Nairobi is Kenya’s vibrant capital and one of Africa’s most exciting cities, where modern business districts, rich culture, restaurants, shopping, history and incredible wildlife all come together in one destination.
Known as the “Safari Capital of the World,” Nairobi offers something few other major cities can match: you can attend a business meeting in the morning and be watching lions, giraffes, rhinos and buffaloes in their natural habitat later the same day.
The city is home to Nairobi National Park, located just a short drive from the Central Business District. The park covers 117 square kilometres and is home to more than 100 animal species and over 400 bird species.
Beyond wildlife, Nairobi offers museums, cultural attractions, forests, art galleries, restaurants, shopping centres and lively neighbourhoods. Popular attractions include Nairobi National Museum, Karura Forest, the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, Bomas of Kenya, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Nairobi Railway Museum.
Whether you are visiting Kenya for a safari, business, a conference, a family holiday or simply a few days in the capital, Nairobi is an ideal base for exploring the city and travelling to destinations across the country.
Things to Do and Attractions in Nairobi
1. Go on a Nairobi National Park Safari
One of Nairobi’s biggest attractions is Nairobi National Park, Kenya’s first national park and one of the most unusual wildlife destinations in the world.
The park is located approximately 8–10 km from Nairobi’s Central Business District, making it possible to enjoy a genuine game drive without leaving the city. Visitors can see lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards and numerous other wildlife species, with Nairobi’s skyline sometimes visible in the background.
For travelers with limited time, a half-day Nairobi National Park safari can be an excellent addition to a Nairobi itinerary.
2. Visit the Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre in Lang’ata is one of Nairobi’s most popular wildlife attractions. It provides visitors with an opportunity to get close to Rothschild’s giraffes and learn about conservation efforts to protect the species.
The attraction can easily be combined with other destinations in the Karen and Lang’ata areas.
3. Explore the Karen Blixen Museum
The Karen Blixen Museum is located in the leafy Karen neighbourhood at the foot of the Ngong Hills.
The museum occupies the former home of Danish author Karen Blixen, whose life in Kenya inspired the book and film Out of Africa. It offers visitors an opportunity to explore the house, gardens and history associated with her time in Kenya.
4. Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of Nairobi’s best-known wildlife conservation attractions, particularly for visitors interested in elephants and conservation.
A visit can be combined with Nairobi National Park and other attractions in the Lang’ata area, making it a convenient stop during a Nairobi sightseeing day.
5. Discover Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum is a great place to learn about Kenya’s history, culture, art, geology and wildlife.
For first-time visitors, the museum provides useful context about the country before travelling onward to Kenya’s national parks, coastal destinations and other regions.
6. Walk Through Karura Forest
Karura Forest offers a peaceful escape from Nairobi’s busy streets.
Visitors can enjoy walking and cycling trails, waterfalls, forest scenery and birdwatching. It is a particularly good option for travelers who want to experience Nairobi’s natural side without leaving the city.
7. Experience Kenyan Culture at Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya in Lang’ata showcases aspects of Kenya’s diverse cultures, including traditional homesteads, music and dance.
It is a worthwhile stop for travelers who want to learn more about Kenya’s cultural heritage during their stay in Nairobi.
8. Explore Nairobi’s Central Business District
Nairobi’s CBD is the commercial and administrative heart of the capital.
Visitors can explore landmarks, shops, restaurants, historic buildings and important business institutions. The area is particularly relevant to business travelers attending meetings, conferences and corporate events in Nairobi.
9. Visit Nairobi Railway Museum
The Nairobi Railway Museum provides an insight into the history of Kenya’s railway development and the famous railway connection between Mombasa and Nairobi.
It is an interesting attraction for travelers interested in Kenya’s history, transport and colonial-era development.
10. Enjoy Nairobi’s Food, Shopping and Nightlife
Nairobi has developed into one of East Africa’s leading food and lifestyle destinations.
From Kenyan coffee and traditional cuisine to international restaurants, shopping malls, rooftop restaurants and nightlife, there are plenty of options for visitors looking to experience the modern side of the city.
Popular areas for dining, shopping and entertainment include Westlands, Kilimani, Karen, Gigiri and the CBD.
Getting Around Nairobi by Car
Nairobi is a large and busy city, and the time required to travel between locations can vary considerably depending on traffic.
For visitors unfamiliar with the city, renting a car with a driver in Nairobi can be one of the easiest ways to get around. Instead of dealing with unfamiliar roads, parking, traffic and navigation, travelers can have a professional driver take them between the airport, hotel, business meetings, tourist attractions and safari destinations.
A private car and driver is particularly useful for business travelers, families, groups and visitors planning several attractions in one day.
Car Rental with Driver in Nairobi
At Rent A Driver Kenya, travelers can hire a private car with a professional driver for airport transfers, business trips, sightseeing and safari journeys.
A chauffeur-driven rental gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary while having a local driver handle the roads and navigation.
You can arrange a vehicle for:
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- Nairobi airport transfers
- Business meetings and corporate travel
- Nairobi city tours
- Nairobi National Park safaris
- Full-day sightseeing
- Hotel transfers
- Family travel
- Long-distance Kenya safari transfers
- Multi-day trips around Kenya
Driving Distances and Times Around Nairobi
The following are approximate distances and driving times. Actual journey times can be considerably longer during Nairobi’s morning and evening traffic.
| Route | Approx. Distance | Approx. Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| JKIA to Nairobi CBD | 15–18 km | 20–30 min off-peak |
| JKIA to Nairobi National Park | 10–20 km depending on gate | 20–40 min |
| JKIA to Wilson Airport | ~15 km | 20–40 min |
| Nairobi CBD to Nairobi National Park | 8–10 km | 20–30 min |
| Nairobi CBD to Karen | ~15–20 km | 30–60 min |
| Nairobi CBD to Giraffe Centre | ~15–20 km | 30–60 min |
| Nairobi CBD to Karen Blixen Museum | ~20 km | 35–60 min |
| Nairobi CBD to Bomas of Kenya | ~12–15 km | 25–45 min |
| Nairobi CBD to Nairobi National Museum | ~3–5 km | 10–20 min |
| Nairobi CBD to Karura Forest | ~7–10 km | 20–40 min |
| JKIA to Karen | ~25–30 km | 40–70 min |
| Wilson Airport to Karen | ~10–15 km | 20–40 min |
These are planning estimates rather than guaranteed journey times. Nairobi traffic, road works, weather and the time of day can significantly affect the duration of a journey. JKIA is approximately 15–18 km from the CBD, while Nairobi National Park is about 8 km from the city centre according to official sources.
Nairobi Airport Transfers
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is Nairobi’s main international airport and the primary arrival point for most international visitors to Kenya.
The airport is approximately 17 km from Nairobi’s Central Business District. Travelers can reach the city using the Nairobi Expressway or other road routes, with journey times varying substantially according to traffic.
For international travelers, booking a private car and driver from JKIA can provide a convenient door-to-door transfer to a Nairobi hotel, office, conference venue or onward safari destination.
Wilson Airport
Wilson Airport is Nairobi’s main domestic and safari-flight airport and is particularly important for travelers flying to Kenya’s national parks and other safari destinations.
It is also conveniently located for visitors staying around Karen, Lang’ata and other areas in southern Nairobi.
A private driver can pick you up from Wilson Airport and take you directly to your hotel, Nairobi National Park, Karen or another destination.
Nairobi to Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is one of the easiest safari destinations to reach from the city.
The park is approximately 8–10 km from Nairobi’s Central Business District, with access via Lang’ata Road. Kenya Wildlife Service identifies the park as being about 8 km from the CBD.
Depending on your starting point and traffic, the journey can take approximately 20–30 minutes.
This makes Nairobi National Park an excellent option for travelers who have only one day or even a few hours available for a safari experience.
Nairobi to Karen
Karen is one of Nairobi’s most popular residential and tourism areas and is home to attractions including the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre and several restaurants, hotels and shopping centres.
The journey from central Nairobi to Karen is approximately 15–20 km, but traffic can make the drive significantly longer.
A private driver is particularly useful when visiting several attractions in Karen because you can travel between them without having to arrange separate transport for each stop.
Nairobi for Business Travelers
Nairobi is one of East Africa’s major business and conference centres, attracting corporate travelers from across Africa and around the world.
Business travelers often need transportation between JKIA, hotels, offices, conference venues, restaurants and meetings in different parts of the city.
Hiring a car with a driver allows you to keep your schedule flexible while your driver handles navigation, traffic and parking arrangements.
For corporate clients, a vehicle and driver can also be booked for a full day or for the duration of a business trip.
Nairobi as the Starting Point for a Kenya Safari
For many international visitors, Nairobi is the starting point for a Kenya safari.
From Nairobi, travelers can continue by road to destinations such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Samburu and other destinations around Kenya.
Hiring a car with a driver in Nairobi can therefore be more than just a city transportation solution. Your vehicle and professional driver can become part of your wider Kenya itinerary, taking you from the airport to Nairobi, around the city and onward to your safari destination.
Book a Car Rental in Nairobi with a Driver
Whether you are visiting Nairobi for business, sightseeing or the beginning of a Kenya safari, having a reliable private vehicle and professional driver can make your trip easier and more comfortable.
Rent a car with a driver in Nairobi and travel around Kenya with the flexibility of a private vehicle and the convenience of a professional local driver.
From JKIA airport transfers and Nairobi city tours to business trips, Nairobi National Park safaris and long-distance journeys to Kenya’s top safari destinations, Rent A Driver Kenya can help you arrange transportation around your itinerary.
Planning a trip to Nairobi? You can rent a car in Nairobi city with a driver for safe and comfortable road trip to the parks, business centers and beyond. Simply contact us now by sending an email to info@rentadriverkenya.com or call us on +256-700135510.
