Top 10 Best Things To Do in Nairobi, Kenya (Before or After You Go on Safari)
Before the roar of lions echoes through the savannah or the rumble of elephants fills the dusty air, travelers to Kenya often find themselves in Nairobi, the country’s energetic capital city. Far more than just a logistical stopover en route to the Maasai Mara or Amboseli, Nairobi is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis that fuses Africa’s heritage with modern flair. It is a city where wildlife roams in the shadows of skyscrapers, where museums breathe history into the present, and where urban life pulses alongside ancient traditions.
For many travelers, Nairobi is often seen merely as a gateway to East Africa’s great safari circuits. But those who take the time to explore the city discover a destination that offers a richly layered experience of culture, conservation, cuisine, and creativity. Whether one has a few hours, a full day, or several days before or after safari, Nairobi rewards the curious and the open-hearted.
To truly appreciate Kenya’s grandeur, the journey should begin or end in its soulful capital. The following highlights showcase the best that Nairobi has to offer, revealing why this city is an essential part of the African adventure.
Nairobi National Park: Where Lions Roam Beneath the City Skyline
Only a short drive from the city center lies one of Africa’s most surreal wildlife experiences—Nairobi National Park, the only national park in the world located within a capital city’s boundaries. This 117-square-kilometer reserve offers sightings of lions, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, and antelope with the urban skyline as a dramatic backdrop.
The park is especially renowned for its successful black rhino sanctuary, and morning game drives often bring visitors close to these rare creatures. The proximity of such wilderness to city life is a reminder of Nairobi’s unique ability to balance development with conservation. Exploring this park is not only an introduction to Kenyan wildlife but a powerful symbol of coexistence.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: A Sanctuary for Orphaned Elephants
Nestled on the edge of Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has become one of the most beloved conservation projects in Africa. This pioneering elephant orphanage rescues, rehabilitates, and reintroduces baby elephants that have lost their families due to poaching or natural causes.
Visitors are invited to witness the daily mud bath and feeding routines, offering intimate encounters with the young elephants and an emotional window into the challenges and triumphs of wildlife conservation. The experience is profoundly moving, often leaving guests with a renewed sense of commitment to protecting the world’s most vulnerable species.
Giraffe Centre: Eye-to-Eye with Africa’s Tallest Icons
In the leafy suburb of Lang’ata, the Giraffe Centre provides an opportunity to stand face-to-face with the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. This conservation education center allows guests to feed and interact with these gentle giants from an elevated platform, creating magical moments for both children and adults.
The center plays a crucial role in the breeding and reintroduction of giraffes into Kenya’s wild reserves and also serves as an environmental education hub for local schools. The setting is serene, the giraffes are charming, and the mission behind the experience is deeply meaningful. It is here that Nairobi’s wild heart beats in soft, towering elegance.
Karen Blixen Museum: Step into the Pages of ‘Out of Africa’
On the slopes of the Ngong Hills lies the former home of Danish author Karen Blixen, whose memoir Out of Africa immortalized colonial-era Kenya. Preserved as a museum, the house offers a glimpse into her life as a coffee farmer and her complex relationship with Africa.
The museum’s grounds are peaceful and filled with history, transporting visitors to a bygone era of exploration and cultural exchange. Artifacts, photographs, and vintage furniture help bring her narrative to life, while the surrounding gardens and views of the hills whisper the poetic tone that defined her writing. For lovers of literature and history, this is a quiet, contemplative detour through time.
Kazuri Beads Women’s Factory: Artistry with Purpose
In the same neighborhood as the Blixen museum lies Kazuri Beads, a workshop and social enterprise empowering local women through the creation of hand-painted ceramic jewelry. What began as a small initiative in the 1970s has blossomed into a globally recognized brand, with each bead telling a story of resilience, creativity, and empowerment.
Visitors are welcomed into the workshop, where they can witness each stage of the bead-making process—from molding and painting to firing and stringing. The women behind the craft share smiles, songs, and stories, transforming a shopping visit into an uplifting cultural exchange. Purchasing a piece is more than a souvenir; it is an act of support for sustainable change.
Nairobi Railway Museum: Tracks Through Colonial History
For those intrigued by East Africa’s colonial history and the legacy of the Lunatic Express, the Nairobi Railway Museum offers a fascinating journey through time. Housing vintage locomotives, carriages, and memorabilia, the museum chronicles the role of the railway in shaping modern Kenya.
Set amidst a quiet, open-air compound, the rusting engines and worn tracks evoke a sense of adventure and ambition from a bygone era. Among the exhibits is the infamous coach from which Superintendent Charles Ryall was dragged and killed by a lion, a story that inspired countless safari legends. For history enthusiasts, this museum is a treasure trove of stories both wild and human.
City Market and Maasai Markets: A Vivid World of Color and Culture
In the heart of Nairobi’s downtown lies City Market, a buzzing hub of art, crafts, and local produce. Nearby, rotating Maasai Markets spring up on different days of the week across the city, offering a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and craftsmanship.
From beadwork and wooden sculptures to hand-woven textiles and paintings, these markets offer authentic and affordable ways to engage with Kenyan artistry. Haggling is expected, and conversations with the artisans provide deeper insights into the cultural significance of their creations. Each item carries a story, and each exchange is a cultural bridge.
Karura Forest: A Lush Refuge in the City
Just minutes from the hustle of Nairobi’s city center, Karura Forest offers a tranquil escape into nature. Spanning over 1,000 hectares, this indigenous forest is home to waterfalls, caves, and shaded walking trails where monkeys swing above and butterflies dance in the sunbeams.
Karura is more than just a green space; it is a symbol of civic action and environmental activism, having been fiercely protected by the late Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai and her Green Belt Movement. Today, it is a sanctuary not only for wildlife but for urban dwellers and visitors seeking peace, fresh air, and a connection with nature.
Bomas of Kenya: A Showcase of National Heritage
To understand Kenya’s rich ethnic tapestry, a visit to the Bomas of Kenya is essential. Located near the Nairobi National Park, this cultural center hosts daily performances that showcase traditional music, dance, and storytelling from various Kenyan tribes.
The experience is vibrant and immersive, with costumed dancers leaping to the sounds of beating drums, reenacting ceremonies that have been passed down through generations. The adjacent homestead exhibits replicate traditional village life, offering a fascinating insight into Kenya’s rural cultures. It is a powerful reminder that Kenya’s true treasure lies not just in its wildlife, but in its people and their diverse heritage.
Ngong Hills: Walking the Edge of the Earth
For the more adventurous spirit, a hike along the Ngong Hills offers panoramic views, brisk winds, and a physical communion with the land. Located just outside Nairobi, this ridge of rolling green hills invites walkers to trace the horizon while catching glimpses of Nairobi’s skyline on one side and the Great Rift Valley on the other.
It is a place that offers spiritual refreshment and natural grandeur. The trail is dotted with wind turbines and stories from local Maasai herders, while the summit serves as a quiet place for reflection. A day here can feel like a pilgrimage—one that begins and ends at the intersection of sky, earth, and memory.
Begin or End Your Safari Journey with WildHorn Africa
Nairobi is not merely a starting point; it is a journey in itself—alive with contrasts, stories, and vibrant humanity. To see lions before breakfast and art installations by noon, to walk through ancient forests and dine under city lights, is to understand the layered beauty of Kenya in its fullest expression.
For those planning a safari through Kenya’s iconic wilderness, there is no better partner than WildHorn Africa. With expert guides, custom itineraries, and a passion for authentic experiences, WildHorn Africa ensures that every step of your journey—from Nairobi’s urban pulse to the wild silence of the savannah—is seamless, enriching, and unforgettable.
Book your East African safari with WildHorn Africa today, and let the adventure begin right where the wild meets the city—right here in Nairobi.
