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Planning a trip to Nairobi? Get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!
Kenya’s capital city is a really special place, where urban life meets wild nature! One minute you can be sipping coffee in a modern cafe, and the next you’re feeding giraffes. So how do you go about making the most of it all? With this 3-day itinerary, that’s how!
We’ve carefully curated this itinerary to ensure that you’ll get to hit all of the highlights and dive into Nairobi’s rich food and coffee scene. And of course, we’ve built in just the right mix of exploration and downtime, plus easy transport tips and food recommendations to keep things stress-free. Let’s get into it!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this Hell’s Gate safari tour! Cycling past zebras and giraffes, hiking dramatic gorges, and cruising Lake Naivasha alongside hippos and flamingos was unforgettable!
Itinerary Overview
Getting around Nairobi is super easy! You don’t need to rent a car here, as ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt have got you covered. They work all over the city and are the safest and most affordable way to get between neighborhoods like Karen, Westlands, and the city center. Driving yourself in Nairobi can be very challenging, so we highly recommend letting a local take the wheel!
Many guided tours also include hotel pickup and drop-off, making exploration even simpler. Plus, if you’re staying downtown, you can comfortably walk between major sights during the day. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try hopping on a matatu! These are colorful local minibuses, and riding one is a bit of an experience in itself, as long as you don’t mind a little organized chaos.
Day 1: Kick off your Nairobi adventure with this guided adventure to meet the city’s most beloved residents—the giraffes and baby elephants! Then, spend the afternoon wandering the shops and cafés around The Hub Karen.
Day 2: Take a full-day trip to the Great Rift Valley, where you’ll explore Hell’s Gate National Park and cruise across Lake Naivasha. Then, relax in the evening with an elegant dinner and drinks with a view!
Day 3: Today, see the city through a local’s eyes on this top-rated walking tour, then spend some time exploring at your own pace. Finally, round off your trip with a hands-on Kenyan cooking class and live music in Westlands.
Day 1
Morning/Early afternoon – Meet Nairobi’s gentle giants at the Giraffe Centre
Calling all animal lovers! Get ready for your dreams to come true this morning as you feed giraffes and hang out with baby elephants on this small group conservation tour.
This six-hour tour starts with pickup just before 8 am and includes a memorable visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage 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! And if you’re the kind of person who likes to do their homework, I highly recommend reading ‘Love, Life, and Elephants’ by Dame Daphne Sheldrick before you go because it shares the story of how the Sheldricks dedicated their lives to protecting these beautiful creatures.
But back to business! When we did this tour, 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.
Then, we went off to the Elephant Orphanage, where 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, where we got to watch talented artists handcraft colorful beads and ceramics. One of my favorite parts was hearing how the factory provides opportunities for local women! This is such a great tour support, and it’s also hands down THE best thing you can do in Nairobi, and we aren’t the only ones who think so—scroll through HUNDREDS of five-star reviews here!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!
Lunch – Talisman
You’ll definitely be hungry after your morning adventure, so head to The Talisman for a well-deserved lunch! The wildlife tour wraps up at around 2 pm, and it includes transport, so ask your driver to drop you off at the restaurant on the way back. It’s only about a 10-minute drive from the Kazuri Beads Factory, which is the final stop on the tour.
The Talisman is set in a leafy garden with a calm and elegant atmosphere. It’s one of Nairobi’s most beloved restaurants, and with good reason! The menu takes global dishes, from fish and chips to Thai-style curries, and then it puts an unmistakable Kenyan twist on them. They also serve fresh juices and lots of South African wines, so we can certainly see why locals rave about this place!
This is a special spot, so take your time here. You’ll probably finish up between 3:30 and 4 pm, recharged and ready for some afternoon exploration. Just keep in mind that The Talisman is closed on Mondays.
Afternoon – Wander and shop at The Hub Karen
It’s been a pretty busy day so far, so this afternoon it’s time to slow down with a stroll and some shopping. After lunch, hop in a quick 5-minute Uber or taxi from The Talisman to The Hub Karen. This open-air shopping and dining complex is one of Nairobi’s most popular spots. As well as a wide range of local and international shops, the area is surrounded by lush gardens and a small lake.
We highly recommend checking out local boutiques like Gado’s Creative for handcrafted pieces, and cooling off with a scoop from the Cold Stone Creamery is always a good idea. There’s also plenty of seating around if you just want to relax and people-watch for a bit!
And if you’d rather skip the shopping altogether, you can also grab an iced coffee from Nairobi Java House or ArtCaffé nearby. They both serve great pastries, too, not that you’re likely to need one after lunch at The Talisman. But hey, if you do, no judgment from me!
However you spend your time at the Hub, you should expect to wrap up at around 5:30 pm, ready for a chilled out first night in Nairobi. We’ll go straight to tonight’s dinner spot from here.
Dinner – CJ’s – Waterfront Karen
It’s been a long day of exploring, so tonight we’re keeping things local and relaxed with dinner at CJ’s – Waterfront Karen. It’s just a 7-minute taxi ride from The Hub, so it’s easy to get here. Aim to arrive around 6 pm to settle in and enjoy a leisurely meal at this proudly Kenyan-owned restaurant chain.
CJ’s is a real local favorite, and the menu has a little bit of everything, but we recommend either grilled tilapia with coconut sauce or Kenyan-style chicken curry. Don’t miss their freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, either, because they’re some of the best in town!
Evening – Quiet drink at Hemingways Nairobi
Now, if you’re craving an early night, you can always head back to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow after dinner. But if you have some energy left for a drink or two, you can round off your first night in style with a quiet drink at Hemingways Nairobi. This is a glamorous boutique hotel that’s just a 9-minute taxi ride from CJ’s, and the bar is a super classy, old school spot. Think leather Chesterfields, marble floors, and even cigars if that’s your thing!
One of my favorite things about this hotel is that there’s a generous list of South African wines, as well as some Italian whites and Argentine malbecs! But they’ve got all the classics here as well as some super creative spritzes and mocktails, too. Cheers!
Day 2
Morning/Afternoon – Explore the Great Rift Valley
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!
Now, this tour starts at 7 am, so day two of our itinerary will kick off quite early, but trust me, it’s so worth it. The tour lasts for up to 10 hours, so you should finish no later than 5 pm. It’s a full day, but it will fly by.
The journey out to Hell’s Gate National Park takes about two hours. Once you get there, you’ll get straight to stretching your legs on a guided bike tour. And wildlife will be absolutely everywhere you look, from gazelles and zebras to native birds. In fact, there are over 100 different species here—how crazy is that?
And the adventure doesn’t end there! After biking, you’ll hike the park’s gorge and caves with your guide before heading to Lake Naivasha for a boat safari. There is an additional fee for this, but it’s so worth it! I can’t think of a better way to end this adventure than relaxing on board as you float past hippos and flamingos.
By the time you’re back in Nairobi, you’ll feel like you’ve experienced an entire week’s worth of wildlife in a single day—and it’s easily one of the most memorable tours you can do from Kenya’s capital.
This tour is likely to sell out, so book your spot in advance here!
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.
Dinner – About Thyme
After a long day exploring the Great Rift Valley, dinner at About Thyme is the perfect way to unwind! If you’re staying downtown, it’s a short drive away, so you don’t have to worry about a long journey back. They’re closed on Mondays, otherwise aim to get here around 6:30 or 7 pm so you have time to freshen up after your tour and settle in for a delicious dinner—and since this spot is popular, it’s a good idea to make a reservation online ahead of time, especially if you want a courtyard table.
About Thyme is tucked away in Highridge, with a leafy courtyard that’s adorned with fairy lights that create a romantic vibe. We love the menu here, too, as it offers a fantastic mix of modern European and Kenyan fusion dishes, which are beautifully presented but not pretentious. Plus, there’s a fantastic wine list with everything from Australian Shiraz to French sparkling wines.
Evening – Take in the city from Sankara Nairobi
If you’re up for a nightcap this evening, you might as well make it one with a view! Take a 5-minute Uber or Bolt from About Thyme over to Sankara Nairobi. This is another of the city’s top boutique hotels, and they’re famous for their Champagne Bar, which has an open terrace where you can sip a drink while taking in the twinkling city lights.
This place feels straight out of a romantic movie. They’ve even got live jazz or acoustic music on Friday and Saturday nights! So grab a glass of bubbles, kick back, and watch the city lights twinkle as you toast to the end of another great day in Nairobi.
Day 3
Breakfast – Java House – Mama Ngina St
Start your final morning in Nairobi with a hearty breakfast at Java House – Mama Ngina Street, right in the heart of downtown. It’s just a 4-minute walk from the starting point of your morning tour, so it’s super convenient. But we also recommend this place because this particular branch is one of the city’s most popular cafes, so you can enjoy breakfast like a local here.
Opening times vary from 6:30 am, but never later than 8 am on Sundays, so you can easily grab a meal before setting out. The menu has something for everyone, but we recommend trying one of their classic breakfast plates paired with a fresh coffee or juice to kick off your day in the city.
Morning – See Nairobi through the eyes of a local
By this point in the itinerary, you’ve seen a lot of Nairobi’s wildlife and natural beauty, but this morning we’re going to explore its urban landscape on this local-led storytelling tour. What’s special about this tour is that it’s led by former street children who share raw, personal stories about their past and how they have since triumphed over the hardship of their early lives.
The tour starts at 10 am and it lasts for 2.5 hours, so you’ll wrap up around 12:30 pm. Prepare for this to be quite an emotional experience. There are no rehearsed speeches or generic facts on this tour, just firsthand accounts of what it’s like to grow up on the city’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. Joining this tour is actually an amazing way to support the project and help future generations to change the narrative.
I think my favorite part was when we stopped for fresh sugarcane juice at a roadside stand and watched our guides greet locals like old friends—because they were! We got to hear stories about Nairobi you could never get from a guidebook, and saw life through the eyes of locals. This is probably the most memorable walking tour we have ever done, and one you don’t want to miss.
Read 800+ 5-star reviews and book this incredible walking tour here!
Lunch – Big Square Moi Avenue
You’ll probably be ready for a break after your morning walking tour, so head just a couple of minutes down the road to Big Square – Moi Avenue for lunch. It’s a lively Kenyan chain that’s popular with locals thanks to its quick service, generous portions, and casual vibe. This morning’s tour is quite an emotional experience, so it’s nice to go somewhere laid back and light-hearted for lunch afterwards.
The menu mixes Kenyan comfort food with familiar Western-style favorites. If you’re in the mood for something local, go for the grilled chicken platter with ugali and kachumbari salad. But if you prefer something lighter, the veggie burger or peri-peri chicken wrap are both great picks. Then, we suggest washing it down with either a fresh mango juice or a passionfruit smoothie, which is the ideal refreshing treat after a busy morning exploring the city.
Afternoon – Free time to explore the city
You should finish up at lunch around 2 pm, and tonight’s cooking class doesn’t start until 5 pm, so use this as free time to explore Nairobi! Here are a few ideas to make the most of your afternoon:
- Nairobi Gallery – This is a small museum housed in a restored colonial-era building known as “Point Zero”, as it’s at the very center of Nairobi. Inside, you’ll find a beautifully curated collection of African contemporary art, antique jewelry, and textiles, offering a calm, reflective break from the bustling streets. You can see it all in under an hour, and it’s just a 10-minute walk from Moi Avenue, plus entry only costs 1000 KES, which is just under $8 USD.
- Uhuru Park – This green space is where locals come to paddle boats or just sit and relax under the trees. It’s perfect if you’re craving a quiet moment to just chill out and enjoy a cold drink from one of the kiosks dotted around.
- Maasai Market – If you’re in the mood for some shopping, the Maasai Market is a fun spot for handcrafted souvenirs. It moves between locations depending on the day, but on Tuesdays and Fridays, it’s often at the High Court parking lot, just a 10-minute walk from Moi Avenue.
Dinner – Learn to cook local Kenyan dishes
If there’s one thing I love when traveling, it’s getting an authentic taste of a destination—literally! So what better way to enjoy your final dinner in Nairobi than by making yourself at this authentic cooking class?
The class starts at 5 pm, so it’s best to just call a taxi here from wherever you ended up in the afternoon. It lasts for 3.5 hours, so you’ll finish up around 8:30 pm, with plenty of time left for a fun night out on the town.
The adventure actually begins at a local market, where you’ll chat with locals and shop for fresh ingredients. Our instructor, Nimoh, even taught us how to spot the ripest mangoes by their aroma and roll ginger between our fingers to release its natural oils, which is 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, and it was nice to do it for the first time with Nimoh guiding us. She taught us to make authentic Kenyan dishes 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 left us with full stomachs and big smiles on our faces, so we really think it’s the perfect way to round off your time in Nairobi. And we’re not the only ones who loved it—read 180+ 5-star reviews here!
Book this fun cooking class here and enjoy free cancellation!
Evening – Catch live music in The Westlands
Once your cooking class wraps up in The Westlands, why not keep the evening going with some live music? You’re in the perfect neighborhood for it, because there are several great spots all within walking distance!
Brew Bistro Fortis is a standout, especially if you’re a beer fan – they actually brew their own beers on-site! Havana Bar & Restaurant is another excellent option with a mix of cocktails, Cuban-inspired vibes, and live tunes. Or, if you’re looking for a more energetic night out, head to The Alchemist, a fun party spot with live music, DJs, and lots of dancing.
Wherever you end up, take this as an opportunity to unwind, enjoy some drinks, and discover some local music. It’s your last night in Nairobi, so stay out as late as you like to celebrate the end of a fantastic few days in this exciting city.
Related Read: Want even more ideas for your trip? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Nairobi here for can’t-miss experiences around the city.
Where to Stay in Nairobi
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.
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi – $$$
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi is a fantastic choice for a luxury traveler. We love the Marriott chain because you know you’ll get high quality, no matter where you are in the world! Located near the National Museum, this hotel offers a stunning outdoor pool, city-view rooms, a sauna, and an on-site bar. They offer standard hotel rooms, club-level rooms, or apartment-style rooms to suit your travel needs.
Prices start at $290 USD per night. Check out the options and book a room on Booking.com.
Best Western Plus Westlands – $$
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 quieter 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.
Joy Palace Hotel – $
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 on-site. 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!
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If you love a city with energy, culture, and a whole lot of wildlife, Nairobi is going to steal your heart. This 3-day itinerary blends everything that makes Kenya’s capital so special—from feeding giraffes and cycling through a national park to sipping cocktails with skyline views and tasting incredible local cuisine. We loved how it balances big adventures with pockets of relaxation, so you’ll never feel rushed!
Before you go, be sure to browse our other Africa guides here. Whether Nairobi is your main destination or just the first stop on a longer adventure, we’ve got plenty more tips, tours, and itineraries to help you plan an unforgettable trip. Or here are a few related blogs below to keep the wanderlust going!
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