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Looking for the best things to do in Nairobi? Look no further!
Nairobi is a vibrant city packed with adventure, culture, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. From exploring its busy streets with local guides to spotting elephants and lions just minutes from downtown, Nairobi offers a perfect mix of urban energy and natural beauty.
We’ve spent a lot of time here discovering the best experiences, from cycling alongside zebras to feeding giraffes and even learning to cook Kenyan cuisine. So, to help you make the most of your visit, here are 10 amazing things to do in Nairobi that you won’t want to miss!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE experience was this tour to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre! We got to get up close to these rescued animals and even feed them! It is an iconic Kenya experience, and this tour makes it easy.
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Nairobi, Kenya
- 1. Discover authentic life in Nairobi with the Nai Nami project
- 2. Bicycle around Hells Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha
- 3. See wildlife at the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre
- 4. Learn about Kenyan culture and visit a Masai village
- 5. Spend a day in Amboseli National Park
- 6. Tour the Kibera Slum with a local guide
- 7. Go on a daily game drive in Nairobi National Park
- 8. Explore Nairobi on a historic walking tour
- 9. Visit a local market and learn how to cook traditional Kenyan food
- 10. Join a 3-day safari in Masai Mara National Reserve
- Where to Stay in Nairobi, Kenya
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Nairobi, Kenya
1. Discover authentic life in Nairobi with the Nai Nami project
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 10 am or 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Small-group walking tour around downtown Nairobi, see local landmarks, hear stories from former street children, enjoy a local lunch
- Inclusions: Personal guide, local lunch, soft drinks
- Rating: 5 stars (check 750+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
If you want to experience the real Nairobi (the one beyond the safari parks and tourist hotspots), this storytelling tour is a must! It’s more than just a walking tour – it’s a dive into the city’s heartbeat, led by former street children who share their past and triumphs through raw, personal storytelling.
From the moment we met our guides, we could tell this wouldn’t be a typical tour. There were no rehearsed speeches or generic facts – just real, unscripted stories from people who had lived on Nairobi’s toughest streets.
As we walked through the city and its hidden alleyways, our guides shared stories of how they survived as children, navigated gang life, struggled for food, and eventually turned their lives around with help from the Nai Nami Project.
We stopped for fresh sugarcane juice at a roadside stand and watched our guides greet locals like old friends – because they were! As we made our way to the Tom Mboya Memorial Statue, they told stories about Nairobi’s history and shared insights you could never get from a guidebook.
We took in the energy of the nearby market in Kariokor, a place our guides once called home, and for a few hours, we saw life through their eyes. By the end, we weren’t just walking through Nairobi anymore – we were feeling it!
Check out the 700+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
2. Bicycle around Hells Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha
- Duration: 8 to 10 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Private safari tour exploring Hell’s Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha, views of Great Rift Valley, encounter wildlife on bike or by foot
- Inclusions: Hell’s Gate entrance fees and private guide, hotel/residence pickup and drop-off, bicycle rental, private vehicle transportation
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
Most safaris we’ve been on involve sitting in a 4×4 while a guide points out animals in the distance. But what if you could cycle through a national park right next to zebras, giraffes, and warthogs? That’s exactly what you get on this private safari tour, and trust me – it really is as cool as it sounds!
One of the best parts was exploring at our own pace with our incredible guide, Jaffar. Not only was he knowledgeable, but he was also funny and kept us entertained with fun facts and stories all day.
The day started with an early pickup and a quick stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. After about two hours, we arrived at Hell’s Gate National Park and hopped on bikes for a guided tour.
Wildlife was everywhere! We saw gazelles, zebras, and all kinds of native birds. I had no idea the park was home to more than 100 species of birds. At one point, a family of warthogs ran across our path, and I couldn’t help but sing Hakuna Matata!
After biking, we hiked the park’s gorges and caves before heading to Lake Naivasha for a boat safari. There is an additional fee for this, but it was so worth it! Floating past hippos and flamingos was the perfect way to end the adventure.
By the end of the day, we were tired but exhilarated. If you love wildlife and a little leg workout, this tour is perfect!
This tour is likely to sell out – book your spot in advance here!
3. See wildlife at the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre, observe baby elephants, participate in a supervised feeding of the endangered Rothschild giraffes, visit Kazuri Bead Factory
- Inclusions: Professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees for the orphanage and Giraffe Centre
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
Calling all animal lovers! If you’ve ever dreamed of feeding giraffes and hanging out with baby elephants, this small-group conservation tour is for you.
Our first stop was the Giraffe Centre, where we got up close and personal with some very hungry, long-tongued locals! Feeding these gentle giants was a blast, and we were amazed to learn that the center has rescued and released around 500 orphaned giraffes.
Next, we were off to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Located in Nairobi National Park, there is an additional mandatory park fee that must be paid upon arrival – so make sure you bring some extra cash!
Once we arrived, it was cuteness overload as we watched the baby elephants play in the mud and drink from bottles. I was really happy to see them in a safe environment after learning more about the dangers they face.
We wrapped up the day at the Kazuri Bead Factory, watching talented artists handcraft colorful beads and ceramics. One of my favorite parts was hearing how the factory provides opportunities for local women.
This tour was the perfect blend of wildlife, conservation, and local culture. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an enriching and ethical experience in Nairobi!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!
4. Learn about Kenyan culture and visit a Masai village
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: Exploring the Masai Community, learning directly from community members, visiting the Cattle Market and shopping town
- Inclusions: Private driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, live entertainment
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
If you’ve ever wanted to jump into a new culture (literally!), this private Masai village tour is the perfect way to do it!
We were welcomed with open arms and warm energy when we arrived at the village. The Masai dressed us in colorful clothing and ornaments, and before we knew it, we were joining in on their famous jumping dance. Spoiler alert: the Warriors make it look way easier than it actually is!
One of the best parts was seeing so many aspects of daily Masai life up close. We watched warriors tend to their cattle, women craft intricate beaded jewelry, and kids run around with the kind of joy that makes you forget about WiFi.
Our guide, Mwose, showed us how they built their traditional mud huts and explained the deep-rooted traditions that have shaped their way of life for centuries. He made us feel comfortable when we asked a million questions and was very knowledgeable and passionate about Masai history.
At the end of the tour, we left with full hearts, new perspectives, and sore legs from all that jumping! Don’t leave Nairobi without experiencing this tour – trust me, it’s an absolute must!
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation before you go!
5. Spend a day in Amboseli National Park
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 5 am
- Highlights: Private tour of Amboseli National Park, watch the savannah sunrise, see herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife
- Inclusions: Private tour guide, transport in a proper safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, entrance fees, pickup and drop off to your hotel/airport, lunch, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
Thinking of iconic African safari views? Amboseli National Park is where you’ll find them!
With Mount Kilimanjaro in the background and herds of elephants roaming freely, this private tour makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into a postcard.
We started the drive to Amboseli early and saw a beautiful sunrise as we crossed the savannah. Having a private guide meant we could customize the day to our pace, ask as many questions as we wanted, and spend extra time at the best wildlife sightings – huge perks over a group tour!
By late morning, we were inside the park, and it didn’t take long to spot Amboseli’s famous elephant herds. Some walked right in front of us! Along the way, we also saw lions, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, and a few nosy giraffes, all set against the backdrop of the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
We took a break for a relaxed lunch with a stunning savanna view. Then, just as we thought the day couldn’t get any better, our afternoon game drive gave us our most unforgettable moment – a cheetah lounging under an acacia tree, completely unbothered by our presence! It was the perfect way to wrap up before heading back to Nairobi.
We will most definitely repeat this tour the next time we’re in Kenya. Whether you’ve been on a safari before or this is your first time, Amboseli should be at the top of your list!
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure – book your private Amboseli safari today!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Tour the Kibera Slum with a local guide
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Private tour of Kibera slum with a Kibera local, see local landmarks, visit your tour guide’s family home
- Inclusions: Kibera guide, front-door pickup and drop-off from any hotel in the city
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
If you’re looking for an eye-opening experience in Nairobi, this private tour is one you will never forget!
We weren’t sure what to expect at first – Kibera is Africa’s largest urban slum, and we knew it would be an emotional experience. But walking through this vibrant, tight-knit community with a local guide gave us an entirely new perspective on life here.
Kibera’s winding alleys are treacherous at times, so wear sturdy shoes! But there’s something unexpected around every turn. From small businesses to busy markets, the community is full of life and creativity.
One of the most moving moments for me was when we visited a local school and saw children, full of energy, studying despite the challenges they faced. It was a privilege to see their spirit!
What struck us the most was the warmth of the people. Our guide, Kevin, even opened his home to us. He and his family shared personal experiences and introduced us to locals. Everyone we met welcomed us with open arms, eager to share their stories and show us what makes Kibera so much more than what you hear in the media.
This was one of our most memorable experiences in Kenya. If you want a real, unfiltered look at Nairobi, this experience is a must. It’s raw, it’s emotional, but most of all, it’s unforgettable.
Step beyond the usual tourist path and book your private Kibera tour today!
7. Go on a daily game drive in Nairobi National Park
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 6 am to 3 pm
- Highlights: Visit Nairobi National Park, pass by Mokoyeti River, spot native wildlife and nature sites
- Inclusions: 4×4 transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
Short on time, but still want a true Kenyan safari experience? This half-day excursion is the perfect choice! It’s wild to think that in just a quick drive from the heart of the city, you can find yourself surrounded by lions, giraffes, rhinos, and more roaming free in the savannah.
The mornings can be prime wildlife-spotting time, so we headed for Nairobi National Park early in an air-conditioned 4×4 (a lifesaver in Kenya’s heat)! There is a park entrance fee that is not included in the tour price, but trust us, it’s money well spent!
Within minutes of entering the park, we were greeted by a group of giraffes casually strutting across the road like they owned the place because, let’s be real, they do! A little further in, we spotted a pride of lions napping in the grass.
But the real MVP of the tour was our guide, Peter! This guy had a knack for knowing exactly where to find the best wildlife – almost like he had an inside scoop from the animals themselves. Thanks to him, we even got to see a baby rhino! Plus, he kept us entertained the whole way with fun facts, stories, and plenty of humor.
We love that there’s also an option to upgrade to a private tour for a more personalized experience. But no matter which option you choose, this tour is perfect for anyone wanting to experience a real safari not far from the city! Don’t just take our word for it, check out all of the 5-star reviews!
Check availability and reserve your spot here!
8. Explore Nairobi on a historic walking tour
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Time: 9 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Private walking tour of Nairobi, pass by Jevangee Gardens and Jamia Mosque, visit City Market and the Kenyatta International Conference Center
- Inclusions: Private and professional art historian guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
Exploring Nairobi on foot is the perfect way to experience its history, culture, and daily energy. This walking tour takes you through the city’s most important landmarks, each with a unique story.
We started at Jeevanjee Gardens, a peaceful green space donated to the public by Abdulahi Jeevanjee. I found it refreshing to see locals relaxing under the shade, taking lunch breaks, and chatting in this small oasis among the fast-paced city.
Just a short walk from here, the Jamia Mosque boldly stood out against Nairobi’s skyline. The images I’ve seen before just don’t compare to seeing this iconic Islamic center in person. You can even hear the call to prayer softly in the background.
Afterward, we made our way to the City Market, where we found colorful beads and hand-carved wooden masks. It was the perfect place to pick up some unique souvenirs!
Next up was my favorite part – the Kenyatta International Conference Centre. We headed up to the observation platform on the 28th floor for some incredible 360-degree views over Nairobi. It was a photographer’s dream!
This walking tour is ideal for history lovers and first-time visitors wanting to experience Nairobi’s past and present in just a few short hours. After all, the hundreds of glowing 5-star reviews can’t be wrong!
Book this popular walking tour here before spots fill up!
9. Visit a local market and learn how to cook traditional Kenyan food
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Time: 11:30 am or 5 pm
- Highlights: Grocery shop at the local farmers market, experience public transport, cook Kenyan Cuisine in local’s home (depending on the option selected)
- Inclusions: Local food guide, grocery shopping/ingredients, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Attention foodies! If there’s one thing I love when traveling, it’s getting an authentic taste of a destination -literally! This small-group cooking experience is one of the best ways to dive into Kenya’s rich culinary culture.
From the moment we met our host, Nimoh, we knew we were in for something special. She’s the kind of person who instantly makes you feel at home, and her passion for Kenyan food is contagious.
Our adventure began at a local market, where we chatted with locals and shopped for fresh ingredients. Nimoh taught us how to spot the ripest mangoes by their aroma and roll ginger between our fingers to release its natural oils – a trick we’ll definitely be using from now on!
We even went on our first ride in a Matatu, Kenya’s colorful (and slightly chaotic) public transportation. It was an adventure in itself!
Next, we headed to Nimoh’s kitchen, where she taught us to make authentic Kenyan dishes. We learned to cook staples like ugali (a maize flour dish), sukuma wiki (collard greens), and flavorful stews all from scratch! But the best part was sitting down as a group to enjoy the meal together. We shared stories and lots of laughs!
This experience was a perfect mix of culture, hands-on learning, and delicious food. If you’re a foodie or just love cultural experiences, you don’t want to miss this one if you’re in Nairobi!
Reserve your spot in this cooking class now and pay later!
10. Join a 3-day safari in Masai Mara National Reserve
- Duration: 3 days
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: Spend two nights in the Masai Mara, two short and one full-day game drives, optional visit to a Masai village on your second night
- Inclusions: Two nights accommodation, hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), driver/guide, meals
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
One thing you absolutely must do when visiting Kenya is go on a safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve! And this three-day tour is the perfect way to do it without blowing your budget. Since the tour is limited to just eight people, you get a much more intimate experience than those large overland safari trucks.
When we arrived at the reserve, we quickly realized why Masai Mara is world-famous. Endless plains of acacia trees, the famous wildebeest migration, and, of course, incredible wildlife!
Our guide was super knowledgeable and always knew where to find the action. Within hours of our first game drive, we had already spotted lions, elephants, and even a cheetah on the hunt. I had no idea the game reserve is home to so many species of large cats!
Dusk was our favorite time of day. We saw a herd of giraffes move across the sunset in the savannah and watched the hippos along the banks of the Mara River before settling in.
At night, we stayed in a tented camp and fell asleep to the sounds of the wild. Hearing hyenas laughing in the distance was both exciting and a little eerie!
We loved every single day of this experience and really appreciated how easy the tour company made it! We simply had to show up and enjoy – they took care of our hotel, food, and game drives. It was a dream!
Don’t miss out – get FREE cancellation when you book this safari now!
Where to Stay in Nairobi, Kenya
Now that you have a full itinerary, you need somewhere perfect to stay! Nairobi is a huge city, so finding the right hotel can be difficult. That’s why we’ve picked out three fantastic options at a range of price points:
Luxury – $$$
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi is a fantastic choice for a luxury traveler. We love the Marriott chain because you know you’ll get high quality, no matter where you are in the world! Located near the National Museum, this hotel offers a stunning outdoor pool, city-view rooms, a sauna, and an onsite bar. They offer standard hotel rooms, club level rooms, or apartment style rooms to suit your travel needs.
Prices start at $290 USD per night. Check out the options and book a room on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Best Western Plus Westlands is a moderately priced hotel that offers a comfortable stay! Travelers love the location, as it’s a little outside of the city center and a little more quiet and relaxed. There is a range of rooms available, from twin to executive kings or suite-style rooms. The staff is super helpful here and often offers recommendations for your visit!
Rooms start around $160 USD and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
If you’re traveling on a budget, check out the Joy Palace Hotel! The rooms are quaint and clean, but the service is excellent. There is a spa and wellness center, shared lounge, restaurant, and bar onsite. They offer single, double, or triple rooms starting as low as $29 USD per night.
Check availability and book this stay here on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all of Nairobi’s hotels here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Nairobi was such a diverse and unique city to visit. We fell in love with the people and chaos of the bustling city, and there was so much history and culture around every corner. This list of the top things to do just scratches the surface, but it will surely show you a good time!
Before you go, be sure to check out our other travel blogs! We’ve been to nearly every corner of the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences. Here are a few more blogs that will be helpful as you plan your next adventure – cheers!
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