Nairobi is the only capital with a national park inside its boundary, and much of the best of the city is outdoors. Every place below is on the map.
Wildlife
- Nairobi National Park - lions, rhino, giraffe, buffalo and hundreds of bird species, with the skyline behind them. Go early in the morning in your own car, with a guide, or on a tour. Park fees are paid online through the Kenya Wildlife Service; the gates do not take cash.
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - the orphaned elephant nursery. Visits are once a day and need to be booked in advance. You can also foster an elephant.
- Giraffe Centre - feed Rothschild’s giraffes from a raised platform in Lang’ata.
Forests and parks
- Karura Forest - trails for walking, running and cycling, a waterfall and caves, a short drive from Westlands.
- Nairobi Arboretum - a tree park good for a picnic or an early run.
- Ngong Road Forest - quieter trails between Ngong Road and Karen.
- Uhuru Park - boats on the lake and the city’s favourite weekend lawn.
Museums and culture
- Nairobi National Museum - Kenyan history, culture and natural history, with the Snake Park next door.
- Karen Blixen Museum - the farmhouse from Out of Africa.
- Bomas of Kenya - traditional homesteads and dance performances.
- Nairobi Railway Museum - steam locomotives and the story of the railway the city grew around.
- Nairobi Gallery and the Kenya National Archives - art and history in the CBD.
- KICC - go up to the rooftop for the best view of the city.
Markets
The travelling Maasai Market for crafts, City Market in the CBD, and the huge second-hand markets of Gikomba and Toi. See Shopping in Nairobi.
Food and nights out
See Kenyan food and eating out and Nightlife in Nairobi.
- Nyama choma on a weekend afternoon is the Nairobi institution. Carnivore, on Lang’ata Road, is the famous one for visitors.
- Westlands has the densest nightlife, from rooftop bars to clubs. Kilimani and Karen have quieter bars and restaurants.
- Go out by ride-hailing and come back the same way. See Safety in Nairobi.
Sport
Football in the Kenyan Premier League, rugby on weekends, horse racing at Ngong Racecourse, and athletics at the Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums. See Events.