Nairobi is a bustling and exciting city with a lot to offer visitors. Known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse cuisine, and shopping. Visitors can explore the city's markets and shopping centres, venture out to see wildlife and historic sites, sample traditional Kenyan dishes, and enjoy a night out in the city's bars and clubs.
Here are some of the best things to do in Nairobi:
1.Visit the Nairobi National Park
This is the only national park located within a city in the world. Visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, and zebras. Nairobi National Park is a unique wildlife reserve located just a few kilometres outside of Nairobi's city centre. It's the only protected area in the world that is situated within a capital city's boundaries, making it a popular attraction for visitors to Nairobi. The park covers an area of about 117 square kilometres and is home to a variety of wildlife species, including lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and many others.
One of the best ways to experience the park is by taking a game drive, which can be arranged through various tour operators or within the park itself. Visitors can also explore the park on foot by taking a guided nature walk or hike, which allows for a more intimate and immersive experience of the park's natural beauty. The park also features several picnic and camping sites, making it a great spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Nairobi National Park is a great place to see wildlife up close in a natural setting, and it's an important conservation area for many endangered and threatened species. In addition to its wildlife, the park also boasts stunning landscapes, with wide-open savannahs, riverine forests, and rocky escarpments. It's a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in nature, wildlife, and conservation.
2. Go to the Giraffe Centre
Visitors can get up close and personal with giraffes at this conservation centre. It's a great place to take photos and learn about these fascinating animals.
Giraffe Manor is a boutique hotel located in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, Kenya. The property is set on 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb, and it features a herd of resident Rothschild's giraffes that roam freely throughout the property.
Giraffe Manor is known for its unique experience of guests being able to interact with the giraffes. The giraffes often poke their long necks into the windows of the rooms and the dining area, allowing guests to feed and pet them. The hotel offers a full-service restaurant, and guests can enjoy meals while interacting with the giraffes.
The property itself is a historic manor house that was built in the 1930s and has been carefully preserved and restored to its original condition. It has 12 rooms, all of which are individually decorated with antique furnishings, artwork, and other unique touches. Staying at Giraffe Manor is a one-of-a-kind experience that offers a rare opportunity to interact with these majestic animals in a beautiful and peaceful setting. The hotel is also committed to conservation efforts and has a breeding program for the endangered Rothschild's giraffe.
3. Explore the Karen Blixen Museum
The museum is situated on the site of the former farm of Danish author Karen Blixen, who wrote the memoir "Out of Africa" about her experiences in Kenya in the early 20th century. The museum is also known as the Karen Blixen House or the Karen Blixen Farm.
Visitors to the Karen Blixen Museum can explore the restored farmhouse, which has been furnished with period furniture and decor to reflect the style of the early 20th century. The museum also features a beautiful garden and a coffee plantation, which is still operational today.
Guided tours of the museum are available, and visitors can learn about Karen Blixen's life and work, as well as the history of colonial Kenya. The museum also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and books about Karen Blixen and her time in Kenya.
The Karen Blixen Museum is open to visitors daily from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, and admission fees apply. It's a popular destination for visitors to Nairobi who are interested in history, literature, and culture, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into the past of colonial Kenya.
4. Visit the Elephant Orphanage
This organization is dedicated to the conservation of elephants and other wildlife in Kenya. Visitors can see baby elephants being fed and learn about the organization's conservation efforts.
The Trust was established in 1977 by the late Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick, in honour of her late husband, David Sheldrick, who was a prominent conservationist and naturalist.
The main focus of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is on the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants and rhinos, many of whom have been orphaned due to poaching or other human-related activities. The Trust runs a nursery for orphaned elephants, where they are cared for and rehabilitated before being reintroduced to the wild.
Visitors to Nairobi can visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's Elephant Orphanage, which is open to the public for one hour every day. During this time, visitors can watch the orphaned elephants being fed and playing, and learn about the Trust's conservation efforts. The orphanage is a popular attraction in Nairobi, particularly for families and animal lovers.
In addition to its orphanage, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust also operates a number of other conservation initiatives, including anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection, and community outreach programs. The Trust is committed to promoting the conservation of Africa's wildlife and natural habitats, and is a leading voice in the fight against poaching and other threats to the continent's wildlife.
5. Shop at the Maasai Market
The Maasai Market is a popular outdoor market in Nairobi, Kenya, where visitors can buy a wide range of African arts and crafts, including clothing, jewellery, wood carvings, and textiles. The market is known for its vibrant and colourful atmosphere and is a great place to experience the local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs.
The Maasai Market in Nairobi takes place on different days of the week at various locations around the city, including the Village Market Mall, the Galleria Mall, and the High Court parking lot in the Central Business District. The market typically runs from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, but it's a good idea to check the schedule before visiting to confirm the location and hours.
At the Maasai Market, visitors can find a wide variety of traditional African items, including beaded jewellery, baskets, carvings, textiles, and clothing made from traditional African fabrics. Many of the items for sale are handcrafted by local artisans, and bargaining is a common practice, so visitors should be prepared to haggle over prices.
The Maasai Market is a fun and lively place to explore, and visitors can soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of Nairobi's vibrant street life while shopping for unique souvenirs. It's a great place to experience the local culture and connect with the people of Nairobi. It is also a must-visit destination for anyone interested in African arts and crafts.
6. Explore the Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum is a large museum complex located in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya, and is one of the most important cultural institutions in the country. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the natural history and cultural heritage of Kenya and East Africa, and it features a wide range of exhibits and collections related to the country's geology, wildlife, human history, and contemporary culture.
The Nairobi National Museum has several galleries and exhibits, including the Birds of East Africa Gallery, which features a large collection of bird specimens and interactive displays; the Cradle of Humankind Gallery, which showcases the evolution of human beings and their cultural heritage in East Africa; and the Mammals Gallery, which displays the various species of mammals that are native to the region.
The museum also has a botanical garden, a nature trail, and an outdoor sculpture garden that features works by contemporary African artists. In addition, the museum has a cafe, a gift shop, and a library and research centre that is open to the public.
Visitors to the Nairobi National Museum can learn about Kenya's natural history, explore its cultural heritage, and gain a deeper understanding of the country's people and traditions. The museum is a great destination for families, history and culture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the natural world. It is open to visitors daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission fees apply.
7. Enjoy a night out in the city
Nairobi has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars and nightclubs to choose from. There are also a number of rooftop bars that are popular with locals, tourists, and Nairobi's huge expat community. They offer a unique perspective on Nairobi's vibrant nightlife and stunning skyline. Check out our travel guide for more information on Nairobi's best nightlife spots.
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