Nairobi
Nairobi is East Africa's largest and most cosmopolitan city, a major international gateway, and a genuinely rewarding destination in its own right. Nairobi National Park sits just seven kilometres from the city centre and is home to lions, rhinos, giraffes, and over 400 bird species with the city skyline as backdrop. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offers daily baby elephant feeds, the Giraffe Centre allows feeding Rothschild's giraffes by hand, and the Karen Blixen Museum evokes the colonial Kenya of Out of Africa.
Attractions & Wildlife
Nairobi National Park
The world's only national park within a capital city — lions, black rhino, cheetahs, giraffes, zebra, buffalo, and over 400 bird species against the Nairobi skyline.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The world-famous baby elephant orphanage — watching orphaned elephants fed and mud-bathed by keepers at the 11am daily visiting hour is one of Nairobi's most moving experiences.
Giraffe Centre
Feed Rothschild's giraffes by hand at the Nairobi Giraffe Centre, which has also perfected the experience of the famous 'giraffe hotel', Giraffe Manor.
Karen & Westlands Food Scene
Nairobi's Karen suburb and Westlands neighbourhood have developed some of East Africa's finest restaurants, craft breweries, specialty coffee roasters, and artisan markets.
Photo Gallery
Our Insider Tips
Spend 1–2 nights — more is a bonus. Two nights allows the national park, Sheldrick Trust, Giraffe Centre, and a good dinner in Karen — and does the city proper justice.
Book Giraffe Manor well in advance. Giraffe Manor — the iconic hotel where giraffes put their heads through the breakfast window — books up 12+ months in advance.
Use Bolt or Uber — not metered taxis. Nairobi's Bolt and Uber services are safe, affordable, and reliable. Metered taxis and unlicensed operators at hotels charge 5–10x the app price.