Two days is enough to see why Nairobi is unlike any other capital: wildlife in the morning, and good food and a night out in the evening. This plan assumes you stay in Westlands, Kilimani or Karen and use ride-hailing between stops.

Day one - wildlife

6am - Nairobi National Park. Start early for the best chance of lions and rhinos. A half-day tour with pickup is the easiest option. See Nairobi National Park.

11am - Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Watch orphaned baby elephants being fed during the late-morning visiting hour. Book in advance online.

1pm - Lunch in Karen. Karen has many garden restaurants.

2.30pm - Giraffe Centre. Feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes from a raised platform.

4pm - Karen Blixen Museum. The farmhouse from Out of Africa, with gardens looking towards the Ngong Hills.

Evening - Dinner. Try nyama choma (roast meat) - many visitors go to the famous Carnivore restaurant near Lang’ata. See Kenyan food and eating out.

Day two - the city

8am - Karura Forest. Walk or cycle past a waterfall and caves in a large forest inside the city. Bring your passport or ID for the entry fee.

11am - Nairobi National Museum. Kenya’s history, culture and wildlife, with a snake park next door.

1pm - Lunch in the city.

2.30pm - The city centre. See the KICC (with a rooftop view on a clear day), the Nairobi Gallery and City Market. Go with a guide or keep valuables out of sight.

5pm - Sunset drink. A rooftop bar in Westlands or Kilimani.

Evening - A night out. Westlands is the liveliest area. See Nightlife in Nairobi.

Getting around

Traffic is the biggest risk to any plan. Travel early, avoid rush hours (roughly 7 to 9am and 5 to 8pm), and use Uber, Bolt or Little rather than driving yourself. See Getting around Nairobi.

If you have a third day

Tips

  • Book Sheldrick ahead, and check opening times for everything.
  • Carry a card and some cash; most places take M-Pesa and cards.
  • Dress in layers - mornings can be cool. See Weather in Nairobi.
  • Read Safety in Nairobi before you go.

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