Need some help to figure out what to do in Nairobi, Kenya? Here are some of the best things to do in Nairobi for first time visitors.
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is an exciting city. However, it can also be a bit bewildering for those who are visiting the city for the first time. With this list of recommendations, you will find something that will suit your interests.
Recommended Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya, for First-Time Visitors
1. Visit Nairobi National Park
The Nairobi National park is one of the things that one should do when visiting Kenya. The national park is located in the city, making it easily accessible. Therefore, one should be reassured about taking long distances to reach the destination. It provides an opportunity to see a variety of animals.
2. A tour around the City Center
For visitors who want to explore the heart of Kenya’s capital city and learn about its history and culture, a walking tour of Nairobi’s city center is an excellent way. It also gives a perfect opportunity to experience the bustling energy of Kenya’s capital city. The tour would typically include visits to several key landmarks, like, the Parliament Buildings and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre
3. Check out the Maasai Market.
The Maasai market consists of various open-air markets in different places in Nairobi. It is an excellent place for visitors interested in purchasing traditional souvenirs and crafts from Kenyan artisans, as it offers a wide range of products. There are specific days of the week when the market is open. Visitors must arrive early to avoid crowds and find the best deals. It is also essential to monitor personal belongings and be aware of pickpockets, as the market can be busy.
4. Check out the Railway Museum
Visitors to the museum can explore on their own, and before visiting the museum, it is wise to confirm the museum’s website for admission fees and opening hours information. Visiting the museum will also provide an insight into the development of Kenya’s railways over the period and their role in shaping the country’s history. This is one of the best things to do in Nairobi if you wish to learn about the country’s history from an unusual perspective.
5. Try out the Carnivore Restaurant
With a rustic, open-air atmosphere and a unique cooking method involving roasting meat in a traditional Maasai-style fire pit, the Restaurant is impressive in its variety of exotic meats like ostrich, crocodile, and camel. These meats are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices and slow-roasted over the fire pit to perfection.
6. Visit the Giraffe Centre
Visiting the Giraffe Center is one of the must-do activities for those visiting Kenya, especially those are visiting for the first time. It allows people to interact with the giraffes from a close and personal perspective through activities like feeding them. The animals are so friendly and accustomed to human interaction, which offers a unique experience for visitors. From the center, visitors also get educated about the giraffes and the role they play in the Kenyan ecosystem.
Visit the Giraffe Centre website.
7. Head to the Bomas of Kenya
Visitors get a unique opportunity to experience traditional Kenyan culture by visiting the Bomas of Kenya, a cultural center designed to showcase the diverse cultural traditions of Kenya’s various ethnic groups, featuring multiple traditional dances, music, and performances.
8. Visit David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage
Located in the Nairobi National Park and home to a group of baby elephants which are usually rescued from the wild for various reasons, such as being orphaned or abandoned, the orphanage offers visitors can watch the baby elephants being bottle-fed and cared for by their keepers and also learn the processing of taming the elephants.
9. Check out the Nairobi Gallery
Featuring works in various media, including sculpture, photography, painting, and video, and hosting rotating exhibitions throughout the year, the Nairobi gallery highlights essential political, social, and cultural issues facing Kenya and Africa in general.
10. Take a tour of the Karen Blixen Museum
The former home of the author of “Out of Africa,” Karen Blixen Museum chronicles her experiences living on a coffee plantation in Kenya in the early 20th century. Karen Blixen has admission fees for locals and foreigners. It is a unique place because the house has been preserved much as it was when Blixen lived there, with many of her possessions on display, including furniture, photographs, and memorabilia.
11. Explore the Nairobi National Museum
It is one of the most famous museums in Kenya, and visiting the Nairobi National Museum, located in the heart of Nairobi, is a must-do activity. The museum features exhibits on the history, culture, and wildlife of not only Kenya but also East Africa, including the famous Leakey family discoveries of early human fossils are displayed in the museum. This is one of the best things to do in Nairobi for first time visitors who have a keen interest in history.
12. Visit the Karura Forest Reserve
A beautiful green oasis located on the outskirts of Nairobi, Karura Forest Reserve, is popular with locals and visitors who enjoy peaceful surroundings and outdoor activities. It covers over 1,000 hectares and is home to various wildlife, including bushbucks, monkeys, and over 250 species of birds.
13. A guided walking tour of Kibera
Kibera is one of Africa’s largest urban slums, and a guided walking tour can be a humbling and eye-opening experience for visitors to Nairobi. The tour will take you through Kibera’s narrow alleyways and streets, where you will see the bustling marketplaces, schools, clinics, and other important community institutions. However, visitors should always book guided tours of Kibera through reputable tour companies and follow their guides’ advice and guidance to ensure a safe and respectful visit.
14. Visit the Ngong Hills
They consist of hills that offer a good view of the city below, just outside Nairobi. They are also a popular destination for outdoors enthusiasts and hikers, and a hike to the top is a great way to exercise and enjoy some stunning scenery. However, one should be careful hiking in the hills.
15. Visit the Matbronze Art Gallery and Foundry
A unique attraction in Nairobi that showcases the talent of Kenyan artists and artisans is the Matbronze Art Gallery and Foundry, which features a wide range of jewelry, bronze sculptures, and other artwork created by local artisans. Visitors to the gallery watch the artists at work in the foundry, using traditional methods to create bronze sculptures and other art pieces.
16. Go a Food Tour
A food tour is a great way to explore Nairobi’s local culture and cuisine, as the city has a vibrant street food scene with various dishes and flavors to explore. However, a tour guide is highly recommended to advise on the foods to take as some may be contaminated.
17. Visit the Snake Park
The Nairobi snake park is a popular tourist attraction in Nairobi. The Park has a comprehensive collection of snakes and other reptiles indigenous to Kenya and also features a variety of crocodiles, lizards, and turtles. Visitors are allowed to have experiences like touching the snakes.
18. Tour the Nairobi Arboretum
The Nairobi Arboretum is a peaceful and beautiful urban park in the heart of Nairobi, and it is famous for jogging, picnics, and relaxing walks. Visitors explore the many walking trails while enjoying the serene atmosphere while admiring the beautiful landscape. You can also bring food to take during the visit.
19. The Mamba village
Mamba Village Centre is a popular tourist attraction located in Nairobi. It is a crocodile farm and nature park that allows visitors to learn about and see crocodiles up close. The visitor also gets to taste meat from crocodiles for those interested.
20. Visit the National Archives
A historical institution in Nairobi, Kenya, the National Archives of Kenya collects and preserves disseminating information about Kenya’s history and heritage. In the National Archives, visitors learn the rich Kenyan history through the collection of artifacts preserved in the museum.
