What to Do in Nairobi in 9 Days? Travel Guide and Tips

Day 1 | Morning

Nairobi National Park

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Fri,8:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sat,8:00am-12:00am

Ticket Price: 40 USD

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-7 Hours

Location: Karen KWS SAFARI WALK, EDUCATION CENTRE, Animal Orphanage Road, Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi National Park is 8 kilometers south of Nairobi city center, west of A104 National Road, there is a 120 square kilometers of savannah and woodland, this is Africa's first wildlife park - Nairobi National Park. Nairobi Park is also the only true safari park in the world located in the national capital.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Fei Na: I was here I had a lovely time I would visit again I’ve never been so close to wild animals before n felt so safe at the same time

Mahgoub: Nairobi National Park is a great example lace to see animals on their nature life and see most animals live in peace and love

Day 1 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Nairobi National Park, you can head to Giraffe Centre, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Giraffe Centre

Opening Hours: Open from 9:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 400 KES

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Duma Road, Nairobi

The Giraffe Center is home to endangered Rothschild giraffes, and its mission is to foster conservation awareness and provide environmental education with the goal of inspiring people to appreciate and protect the diversity of animals in Kenya. The place is very interesting and there are a lot of activities. You can observe, feed and even kiss the giraffes from the second-floor balcony of a red building. This is a very strange and extremely rare experience, especially for children or adults with childlike innocence. From the Giraffe Center, you can also cross the adjacent Gogo River (Gogo River), enter the bird sanctuary, and take a walk for a fun forest walk. Unlike the common reticulated and Masai Mara giraffes, Rothschild giraffes are an endangered species that have largely disappeared from their habitat in western Kenya. In 1979, when the African Endangered Wildlife Fund was just getting started, there were fewer than 130 Rothschild giraffes in the wild. Today, the number of this species exceeds 300, and the Giraffe Centre has successfully reintroduced these charismatic animals to Lake Nakuru National Park, Ruma National Reserve, Ruma National Park (NationalPark) and Nasalot National Reserve (Nasalot National Reserve).

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: We visited in February, it was a great experience! Entry for foreigners costs 1500 KSH and they do NOT accept cash. You can feed the giraffes food pellets and they are very inquisitive. They're soft to touch! There are also warthogs running around them. We happened to be there when a guy gave an educational talk about the different species of giraffes, very interesting.

Fei Na: love this place it was exciting feeding wild giraffes

Day 1 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Giraffe Centre? The Smith Hotel is one of your top choices.

The Smith Hotel

Located in Kiserian, The Smith Hotel offers 4-star accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Boasting a children's playground, this property is set near attractions such as Maxwell Academy. The restaurant serves European cuisine. Free WiFi is accessible to all guests, while selected rooms include a terrace. A continental breakfast is available each morning at the property. You can play darts at the hotel, and car hire is available. Staff at the reception can provide information on what to do in the area. Ongata Rongai is 4.3 km from The Smith Hotel.

Day 2 | Morning

Karen Blixen Museum

Opening Hours: Open from 8:30am-5:30pm

Ticket Price: 2000 KES

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: Karen Rd | Langata, Nairobi, Kenya

Karen Manor is located in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. It originally covers an area of 600 acres. The current size of Karen Manor and Karen House Museum is only 1/30 of the original size. Although the area is small, it attracts the attention of tourists in Kenya. Karen Brixen, a well-known Danish writer, married Swedish baron Blo Brixen Fenneck in 1914 and came to Kenya with her husband to run a coffee farm. In 1918, Karen met British hunter Dennis Finch Hatton. In 1921, Karen separated from her husband and took over the management of the farm. Dennis died in a plane crash in 1931. Karen then returned to Denmark to become a professional writer. In 1937, her autobiographical novel "Out of Africa" came out and won the Nobel Prize for Literature. So, follow the wind that lifted the window screen into the house where Karen once lived for 17 years, looking for the traces of the life that inspired Karen's creation. The former residence of Karen is about 200 square meters and has 9 rooms. The first 3 rooms are occupied by staff as offices and souvenir shops. In the room on the left at the end of the corridor, there are pictures of Karen and her relatives and friends, among which the more conspicuous is a picture of Karen when she was young placed against the wall at the door. In the photo, Karen is wrapped in a headscarf, with a youthful and lively mouth slightly raised, with a smile that is not a smile, and a pair of eyes as deep as night, full of hope and fantasy about life. In another photo in the bedroom, Karen's hairstyle has changed to a feminine style, her left cheek is supported by her hand, and her eyes are lowered, so she can't see her eyes. Leaving love in Africa is believed to be the theme of this visit.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi National Museum next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Nairobi National Museum

Opening Hours: Open from 8:30am-5:30pm

Ticket Price: 2000 KES

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Piece Rd, Nairobi, Kenya

The National Museum of Kenya is a majestic building surrounded by greenery and lush foliage. There are quite a wide range of cultural and natural history exhibits. One of the main attractions of the museum is the author of "BornFree" (BornFree). The National Museum of Kenya is a magnificent building surrounded by greenery and lush foliage. There are quite a wide range of cultural and natural history exhibitions in the museum. One of the main attractions of the museum is the series of portraits of various Kenyan tribes depicted by the author of "Born Free" (BornFree) Joy Adamson, which delicately records the cultural diversity of Kenya. The upstairs exhibition hall features nearly a thousand species of birds and other taxidermy, as well as ethnographic exhibitions of various ethnic tribes in Kenya. Downstairs are Tanzania's rock art creations, an exhibition of primitive human fossils from Lake Turkana, and various geological exhibitions. The adjacent exhibition hall displays a variety of temporary exhibitions, including Kenya's Swahili Cultural Exhibition and South Asian Cultural Exhibition, and the Masai Mara Wildlife Exhibition. The museum garden is dotted with sculptures at random, and the inner courtyard has a fiberglass model the size of an elephant, imitating the elephant Ahmed. During the height of the poaching crisis in the 1980s, the replica elephant became a symbol of Kenya. The first floor of the National Museum of Kenya also houses the Contemporary East African Art Gallery, which is like an interesting cross-section of the contemporary art landscape.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Fei Na: I was here I had a lovely time. They gave some unique stuff in there

Day 2 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Nairobi National Museum, Villa Rosa Kempinski nearby is the best place to stay.

Villa Rosa Kempinski

This inspiring and exceptional hotel can be found in the commercial centre of Nairobi and very close to amazing places such as Nairobi National Park and Bomas of Kenya, giving an insight into the country in miniature, both at around 14 kilometres away. Those travelling on business might as well appreciate that the premises are only 20 kilometres away from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The whole range of 200 bedrooms and suites have a modern European style and captivating city views. They include premium furnishings that guarantee a comfortable and world-class stay, such as a minibar, an in-room safe, Internet access and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. The luxury spa helps its guest to relax after a busy day full of meetings on the state-of-the-art business facilities. Additionally, visitors can taste excellent delicacies of around the world at the hotel's restaurants.

Day 3 | Morning

Nairobi Animal Orphanage

Opening Hours: Open from 8:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 25 USD

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-6 Hours

Location: PO Box 40241 - 00100, Nairobi Kenya

The Nairobi Animal Orphanage, built in 1964, is the oldest animal orphanage in Kenya and is located in Nairobi National Park, which is one of the world's largest wildlife parks located in the urban area of the capital. In recent years, with the international community's attention to wildlife protection, animal orphanages have become the main refuge and rehabilitation center for abandoned or injured wildlife in Kenya, attracting more than 200,000 tourists every year to visit and adopt. If wildlife management staff find abandoned or injured juvenile wild animals while patrolling the park, they will take them to animal "orphanages" to feed them, and then release them into the wild when they grow up or recover.

Day 3 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Nairobi Animal Orphanage, you can head to Lake Bogoria, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Lake Bogoria

Ticket Price: 2500 KES

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-4 Hours

Location: Lake Bogoria, Kenya

Lake Bogoria is a calcium carbonate lake located on the edge of Kenya's rift belt and belongs to the Ramsar Wetland Nature Reserve. The entire lake is surrounded by dwarf trees and grass, where you can find zebras, duikers, hyraxes and many other wild animals. In the Lake Bogoria region, it is easy to see hot springs gushing out from deep underground.

Day 3 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Hemingways Nairobi in advance, because all the tourists head to Lake Bogoria love staying at it.

Hemingways Nairobi

Situated in a quiet residential area just 15 km from central Nairobi, Hemingways Nairobi features a spa, outdoor swimming pool and restaurant.The hotel also provides a private butler service. The spacious, air-conditioned rooms and suites all have elegant décor and vaulted ceilings. They come with a seating area, balcony or terrace, and en suite bathroom. The suites also include a dining area and well-equipped kitchenette. Guests can enjoy a variety of relaxing treatments and therapies at the spa. Hemingways Restaurant serves contemporary European cuisine, and the brasserie menu includes a variety of steaks. The hotel also offers a bar and several meeting rooms. Hemingways Nairobi is located only 2 km from the Karen Blixen Museum and 10 km from the Langata Giraffe Sanctuary. The Elephant and Rhino Nursery is 15 km away and Nairobi National Park is 25 km away. Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is 30 km from the hotel.

Day 4 | Morning

The Oloolua Nature Trail

Opening Hours: Open from 9:00am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 600 KES

Location: Karen Road, Nairobi 00200, Kenya

This is a very suitable place for outdoor hiking in Nairobi, with a variety of small animals, waterfalls, caves, etc. along the way, and there are free concerts to enjoy on Sundays.

Day 4 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming The Oloolua Nature Trail, Kenyatta International Convention Centre next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Kenyatta International Convention Centre

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Fri,8:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sat,8:00am-12:00am

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: City Square, along, Harambee Ave, Nairobi

The Kenyatta International Conference Center is a round tower-shaped building with 32 floors. It is the venue for many large-scale exhibitions. The main venue of the Third World Conference on Women is located here. Today, it is the headquarters of Kenya's ruling party. Kenyatta International Conference Center is a relatively majestic building in the city and a symbol of Nairobi. Standing on the top floor, you can enjoy the whole city. There is a revolving restaurant on the top floor of the conference center, where you can enjoy delicious food while enjoying the view.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: A good place to experience Kenyan culture and to have a clear view of the Nairobi city. Kicc also helps in interactions between Kenyan state. See you there.

Fei Na: I was here beautiful place fresh air and great people I had a great time

Day 4 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Nairobi Arboretum is the best places.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Nairobi Arboretum

Located in Nairobi, Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence Nairobi Arboretum offers accommodation with treatment rooms, steam and sauna. It also comes with a 25 m long swimming pool. Guests can make use of the complimentary WiFi and on-site private parking at the property. Each room at the property has a private balcony from where guests can enjoy views of the pool or garden. Each unit also has a flat screen TV with cable channels. The rooms are complete with a private bathroom with a tropical rain shower. The hotel provides organic and natural essence bathroom amenities. Deep sleep pillow spray and turndown service are also available at the hotel. Continental and super breakfast options are available every morning at Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence Nairobi Arboretum. The Fire Lake and Grill House offers all day dining and specializes in American grilled cuisine with an African touch. It also features a live pizza station. The Arborista Coffee Lounge is a deli cafe with a grab and go concept and specializes in a wide range of premium teas. Guests can choose to relax in the Biz lounge and choose from the premium drinks on the tapas menu. The staff at the 24-hour front desk are available to help with any queries guests might have. The property also boasts a fully equipped 24-hour gym with a resident instructor. Kenyatta International Conference Centre is 3.6 km from Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi, while Nairobi National Museum is 2.6 km away. The nearest airport is Wilson Airport, 7.4 km from the hotel.

Day 5 | Morning

National Archives

Opening Hours: Open from 9:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-4 Hours

Location: Moi Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya

The Murubi Gallery on the first floor of the National Archives of Kenya is currently the largest pan-African art gallery in Africa with art collections from different regions and ethnicities. These collections will take you on a cultural tour of the African continent.

Day 5 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Karura Forest.

Karura Forest

Opening Hours: Open from 6:00am-6:00pm

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1.0 Days

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

It is a forest in Nairobi, ideal for walking or cycling, with mountains, water, animals, and a natural oxygen bar.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Woody park with a lot of the trees being inported from Australia. The Nature walks are well marked and its an ideal place for Family Walks, picnic sites, football games among others.

Evelyn : amazing place to go on a hike and enjoy the cool breeze. Can also see some animals in the forest..

Day 5 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection in advance, because all the tourists head to Karura Forest love staying at it.

Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection

Located near downtown Nairobi, Sankara Nairobi features 5 star facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, a gym, a Spa and Wellness Centre and several restaurants serving international cuisine. The spacious, air-conditioned rooms all feature elegant, contemporary décor, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi and tea-and-coffee making facilities. The en suite bathrooms come with bath and shower. Guests at the Sankara can relax in the sauna or the Turkish/steam baths, or enjoy the hotel’s evening entertainment. The restaurants Artisan, Graze, The Gallery, and Sarabi pool & Supper Club offer fine dining and drinking. The hotel is situated 5 km from Nairobi central business district and just 2 km from the National Museum of Kenya. Wilson Airport is 16 km from the hotel and Jomo Kenyatta Airport is 20 km away. Nairobi National Park is 30 km away.

Day 6 | Morning

Village Market

Opening Hours: Open from 7:00am-11:00pm

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

It is a tall garden integrated shopping and entertainment center located in the northern suburbs of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. It is one of the favorite leisure and entertainment places for diplomats and international people in Nairobi. There are open-air garden cafes and cafes, fast food partners, restaurants and various boutique shopping stores.

Day 6 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Village Market, you can head to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Fri,8:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sat,10:00am-3:00pm;Closed on Sun

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-4 Hours

Location: KWS Central Workshop Gate, off, Nairobi, Kenya

Wildlife Adventure Tour in Nairobi, here will give you a cultural cruise of Africa. This baby elephant orphanage is running very well, and the staff explained the elephant's condition in great detail and the plan to return it to the wild. You can also adopt an elephant and keep track of its growth throughout the year by sending monthly emails.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: We visited in February. We were so happy to make it to see feeding time at 11am! They call the elephants into the feeding area in two groups, based on age. While the elephants are being fed, a handler talks about each elephant individually: their names and under what circumstances they were rescued. We saw one elephant playfully kicking a soccer ball around too.

Trip.com User: a reliable place , since the 70’s , that rescue and take care of baby elephants and rhinos. the explanation , between the baby elephants feeding , is very nice and you leave the place wanting to adopt an elephant. worth the trip in Nairobi.

Day 6 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Nyati Hill Cottages is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Nyati Hill Cottages

Offering a garden and outdoor pool, Nyati Hill Cottages is located in Nairobi, 1.5 km from Kingfisher Picnic Site. David Sheldrick Trust Rhino & Elephant Sanctuary is 3.1 km from the property. Free WiFi is offered . The accommodation is fitted with a seating and dining area. Some units include a terrace and/or patio with pool views. All units have a kitchen fitted with a toaster and fridge. A stovetop and kettle are also provided. Each unit comes with a private bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available. Nyati Hill Cottages also includes a year-round outdoor pool. The property also offers grocery delivery. Multimedia University is 3.1 km from Nyati Hill Cottages. The nearest airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 17 km from Nyati Hill Cottages.

Day 7 | Morning

Bomas Of Kenya

Opening Hours: Open on Sat-Sun,8:00am-6:00pm;Open on Mon-Fri,8:00am-5:00pm

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1.0 Days

Location: Karen, Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya Bomas Folk Culture Village is a cultural center located in Rangata District, not far from the main gate of Nairobi National Park. Talented local artists perform traditional dances and songs from various Kenyan tribes, including influential Swahili taarab music, kalenjin samurai dance, Embu drumming and kikuyu ( Kikuyu) circumcision ceremony.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Step into the past and get to see how your ancestors lived , bomas of kenya shows the architectrual ingenuity of the ancient tribes of kenya . Each tribe unique dispay shows the cultural diversity and rich culture kenya is blessed with . pay close attention to the minority tribes be more familiar with other tribes other than the famous Massai , take a look at the gusii mijikenda , lughya, Taita.

Day 7 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Bomas Of Kenya, don’t forget pay a visit to Lake Magadi.

Lake Magadi

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 2.0-3.0 Hours

Location: Lake Magadi, Kenya

Lake Magadi is located in the south of the rift valley and is an alkaline lake in Kenya, rich in minerals. The surface is almost covered by a thick crust of soda, giving a lunar-like appearance.

Day 7 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Lake Magadi, Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport, an IHG Hotel nearby is the best place to stay.

Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport, an IHG Hotel

The Lazizi Premiere Hotel is conveniently located in the popular Embakasi area. Offering a variety of facilities and services, the hotel provides all you need for a good night's sleep. Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour room service, 24-hour security, daily housekeeping, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, kitchen. Television LCD/plasma screen, additional bathroom, bathroom phone, carpeting, clothes rack can be found in selected guestrooms. Take a break from a long day and make use of fitness center, sauna, outdoor pool, spa, massage. The Lazizi Premiere Hotel is an excellent choice from which to explore Nairobi or to simply relax and rejuvenate.

Day 8 | Morning

Uhuru Park

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: Nairobi

Next to the reinforced concrete central business district, there is a large manicured green space, which is Independence Park. This is a popular resting place for the locals. During the day, it's a destination for families going out for a picnic, businessmen coming out of the office, and people who need a little greenery. On December 12, 1963, the Kenyan people held a celebration of independence in Nairobi. To commemorate Independence Day, the Kenyan government decided to build it into a garden and named it UhuruPark, which means "independence, freedom" in the local Swahili language. In 1964, President Kenyatta planted a symbolic fig tree in the Independence Garden, which opened the prelude to the tree-planting activities in the garden. Since then, tree-planting activities have been held here every year when the rainy season comes, and foreign heads of state and government visiting Kenya have also visited Kenya. Make planting trees in a separate garden a high priority.

Day 8 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Uhuru Park, Snake Park next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Snake Park

Recommended Length of Stay: 2.0-3.0 Hours

Location: Parklands/Highridge, Museum Hill Centre, Muthithi Rd, Nairobi, Kenya

The Snake Pavilion is located in the National Museum. There are various kinds of snakes and performances, which are very suitable for children to play.

Day 8 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Snake Park, The Sarova Stanley Nairobi nearby is the best place to stay.

The Sarova Stanley Nairobi

Featuring a pool terrace and 3 restaurants, the hotel Sarova Stanley is located in central Nairobi. It offers a bar, fitness centre, and luxury rooms with free Wi-Fi. Complimentary private parking is also provided.
Most of the rooms at the Sarova overlook Nairobi, and all of them are elegantly decorated in classic style. They all have a seating area or separate living room with a satellite TV, and include a private bathroom.
The Pool Deck Restaurant is located on the fifth floor and serves al fresco buffet-style meals. The Thorn Tree Café is an open-air, bistro style café, and the Thai Chi offers authentic Thai cuisine.
The Stanley Health Club includes a fitness area, a sauna, and a steam bath. Yoga and aerobics lessons are also available upon request.
Kenyatta International Conference Centre is just 400 m away, while Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is 18 km away. The Nairobi National Park is 35 minutes away by car.

Day 9 | Morning

Nairobi Railway Museum

Opening Hours: Open from 8:15am-4:45pm

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-4 Hours

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

A place with more than 100 years of railway history is of great historical value.

Day 9 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Nairobi Railway Museum, Jamia Mosque next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Jamia Mosque

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-5 Hours

Location: 32, Nairobi, Kenya

I really don’t know that there are so many Muslims in Kenya until here. Generally, Muslim mosques always have a lot of space both inside and outside, and this is no exception.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: chinese hate muslim, you guys aren't welcomed in Kenya, if i see you in Kenya i will punch your small eyes

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.