Nairobi, Kenya’s Capital and Safari Gateway

Nairobi, Kenya, Africa’s gateway city, is the capital of Kenya and its largest city, sitting at roughly 1,800 metres above sea level on the edge of the highlands. It is East Africa’s main air hub, the arrival point for most Kenya safaris and a convenient connection to Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. Nairobi is busy, modern and surprisingly green, and a short stay of a night or two gives you a first taste of Kenya before heading out to the bush.

This guide covers the airports, the best things to do, how long to spend and how the city fits into a safari.

Arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the main international gateway and one of the busiest in Africa. Many long-haul flights land early in the morning or late in the evening, so a night in Nairobi before heading to the bush is wise. Your Ameera driver meets you in arrivals and transfers you to your hotel, avoiding the confusion of taxi queues. Traffic can be heavy, so allow plenty of time, especially for flight connections. See our flights and airports guide for how the region’s gateways connect.

Things to do in Nairobi

Nairobi National Park is the standout, a genuine wildlife reserve with lions, giraffe, buffalo and endangered black rhino just a few kilometres from the skyscrapers. Other well-loved stops are the Giraffe Centre, where you can feed Rothschild’s giraffes from a raised platform, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage, which opens for a scheduled visiting hour, the Karen Blixen Museum, and the Nairobi National Museum. Restaurants in Karen and Westlands are good places to eat on your first or last night.

Nairobi as the start of your Kenya safari

From Nairobi you can drive or fly to the Maasai Mara, drive south to Amboseli with views of Kilimanjaro, or head north to Samburu and Laikipia. Flights to the Mara leave from Wilson Airport and take around 45 minutes, so the choice often comes down to time and budget. Explore the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Samburu pages for options.

Where to stay

Most visitors choose the quieter suburbs of Karen and Lang’ata, near the Giraffe Centre and the elephant orphanage, over the central business district. For a special first night, our Giraffe Manor page explains why this boutique hotel is so popular and why it books out well in advance.

Safety and practical advice

Nairobi is a large city. As anywhere, use hotel-arranged transport after dark, keep valuables out of sight and follow your host’s advice about areas to avoid. Take malaria precautions as recommended by your doctor for areas you will visit. See our health and safety guide and entry requirements for general travel advice.

How long to stay

One night is the minimum, and two allows time for the national park, the Giraffe Centre and the orphanage without rushing. If you arrive on a red-eye flight, an extra night avoids a tiring first day in the bush.

Nairobi National Park in more detail

Nairobi National Park covers roughly 117 square kilometres and is fenced on three sides, with an open southern boundary that allows wildlife to move into the wider ecosystem. It is one of the few places in Africa where you can see a black rhino with city towers in the background. A morning drive often finds lions, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hartebeest and many birds, while the open grass is good for photography. It makes a worthwhile half day on arrival or departure.

Eating, shopping and getting around

Nairobi has an excellent food scene, from nyama choma grill houses to modern restaurants in Westlands and Karen. For souvenirs, choose reputable craft centres and ask your host for guidance on fair prices. Ride-hailing apps work in town, but for airport transfers, early flights and trips to the national park we recommend a pre-booked driver.