and diverse cultures of different ethnic groups of Kenya and to act as one of the most famous tourist places in Nairobi. It is located approximately 10km south of the Nairobi metropolitan in Langata, just outside Nairobi National Park. Bomas of Kenya is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kenya Development Corporation and as the only national body with a mandate in cultural tourism, the institution preserves the authenticity of Kenya’s cultures and portrays them in their pure form.
Highlight: Cultural performance, Utamaduni Restaurant, Maasai village,
Location: Forest Edge Road, Nairobi, Kenya
5. Maasai Mara National Reserve
Photo: Thomas Fuhrmann / Wikimedia Commons
Explore the breathtaking wildlife sanctuary situated in the Narok County of Kenya. This Maasai Mara National Reserve was established in 1961, and it is renowned for its exceptional wildlife population, picturesque landscape and unique cultural experiences. This national reserve is spread over 1510 square kilometres and is home to an abundance of wildlif,e including the famous ‘Big Five’- African elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinoceros. Additionally, there are more than 450 bird species, including vultures, marabou storks and ostriches.
Highlights: walking safari, game drives, hot air balloon rides, bird watching
Location: Narok County, Kenya
6. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Photo: Nina R / Wikimedia Commons
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is famous for its work to protect elephants. This famous non-profit park was established in 1977 and operates within Nairobi National Park. It is recognised as an innovative force in orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation. The conservation project includes an elephant orphanage, anti-poaching unit, mobile veterinary units and habitat preservation. Here, tourists can watch the entertaining elephants as they enjoy their bath and feeding time.
Highlight: Meet orphan elephants and listen to their stories
Location: Mbagathi,00503, Nairobi, Kenya
7. Lake Naivasha
Photo: ISB0210 / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Naivasha is known as a freshwater lake in Kenya, which is situated outside of the town of Naivasha in Nakuru County. Formed within the Great Rift Valley at a grand elevation of 1884 meters, this lake comprises an extraordinary geological setting characterised by a complicated effect of volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits. This lake is surrounded by game reserves and sanctuaries that allow animals to navigate the lakeside. Here you can see zebra, giraffe, buffalo or hippo. This Naivasha town is an industrial centre that attracts tourists and the safari centre is a favourite destination for tourists.
Highlight: Swahili tree, camp carnellys at Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island Sanctuary
Location: Nakuru County, Nairobi, Kenya
8. Hells Gate National Park
Photo: Heyandrewhyde / Wikimedia Commons
Hells Gate National Park, the inspiration for animators of Disney’s The Lion King, provides the ideal fun in-the-wild experience across all markets and ages. The towering crags, deep riverine canyons, acres of savannah, hot springs and volcanic activities make this small park a favourite destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts. This park has an amazing scenic canyon through which you can hike. Since there is no elephant, lion or leopard, you can hire a bike and spend your day through the scenery.
Highlight: Biking, Bird watching, camping, hiking, rock climbing
Location: Lake Road South, Naivasha 20117
9. Nairobi National Museum
Photo: Mike W / Wikimedia Commons
The Nairobi National Museum has four pillars such as culture, history, arts and nature. This museum is 20 minutes away from the Central Business District. This museum was established in 1910 by East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society to keep and preserve their collections of different specimens. In this museum, you can see nature, culture and history. The culture of this museum includes creativity, cycles of life and cultural dynamism. Also, you can spend time in the botanical garden, which consists of 600 indigenous and 100 exotic plant species and cultivars.
Highlights: The Cradle of Humankind gallery, the Story of Mammals gallery
Location: Museum Hill Road, Nairobi, Nairobi
10. Ngong Hills
Photo: Akash Pitrola / Wikimedia Commons / image For Representation Only
Ngong Hills is a beautiful tourist place in Nairobi located just a few kilometres from Nairobi. This place is very peaceful for hiking, and it is famous for its serenity. If you are fond of nature, then Ngong Hills is a must-visit place for a Nairobi trip. Ngong Hills provide a set piece of rolling green hills and sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley. Here you can find some Indigenous trees, including Cyprus, Acacia Croton, and Wild plants. The entry fee is 200 KSH.
Highlight: Hiking, camping, cycling, panoramic view of the Great Rift Valley
Location: Ole Nairi Dr, Ngong, Rift Valley
Nairobi never disappoints its travellers. The list of places to visit in Nairobi provides an opportunity to fulfil a tourist’s desires. The Nairobi National Park is for animal lovers, the Bomas in Kenya is for the authentic culture of Kenya, and Ngong Hills is famous for hiking. Thus, it can be stated that Nairobi is a city for risk-lovers. So, get ready for a trip with TripXL to explore more of Nairobi’s wonders.
Cover Photo: Nina R / Wikimedia Commons
