The Perfect Local Guide To Nairobi
Let’s talk about my home! It’s time get the perfect local guide to Nairobi from someone who lived there for 18 years.
Kenya is special. It is one of the most dynamic destinations in Africa, and its capital city, Nairobi – a place often overshadowed by the country’s beautiful beaches and fascinating national parks – is a magical mix of metropolitan, cultural and natural wonder.
For those lucky enough to call it home, Nairobi brings a sense of pride and patriotism like I’ve never seen as the city flaunts an endless amount of history, culture and tradition along with immense natural beauty you cannot escape. Amid its bustling setting, you can find everything from museums and cultural sites to national parks and dense forests. It is truly remarkable!
Besides, who wouldn’t want to marvel at a cityscape from the depths of savannah or take a shopping trip that soon leads you to waterfalls?
PS. Kenya is the inspiration behind Disney’s The Lion King!
Travel and Accommodation In Nairobi
Flight prices to Nairobi depends on the time of year you visit. November to mid January is usually the most expensive with October and February – April being the cheapest. However, Kenya Airways has amazing Black Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day offers, so it’s best to use these when travelling during the peak season.
I have never stayed in a hotel in Nairobi, but you have a variety of options. Along with international chains such as Kempinski and Movenpick, there are also local hotels and furnished apartments you can book.
Nine Must-see Attractions In Nairobi
Nairobi National Park
No local guide to Nairobi can start without this at the top of the attractions list. Nairobi National Park is the oldest in Kenya and the only protected space for wildlife in the world within a capital city. In fact, you can see the Nairobi skyline as a backdrop when in the park! Along with a large variety of animal species, there is also centuries-old rock art in caves inside the park and an animal orphanage.
If you fall in love this, you should definitely visit the other iconic national parks and reserves across Kenya – they are a sight for sore eyes.
Giraffe Centre
The incredible Giraffe Centre is a favourite for both locals and tourists. Here, you come face to face with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, and while providing conservation education, the raised platform also allows you to feed the giraffes at eye level and get a kiss.
Karura Forest
A visit to this lush environment is not on any travel sites I have looked at, but is a big part of Nairobi culture. The urban forest is is one of the largest gazetted forests in the world within a city limits. It is the perfect place to exercise, be surrounded by natural beauty (caves, waterfalls, wildlife and lakes) and interact with locals all at once. It is also a space with an indescribable atmosphere because no matter how busy it may get, it always feels quiet and calm – a key reason for why its one of my favourite places to be whenever I’m back home.
Due to the size of Karura Forest, there are several entrances and walking trails to explore. I recommend the Limuru entrance if you want to see the waterfalls and caves, and the Sigiria entrance if you want to wander around a lake and through ivy. Both then offer 3, 5 and 10 kilometre trails to suit your time and fitness ability.
Maasai Markets
From Ho Chi Mihn City to Istanbul, markets can be an integral part of a city’s cultural heritage. The same goes for Nairobi. The beautiful Maasai Markets take place around the city each day, selling everything from jewellery and bags to wooden carvings and more. Visiting the markets provides the perfect opportunity to buy gifts and souvenirs, and support the local talents. Personally, I think the best one is found at Village Market – one of the local malls.
Don’t forget to bring your negotiating skills, and if you know Swahili or go with someone who knows Swahili, all the better!
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Any local guide in Nairobi would tell you that if there is only one thing you do in the city; it should be this. The institution has been caring for and rehabilitating baby elephants since the late 1970s. Most of the elephants at the sanctuary are rescued after being orphaned at an age where they could not survive alone, but once they are old enough, the elephants are released back into the wild. During visiting hours, people are allowed to observe the elephants as they are fed and hear about the trust’s work. You can also “adopt an elephant” to support the incredible work the trust conducts.
The Nairobi National Museum
The museum displays various cultural and natural history exhibits including fossils from Lake Turkana, ethnic displays from Kenyan tribal groups, and local art. There is also a collection of prehistoric bones and fossils including the preserved fossil of an elephant and a Snake Park with Kenya’s most common reptiles.
The Railway Museum
Nairobi’s Railway Museum celebrates the history and impact of the railroad on the nation’s development. Among the museum’s fascinating collections of historic trains, ship models and photographs, there is also a fascinating story about the man-eating lions that roamed the area that you may definitely want to hear. Or is that too morbid?
Bomas of Kenya
The Bomas of Kenya is a little tourist village that provides an insight into the Kenyan lifestyle. The project was set up to preserve Kenyan culture by educating visitors in the traditional ways of life, through performance, as well as by exhibiting the various types of “bomas” that people live in.
Kenya International Conference Centre
Although not the tallest building in Kenya, it dominates the skyline with its pale terracotta façade that reminiscences the colour of traditional African huts. You can stand on the rooftop viewing platform and admire panoramic views of Nairobi or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants. Sunset is usually the best time to do this, but night skyline is still just as beautiful.
Attractions To Avoid In Kenya
Kibera Slums
I have read on various travel sites such as Lonely Planet that Kibera Slums is a tourist attraction and frankly, I am disgusted. Who has the right to walk around someone else’s home without consent and turn inhabitants into props? Some sites state that tours of the slum educate tourists on poverty, and that is a weak argument. All you need to do is turn on the news or open a webpage to educate yourself on the growing problems in our society. A slum should NEVER be a tourist attraction. So if there is one thing you takes away from this local’s guide to Nairobi, let it be that you never do this.
Average Cost For Four Days In Nairobi Per Person
Transport (flights from London + local travel): £800
Accommodation: £250 (£500 per double)
Attractions: £60
Food and amenities: £200
Keep In Mind
No local guide to Nairobi is complete without warning you about the imperfect public transport system. However, Uber and Bolt is relatively cheap (obviously depends on which country you are coming from) and a great way to get around if you choose not to hire a car.
Practical Information About Nairobi
Location: Kenya, East Africa
National Languages: Swahili and English
Currency: Kenyan Shilling
Neighbouring Countries: Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia
35 Comments
Naresh Shah
Fantastic!😊
Sanika Shah
Thank you!
Beju
Well written, loved it.
Fiya
Very well written.
Sanika Shah
Thank you!
Gitesh Borkhatria
Very well written!
Hemalvi Patani
Great overview of Nairobi! Makes me miss all the beautiful places there – it is so incredible to have a National Park within a capital city. Can’t wait to visit again soon!
Sanika Shah
I’ll be waiting😊
Minali Sanghani
You have been able to vividly paint Kenya as a scenic, welcoming and culture-rich country!
Very well written !!
I can specially relate to university students studying abroad wearing “Kenyan beaded bands”. It’s very easy to spot a Kenyan even abroad hahah!
Sanika Shah
I really appreciate this! Kenyan students really stand out, don’t they😂
Sona (Jaspal) Matharu
Beautifully written blog Sanika. 👏🏽
Your love of Kenya is so evident and your enthusiasm is infective! Brought back happy childhood memories! 😊Well done and wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Sanika Shah
So grateful for your support💕
Minali Sanghani
They sure do !! Haha
Khilna Shah
East or west Nairobi is the best
And when you can call it home too well that makes it super awesome
And you have totally brought that out in your blog
Sanika Shah
Thank you so much!
Bhavni
Beautifully written
Hema
Very detailed and makes you wanna visit them again! Only places I haven’t been are Kibera slums and the giraffe manor!!
Kenya has so much to offer. Cannot think of living anywhere else!!
Sanika Shah
If you haven’t been to those places then you’re definitely doing the right thing. Glad you enjoyed the read😊
Bansi Shah
The article has captured the true essence of the city’s attractions!! Cannot help but fall in love again with home!!!
Sanika Shah
So happy to have been able to help you fall in love with the city again😊
Fiona Kemoli
Brilliant! I love your conversational writing style and candour!
Yes VM has the best Masaai Market!😊
Two things to note:
1. NNP is within city limits – that’s what gives it it’s worldwide uniqueness.
2. Name changed from DSWT to SWT. It’s still closed to the public due to Covid. They have daily videos on FB on the babies ellies’ feeding sessions.
And yes, everyone should adopt at least a baby ellie (proud Mama of 5 and growing😊). Donation options and prices vary. Maybe add a link to SWT donation page.
Eagerly waiting for your next blog!
*p/s I’m a friend of Mummy’s – she asked me to share this with you).
You’re a 🌟!
Sanika Shah
Thank you! I’ve made the changes you have suggested and will definitely add the link to SWTs adoption page. Thank you once again for your support❤️
Milan
As a Kenyan , I find a lot of home truths in the article . And that’s exactly what writing is about .
Kenya is beautiful and Nairobi has always been one of my favourite stays .
As a Mombasa boy , you have my thumbs up 👍. Well done .
Milan
Rohini Bhasin
I like the conversational tone of the blog and your love for Kenya spills over, it is most endearing. Wishing you all the best and looking forward to reading more.
Sanika Shah
Thank you so much! If you’d like to keep up to date with new posts, I’d recommend following my instagram page (@trailingpages) because the link to new posts will always be in the bio😊
Angela Maiko
This is a well written blog! It has given me ideas on what my family can do when we next visit Nairobi.
Sanika Shah
I’m so glad this will be useful for you in the future😌
Kalpan
Your passion and oneness with Kenya is so evident and this narrative is so well laid out and concise.
Wishing you all the best and looking forward to reading more of your stuff and who knows… maybe we will print your biography someday
Anna Owako
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this captivating summary of Nairobi, Sanika ! You’re onto a to a fun patriotic reality narration; you’re an official travel guide on the ground for those global millions of unsuspecting travellers . Do the same for all the incredible destinations in Kenya. You’ve got your job cut out for you now. Enjoy the journey ❣️
I look forward to the next fascinating read
Sanika Shah
These are some of the kindest and most supportive words I’ve ever read, thank you💕 If you’d like to keep up to date with new posts, I’d recommend following my instagram page (@trailingpages) because the link to new posts will always be in the bio😊
Sahil Aggarwal
Really enjoyed reading this blog post! Will definitely be looking out for these places when I next visit Nairobi! Good job!
Sanika Shah
Take me with you😂 thank you for your support!
Carmen
Nairobi sounds like an amazing place (and the elephant looks so cute!). Would definitely love to visit one day✨!
Sanika Shah
I really hope you can!❤️
Insha Jesani
This is SO well written, such a beautiful depiction of the gem that is Nairobi! Really made me miss home, and I can’t wait to visit all of these places with you again! So so honored to call Kenya home <3