Top 14 Tourist Attractions to Visit on Tour in Nairobi City

Nairobi city, Kenya’s vibrant capital, offers visitors a unique blend of wildlife, culture, history, and urban experiences unlike any other African city. Often serving as the gateway to Kenya’s renowned safari circuits, Nairobi itself deserves dedicated exploration time. From wildlife encounters within city limits to cultural institutions and historical landmarks, here’s a comprehensive guide to the top attractions that make Nairobi a destination in its own right.

Wildlife Encounters in the Urban Jungle

1. Nairobi National Park

Nowhere else in the world can you photograph giraffes and lions against a backdrop of skyscrapers. Just 7 kilometers from the city center lies Nairobi National Park, the world’s only national park within a capital city’s boundaries. This 117 square kilometer protected area offers:

Remarkable wildlife viewing including lion, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and over 400 bird species
Easy half-day or full-day safari experiences without leaving the city
The Ivory Burning Site Monument, commemorating Kenya’s commitment to ending the ivory trade
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage (located at the park’s edge)

The park’s proximity to the city center makes it possible to watch wildlife in the morning and dine in a world-class restaurant by lunchtime—a uniquely Nairobi experience.

2. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage

Located on the edge of Nairobi National Park, this renowned elephant orphanage provides sanctuary to baby elephants orphaned by poaching or human-wildlife conflict. Visitors can:

Watch the young elephants being fed and playing during the public visiting hour (11:00 am to noon daily)
Learn about conservation efforts and elephant behavior from the knowledgeable keepers
Adopt an elephant to support its care and rehabilitation
Gain insight into the challenges facing Kenya’s elephant population

The orphanage represents one of Nairobi’s most heartwarming wildlife experiences and highlights Kenya’s dedication to conservation.

3. Giraffe Centre

Home to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, this conservation center in Nairobi’s Lang’ata suburb offers close encounters with these gentle giants. Visitors can:

Hand-feed giraffes from an elevated platform at eye level with these magnificent creatures
Learn about giraffe conservation from educational displays and knowledgeable staff
Explore the nature sanctuary with its 1.5-kilometer forest trail
Support the center’s breeding program and educational outreach efforts

The center makes for a perfect educational experience for visitors of all ages and provides exceptional photo opportunities.

Cultural Heritage and Museums

4. Nairobi National Museum

To understand Kenya’s rich natural and cultural heritage, the Nairobi National Museum stands as the definitive institution. This impressive facility showcases:

Extensive ethnographic exhibits highlighting Kenya’s diverse tribal cultures
The complete skeleton of “Turkana Boy,” a 1.6-million-year-old Homo erectus fossil
Comprehensive bird and mammal galleries featuring Kenya’s incredible biodiversity
Art galleries displaying traditional and contemporary Kenyan artworks
The beautiful botanical gardens surrounding the museum

The museum provides essential context for understanding Kenya’s human and natural history, making it an ideal first stop for visitors new to the country.

5. Karen Blixen Museum

Literature and film enthusiasts will recognize this former home of Danish author Karen Blixen, who wrote “Out of Africa” under the pen name Isak Dinesen. Located in Nairobi’s upscale Karen suburb (named after Blixen), this colonial farmhouse-turned-museum offers:

Original furnishings and personal belongings from Blixen’s time in Kenya
Beautiful grounds with views of the Ngong Hills that feature prominently in her writing
Guided tours that bring to life Kenya’s colonial history and Blixen’s experiences
Filming locations from the Oscar-winning 1985 film “Out of Africa”

The museum provides fascinating insights into Kenya’s colonial era and Blixen’s extraordinary life in East Africa.

6. Bomas of Kenya

For an immersive cultural experience, Bomas of Kenya showcases the country’s diverse tribal heritage through architecture, crafts, music, and dance. This cultural center features:

Traditional homesteads (bomas) representing Kenya’s major ethnic groups
Spectacular dance performances in a 3,500-seat theater
Demonstrations of traditional crafts and manufacturing techniques
Cultural exhibitions highlighting tribal customs and traditions

The afternoon dance performances, featuring energetic routines from different ethnic communities, are particularly popular with visitors seeking to understand Kenya’s cultural diversity.

Markets and Shopping Experiences

7. Maasai Market

This vibrant open-air market rotates locations throughout Nairobi during the week, offering an array of authentic Kenyan crafts, artwork, and souvenirs. Shoppers can find:

Hand-carved wooden sculptures and Maasai beadwork
Colorful textiles including traditional kikoys and khangas
Jewelry incorporating local materials and designs
Paintings depicting Kenyan landscapes and wildlife

The market provides excellent shopping opportunities while supporting local artisans directly. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience.

8. Utamaduni Craft Centre

Located in the leafy suburb of Karen, this fair-trade craft shop housed in a converted Swahili house offers ethically-sourced Kenyan handicrafts in a relaxed setting. Visitors appreciate:

Fixed prices (no bargaining required) with fair compensation to artisans
High-quality crafts representing various Kenyan traditions
The peaceful garden setting with a café serving Kenyan coffee and snacks
Informative displays about craft traditions and production techniques

Utamaduni makes an excellent alternative for those who prefer a more relaxed shopping experience than the bustling Maasai Market.

Historical Landmarks

9. Nairobi Railway Museum

Railway enthusiasts and history buffs will enjoy this museum chronicling the fascinating story of the Uganda Railway (nicknamed the “Lunatic Line”), which played a crucial role in Kenya’s development. The museum features:

Vintage locomotives and carriages, including luxurious coaches from the colonial era
The personal carriage used by Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta
Exhibits detailing the remarkable engineering challenges overcome during construction
Documentation of the infamous “Man-Eaters of Tsavo” lions that terrorized railway workers

The museum offers a glimpse into Nairobi’s origins as a railway depot and the transformative impact of the railway on East Africa.

10. Uhuru Gardens

Kenya’s largest memorial park marks the spot where the Kenyan flag was first raised at independence in 1963. This significant historical site includes:

The Independence monument and commemorative fountain
A peace monument dedicated to the 2008 post-election peace accord
Museum exhibits detailing Kenya’s struggle for independence
Peaceful gardens popular with locals for relaxation and picnics

The gardens provide a meaningful connection to Kenya’s journey to independence and its ongoing development as a nation.

Urban Experiences

11. Nairobi CBD and Kenyatta Avenue

Downtown Nairobi pulsates with energy and offers visitors insights into contemporary Kenyan urban life. Key highlights include:

The iconic KICC (Kenyatta International Convention Centre) with its rooftop helipad offering panoramic city views
Historical buildings dating from the colonial era
The Parliament buildings and government quarters
Bustling markets and street life that showcase Kenya’s entrepreneurial spirit

Walking tours of the central business district, preferably with a knowledgeable local guide, provide fascinating insights into Nairobi’s development and current dynamics.

12. Karura Forest

This urban forest reserve within city limits offers a peaceful retreat from Nairobi’s hustle and bustle. The forest features:

50 kilometers of walking and biking trails through indigenous forest
Beautiful waterfalls and caves with historical significance
Over 200 bird species and small wildlife including bushbucks and monkeys
The site of environmentalist Wangari Maathai’s famous conservation activism

The forest represents Nairobi’s commitment to preserving green spaces and provides excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation just minutes from the city center.

Culinary Experiences

13. Carnivore Restaurant

This iconic Nairobi institution has been serving its famous “Beast of a Feast” since 1980. The restaurant offers:

An all-you-can-eat meat experience with servers carving various meats tableside
Traditional Kenyan specialties alongside international favorites
A lively atmosphere with entertainment on weekends
The adjacent Simba Saloon nightclub for continued evening entertainment

While the menu once featured game meat, today’s offerings focus on farm-raised meats with exotic marinades and preparations reflecting Kenya’s diverse culinary influences.

14. K’Osewe Ranalo Foods

For authentic Kenyan cuisine in a more traditional setting, this popular restaurant serves classic dishes from across the country:

Signature Luo dishes including fish from Lake Victoria
Staples like ugali (cornmeal), sukuma wiki (collard greens), and nyama choma (grilled meat)
Traditional beverages including fresh fruit juices and fermented porridges
A welcoming atmosphere popular with both locals and visitors

The restaurant provides an excellent introduction to Kenyan cuisine beyond tourist-oriented establishments.

Planning Your Nairobi Tour

Practical Tips

Getting around: Traffic in Nairobi can be notoriously congested. Consider hiring a driver for the day or using ride-hailing apps rather than attempting to navigate yourself.
Timing: Many wildlife attractions (particularly the elephant orphanage) have specific visiting hours, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
Security: Like any major city, exercise standard precautions regarding valuables and avoid walking in unfamiliar areas after dark.
Weather considerations: Nairobi enjoys a pleasant climate year-round due to its altitude, but the long rains (March-May) can impact outdoor activities.

Sample Itineraries

One-Day Highlights:

Morning: Nairobi National Park safari
Midday: David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Afternoon: Giraffe Centre
Evening: Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant

Cultural Focus Day:

Morning: Nairobi National Museum
Midday: Karen Blixen Museum
Afternoon: Bomas of Kenya cultural performance
Evening: Dinner featuring traditional Kenyan cuisine

Three-Day Comprehensive:

Day 1: Wildlife (National Park, Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Centre)
Day 2: Cultural attractions (museums, Bomas of Kenya)
Day 3: Urban experiences (downtown tour, shopping, Karura Forest)

Nairobi defies the conventional wisdom that capital cities should be merely transit points on the way to more interesting destinations. With its unique blend of wildlife experiences, cultural attractions, historical significance, and urban energy, Nairobi rewards visitors who dedicate time to exploring its diverse offerings. From watching lions roam with skyscrapers in the background to engaging with Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic present, Nairobi provides experiences impossible to find elsewhere in Africa or indeed the world. As the gateway to Kenya’s famous safari circuits, Nairobi deserves recognition not just as a starting point but as a fascinating destination in its own right.

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