Nairobi

Understand

History The word Nairobi is derived from a water hole known in Maasai as Enkare Nyorobi, which means "cool waters". Nairobi, which had been a swamp area, was founded in 1899 as a railway camp for the Uganda Railway. By 1905, the city had become the capital of Kenya (then the British East Africa Protectorate), supplanting Mombasa and Machakos, the previous capitals. With the spread of plagues in the early 1900s, the town was burnt down and had to be rebuilt. Having a railway helped it to grow rapidly, becoming the second largest city in Kenya behind Mombasa. Nairobi also grew due to administration and tourism businesses (mostly big game hunting). The British presence led to the creation of big hotels primarily for the British hunters. After independence, some descendants of the British settlers remained in Nairobi and obtained Kenyan citizenship, and today form Kenya's white community. Nairobi also has an East Indian community, who are the descendants of the labourers who built the railway and the merchants who set up shop during colonial times. After independence, Nairobi airport became the principal entrance point to Kenya and it still is today, although it has lost some of its importance to Mombasa.

Climate

Nairobi has a subtropical highland climate. At 1,795 metres above sea level, evenings may be cool, especially in the June/July season, when the temperature can drop to 9 °C. The sunniest and warmest part of the year is from December to March, when temperatures average in the mid-twenties Celsius during the day. The mean maximum temperature for this period is 24 °C.

Tourist information There does not seem to be a physical general tourist office in Nairobi. The Kenyan Tourist Board's website Magical Kenya has information about the capital too.

Getting there

For general information about visas and vaccinations, etc., see the Kenya article.

By plane 1 JKIA Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO IATA) (is 15 km (9.3 mi) south-east from the centre of the city). Nairobi’s main airport, and one of Africa's largest hubs. Terminal 1A section is linked to Terminal 1B and 1C by walkways both airside and landside. Terminal 1A has a small food court upstairs airside, and there is a Nairobi Java House between the two terminals airside. Terminal 1B is completed since renovations in 2022 and it serves departures. Terminal 1C has very little except for 10 small shops all selling the same souvenirs. Terminal 1A has a two small shops with a better selection of duty-free and souvenirs. There are Ecobank & Cooperative bank & I&M no withdrawal fee ATMs at the airport or at the cargo terminal. (updated Dec 2022)

Airlines Kenya Airways (KQ) is the national airline of Kenya, and used to be one of the largest and most reputable airlines in Africa, connections from as far as New York JFK (a direct 15-hr flight), a couple of major European and Asian airports and the largest African airports. As of 2025 the airport is also served by major African, Middle Eastern and European airlines, China Southern and Indigo.

Transfers If taking a taxi from JKIA, use a reputable taxi. Many are waiting outside to give you conveyance, and the cost should be very near Ksh 2,000 to the city centre; Westlands or places more west or north will be more. There is an official KAA taxi desk just after you exit the customs area, where you can buy a fixed-price voucher, and they will escort you to a taxi. When taking a taxi to your accommodation, do not be inveigled into taking their recommendation for accommodation. Uber or Bolt costs from Ksh 900 from airport to the centre. Airport Bus: To the city centre, Airport Bus #34 for Ksh 100 (as of 2023). You get the bus by walking on the road from the international airport terminal to the cargo terminal, or from in front of the Ambassador Hotel on Moi Avenue in the city centre. 6:00-20:00. The bus trip can take 2 hours in bad traffic, and may be inconvenient if you have big luggage.

Wilson Airport 2 Wilson Airport (WIL IATA). 11 km (7 mi) south from the city's centre, handles mainly domestic flights (and international flights to nearby destinations including Entebbe, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar) and general aviation. There is no official taxi desk at Wilson, and each airline operates out of its own terminal. It may be difficult to arrange a reputable taxi on arrival, but there are plenty at the kerb.

Getting around

Be careful getting around Nairobi. Traffic is very bad like any other major city, but if you use common sense and a local or guide you should be able to get where you want.

By car

Hiring a car is convenient as it allows you the freedom to explore Nairobi at your own pace. Most rental companies in Nairobi offer self-drive and chauffeured options respectively. You will find that a large fleet of cars available for hire are Japanese: Toyota, Nissan or Mitsubishi. You can hire both automatic and manual transmission. All rental cars are right-hand drive. Hiring a vehicle with a driver or chauffeur is advisable due to the generally lower standards of driving, average to poor road conditions and the overall cost effectiveness of not having to pay a deposit on hiring a vehicle which is the case with a self drive vehicle. The car rental rates are often determined by the number of days and estimated mileage per day. Some car hire companies will give you a rate that is 50% cheaper but either give you a contract with a clause limiting you to visit the specific locations, an old car or require a hefty deposit. The rates are cheaper if you are hiring the car for a week, a month or are looking for a lease. Most car rental rates include unlimited mileage, PSV comprehensive insurance, theft and damage waivers. The driver and fuel are charged separately with some companies requiring that you hire a driver if you are taking a large 4X4/4WD (e.g. a Toyota Prado, Land Cruiser j70, Range Rover, Land Cruiser VX, Land Rover discovery). Although a good number of local car hire companies are reliable, you should either take photos of the car before the hire, or carefully note the dents or scratches on the car and agree. In addition, carefully read the rental contract to check for rules on insurance liabilities in case of accident or theft of the vehicle. Here are some reliable car hire companies in Kenya:

Nairobi Car Hire offer good services for 4x4 and other categories of cars. Central Car Hire are a reliable, trustworthy and helpful rental company based in Nairobi. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles are available and are well maintained. Nairobi Car Hire Services provided by Hire N' Drive Kenya Limited who are very flexible with their rental terms and reliable. They accept credit card payment online with a very credible refund processing system. They also have a wide fleet of cars available at all major airports in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret. Elite Car Rental Kenya although their offices are located in Kikuyu Town, they are a reliable car ren

See

Nairobi is known as the safari capital of Africa; however, the city has still managed to keep up with modernization. Unlike other cities, Nairobi is surrounded by 113 km² (70 mi²) of plains, cliffs and forest that makes up the city’s Nairobi National Park. The city is filled with many things to do during the day and the night. Tourists can have their pick from numerous safaris (wildlife, cultural, sport, adventure, scenic and specialist), ecotourism tours, restaurants, culture, shopping and entertainment. While in Nairobi, tourists can also engage in numerous sports from golf, rugby, athletics, polo, horse-racing, cricket and football (soccer).

1 Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) (Central District). The best place to get that far ranging view over the sprawling, congested metropolis that is Nairobi. You can go up to the saucer-shaped top of the conference centre's round viewing tower and depending on smog and fog, you might be able to see as far as the slums and the national park. Ksh 400, Ksh 200 reduced. (updated Dec 2025) 2 August 7 Memorial Park (US Embassy Bombings Memorial Site) (Central District). In 1998 a truck bomb blast rocked downtown Nairobi. The US Embassy building had been the target of a terrorist attack, reducing it to rubble and killing 213 people, mostly bystanders, and leaving more than 4,000 injured. On the same day, the US embassy in Dar es Salaam was also subject to a similar attack which killed 11 people and injured 85. 21 people were charged, including Osama Bin Laden. The former embassy site today contains a memorial park, with a monument engraved with the names of every victim. Ksh 30. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Westlands by night. Visit the bustling and hip Westlands district, which has turned into the new nightlife centre of Nairobi. Many restaurants and bars line the busy Woodvale Grove and Mpaka Road. A visit to 'Tree house' club is a must if you are looking for a spacious one and crowd outnumbered with expats, rather than the otherwise congested natives dominated ones. Traffic can become hectic, well into the early hours. Security is generally tight and the action spills out from packed clubs into the street. (updated Dec 2025) 4 UN Office at Nairobi (UN Complex Gigiri), United Nations Ave, ☏ +254 20 762 2034, [email protected]. Sitting between the Karura Forest and the US Embassy, it houses international organisations such as the UN Environmental Programme, UN-HABITAT and is the basis of all UN operations in Africa. Africa's first completely carbon- and water-neutral building was opened here in 2011. Guided tours a

Do

Art and shopping 1 Go-Down Arts Centre (South of Centre), ☏ +254 20 555770. A former warehouse turned arts centre - this has also happened in Nairobi and this spot allows you to get a glimpse of what contemporary Kenyan artists are up to, including exhibitions, performances and discussions. 2 Kazuri Beads shop. Started in 1977 the workshop of beads is adjacent to Karen Blixen's Museum. It was started by an English woman to provide sustainable income to poor Kenyan women. Has beautiful jewellery created of clay brought from the areas surrounding Mt. Kenya. 3 Village Market. Visit Village Market and Sherlocks.

Food and drink Try excellent food. Nairobi has a great variety of international food. For more information see the Eat section. Nightlife. Go dancing and be a part of Nairobi's excellent nightlife. For more information see the Drink-section.

Local life 4 Oloo’s Children Center (OCC) (Kibera), ☏ +1 616 987-1106. Lend a hand at the volunteer-operated school, take a tour of Kibera, and have a cup of tea with the OCC Founder. The founder of the school lives in Kibera and works to provide children in need with education and meals.

Sports and physical activities Ice-skating. Go ice-skating at Panari. The 5 Ngong Racecourse - Horse flat-racing takes place three Sundays a month, and is a great way to spend an afternoon. Hiking: there are several good hiking places near Nairobi, e.g. in the Chyulu Hills or Ngong Hills. The Ngong Forest Reserve is 25 km south west of Nairobi. It is a popular walking and picnicking venue. In Ngong is a station where you have to pay the park entry fee, and those who want to also for a guide. There is only one route, the walk from Ngong to Corner Baridi (Kiserian), which takes about 4–5 hr; you hardly can get lost. Also organized hiking tours are offered. Other nice places for hiking are the Mount Longonot National Park and the Menengai Crater, a massive shield volcano with one of the biggest calderas in the world, in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya. It is the largest volcano caldera in Kenya and the second largest volcano caldera in Africa

Safari Nairobi is the capital of safaris in Kenya. There are tour operators from budget to world class all over the city. Yet it is not easy find the best fitting. For important things to consider when booking see Kenya#Safaris.

Buy

Money Most transactions are cash only, so it is best to have enough cash on hand to pay for purchases and transport. Cash is dispensed in units of Ksh 1,000. Many smaller businesses will not have much change, so before going shopping for curios be sure to have a good selection of smaller notes. On the other hand many stores will accept international credit cards. All big supermarket chains accept credit cards without a surcharge. Exchange bureaux are found in many parts of the city where tourists are common. They will exchange cash of different currencies, and may also accept a personal cheque for Kenyan cash. They will want a photocopy of your passport before they exchange money. Rates are not bad, but will be worse than a banking machine will offer. Many exchange bureaus and hotels will not accept or exchange American currency printed before 2000. When the exchange bureaus do accept pre-2000 notes, they typically offer substantially lower exchange rates than for currency printed after 2000. Exchange rates are also typically lower for small denomination currency than for US$100 and $50 bills. There are ATMs in major shopping areas of Nairobi and in the airport. Ecobank. Cooperative Bank, Gt Bank, NCBA, Sidian bank, DTB, I&M charges no fees for withdrawals (e.g. by Visa or Mastercard) through their ATMs. Absa and Standard Chartered Bank, Stanbic, Equity, BOA, KCB have a minimum Ksh 400-700 ATM fee for overseas cards at all their ATMs. Eco Bank has ATMs in 36 African countries. Another option for payment is the M-Pesa app. It is a mobile phone-based platform used for most money transactions in Kenya. M-Pesa agents are available all over Kenya. You can use the platform instead of carrying cash around for safety purposes. This may also be a good place to repeat the warning about safety. Pickpockets are rampant in Nairobi and have been known to keep an eye on people getting cash from a machine. It is best to carry cash in a hidden pouch rather than a wallet. Men should not carry their wallets in their back pockets, and women should not carry their purses to the side or behind them, particularly in busy locations.

Maasai Market For local curios and souvenirs, the most easily accessible and tourist-friendly is the Maasai Market. Prepare to haggle and as a guide, pay about half to two-thirds of the asking price. It takes place Tuesday-Sunday on different places around the city according to the following schedule (as of 2024):

Tuesday: 1 Kijabe Street opposite the Norfolk Hotel - for slightly better prices. This market is less secure, but is larger and off

Eat

Nairobi has a wide range of Indian restaurants that speaks to the significant South Asian community in Kenya. The city also offers other restaurants specializing in different European and Asian cuisine. Restaurants serving international cuisines can be found in downtown and in the areas of Westlands, Hurlingham, Kilimiani, and Lavington. Among the many cuisines available are Italian, Brazilian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, German and French restaurants. In addition, there are several local restaurants that cater to local cuisine like sukuma wiki (green spinach-like vegetable, 'Kale' in English), ugali (corn bread, ground maize flour and made to a tasty white bread/porridge form), nyama choma (literally: meat roast), chapati and other specialities. There are also many of the internationally well-known fast-food chains in the city and they are also very popular with the Kenyan youth.

Budget 1 Hot dishes (5 restaurants around Nairobi). A chain restaurant serving local food. Several venues in Nairobi CBD. Spacious with ample seating, reasonably clean. Mains Ksh 180-450 ksh. (updated Dec 2025) 2 KK Restaurant, Koinange Street and Standard Street (in CBD of Nairobi), ☏ +254 718210110. 06:00-19:00. A downtown eatery well-known for featuring economical African fare such as beef stew with managu, goat meat, grilled tilapia, porridge, maize, njahi, minji, kienyeji, etc, plus breakfasts. Sometimes service can be a bit slow, but it is a well-liked place. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Roast House, Ngariama Lane. In the city centre facing the matatu station on Tom Mboya Rd. Regular local prices with more selection, excellent food, friendly service. Very busy at lunchtime. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Habesha, Arwings Kodek Road. daily 9AM-11PM. Near Yaya centre- great Ethiopian food for around USD5-6, although they serve Nescafé coffee rather than the traditional Ethiopian freshly-roasted beans. around Ksh 1000. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Red Sea, Mbono Road. An authentic Eritrean restaurant located on the top floor of China Centre on Ngong Road near the Chinese embassy. Meals cost around Ksh 500 and the food is excellent, with nice traditional coffee ceremony. (updated Dec 2025)

Mid-range Nairobi has a fantastic array of mid-range eateries.

6 Abyssinia Exotic Ethiopian Restaurant, Muguga Green, Off Brookside Grove, Off Waiyaki Way, ☏ +254 725 3515 1515. An Ethiopian restaurant with delicious food. Mains from Ksh 500-800. (updated Dec 2025) Java House. With quite a few locations, including The Junction, ABC Place, and close to the United Nations, features a western coffee house menu,

Drink & nightlife

1 New Florida Clubs (F1), Kenyatta Avenue/Koinage Street. The New Florida, locally known as Madhouse or Madi, is in the heart of Nairobi on Koinange Street. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Pango (F3):, Harambee Avenue, ☏ +254 20 229-036, [email protected]. Commerce House, 1st Floor. The latest addition to the Florida Group. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Shooters & Dips Cocktail Lounge, Mombasa Road (Panari Sky Centre,Mombasa Road opp Simba Colt Offices,5km from JKIA), ☏ +254 787 637948. Daily from 17:00. Handpicked music by the DJ. The bar offers a varied food menu along with a long list of signature cocktails, fine wines and liquors. Ksh 250. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Mercury Lounge ABC, ABC Place (Off Waiyaki Way), ☏ +254 722 309947. Daily 16:00-late. An upmarket modern cocktail and tapas bar. A delicious tapas and bitings menu, and the best cocktails and high end spirits array in Nairobi. All major imported and local wine and beers are available chilled to perfection. A popular hangout for expats, well to do locals and local business leaders. Ample parking and good security make this one of Nairobi's more popular spots. Shooters and cocktails range US$3-6 with shooters and high end, globally popular wines and spirits USD6-15. All major credit cards accepted.. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Klub House 1 (K1), Ojijo Road (is located along Ojijo Road in Parklands), ☏ +254 20 374 9870, [email protected]. Live music, cocktails. (updated Dec 2025) 6 Choices Lounge and Restaurant, Karen Road, ☏ +254 72 648 5228, [email protected]. Great place to watch Formula 1. (updated Dec 2025) 7 Black Diamond (Mradi). Many expats and travellers and has a cover band that plays very good music. A lot of ladies of the night here, always after the expats. (updated Dec 2025) 8 Havana:, 33 Woodvale Grove, ☏ +254 795 984345. It's an expats' favourite on Thursdays nights. The live band on Saturdays attracts a good cosmopolitan crowd. Bar snacks available throughout the night. (updated Dec 2025) 9 Cockpit. Langata Road not just popular with Wilson Airport pilots (updated Dec 2025) 10 Club LA, Tom Mboya Street. 8PM -till late. One of the nice dance club & night clubs in Nairobi. A beer from Ksh 200. Soft drink from Ksh 150. has a Facebook page. best nights are Friday and Saturday. No fee to go in. (updated Dec 2025) 11 Santuri Salon Spotlight Sessions, Ring Road Parklands (The Mall (basement level) in Westlands). monthly event for upcoming East African music (updated Dec 2025)

Sleep

Budget The area around Tom Mboya Street & River Road has a lot of low cost hotels. Budget accommodation in Nairobi is from Ksh 1000 for a single room.

1 Milimani Backpackers & Safari Centre, Oldeani Crescent, ☏ +254 718 919 020. It has internet, WiFi, hot showers, and bar. They offer dorms, doubles, singles, twins, camping space, permanent tents, and cabins. Milimani also offers safaris and other trips. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Manyatta Backpackers, Milimani Road, ☏ +254 722 466 765. Six-person dorm. hot water showers. free wifi. This backpackers is near downtown Nairobi. 20 min walk. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Destiny Hotel, Duruma Road (downtown Nairobi), ☏ +254 20 2253 1236. Check-in: 10am, check-out: 10AM. Single room with own hot water bathroom. nice clean good value for money hotel. great place for backpackers and travelers. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Jungle Junction campground, Karen Kongoni Road. (near Ngiri road.), ☏ +254 722-752865. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Camping, dorm beds, room with own bathroom. Warm showers, fast internet, good kitchen, laundry service. Also kitchen for cooking own food available as well as common room. Workshop for overland vehicles on site. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Mad Vervet Backpackers Hostel, 55 Chalbi Dive House number A3 (4.2 miles from the centre), ☏ +254 718 340 134. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. 4/6 bed dorm, double room shared lounge tv area, laundry, shared kitchen, garden, safety depost box, bar,. (updated Dec 2025) 6 Inks hotel, Latema Junction River Road CBD, ☏ +254 707 353 937, [email protected]. Check-in: 11:00, check-out: 10:00. Single/double room with own hotwater bathroom. 24-hour front desk, bar, free wifi, flat screen TV, safe box. (updated Dec 2025) 7 Hotel Africana, Dubois Rd, ☏ +254 757 916 555. Check-out: 10:00. Simple rooms with hot water bathroom. free WiFi. (updated Dec 2025)

Mid-range 8 Olive Gardens Hotel, Argwings Kodhek Rd, Hurlingham (Opposite Nairobi Women's Hospital), ☏ +254 20 2737854, +254 20 2727777. 62 rooms. (updated Dec 2025) 9 Ole-Sereni Hotel (Sarovar Hotels & Resorts), Mombasa Rd (5 km from Jomo Kenyatta international airport off Mombasa Rd opposite Zain offices), ☏ +254 20 390 1000, [email protected]. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. Wildlife resort overlooking the Nairobi National Game Park. (updated Dec 2025) 10 Savannah Sands Executive Apartments., Off Ngong Road (behind Nairobi Baptist Church), ☏ +254 20 2710116. Features furnished and serviced apartments, as well as unfurnished and unserviced apartments. (updated Dec 2025) 11 DusitD2, 14 Riverside Drive, Riverside

Go next

Kisumu Kakamega Rainforest: the last primeval rainforest in the country, and home to various monkeys and hundreds of bird species Lake Naivasha is worth at least a day's visit and has enough to keep you occupied for two or three days. Lakeshore country clubs are a good place for lunch. You can take a boat ride on the lake to see hippos, go for a walk among zebra and giraffes on Crescent Island, ride thoroughbred horses among zebra, giraffes and wildebeest at the Sanctuary Farm, and ride bicycles among wildlife and dramatic scenery at Hell's Gate National Park. Nakuru National Park, although further afield, deservedly warrants a 1-night stay for a late-afternoon and early-morning game drive. Maasai Mara National Reserve: Kenya's most important National Park Mount Longonot National Park: Daytrip to hike on a 2700m volcano Aberdare National Park: known for high population of rhinos Ol Pejeta Conservatory provides a sanctuary for great apes and rhinos