Town · Central Kenya
Nairobi
Kenya's capital and East Africa's largest business hub, and most safari itineraries' starting point.
How to get there
Served by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya's main international gateway.
What to find
Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, and the Karen Blixen Museum.
Overview
Nairobi is Kenya's capital and East Africa's biggest city, a fast-growing business hub with a unique claim: a national park inside its boundaries. It's the starting point for most Kenyan safaris.
Beyond the traffic, Nairobi has excellent restaurants, museums and wildlife projects. It's worth spending at least a day here before or after your safari.
Highlights
- Nairobi National Park, with rhinos and lions near the city
- The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant nursery
- The Giraffe Centre and its Rothschild's giraffes
- The Karen Blixen Museum and the Nairobi National Museum
- Craft markets and a strong food and coffee scene
Things to do
Half-day safari
In Nairobi National Park.
Wildlife projects
The elephant orphanage and the Giraffe Centre.
Culture
Museums, galleries and markets.
Best time to visit
All year.
Getting there
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is Kenya's main international gateway. Wilson Airport handles most safari flights.
Where to stay
Hotels throughout the city. The leafy Karen and Langata areas are convenient for the park and wildlife projects.
Nairobi
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Kenya →
Good to know
- Allow extra time for traffic when heading to the airport.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.
From Nairobi
Places to visit from Nairobi
Drive times are approximate. Look up another city.