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Browse and explore the best travel guides in Nairobi.
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and East Africa's largest hub, with a metro population of around 4.4 million. It is the only major capital in the world with a national park within the city limits - Nairobi National Park, where lions, rhinos, and giraffes roam against a backdrop of skyscrapers.
The city is the natural arrival point for safaris to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu, and a stop in its own right for the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage, the Giraffe Centre, the Karen Blixen Museum, and a growing food, art, and music scene around Westlands and Kilimani.
Country
Kenya
Region
Nairobi County
Population
~4.4 million metro
Elevation
~1,795 m
Time Zone
EAT (UTC+3)
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Language
Swahili, English; both official
Nearest Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Airport to City Centre
~16 km / 30-60 min by taxi (traffic dependent)
Typical Cost Level
Mid-range
Transport Pass
Uber/Bolt apps; matatu minibuses; no formal tourist pass
Spring (Mar-May)
13-26°C, long rains - greenest landscapes
Summer (Jun-Aug)
10-23°C, cool dry season, peak safari
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
13-27°C, warmer, short rains November
Winter (Dec-Feb)
13-28°C, dry, sunny, second peak
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June to October is the cool dry season - peak safari time. January and February are warmer and also dry, with excellent wildlife viewing. The long rains (March-May) and short rains (November-December) bring lush landscapes and quieter lodges.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is around 16 km southeast of central Nairobi. Uber, Bolt, and Little Cab apps offer fixed rides for around KES 1,500-2,500. Travel time is 30 minutes off-peak but can hit 90 minutes in the morning rush.
Uber and Bolt apps are by far the easiest, safest, and cheapest way to get around. Matatu minibuses are local and inexpensive but confusing for first-time visitors. Walking after dark is not recommended outside hotel areas in Westlands, Karen, and Gigiri.
Two days is enough for the David Sheldrick orphanage, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, and a morning safari in Nairobi National Park. Most travellers use Nairobi as a 1-2 day stopover before flying out to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or the Kenyan coast.
Tourist areas like Westlands, Karen, Gigiri, and Lavington are generally safe with normal precautions. Petty theft is common in downtown areas and crowded markets. Avoid walking after dark, do not display expensive electronics, and stick to ride-hailing apps for transport.
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Entry rules, stay length and passport validity by nationality.
