Nairobi
Hi friends! I wanted to create a place where I can share places I love in Nairobi - this list will be updated as I get to explore more of this city!
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a vibrant and dynamic city known as the economic and cultural hub of East Africa. Nairobi is a major urban center, blending modern skyscrapers with historical landmarks.
Home to over 4 million people, Nairobi is famous for its proximity to Nairobi National Park, a unique wildlife reserve where animals like lions, giraffes, and rhinos roam free against the backdrop of the city skyline!
Last updated September 2024.
Places I Have Stayed:
Four Points by Sheraton, Marriot Bonvoy (JKIA Airport)
I love the Four Points Hotel, there is a rooftop pool that overlooks the Nairobi National Park, and right next to the pool there is a restaurant with amazing food + drinks! They also have a spa - which has been really nice when I have traveled to Nairobi for a few days of rest! It is about a 10 minute drive to the international terminal at Jomo Kenyatta Ntl Airport, so the perfect place to stay if you take the midnight flight into nairobi and have a bit of time before going on safari! The hotel also offers a car shuttle service to and from JKIA, and it can be arranged for a car to take you to Wilson Airport, the smaller domestic Airport about 30 minutes away.
Pride Inn Hotel
I have stayed at the Pride Inn MANY times & I love it so much! The staff are incredibly friendly! There is a restaurant on the ground floor, and a pool next to the outdoor dining area. Pride Inn is where our medical teams stay when they arrive in Kenya, and on half-board the teams have their room for the night, and then a set dinner/buffet on arrival to the hotel.
Things to do:
The Giraffe Center:
The Giraffe Center is a fun stop that I usually plan to take maybe 30 minutes, it’s really cool to see the Giraffes up close and get to feed them! I recommend making this a stop on the way to lunch at Karen Blitzen, or planning to stop at some of the nearby bead shops!
Kazuri Beads:
Take a tour to see how these women make the beads by hand, then do some shopping for beautiful jewelry to take home! I like this stop because there is no bartering! I am not good at it, and trying to figure out a fair price is stressful for me! I try to find places with set prices :)
Nairobi National Museum
A fun stop for the history lovers! Nestled the heart of the city, the National Museum is a place where history, culture, and nature come together a beautiful way! As you wander through the halls, you can discover ancient artifacts, fascinating exhibits on Kenya’s diverse communities, and displays of some of the incredible wildlife that call this country home!
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is a hidden gem that offers an incredible escape into nature without leaving the city.
In the park you can see majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and rhinos roaming freely against the stunning backdrop of Nairobi's skyline—it's a sight unlike anything you could find anywhere else in the world!
The park is just a short drive from the city center, and feels like stepping into a wild, untouched sanctuary where the beauty of Africa comes to life. It’s perfect for a morning or afternoon game drive, spending a few hours looking for some incredible animals!
Westgate Shopping Mall
The mall has a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for catching up with friends, enjoying a meal, or simply browsing through the beautifully curated stores. I love going and walking aruond to window shop, but I’ve had SO much good luck being able to find EVERYTHING I need at the different shops! Last trip, I was able to find a refurbished PlayStation 4 (# gamer :-) )and a small tablet with keyboard that I use as my on campus computer at the Gadget Shop, and then lots of paints and canvases at the book store! There are also specialty stores that have American foods, if you’re needing a taste of home!
Places to Eat
Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens
Tamambo, Karen Blixen
The Carnivore Restaurant
