3 Days in Nairobi: Travel Tips, What to See, Routes, Where to Sleep and Eat, and Free Tours

If you’re planning a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, and you have three days to explore this vibrant and bustling city, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll provide you with travel tips, highlight the most important places to see, suggest routes to take, and recommend where to sleep and eat. We’ll also let you in on some of the best free tours in Nairobi. Let’s get started!

Travel Tips in Nairobi

Before we dive into what to see and do in Nairobi, here are a few travel tips to keep in mind:

• Stay hydrated: Nairobi is located at a high altitude, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
• Dress appropriately: Nairobi is a conservative city, so it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
• Use reputable taxis: Be sure to use reputable taxi companies or ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt.
• Watch your belongings: Nairobi, like any big city, has its share of pickpockets, so keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious in crowded areas.

What to See in Nairobi

Nairobi has a lot to offer, from national parks and wildlife reserves to museums and markets. Here are some of the most important places to see:

• Nairobi National Park: This is the only national park in the world located within a major city. You can see a wide variety of wildlife here, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and more.
• The Giraffe Centre: This is a conservation center where you can get up close and personal with giraffes and even feed them.
• The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: This elephant orphanage is a must-visit for animal lovers. You can watch baby elephants being fed and learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect these majestic creatures.
• The Karen Blixen Museum: This museum is located in the former home of Danish author Karen Blixen, who wrote «Out of Africa.» It’s a great place to learn about the colonial history of Kenya.
• The Maasai Market: This market, held on different days of the week in different locations, is a great place to buy locally-made crafts, jewelry, and clothing.

These are just a few of the many attractions Nairobi has to offer. Depending on your interests, you may also want to check out the National Museum of Kenya, the Bomas of Kenya cultural center, or take a day trip to nearby Lake Naivasha.

Most Important Places Highlighted in Nairobi

Here are some of the most important places to visit in Nairobi, highlighted for your convenience:

• Nairobi National Park
• The Giraffe Centre
• The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
• The Karen Blixen Museum
• The Maasai Market

Routes in Nairobi

There are several routes you can take to see the best of Nairobi. Here are a few options:

• The Wildlife Route: Start your day at Nairobi National Park, then head to the Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
• The Cultural Route: Begin at the Bomas of Kenya cultural center, then head to the Karen Blixen Museum and the Maasai Market.
• The City Route: Explore the city center, visiting landmarks like the Kenyatta International Conference Centre and the Parliament Building.

Where to Sleep in Nairobi

There are plenty of accommodation options in Nairobi, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Here are a few suggestions:

• Budget: Jambo Guesthouse, Wildebeest Eco Camp
• Mid-Range: The Concord Hotel and Suites, The Sarova Stanley
• Luxury: The Hemingways Nairobi, The Fairmont Norfolk Hotel

Where to Eat in Nairobi

Nairobi has a thriving food scene, with plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are a few suggestions:

• Local Cuisine: Try traditional Kenyan dishes like ugali (a maize-based dish) and nyama choma (grilled meat) at restaurants like Nyama Mama, Carnivore, and Mama Oliech.
• International Cuisine: If you’re in the mood for something different, Nairobi has plenty of international options. Check out Mediterraneo, Talisman, or Tin Roof Cafe for delicious Mediterranean, fusion, and cafe-style cuisine.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: For vegetarian and vegan options, check out Greenspoon, About Thyme, or Kesh Kesh.

Free Tours in Nairobi

If you’re on a tight budget or just want to learn more about Nairobi from a local perspective, there are several free tours you can take. Here are a few options:

• Nairobi City Walk: This two-hour walking tour takes you through the city center, exploring landmarks like the Kenyatta International Conference Centre and the National Archives.
• Street Art Tour: This two-hour walking tour takes you through the streets of Nairobi, exploring the vibrant street art scene and learning about the stories behind the murals.
• Kibera Slum Tour: This tour takes you through the Kibera slum, one of the largest informal settlements in Africa. You’ll learn about life in the slum and the community development projects that are making a difference.