Giraffe Centre
Feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes from a raised platform at a centre dedicated to their conservation and education.
Kenya Cities
Nairobi
Energetic, green and surprisingly wild, Nairobi is Kenya's capital and the gateway to East Africa's great safaris, the only city in the world with a national park on its doorstep.
- Location
- South-central Kenya
- Status
- Capital & largest city
- Altitude
- About 1,800 m
- Known For
- Safari gateway
Discover Nairobi
Where East African journeys begin.
Nairobi is Kenya's capital and largest city, a bustling, energetic place where many of our great journeys begin. From here, travellers set out for Ol Pejeta's rhinos, the Samburu Special Five, the flamingo shores of Lake Nakuru and the Big Five and migration of the Masai Mara, or continue south into Tanzania.
Sitting at around 1,800 m above sea level, Nairobi enjoys a pleasantly mild climate all year. It is a city of leafy suburbs, lively markets, excellent restaurants and a thriving arts scene, with wildlife experiences unlike any other capital: giraffes you can feed by hand, orphaned elephants, and lions and rhinos grazing within sight of the skyline.
Whether you spend a single night before flying on or a full day exploring, Nairobi offers a rewarding introduction to modern Kenya, its history and its conservation success stories.
Why Nairobi
More than a stopover.
Nairobi's mix of wildlife, culture and history makes a day or two here a highlight in its own right.
Orphaned Elephants
Watch baby elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nursery being fed and playing in the mud before their return to the wild.
Karen Blixen Museum
Visit the farmhouse of the author of Out of Africa, set in gardens at the foot of the Ngong Hills.
Nairobi National Museum
Explore Kenya's history, culture, art and prehistory, including important early human fossils.
Markets and Crafts
Browse the Maasai Market for beadwork, carvings and fabrics, or visit Kazuri Beads, where local women craft handmade ceramic jewellery.
Gateway to Safari
With two airports and good road links, Nairobi is the perfect launch point for Kenya and northern Tanzania.
Location
Where is Nairobi?
Nairobi lies in south-central Kenya, on the edge of the Athi Plains and close to the Great Rift Valley. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the main international hub for East Africa, while Wilson Airport handles light aircraft flights to the Masai Mara, Samburu, Amboseli, Laikipia and the coast.
Nairobi is about 270 km from Arusha, roughly 5 to 6 hours by road via the Namanga border, or a short flight. The Masai Mara is around 5 to 6 hours' drive, Ol Pejeta and Mount Kenya 3 to 4 hours, Lake Nakuru about 3 hours, and the Madaraka Express train links the city with Mombasa on the coast.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Nairobi story.
Thanks to its altitude, Nairobi is mild all year, with two dry seasons and two rainy periods.
Short Dry Season
Warm, sunny days and pleasant evenings, ideal for city sightseeing before a safari.
Long Rains
Afternoon downpours and greener surroundings; sightseeing is still easy between showers.
Long Dry Season
Cool, dry weather with crisp mornings, the busiest safari season across Kenya.
Short Rains
Brief showers and warm sunshine, with the city lively over the festive season.
What is the best month to visit Nairobi?
Nairobi can be visited year-round, and its weather rarely gets in the way of sightseeing.
Warm and dry, a lovely month for city tours before a safari.
Sunny and warm, one of the most pleasant months of the year.
The long rains begin, with afternoon showers and greener gardens.
The wettest month, though mornings are often bright.
Rains ease and the city's jacarandas and gardens look lush.
Cooler and drier as the main safari season begins.
The coolest month, with crisp mornings and evenings.
Cool and dry, with the city busy with migration travellers.
Dry and comfortable, ideal for combining city sights with a safari.
Warm and dry, with jacaranda trees coming into purple bloom.
Short rains bring brief showers between sunny spells.
Warm, with showers easing and a lively festive atmosphere.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Nairobi.
From leafy suburbs to the busy city centre, each part of Nairobi offers something different.
Karen and Lang'ataGiraffes, Elephants and Out of AfricaNairobi's leafy south-western suburbs, home to the Giraffe Centre, the Sheldrick elephant nursery, the Karen Blixen Museum and Kazuri Beads.
City centreMuseums and HistoryThe Nairobi National Museum, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre and the historic heart of the city.
Southern edgeNairobi National ParkA wild park on the city's doorstep, with lions, rhinos and giraffes grazing against the skyline.
Westlands and GigiriDining and MarketsVibrant neighbourhoods with restaurants, shopping and rotating Maasai Market days.
Lang'ataBomas of KenyaA cultural centre showcasing traditional homesteads, music and dances from Kenya's many communities.
Beyond the cityNgong HillsRolling green hills south-west of Nairobi, offering walks and views over the Rift Valley.
Giraffes and Elephants
A wildlife morning in the city.
Start with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nursery, where orphaned baby elephants come in for their late-morning feed and mud bath while keepers share their rescue stories. Then head to the Giraffe Centre to meet endangered Rothschild's giraffes eye to eye.
Finish with lunch in Karen and a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, or browse for crafts before setting off on safari the next morning.
Safaris to 中文
Tours that start in Nairobi
Kenya and East Africa safaris that begin or end in Nairobi.
Kenya · 11 days
11-Day Kenya Elephant Odyssey: Echoes of the Giants
Amboseli · Tsavo West · Tsavo East
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Kenya · 12 days
12-Day Across Wild Kenya: Where Rhinos Roam
Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Lake Nakuru · Masai Mara · Lake Naivasha
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
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The story behind Nairobi.
Nairobi takes its name from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi, meaning cool water, after a stream that flowed across the area. In 1899 it was established as a supply depot on the Uganda Railway, which ran from Mombasa towards Lake Victoria, and it grew so quickly that it became the capital of British East Africa in the early 20th century.
After Kenya's independence in 1963, Nairobi became the capital of the new nation and has since grown into one of Africa's most important cities, a hub for business, diplomacy and conservation and home to major United Nations offices. Today it is a vibrant, multicultural city that reflects the full diversity of Kenya.
Is Nairobi worth visiting?
Yes. A day in Nairobi offers unique wildlife experiences such as the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick elephant nursery, as well as museums and markets.
How long should I stay in Nairobi?
One or two nights is ideal before or after a safari, giving time for the main sights without rushing.
How far is Nairobi from Arusha?
About 270 km, roughly 5 to 6 hours by road via the Namanga border, or a short flight.
Which airport do safari flights use?
International flights arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, while most flights to safari camps leave from Wilson Airport.
Is Nairobi safe for tourists?
Like any large city, it is best to take sensible precautions. With our guides and transfers, visitors enjoy the city safely.
What is the weather like in Nairobi?
Mild all year thanks to its altitude, with warm days, cool evenings and two rainy seasons.
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