8 Things To Do In Nairobi: A Blend of Nature, Culture, And Adventure

The best things to do in Nairobi include the popular Nairobi National Park in Kenya.

Kenya’s busy capital city, Nairobi, is a city of diversities. Known as the Green City in the Sun, the urban-nature amalgamation is unmatched in Nairobi. There is the modern skyline, the wildlife reserves, the forests, and the parks. Nairobi is a place that you must check out as it has a unique vibe, culture, and history with lots of things to do in Nairobi. From safari trips to nature strolls, there is something for everyone in the city. If you are a nature or history lover or a culture enthusiast, Nairobi will never fail to impress you.

Top 8 Things To Do In Nairobi

From encountering wildlife to enjoying good Kenyan food, Nairobi has it all. Here are the top things to do in Nairobi.

1. Nairobi National Park

A view of two zebras amid the Nairobi National Park - among the things to do in Nairobi.

Photo: Ben Diagi / Unsplash

Nairobi National Park is seven kilometres south of Nairobi city centre, where you will find wildlife in a place like no other. It was the first national park in Kenya, established in 1946 and is home to four of the “Big Five”- lions, buffalo, leopards, and black rhinos. There are also more than 400 species of birds, which make it a wilderness nest in the middle of a busy city. The park itself is a safari in the middle of the city of Nairobi, despite its proximity to the skyline.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Top Experiences: Trekking, Picnic, Jungle Safari

2. Karura Forest

The fall of the Karura Forest Natural River is looking heavenly in the midst of the forest.

Photo: Ninara / Wikimedia Commons

Karura Forest in Nairobi offers an amazing escape from the hustle of city life. The 1,000-acre urban forest is a tranquil place for nature seekers. Its wood is perched on volcanic rock with beautiful waterfalls, holy caves, and native trees that offer a peaceful setting to stroll, cycle, or just relax. If you are walking and cycling, then it is possible to spot different kinds of birds and smaller creatures – a great place for birding and walking. Visitors can even picnic in peace beside the waterfalls or marvel at the Gikambura River.

Location: Kiambu Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Top Experiences: Morning Walks, Cycling, Nature Trails, Bird Watching

3. Nairobi National Museum

A huge dinosaur statue is placed on one of the lawns in the Nairobi National Museum.

Photo: Ruslik0 / Wikimedia Commons

If you are interested in Kenyan history, culture and art, then there’s no place like the Nairobi National Museum. The museum on Kipande Road contains a wealth of objects, fossils, paintings, and displays representing Kenya’s past. The museum has the world-famous “Cradle of Mankind” fossil collection, which contains the fossils of some of the oldest humans found. The museum also lets you see exhibitions on Kenya’s prehistory, fauna, and culture. There is also a nature walk in the surrounding botanical garden, and therefore, it is a museum for all those who enjoy culture and nature alike.

Location: Kipande Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Top Experiences: History, Culture, Art, Birdwatching

4. Masai Market

Masai people are selling colourful clothes and other accessories in the Masai Market.

Photo: Ninaras / Wikimedia Commons

If you are looking for something special to take home, there is no place better than the Masai Market. There, you can find a great variety of handicrafts – beaded jewellery, hand-painted pottery, Maasai blankets, carvings, etc. You have to negotiate with the local traders to get the items at the lowest prices. Masai Market isn’t only a place to shop but also a place to know the culture of the area. The stallholders, who are mostly Maasai, are very friendly and keen to tell you about their cultures and history.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Top Experiences: Souvenir Shopping, Bargaining, Cultural Exchange

5. Lang’ata Giraffe Centre

A Masai giraffe is running through the grass field - one of the things to do in Nairobi.

Photo: Nirav Shah / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Lang’ata Giraffe Centre was founded in 1983 and aims to save the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Guests at this sanctuary can feed these soft giants from a platform on top. There’s just something so special and memorable about feeding the giraffes and hearing about their conservation. There are also educational sessions at the centre about giraffe conservation and wild giraffe challenges. While you can interact with the giraffes, there’s also a trail system in the centre that can be used to stroll through the lovely landscape of the estate for an idyllic walk.

Location: Lang’ata, Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Top Experiences: Giraffe Feeding, Educational Programs, Nature Walks.

6. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

A bunch of adult and baby elephants is one of the things to do in Nairobi, Kenya.

Photo: Rajiv Perera / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is not to be missed if you are an animal lover. This is a trust set in the Nairobi National Park and is known for its elephant orphanage. The charity rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants and rhinos in order to restore them to the wild. Elephant feeding every morning takes place one time in a day when you have a chance to meet baby elephants. You can watch the infant elephants play and hear about their lives and conservation projects that are keeping them safe.

Location: Nairobi National Park, Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 11 AM (feeding session)
Top Experiences: Wildlife Conservation, Elephant Feeding, Education

7. Nairobi Java House

Tables and chairs are put in the middle of a cafe - one of the things to do in Nairobi.

Photo: Igor Starkov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Nothing in Nairobi is complete without trying the famous coffee. The Nairobi Java House is one of the chains where you can enjoy some of the best Kenyan coffee. Coffee here is delicious and strong, brewed from beans that come straight from Kenya’s highlands, where coffee grows at over 6,000 feet. The café is friendly and inviting, a good place to unwind after sightseeing. Nairobi Java House also sells snacks and meals such as pastries, sandwiches, and Kenyan cuisine, in addition to delicious coffee. There is nothing like getting refilled and tasting real Nairobi.

Location: Multiple Locations in Nairobi
Timings: 6:30 AM – 10 PM
Top Experiences: Coffee Lovers, Casual Dining, Relaxation

8. Tusker Beer

Exploring Tusker Beer in Kenya is one of the best things to do in Nairobi.

Photo: Jahanzeb Ahsan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

To be in Nairobi and have a great time drinking, there is no better place to try the Tusker beer. This Kenyan Beer is a Kenyan favorite made since 1922, loved by locals and tourists alike. It’s a deliciously flavoured, creamy Tusker beer that is part of the Kenyan tradition. You can sample the beer at various bars and restaurants around the city (the Fairview Hotel is a good place to get samples of beer). It is a great way to end a day exploring Nairobi with a cool Tusker as you take in the vibrant city.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 5 PM – 11 PM
Top Experiences: Beer Tasting, Local Culture, Nightlife

This city, with its combination of wildlife, culture, and adventure, is never short of activities. Be it thrilling safaris, tranquil forest walks or a rich cultural heritage, Nairobi offers a memorable experience. Are you planning to explore Nairobi? Plan a trip with TripXL to have the perfect Nairobi adventure and ensure you enjoy all the things to do in Nairobi!

Cover Photo: Mwandwe Chileshe / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Nairobi offers a variety of must-see attractions that cater to different interests. Some of the top places to visit include Nairobi National Par, the Giraffe Centre, home to the endangered Rothschild giraffe, and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can interact with orphaned elephants.
The best time to explore Nairobi is from late June to October and January to February. During these months, the weather remains pleasant and is ideal for outdoor activities such as safaris, visiting parks, and exploring the city's attractions. However, Nairobi has a moderate climate year-round, so you can visit anytime depending on your preferences.
Nairobi has a mild, temperate climate, so lightweight clothing is recommended for daytime activities. If you plan to visit nature reserves or parks, comfortable walking shoes, hats, and sunscreen are essential. For evenings, it can get cooler, especially during the rainy season, so packing a light jacket or sweater is a good idea.
It is not recommended to drink tap water in Nairobi as its quality can be uncertain. It is safe to drink bottled or filtered water during your stay. Many restaurants and cafes also provide bottled water, so make sure to carry some with you when exploring the city.
Nairobi is home to Nairobi National Park, the world’s only wildlife reserve located within a city, as well as conservation centres like the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The city is also famous for its thriving food scene, rich history, and its status as a hub for international business and culture in East Africa.

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