The 7 essential things to do in Nairobi

Visit Nairobi: What are the best things to do and see in the one that is called the "African New York"?

With its three million inhabitants, Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya, and this gigantic metropolis, located south of the country, is also a major economic centre for all of Africa. In addition to trade, it has a leading role in African finance, tourism and university training: two of the largest universities in the continent are in the city! However, at the beginning of the 20th century it was still a modest village serving as a stage during the construction of the railway linking Mombasa, Kenyan town on the coast, Uganda, the neighbouring country.

Built in less than a century, this metropolis with impressive dynamism, perched at more than 1,600 metres above sea level, is also located very close to one of the most beautiful natural reserves of the African continent: the National Park of Nairobi is, in fact, an integral part of the city.

Are you wondering what to do in Nairobi during your stay? Here is the answer with our 7 must-sees to visit Nairobi and enjoy your stay on site, without losing a crumb!

1. Nairobi National Park

We are pleased to introduce you to an attraction that alone, is worth a visit when you are looking for what to do in Nairobi: Nairobi National Park , located less than ten kilometers from the city centre, is a protected area of 120 km2 sheltering all that can be imagined in the savanna: zebra, gnous, but also many species of birds and reptiles, such as turtles and varans! Following the many trails, you can also admire the colossal black rhinoceros, or the hippopotame bathing in the Athi, the river crossing the park. Created in 1946, the national park has the peculiarity of being closed only on three sides, the southern part remaining open to allow animals to migrate.

2. Giraffe Centre

If you came to visit Nairobi and you're crazy about animals, continue your visit with the Giraffe Center , located in Langata, about 20 kilometers south of the city: here you can, since the creation of the place in 1979, visit this amazing space preserved with passionate caregivers. The classes of the local colleges often travel, and we quickly understand why: it is possible to approach animals very close and even feed them, using an observation platform! In addition, the park also houses phacochères, which will remind fans of King Lion.

3. Bomas of Kenya

In this cultural centre there is a reproduction of a dozen different Kenyan tribes at the housing level; The park is therefore primarily intended to make visitors wanting to find out what to do in Nairobi, the customs and customs of indigenous people and the millennial traditions that are linked to it. The Bomas of Kenya is worth a look at his shows presenting traditional dances, masterly performed by a troupe of experienced dancers in a theatre of 3500 places, daily!

You can also find all the tourist amenities: parking for 3000 vehicles, picnic area, restaurant or playground for children.

4. The Jamia Mosque

When we visit Nairobi, we are struck by the lack of monuments and buildings that are worth visiting. But a few exceptions come to make this impression lie: the splendid Jamia Mosque , built at the beginning of the twentieth century, was built in the purest Arab style and remains, today, one of the largest places of worship in the country. Recognisable to its three silver domes and minarets open on Kigali Road, one of the main arteries of the city, it also houses a clinic, a sewing school and even a sign language learning centre!

5. The aisles of park Uhuru

The Uhuru Park is a public garden stuck in the business district; If you are told, it is that it represents a real break in this metropolis where everything seems to go so fast!

With its thirteen hectares, it rests in the shade of trees or lying on the edge of its lake by enjoying an ice or a granite, but you can also run, practice the BMX, see a football game or play tennis! In Swahili, Uhuru means "freedom": the park is also known for its political and social role, as there are organized meetings and took place sometimes historical manifestations.

6. Forests of Karura and Sigiria

If you're still looking for something to do in Nairobi, but you're looking for freshness, we have a good plan to advise you: over 1000 hectares, the forests of Karura and Sigiria are covered by many marked paths that many Kenyans and visitors come to survey throughout the year! It must be said that the area lends itself particularly: a few kilometers from the city, this green lung is a popular area during high heat or weekends, or simply when you want to breathe a large bowl of fresh air! Be careful, however, if you own a dog, they are only allowed on leave.

7. The Maasai market

If you’ve come to visit Nairobi but you’re looking for authenticity, we’d only know too much to recommend you to go wandering through the aisles of Maasai market ! The latter has the particularity of being located in a different place in the city, every day, except Monday! There are delicious dishes in traditional clusters, but also Maasai farmers who came to sell their production and many craftsmen highlighting traditional know-how by marketing jewelry and craftsmanship. A true institution in the city, the Maasai market is proof that the Kenyans are proud of their heritage and never, really far from their roots!

How do I get to Nairobi?

Jomo-Kenyatta Airport is a Kenyan international airport - the sixth in Africa - located fifteen kilometres from the city centre, in the Embakasi area. It welcomes international flights, and is therefore ideal when visiting Nairobi: our partner Ulysses will allow you to get there by finding a flight at the best price.

Once on site, it will be simple rent a car Upon arrival at the airport (here as in Nairobi, you have a choice between several agencies). A means of transport that, for a modest price, will allow you to move freely without depending on buses and taxis, very affordable but not always easily available or comfortable!

Where to stay in Nairobi?

If you are going to visit Nairobi, you will only have the embarrassment of choosing between the different types of accommodation: these are to be selected according to your wishes and budget. The city has many hotels, but we particularly recommend the neighborhoods of the south-west, close to the periphery, where you can find a charming accommodation, the area being of dazzling beauty! Indeed, the city centre is an area to be avoided and is of little interest, but the Westlands sector, for example, offers a beautiful selection of establishments, and you will find the one that best suits you by consulting the offers on this. Compare hotels .

This is not all, of course, you can also immerse yourself in Kenyan culture by renting a lodge directly on rental platforms as well. Airbnb , which will allow you to feel at home, or even in one of the guest houses present in and outside the city, and which often offer related activities, for you and your loved ones!

For all lovers of unforgettable nights in the beautiful star, know that some campsites close to the national park offer pitches in order to make one with a savanna still wild and preserved.

Finally to help you find the perfect place to sleep in Nairobi during your stay, visit our article “ In which quarter house in Nairobi? "!

From now on, you know how to best enjoy when you come to visit Nairobi, and the charms of this particular region during your stay. But will you manage to choose what to do in Nairobi and... what will you choose to start?