Location

Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya. It lies in south-central Kenya, approximately 140 kilometres (87 miles) south of the Equator. The city is surrounded by 113 km² (70 mi²) of plains, cliffs, and forest that form the Nairobi National Park. It also borders the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley, with the Ngong Hills rising to the west. Mount Kenya lies to the north, while Mount Kilimanjaro sits to the south-east.

Nairobi is the most populous city in East Africa with an estimated population of about 3.5 million, making it the 14th largest city on the continent.

As Kenya’s capital and the main entry point for most visitors, Nairobi is well connected by leading international airlines and regional road networks that link it to major East African cities.

Tourism

Nairobi offers some of the most exciting tourist experiences in Africa. Recently ranked the Best City to Visit in 2024 by Lonely Planet, Nairobi is globally known as the Safari Capital of the World — the only capital city with a national park within its borders.

The city features a rich blend of history, culture, and modernity. As a melting pot of Kenyan cultures, Nairobi is home to significant architectural landmarks, museums, wildlife centres, and vibrant entertainment spots. It also serves as a major commercial hub for Eastern and Central Africa, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) providing world-class connectivity.

Nairobi hosts major international institutions such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat in Gigiri. Its business-friendly environment attracts global organizations and investors.

A visit to Nairobi offers rich culture and heritage, wildlife, adventure, nightlife, world-class cuisine, and excellent venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

Where to Visit

Nairobi’s must-visit attractions include:

• Nairobi National Park

• Nairobi Safari Walk

• Giraffe Centre

• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

• Karura Forest

• Mamba Village

• Bomas of Kenya

• Nairobi National Museum

• Nairobi Snake Park & Botanic Garden

• Karen Blixen Museum

• Railway Museum

• Nairobi Gallery

• Kenya National Archives

• Nairobi Arboretum

• Oloolua Nature Trail

• Uhuru Park & Central Park

• Uhuru Gardens

• Michuki Park & City Park

• Kazuri Beads

• GoDown Arts Centre

• Historical monuments, landmarks, and buildings

Nairobi National Museum

The Nairobi National Museum showcases Kenya’s history, culture, and natural heritage. Highlights include:

• Stuffed birds and mammals

• Fossil collections

• Local art exhibits

• Rocks and mineral displays

• Prehistoric bone collections

Visitors can purchase a combined ticket for the adjacent Snake Park. The museum also offers dining options, shops, and a serene botanical garden. It is located along Museum Hill Road and is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (EAT).

Bomas of Kenya

Bomas of Kenya is a living museum celebrating Kenya’s diverse tribal cultures. Visitors experience traditional homesteads (bomas), cultural performances, dances, music, and crafts. It is located in Lang’ata, about 10 km from the CBD.

Karen Blixen Museum

Once home to Danish author Karen Blixen — famous for Out of Africa — this museum sits at the foot of the Ngong Hills. Built in 1917, it preserves the life, writings, and legacy of the iconic author.

Kenya National Archives

Located in the CBD, the Archives house historical documents, artefacts, and exhibits showcasing Kenya’s political, cultural, and artistic heritage.

August 7th Memorial Park

Built on the former site of the U.S. Embassy, which was bombed in 1998, the memorial park features a landscaped garden, sculptural debris, a memorial wall, a museum, and an auditorium.

Giraffe Centre

A sanctuary for endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, where visitors can interact and feed the giraffes.

Nairobi Walking Tours

Guided walking tours introduce visitors to Nairobi’s historical evolution — from a railway depot to a modern metropolis. Key circuits include:

• Kenyatta Avenue

• River Road

• City Square

• Harry Thuku Road

The Railway Museum, part of many tours, showcases Kenya’s railway history with engines and colonial-era rolling stock.

Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC)

KICC is one of Kenya’s most iconic buildings and a premier venue for international conferences and exhibitions. Major events such as the Africa Climate Summit (2023) have been held here.

Karura Forest Reserve

One of the world’s largest urban forests, Karura offers a peaceful escape for jogging, biking, walking, picnicking, and bird watching. Key attractions include:

• Karura Caves

• Waterfalls

• Nature trails

• Bamboo forest

• Bike trails

• Colobus monkeys

• Picnic sites

Nairobi the Eventful City

Nairobi hosts major annual events, festivals, concerts, sports tournaments, marathons, and trade fairs.

The Nairobi Festival – “Vibe of the City”

Held every December at Uhuru Park, this festival celebrates Nairobi’s urban culture — fashion, food, music, art, matatu culture, film, and family activities.

Throughout the year, the city hosts concerts, exhibitions, sports events, and international conferences, attracting global celebrities and visitors.

Parks and Recreation

Nairobi’s recreational parks provide serene escapes from city life.

Uhuru Park

Attractions include:

• Boat rides

• Amusement park

• Picnic areas

• Historical monuments

• Skateboarding spots

• Children’s Road Safety Academy

Central Park

Popular for relaxation, picnics, reading, and photography.

City Park

Key attractions:

• Nature trails

• Bird watching

• Picnic sites

• Indigenous forest

• Historical sites

• Sykes monkeys

• Over 988 plant and animal species

Uhuru Gardens

Highlights:

• National monuments

• Jogging tracks

• Picnic areas

• Rich biodiversity

Nightlife

Nairobi is famously known as “the city that never sleeps.” The nightlife scene includes:

• Trendy clubs and lounges

• Restaurants and hotels