Nairobi is a major commercial and diplomatic hub of Africa. I have visited Nairobi a number of times and have thoroughly enjoyed each visit. From Nairobi National Park, where you can spot wildlife like lions, giraffes, and zebras with the city skyline in the background—something you won’t find anywhere else; to visiting to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust gives you the chance to interact with baby elephants, all within a day. If you’re in Kenya during the right season, seeing the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara is a must-do — one of the most incredible wildlife events in the world. These experiences give you a real taste of Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife. This blog post describe some of the most bucket-list worthy things to do in Nairobi.
Content:
- Nairobi National Park
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- Giraffe Centre
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Nairobi National Museum
- Amboseli National Park
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Where to Stay
- Dining
- Final Thoughts on Bucket-List things to do in Nairobi
Nairobi National Park:
Nairobi National Park is THE thing to do in Nairobi whether you have just one day or a week in Nairobi. The park is just a little over an hour outside of the city and can be visited quite economically on a guided tour. The park is home to nearly all types of animals you would hope to see in Africa except for elephants (as the park is too small for their migratory patterns).
I’ve done a guided tour of Nairobi National Park on two different occasions (yes it is worth it to do it more than once). Each time, I ended up seeing nearly the entire cast of the Lion King (such as: lions, giraffe, hippo, ostrich, wildebeest, water buffalo, zazu birds and a plethora of other game and bird species).
I would recommend visiting the park on a tour which includes a proper safari vehicle and guide in order to spot all the animals.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust:
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a sanctuary for orphaned elephants. Located in Nairobi National Park, this conservation project rescues and rehabilitates baby elephants before reintroducing them into the wild. The feeding and mud-bath session happens from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. You can visit the sanctuary as part of a tour, or on your own. If visiting on your own, it’s best to arrive earlier to ensure you get a spot.
With regard to tours, it’s better value to visit the sanctuary on a package tour with Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Centre, as you’ll need to pay the park fee regardless to get into the elephant sanctuary, and the bundled tours are actually cheaper as far more people visit the destinations as part of a bundled tour, rather than separately.
Giraffe Centre:
The Giraffe Centre is short drive from the elephant orphanage. The Giraffe Centre offers another unforgettable wildlife experience. Here, you can feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. Be aware that while generally friendly – especially when you’re feeding them – giraffes have been known to headbutt tourists. The centre is also home to educational exhibits about conservation efforts in Kenya. You can visit the Giraffe Centre on your own, or as a part of a tour (recommended). As mentioned in the earlier section, it’s much better value to visit the Giraffe Centre on a bundled tour with a Nairobi National Park Safari, and Elephant Sanctuary.
Karen Blixen Museum:
Karen Blixen (1885–1962) was a Danish writer famous for her memoir Out of Africa which was later turned into the iconic film starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. An aristocrat by birth, she married her Swedish second cousin, Baron Bror Blixen-Finecke in 1914, and together they moved to British East Africa (now Kenya) to run a coffee plantation. Their marriage was strained by infidelity and financial difficulties, and ended in divorce in 1925; and Blixen endured lifelong health problems related to syphilis which she had contracted from her ex-husband. During her time in Africa, she had a passionate relationship with English big-game hunter Denys Finch Hatton, whose tragic death in an airplane crash profoundly affected her.
The Karen Blixen Museum is the former home of the famous Danish author. The museum provides insights into colonial Kenya and Blixen’s fascinating life. The surrounding gardens and views of the Ngong Hills make it a peaceful stop before lunch. I recommend visiting the Karen Blixen Museum in a bundled day trip along with Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Centre
Nairobi National Museum:
Nairobi National Museum has exhibits that cover the history of Kenya ranging from pre-history to the modern-day. From prehistoric fossils (including those from the Leakey family’s discoveries) to Kenya’s diverse tribes and colonial past. The museum complex also includes a snake park if you’re interested in learning about Kenya’s reptiles.
Amboseli National Park:
Located next to the Kenya-Tanzania border adjacent to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Amboseli National Park is known for its large elephant herds against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is small enough to be visited on a day trip. Fully guided tours that pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi can take you for a day-trip to the park. Tours typically do not include the $60USD park entrance fee.
Visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve:
If you have a few more days in Nairobi and Kenya, consider taking a multi-day trip to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Fully-guided tours including food and accommodations are available with pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi. Tours typically do not include the steep $200USD park entrance fee – this is also one of the reasons I would recommend taking your time when visiting Maasai Mara National Reserve – it is a big area with much to see, and the cost of entry is large so you may as well make the most of it! The storied Great Migration can be observed between July and October in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Where to Stay:
Budget:
The Nairobi Backpacker’s Hostel is a popular and well-reviewed budget accommodation in the central business district. Hostels are an excellent option for those visiting Nairobi on their own as they provide social spaces for you to meet other travellers with whom to explore together. Travellers have remarked that the friendly staff here are helpful in providing guests with local travel tips as well as helping to book onward travel.
For a more private option, consider the Hemak Suites – a centrally-located, and affordable hotel option, with private rooms in the $30USD range.
Mid-range:
The Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands Hotel is a beautiful and centrally located mid-range hotel with rooms typically in the $100USD or less range. There are multiple restaurants, fitness centre and a stunning rooftop bar.
Situated close to the airport, La Boma Nairobi Hotel is a well-reviewed mid-range hotel option that has the added benefit of being closer to both the airport and Nairobi National Park – which can be advantageous as traffic in Nairobi can be horrendous.
Luxury:
Established in 1904, the Fairmont Norfolk Nairobi is one of Nairobi’s oldest and most iconic hotels. The hotel served as a key rest stop for early European settlers, safari adventurers, and dignitaries. The hotel contributed to Nairobi’s growth as a major hub in East Africa. Over the decades, it has hosted prominent historical figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Karen Blixen. Surrounded by dreamy gardens and world class amenities, the Fairmont Norfolk Nairobi is a luxurious oasis centrally located next to the University of Nairobi.
If you want to live out an Out of Africa experience, consider the Hemingways Nairobi Hotel – a boutique hotel in the verdant Karen suburb – near Karen Blixen’s home (now museum). The hotel is renowned for its plantation-style architecture, spacious suites with breathtaking views of the Ngong Hills. Each room comes with its own personalized butler service. Great location for exploring nearby attractions like the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre and Nairobi National Park.
Dining:
If you’re in Nairobi and hungry, Carnivore is the place for a full-blown meat marathon. It’s an iconic spot where waiters keep carving grilled meats—beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and sometimes crocodile or ostrich—onto your plate until you surrender by lowering the little white flag they give you. The set menu costs around $40USD per person and includes soup, salad, sides, and dessert. Vegetarians won’t get much out of it, but there’s a limited veggie platter if you’re tagging along with carnivorous friends.
For something more refined, Hemingway’s Brasserie offers an elegant dining experience with perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and carefully plated dishes in a quiet, upscale setting. Expect to spend at least $30–$50USD per person, depending on what you order. They do have vegetarian options, but the real stars here are the meats and fish.
If you’re after more local flavors, Nyama Mama is a solid choice. It serves up modern takes on Kenyan classics— chapati quesadillas, creamy ugali fries, and slow-cooked goat curry—in a fun, colourful space. Prices are reasonable, with mains averaging $10–$18USD, and vegetarians have great options here, like lentil dishes and vegetable curries.
Final Thoughts on Bucket-List Things to do in Nairobi:
Nairobi is a city where adventure and culture come together in unexpected ways. It’s one of the few places where you can see wildlife roaming against a city skyline, visit conservation centers that rescue and rehabilitate animals, and learn about Kenya’s diverse history—all in a single trip. Whether tracking big game in open landscapes or watching mischievous baby elephants play and roughhouse like children; the city offers plenty for those drawn to nature.
Beyond wildlife, Nairobi has a deep cultural side. Museums and historic sites offer a glimpse into Kenya’s past, from colonial history to prehistoric discoveries. Just outside the city, vast landscapes provide opportunities for longer journeys into the country’s wilder regions, where migrations and towering mountains create unforgettable scenes. For travellers looking for both adventure and insight, Nairobi delivers a mix of experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trail.