The 10 Best Places to Visit in Nairobi – Kenya
Last updated on April 4th, 2023 at 01:46 am
Nairobi is one of the largest cities in East Africa and the capital of Kenya. It is a melting pot for many different cultures, tribes, and religions. From bustling markets to historic landmarks, this safari capital has activities for everyone.
However, there are some places that will appeal to people who like exploring; these are called hidden gems. Here are our recommendations for the best places to visit in Nairobi.
1. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is renowned wildlife conservation and education trust. Established in 1974, it has successfully conserved over 125 wild species in Kenya and is also responsible for reintroducing 10 species back into the wild in a safe and secure environment.
The trust is well known for rescuing orphaned elephants from poachers and providing them with long-term care. It also houses a large number of lions, leopards and other African wildlife species.
The trust is located about 30 minutes drive from Nairobi’s city centre. Visitors can get up close and personal with the Trust’s Wildlife in the Trust’s Gardens and Elephant Backyard or in its Elephant Stables.
There is also an Elephant Language Centre where you can learn to interact with elephants through sign language.
2. Nairobi Safari Walk
Nairobi Safari Walk is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of safari walking in Nairobi. This is the best place to go if you are a beginner or a pro looking to brush up your safari walking skills.
Nairobi Safari Walk has a wide variety of walking trails that cover all different types of terrain.
3. National Museum of Kenya
The National Museum of Kenya is a great place to visit if you love history. The museum is home to one of the largest collections of artefacts and archaeological finds in the country.
It also has a great ethnographic collection that is used to educate visitors about the country’s diverse cultures. If you are visiting the city during the day, it would be a good idea to visit the museum first and then explore the city at night.
If you plan to visit the National Museum of Kenya, be sure to bring a guidebook or a smartphone app to help you navigate your way around the museum’s vast collection.
4. Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is a tourist destination in Nairobi that showcases the traditional villages of most Kenyan tribes.
Bomas of Kenya is a living museum that showcases and honors the diverse tribes of Kenya. The lifestyle, music, art, and culture of each tribe in the hamlet can be learned there.
Since 1973, the Bomas Harambee Dancers have proudly represented the richness and diversity of Kenya’s musical and dance traditions as the nation’s foremost national dance company.
5. Giraffe Centre
Giraffe Centre is the only place in the world where you can walk among giraffes. This is a unique experience that can only be had in a handful of places around the world.
Giraffe Centre is located in the plains of Savuti, just outside of Nairobi. Visitors can walk amongst the Giraffes, Zebras and Antelopes on the savanna or in the Rainforest. The centre is a good place to learn more about the animals that reside in the centre and also where they came from.
Visitors can walk amongst the giraffes in different enclosures with various depths to allow for a variety of giraffe experiences.
6. Maasai Ostrich Farm
If you are a wildlife lover and you want to visit a place that is literally off the beaten track, then visit the Maasai Ostrich Farm. Maasai Ostrich Farm is one of the few places in the world where you can see ostriches in their natural habitat.
These are large flightless birds that are native to Africa. Visitors can walk amongst the ostriches in a large enclosed area that has a variety of trees, shrubs and grass. The farm also has a cafe and a gift shop where you can purchase ostrich souvenirs.
The best time to visit the Maasai Ostrich Farm is between the months of October and March when ostriches are flocking to the farm to mate.
7. Mamba Village
East Africa’s largest crocodile farm, the Nairobi Mamba Village, occupies more than 30 acres of land. Additionally, there are a few ostriches that you can occasionally feed and see wandering around the area.
The Nairobi Mamba Village Restaurant offers you a wonderful indoor and outdoor experience with special elements of African inspired decor, picturesque gardens, and an amazing view of a man-made lake.
8. Karen Blixen Museum
Those visiting Nairobi for the first time might be surprised to learn that this museum is named after the famous author Karen Blixen. Karen Blixen was a Danish woman who moved to Kenya and later became one of the country’s most famous authors.
Her writing inspired many people to travel to Africa. Karen Blixen was featured in the book ‘Out of Africa’ along with the famous writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The book is about how two friends set out to find a new life in Africa and how one of them would later become a famous writer. It is a great read about the African adventure story.
To get the most out of your trip to Nairobi, you might want to visit the Karen Blixen Centre. It is a centre for knowledge, research and learning about the famous author.
9. Kazuri Beads & Pottery Centre
The Beads and Pottery Centre is one of the best places to visit in Nairobi. Located in the central business district of the city, it is a great place to visit during the day while exploring the many sights of the city.
The Beads and Pottery Centre is the best place to buy ethnic items such as pottery, beads and other tribal arts and crafts. It is a good place to buy something unique for yourself or for a loved one.
The centre is open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and visitors can walk through various shops, each with items from different tribes across the country.
10. Karura Forest
Karura Forest located on the outskirts of Nairobi is an ideal place for walking or cycling. Visitors to Karura can walk, run, or ride a bike on five trails covering more than 50 km.
About 200 different bird species can be seen here. Wildlife in the forest includes the recently re-introduced Colobus monkeys, bush baby, bushbuck, bush pig, porcupine, duiker, genet, dik-dik, African civet and fruit bats.
