Nairobi

[All content and prices updated September 2013]

Why you should add Nairobi to your Indie/RTW trip

  • Most travelers use Nairobi as an entrance and exit point for into East Africa, as their are usually cheap flights from Western Europe.
  • Over the years, Nairobi has been seen as a rough, corrupt and not so safe destination, but it’s not difficult to avoid the danger areas and spend more than a few hours here.
  • There’s lots going on in Nairobi, unlike many other cities in Kenya.
    • Lots of nice cafes to chill out in.
    • If nightlife is your thing, there are lots of great places for nightlife
    • The food in Nairobi is much more varied than the rest of the country.
  • Nairobi is known as the safari capital of Africa.
  • Despite being a massive city, it’s surrounded by plains, cliffs, and forests (the Nairobi National Park).
  • Take part in an array of sports – golf, football (soccer), rugby, and cricket among them.

Indie travel tips for Nairobi

  • Head just outside the city to Nairobi National Park and see a variety of wildlife – zebras, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, hippos, rhino, wildebeest, and over 400 species of birds.
  • The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is a cool place to see some of the baby elephants and rhinos that were rescued after being orphaned because of poaching.
  • The Giraffe Center is another typical visit for travelers, as you can learn about the endangered Rothschild Giraffe and feed them by hand.
  • Get out of the chaos of the city by chilling out at Lake Naivasha.
  • Go white water rafting in the Tana River.
  • Visit one of the many museums:
    • Nairobi National Museum
    • National Railway Museum
    • Karen Blixen Museum

Transportation

Flying into Nairobi is your best bet when visiting Kenya. Once there, you can get around by train, bus, matatu (minibuses), taxi, and sometimes even boat.

Accommodation

Camping is a great option when going on safari outside Nairobi. In the city, though, a hostel is going to be your cheapest option.