10 Best Things to do During your visit to Nairobi Kenya: Kenya’s capital is East Africa’s most lively metropolis, and it’s worth spending some time here before venturing out on safari.
- Visit the Giraffe Centre.
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi city promises more up-close wildlife encounters. And, like the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, it mixes serious conservation with a personal introduction to a creature you may see on safari.
Since the 1970s, the institution has been home to endangered Rothschild giraffes, and visitors may interact with these beautiful beasts from an elevated wooden platform. The center has released hundreds of individuals of the species into several national parks around the country.
- Explore Nairobi National Park.
While other cities have zoos, Nairobi has its own national park. Where else in the world can you see really wild black rhinos and lions against the backdrop of city skyscrapers, followed by lunch or supper at one of Africa’s most exciting big-city eating scenes?
Gazelles, warthogs, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and buffaloes are all common sightings in Nairobi National Park. If you’re extremely lucky, you might spot cheetahs and leopards. All of this happens before your safari even begins.
- Visit Karen Blixen’s House and Museum.
Many visitors to Nairobi regard seeing Karen Blixen’s, also known as Isak Dinesen) former house to be a must-do. This beautiful colonial villa in the lush outlying Nairobi district of Karen evokes Out of Africa nostalgia: the film’s real-life heroine resided here from 1914 until 1931. This is the genuine thing; the film was shot elsewhere.
- Visit the Elephant Orphanage at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located on the outskirts of Nairobi National Park, is one of the most memorable sites to visit in Nairobi. The Trust has been caring for orphaned animals, particularly elephants, since 1977.
Visit at 11 a.m. to see the keepers bottle-feed the youngest set of newborn elephants, who then joyfully wallow in the mud. It is part of a long-term endeavor to eventually return these elephants to the wild. It’s also tremendous fun.
- Nairobi National Museum.
Additionally, there are several areas of interest in downtown Nairobi, but the National Museum is undoubtedly the most intriguing. You may spend a whole morning or afternoon here, reflecting on Kenya’s incredibly rich human and natural history.
Begin with some of the earliest human fossils and progress to exhibitions celebrating the country’s varied human civilizations. Visit the animal and bird exhibitions along the route. There is also a Snake Park.
- Go shopping in Karen.
Karen, a peaceful area west of central Nairobi, is one of Africa’s top shopping destinations. Utamaduni and the boutique-style Souk provide an incredible selection of crafts, while Matbronze offers magnificent bronzes, mostly with a wildlife theme.
- Take some Kazuri Beads and Pottery Classes.
Don’t miss out on visiting Karen’s amazing craft center. It was founded in 1975 to offer jobs for local single moms. The free tour takes you through the whole production process, from the factory floor where raw clay is sculpted to the kilns where the beads are burnt. The opportunity to sit down with the women and see their work will most likely be the highlight of your stay. There is, of course, a gift shop.
- Visit Kenyatta International Conference Centre.
Getting to the top of one of Nairobi’s tallest buildings must rank high – literally – on any list of things to do in Nairobi. The view from the 27th floor, far above the frenetic city streets, is spectacular, and it’s just how a marabout stork would see it; if you’re lucky, these distinctive birds will be circling close.
- Explore the Nightlife in Westlands.
The place knows how to party, and joining locals for a night out in Westlands is one of the most memorable things to do in Nairobi. Dress to impress and visit Alchemist or Havana Bar for cocktails and dancing. Stay till morning or take your choice of the many other possibilities in the vicinity.
- Nyama choma, or grilled meat, is popular among Kenyans. When they are denied something, they fantasize about it. They dispute incessantly about which location does it best. Carnivore has been a Nairobi safari tourist favorite for decades, with all-you-can-eat barbecues of beef, hog, lamb, chicken, crocodile, and ostrich meat. You won’t be able to look an animal in the eyes again.
