How Many Days Is Enough for Nairobi in 2024?
Wondering how many days is enough for Nairobi?
You’ve come to the right place, I live in Nairobi and frequently visit different parts of the city for exploration. My experience living in Nairobi makes me the perfect guide to help you find the best things to do and decide how many days are enough for you.
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya and the entry point for most visitors. Many quickly transit through the city and head straight for safaris which Kenya is most known for.
Maybe it’s your first time visiting Nairobi, Kenya, and have no idea how many days you should spend here.
I’ve put together a complete guide for how many days to stay in Nairobi and get the most out of it.
How Many Days In Nairobi Is Enough?
At least 4 days in Nairobi is enough for a first-time visitor.
This is enough time to recover from jetlag, experience the city center and the outskirts, visit the attractions in Nairobi, go on a safari, and experience nature.
The highest number of attractions in Nairobi are outside the city center. Without proper research, a first-time visitor may think there’s not much to do and see no point in staying in Nairobi.
Luckily, everything is only a short drive from the city center and you can catch a public bus or taxi to many attractions.
If you love exploring solo the only challenge you’ll have to overcome is finding the right bus to your destination. But don’t worry everyone in Nairobi understands and speaks English it’s quite easy to get around.
If you have time to spend, you can stay up to 1 week in Nairobi exploring different neighborhoods and taking day trips. If you’re short on time, 4 days is just enough to get familiar with Nairobi.
What To See In Nairobi
To help you decide how many days in Nairobi is right for you, I’ve put together a list of the best things to see in the city. Depending on your interests you may need more or fewer days.
1. Nairobi from above: Get the best 360-degree views of the city at the KICC building located in the city center. From the rooftop, you get amazing views stretching for miles in all directions and a cool breeze. The building’s architecture fascinates many as a donkey’s penis inspired it. There are exhibitions in the building if interested in artwork and restaurants as well.
2. Wildlife: Yes, did you know you don’t have to leave Nairobi to see wildlife? Visit Nairobi National Park, the world’s only national park located in a city. This is perfect, especially for visitors who have a short time in the country. You don’t have to drive far from the city to go on a Kenyan safari.
3. Rothschild’s giraffe: The near-threatened giraffe species are a must-see while in Nairobi. Almost impossible to see in the wild, the best place to see them is by visiting a conservation center such as the Giraffe Center. A fun place for kids and adults as visitors can feed the giraffes and get a kiss if they dare :-).
4. Traditional mud houses: Curious to see how houses looked like in Kenyan communities long before modernization? A visit to the Bomas of Kenya will satisfy your needs. Some communities still live in mud houses but don’t build them like they were done in ancient times.
5. Rescue Elephants and Rhinos: Elephants and rhinos are known to be very dangerous animals in the wild. While in Nairobi, you can pet and adopt one of these rescued animals at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
6. Giraffe Manor: The most popular hotel in Kenya. Known for its unique touch as the hotel where you can feed Rothschild giraffes through the windows. This is a luxury hotel and doesn’t do day passes, you have to stay there to experience it. If you have the budget you can add it to your list of things to do in Nairobi.
7. Vintage Trains: Train lovers will love the railway museum in Nairobi. Visitors get to explore the train yard, admire the vintage trains, and learn the history of train travel in Kenya. If you’ve seen the movie “Out of Africa” you can find Train 301 used in the film at the museum.
8. Museums: I’m not a big fan of museums but for all history lovers, Nairobi has a significant number of museums. Showcasing Kenyan history, African artifacts, and anthropology museums to the Karen Blixen museum.
9. Kenyan beadwork and crafts: Nairobi is famous for the Maasai market a vibrant market selling beaded jewelry, African fabrics, wood, and stone crafts and so much more. This is a great place to do all your shopping or just wander around and admire the craftmansship and dtils that go into the items.
What To Do In Nairobi
Now with this list of things to see, I’ve also put togther a list off the best things to do in Nairobi. Use it to decide how many days you need to spend in Nairobi or to pick what bst suits what you want to do.
1. Tour the city center
The best way to familiarize yourself with any new city is by walking around. Nairobi city center is quite busy, especially downtown Nairobi. Travelers who seek to interact with locals and visit markets this is a great place to begin. You’ll find busses hooting, street vendors selling snacks, and anything you can imagine. You won’t find any tourist attractions here. If you don’t fancy busy chaotic streets you can skip this side of town.
On the other hand, the upperside of Nairobi city center is where you will find offices, parks, exhibitions, galleries, cafes, fancy restaurants, Maasai market, and luxury hotels. As you can already guess, this side of the city is quieter and expensive with fewer people on the streets. Most of the tourist attractions are located here.
2. View Nairobi city from above
While touring the city you can see the city from an aerial view. The best spot for this is the KICC rooftop. After paying a small entry fee (about $5), you will have access to the rooftop. Here you can capture beautiful photos and take in an aerial view of Nairobi stretching miles in all directions. Unfortunately, there are no helicopter tours over Nairobi city.
3. Visit Nairobi National Park
A tour of Nairobi wouldn’t be complete without visiting Nairobi National Park. Located only 15 minutes away from the city center. A safari in Nairobi is perfect if you only have a few days in Kenya and no other safaris planned. My recommendation is to book a tour as this is the most cost-effective way to explore the park.
The park also offers tour services but this can be costly compared to booking a tour with a tour company. Safaris are best done in the morning as it increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
4. Go on a safari walk
If you don’t have time for a safari, you can do a safari walk located just next to the park. At the safari walk, visitors walk on the high wooden platforms while viewing the wild animals. Here expect to see lions, and cheaters, among others. This is like a zoo with lots of nature to enjoy, a quiet place to relax, and walk around, and is easily accessible using public transport.
5. Visit the animal orphanage
The animal orphanage serves as a rehabilitation center for different wild animals. This is a good place to take kids. I didn’t know baby cheetahs were that cute until I visited the orphanage 🙂
On the bright side, the park, safari walk, and the animal orphanage are all located in the same area. While Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is less than a 10-minute drive from the park’s entrance. Please note that there’s entry fees are charged at each section of the park.
6. Adopt an elephant at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary for baby elephants and Rhinos before they can be released into the wild. Visitors have a chance to adopt or foster an elephant for as low as $50 per year. With this donation, you get a certificate, photos, and updates on your adopted elephant.
Adoptions range between 1 year and 10 years, $50 for each year. After adoption, you can visit the adoptee when you visit Kenya and check on their progress.
The wildlife trust has a very limited visitation window. The visiting time is from 11 am – 12 pm daily.
7. Feed giraffes at Giraffe Center
After spending half a day at the Nairobi National Park, why not end the day feeding giraffes? Giraffe Center is located less than 30 minutes away from the park and very close to Giraffe Manor.
Visitors interact with the giraffes from the high platforms built around the center. From here you can feed pallets to the giraffes and even kiss one 🙂
Most people visit around midday (11- 1 pm) but it’s open from 9 to 5 pm. If you want to avoid crowds I highly suggest visiting from 9 am or after 1 pm.
8. Bomas of Kenya
The Bomas of Kenya is located in Lang’ata, a stone’s throw away from Nairobi National Park. Here you will learn about several Kenyan tribes, see traditional houses where the communities lived, and catch an entertainment session at the main hall.
While many communities continue to adopt modern ways of life, the Bomas of Kenya keep the traditions alive. There are small villages made up of mud huts representing what a Kenyan village looked like over 50 years ago.
9. Tour Karen Blixen Museum
Located in the leafy suburbs of Karen, a short drive from Giraffe Center and Giraffe Manor. The Karen Blixen Museum is a colonial-era house where the famous author Karen Blixen lived. It’s also where the Oscar-winning film “Out of Africa” based on Karen’s life was filmed.
The house has a beautiful backdrop of the Ngong hills and beautiful trails for long walks and meditation. The museum gives you an inner glimpse of the author’s life. If you are staying at Giraffe Manor, visiting the Giraffe Center, or visiting other sites in Lang’ata, I highly recommend that you visit this museum.
10. Ride bikes at Karura Forest
Another serene environment in Nairobi is suitable for hikes, jogging, running, nature walks, and bike riding. Karura Forest Reserve is located on Kiambu Road on the outskirts of Nairobi.
In this urban forest, you will enjoy nature, visit an archaeological cave, bird watch, swing on the large roots hanging from trees, ride bikes and so much more. This is a beautiful place to spend a whole day when you have nothing else to do in Nairobi.
Things to remember: When visiting the forest Don’t bring plastic bags or bottles. Don’t smoke, Don’t litter, No drones allowed, Don’t disturb animals and plants, and No noise pollution. Children under 12 must be accompanied at all times.
11. Go Treking at Oloolua Nature Trail
A 5 km nature trail located in Karen, Nairobi. The serene park has camping sites, nature trails, picnic sites, caves, lush vegetation, and waterfalls. A beautiful place for couples and singles as well. The nature trails and waterfall are gorgeous and will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
12. Shop till you drop at Maasai market
Visit the Maasai Market for souvenir shopping. This market moves around different locations in Nairobi during the week. The most convenient location for most people is the weekend Maasai market open next to the Supreme Court of Kenya every Saturday and Sunday. You’ll find the most sellers hence competitive prices and a wide selection of items.
If you don’t have time during the weekend, you can also shop for the same items at the city market but prices may vary or keep up with the current location of the Maasai market during the week.
13. Tour the Kenya Railway Museum
A magical place to learn about the East African Railway and marvel at vintage trains. It’s located at the heart of the city a few meters from Nairobi Central Railway station.
Walking into the museum feels like you are stepping into the past. The old trains are maintained but still hold their original glory. One train you must see is the train 301 used in the 1985 movie, Out of Africa.
For less than $10 you can explore the museum, learn and of course capture beautiful memories.
14. Visit A museum
Want to learn about Kenyan history, visiting the National Museum of Kenya and the Kenya National Archives should be at the top of your list.
Kenya National Archives is located at the heart of Nairobi along Moi Avenue, (the best place to learn about Kenyan history). The National Museum of Kenya is located on Museum Hill, near Uhuru Highway. Here you will discover more Kenyan history, see preserved artifacts, and learn about wildlife and birds in Kenya among other things.
While at the National Museum, I highly recommend visiting Snake Park adjacent to the museum. The entry fee for both is less than $15.
15. Enjoy A meal and Coffee in a local Café
Nairobi has a wide selection of eating places. Looking for some amazing coffee, go to Java House or Cjs. Looking for a Kenyan meal you will find a variety of options in the many hotels and restaurants located in the city. If you are staying in the Westlands, the Nairobi Street kitchen is a convenient place to try different foods and is all located in one spot.
16. Pool Day at Maji Magic
With the hot Nairobi weather, this is a fun place to cool down. Located in Karen suburbs Maji Magic has a large aqua park where visitors can enjoy water activities and challenges with friends and family. Activities include kayaking, paddle boarding, taking on the blaster boats, or, gliding on the inflatable aqua park.
If spending a weekend or a few days in Nairobi and don’t know what to do for fun or how to keep kids entertained, this is a good place to visit.
17. Have a fun day at the mall
If you love malls and indoor activities, the Village Market is a fun place to spend an afternoon. Enjoy indoor games with kids, friends, and family, enjoy a meal, and drinks, and shop at the mall.
Another great mall to visit is the Two Rivers Mall, the largest mall in East Africa. Besides shopping, there are lots of fun activities for everyone to enjoy.
How To Spend 4 Days In Nairobi
Since I mentioned 4 days is a good number of days to spend in Nairobi, here’s a brief overview of how to spend 4 days. You can change to fit what you like and things you want to see.
- Day 1: Tour Nairobi city center, Girraffe center, & Bomas of Kenya
- Day 2: Nairobi National Park & Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- Day 3: Explore Nairobi’s outskirts & Malls (Village market, Westlands… etc)
- Day 4: Karura forest & Maasai Market
Day Trips From Nairobi
If you want to spend a little bit longer in Nairobi, it makes for a great base for day trips. The most popular day trip from Nairobi is to Hells Gate, followed closely by The Forest for ziplining. White water rafting at Sagana is a great and fun day trip but few visitors even know it exists.
Hells Gate National Park
One of the most famous day trips from Nairobi. The park is famous among locals and international guests. Located only 3 hours from the city and is famous for riding bikes close to wildlife.
Other attractions in Hells Gate include hiking down the gorges, rock climbing, geothermal spa, camping, and the breathtaking landscapes that have inspired many movies including The Lion King.
Its strategic location makes it great for a day trip from Nairobi and exploring other attractions in Kenya. Once you’re done with the day trip you can simply proceed to Lake Naivasha, Mt. Longonot, and Lake Nakuru among many others.
The Forest
A relaxing escape from the city located only 1.5 hours from Nairobi. Kereita Forest simply known as The Forest combines forest conservation with fun activities. Popular for ziplining, horse riding, archery, paintballing, riding bikes, and relaxing nature walks.
White water rafting at Sagana
Sagana River offers the perfect playground for water rafting, located about 2 hours from Nairobi. Savage Wilderness and Rapids Sagana are the two white water rafting service providers. Both are fun but Rapids Sagana is right next to a waterfall which adds to the adrenaline thrill.
Other fun activities include kayaking, ziplining, rock climbing, and camping just to name a few. This is a fun-filled day trip suitable for family and friends.
How Many Days In Nairobi: FAQ
Yes, it is worth spending 2 -4 days in Nairobi before heading out for a safari. Nairobi has many things to see and do for families and solo travelers.
At least 3 days should be enough time to familiarise yourself with the city. This is a good amount of time to experience nature, culture, and wildlife and explore history.
Yes, there is a lot to see in Nairobi including wildlife, art, and historical monuments.
How Many Days In Nairobi: Conclusion
There you have it, a complete guide to how many days is enough in Nairobi.
In my opinion, if you are only interested in seeing the attractions in Nairobi 2-3 days will be enough. However, if you love exploring, connecting with people, and visiting off-the-beaten-path places you can spend up to 1 week in Nairobi and still not have enough of it.
