Heading to Nairobi? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
QUICK FACTS
- The capital of and largest city of Kenya, with a population of over 4.4 million.
- The only city in the world located right next to a major national park (Nairobi National Park).
- Contains Kibera, the largest urban slum in Africa (with over 170,000 inhabitants).
- Nicknames: Green City in the Sun, Safari Capital of Africa, Nairobbery (har har).
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Kenyan Shilling (Ksh or KES).
- Spoken languages: predominantly English and Swahili.
- Best time to visit: from August to September (if you want to catch the wildebeest migration), or from December to February (the warmer, sunnier months).
- Arrival via airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is located in the Embakasi suburb, approximately 18 km (11 miles) southeast of Nairobi’s central business district.
– It’s about a 30-minute drive to the city center, and taxi fare is between €20 (KES 2,703) to €25 (KES 3,378).
– Airport taxis do not always use meters, so negotiate an agreed-upon rate with your driver before departing. - Tip: Allow up to 3 hours for security checks at JKIA, even with no checked luggage, due to multiple security checkpoints.
- A local SIM card for data and calls can be easily acquired at the airport or in local shops.
WHERE TO STAY
- Best Nairobi hostel for solo travelers: Pinkroses Gardens. Exceptionally clean, in a great location, and very safe (located in a compound with security guards).
– Friendly, English-speaking staff that do their best to create a welcoming atmosphere.
– Features spacious rooms in a safe and quiet environment, free WiFi throughout the property, a shared kitchen, and a garden pool table.
– Generous daily breakfast included. Book ahead! - The city offers plenty of accommodation options, including upscale hotels, furnished and serviced apartments, and budget hotels (primarily around the main bus station).
GETTING AROUND
- Public buses, minivans (dubbed matatus), and taxis are the primary modes of transport.
- Taxis are available at designated areas in the city centre – all taxis (and matatus) have a yellow line painted across the middle.
– Standard base fee including the first km is approximately KES 200, with an additional KES 200 per subsequent kilometer.
– Fares should still be negotiated before departure - Since the pandemic, the matatu system has become more regulated. Download the “Matatu App” for easier route planning and navigation.
- Trains: The Madaraka Express Railway line between Nairobi and Mombasa is reliable and safe.
– Other passenger train lines are not generally recommended - Popular ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are convenient and safer alternatives to traditional taxis.
NAIROBI NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, last call is 11 PM for bars (clubs close down at 4 AM).
- Hip/local scene: Bars along the Kimathi Street in the Central Business District (CBD).
- Trendy scene: lounges/clubs in Westlands, the city’s main entertainment area. Frequented by expats.
- College crowd: bars along Kimathi Street in the CBD.
- Looking for a good sports bar? Head to Kengele’s Lavington Green.
- Looking for great cocktails? Head to The Alchemist.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- The Jomo Kenyatta statue at the Kenyatta international Conference Centre.
- The Nairobi National Park (must visit) and the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
- The Dedan Kimathi and Tom Mboya monuments.
- Located off State House Road (3 km from the city center), the Nairobi Arboretum is a 30 hectare collection of different plant species. Established in 1907 for research and conservation purposes, the Arboretum is a living natural museum.
- Various buildings along Kenyatta Avenue that include: Kipande house, Cameo Cinema, Standard bank building, the Macmillian Library, and Koja Mosque. These are some of the oldest and most historic buildings in Nairobi.
BEST ACTIVITIES
- Kitengela Hot Glass Experience: a unique three-in-one adventure combining a safari walk, a stroll on a suspension bridge decorated with beautiful Kitengela Glass pieces, and the opportunity to witness the art of glass blowing.
– Approximately 200 KES (entrance fee) plus 700 KES if you hire a guide from the nearby Maasi Lodge - Participate in a traditional Maasai dance.
- Mad Max Karting: Outdoor go-kart racing (highly recommended by locals).
- Visit the Kazuri Beads Women Factory for local crafts and souvenirs.
- Day trip ideas:
– Giraffe Centre (takes about 1-2 hours to explore and can be combined with nearby attractions like Karen Blixen Museum for a full day)
– David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (for orphaned elephants),
– Nairobi Railway Museum - You can join a guided tour / safari to Nairobi National Park.
INTERESTING WALKS
- Uhuru Park is the city’s main leisure park. Go for a walk, take a boat (or camel) ride, or just have a picnic in the park.
- Day trip idea: the Karura Forest is both a natural attraction and a historical landmark, having previously been the hideout for the mau mau in the pre-Colonial era. Go for a stroll (or jog with the locals), and you won’t be disappointed.
- Located within the Oloolua Forest, the 5-km long Oloolua Nature Trail is a great chance to escape the bustle of the city.
– A favorite with visitors and locals alike, the trail is ideal for walking, picnicking, camping, and general sightseeing (you will see caves, waterfalls, and many different species of birds).
– The Institute of Primate Research is also located within the forest.
WHERE TO EAT
- Great restaurants:
– Talisman Restaurant ($$$ – best in town)
– La Terrazza Italian Restaurant
– CJ’s – Village Market ($$-$$$, African, Cafe, International)
– Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant ($$$)
– BangBang Thai Kitchen ($$-$$$, Bar, Seafood, Asian)
– CJ’s Waterfront ($$-$$$, Mexican, American, African)
– Red Ginger
– Mercado – Mexican Kitchen
– Harvest Restaurant
– Hero Restaurant ($$-$$$, Japanese, Sushi, Asian) - Local dishes to try: Ugali, Samosas, and Chapati.
– Swahili restaurants: Nana Swahili Restaurant and Malalo Swahili Restaurant for authentic dishes like biryani and pilau. - Where to find good cheap eats: visit one of the city’s naymachoma bars/pubs, where you can sample Kenya’s trademark dish – the Nyama choma (roasted meat, typically beef short ribs).
– Kenyatta market, located in the Upper Hill neighborhood, is one such location.
– Also: check out the food court inside Sarit Centre.
SAFETY TIPS
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash. Nairobi has plenty of international banks, where you can withdraw money or use the ATM. Many places also accept major credit cards.
- Avoid back or side streets and ensure that you stay alert at all times.
- Avoid carrying your valuables or showing any displays of wealth.
- Never leave valuables in stored luggage (e.g. at your hotel / hostel).
- Don’t use a mobile phone while walking, keep all bags secured, and be cautious at night
- Avoid walking outdoors at night, particularly in isolated areas
- When confronted by robbers, comply and do not offer resistance
- Keep windows closed, doors locked and valuables out of sight when in vehicles. Be especially vigilant at traffic lights.
- Be particularly cautious in informal settlement communities like Kasarani, Kibera and Mathare.
LOCAL WISDOM
- Basic greetings in Swahili: “Jambo” (hello) and “Habari Gani” (when greeting others during Kwanzaa).
- Best markets: Toy Market and Marti Market for handmade crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
- Dangerous areas to avoid: if you must visit the slum areas (e.g. Kibera), make sure that you have a guide. The slum areas are considered unsafe – even by local standards.
Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days (allowing time for day trips)