Discover Nairobi: Where Culture & Nature Converge

Giraffe Centre

If you’re unable to get reservations at Giraffe Manor, I have good news for you: you can still visit with and feed the SAME giraffes at the Giraffe Centre! This was the first stop I made on my first full day in Nairobi, and it was easily one of the best moments of my life (giraffes are my favorite animal!). When you’re done on the observation deck but not ready to leave, there’s a little cafe on site—so you can grab a coffee and continue to watch the giraffes from a distance.

Nairobi National Park

Did you know you can see the Big 5 without even leaving the city? Take the opportunity to do a game drive in Nairobi National Park for a chance to spot four of them: lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos all call the park home. This jaw-dropping safari experience is unique in that you can see the Nairobi skyline from the park, creating a juxtaposition unlike any other.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Sad about missing elephants at Nairobi National Park? This haven for orphaned elephants exists to protect Africa’s wildlife and preserve their habitats for the future. Every day from 11 am–noon, they have a public visit timed around the Nursery herd’s lunch, followed by a mud bath and play time. Staff will introduce you to each orphan, share their story, and teach you about the conservation work they’re doing across the country.

Karen Blixen Museum

Visit the former home of Danish author Karen Blixen, which was once a 6,000 acre farm used mostly for coffee farming. While there is a museum and plenty of opportunity to learn about coffee farming and the life of Karen Blixen, the house sits at the foot of the beautiful Ngong Hills. This property has stunning nature paths, offering a serene environment to enjoy nature. If you’re a birdwatcher, this is a great place to visit as several birds call the property home.

Nairobi National Museum

This museum is a highlight, as it features the entirety of Kenya’s history—from the early days of humankind to birds and mammals, to the origin of Kenya’s different communities and language groups, to the history of banking, trade, and exchange, the Nairobi National Museum has it all. If you’re looking to visit outside of the typical public hours, night tours can be arranged for groups of at least 10 people.

Masaai Market

If you’re looking to shop for souvenirs to take home, look no further than the Maasai Market. This open-air market sells a large variety of products, all beautifully handcrafted by the Maasai, and the location changes throughout the week. While bargaining is encouraged and part of the experience, please note that too much bargaining can hurt the vendors—remember, you want to support their business!

• Cultiva Farm, Karen: The best farm-to-table restaurant in Nairobi, focused on sustainability and organic ingredients. If you only have time for one meal in Nairobi, you should prioritize a visit to Cultiva. As a bonus, it is only a 10 minute drive from the Giraffe Centre.

• Hero Bar: Ranked #75 on the World’s Best Bars, this speakeasy-style restaurant with a superhero theme is crafting great cocktails, sushi, and small plates.

• Beit E Salam: Easily one of the top restaurants in Nairobi, Beit E Salam blends culinary traditions from across the continent to showcase the best of African cuisine.

• Al Fresco Restaurant at Hotel Boulevard Nairobi: If you’re short on time but want to experience a huge offering of the must-try Kenyan cuisine, the Al Fresco restaurant has a great menu featuring many of these dishes.

• Nana Swahili: For more traditional Swahili flavors, look no further than Nana Swahili. Serving comfort foods like chicken or beef pilau and various coconut curries, you’ll find there’s something on the menu for everyone.