Admittedly, upon arriving in Nairobi, I wasn’t immediately impressed by the Kenyan capital.
As compared to the wildlife and breathtaking landscapes I had come to Kenya for, Nairobi felt crowded, busy, and congested. But with 24 hours in Nairobi before our trip to the Maasai Mara, I was prepared to make the most of it.
Now looking back, I believe I judged the city too quickly. All roads seemingly lead to Nairobi, so whether you’re hiking in the Aberdare mountains or venturing on a bike safari, Nairobi is bound to show up on your itinerary at least once.
Having passed through the city numerous times on our Kenya trip, I now feel like I have a unique appreciation for Kenya’s capital. There are few places in the world where you can kiss a giraffe and drink world-renowned coffee on the same day, but in Nairobi anything is possible! Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Nairobi, Kenya.
Planning a trip to Kenya? Check out my full Kenya Itinerary.
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Guided Tours of Nairobi
Nairobi can be a difficult city to navigate, even for a seasoned traveler. Here are a few highly recommended tours if you don’t want to tackle Nairobi alone.
🌍 Nairobi City Tour with National Museum Entry – Explore Nairobi with local guides, and even sample local food!
🏙️ Nairobi Storytelling Tour with Former Street Kids – See a different side of Nairobi through this unique tour led by former street kids.
🛤️ Private 4-Hour City Tour – Learn about Nairobi’s role in the East African Railway in this private tour.
Where to Stay in Nairobi
We stayed at Khweza Bed and Breakfast, a budget B&B only about 10 minutes walk from the city center. I seriously cannot recommend this place enough – the complimentary breakfast was delicious, the rooms were clean, and the employees were so friendly, giving us all sorts of recommendations for our trip!
We ended up coming here every time we came back through Nairobi on our trip and stayed in three different rooms, all of which were wonderful. This place is perfect for those spending 24 hours in Nairobi because of its central location, plus, you can’t beat the views from the rooftop terrace!
Here are a few more recommendations in Nairobi:
Budget: Mdawida Homestay ($): For those looking for an authentic Nairobi experience, look no further than Mdawida Homestay. With private rooms in a shared family home, Mdawida provides a unique look into the life of a Nairobi family. Located south of the city center, the homestay is in a safe neighborhood and is a short taxi ride from many major attractions.
Mid Range: Wildebeest Eco Camp ($$): This unique tented camp is perfect for those seeking a tranquil respite from the city – think “glamping” safari-style. The property offers both dorms and privates for all types of travelers and comes with a complimentary breakfast and a pool. Although located a bit outside the city center, it is a quick taxi drive away from Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Center.
Luxury: The Giraffe Manor ($$$): Covered in winding green vines and with Rothschild giraffes poking their heads in the windows, Nairobi’s Giraffe Manor feels like something out of a fairy tale. Spend some time feeding the giraffes directly from your hotel room, or explore the winding gardens, soak in the pool or relax at the spa.
Find even more places to stay in Nairobi on Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
Tips for Exploring Nairobi
Nairobi isn’t the easiest city to get a grasp on. With its crowded streets and spread-out attractions, it can feel a bit daunting to tackle in a day or two. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your 24 hours in Nairobi.
Download the Bolt App: Bolt offers affordable taxi rides all around Nairobi. We often found prices on the app to be much cheaper than what taxis offered us, and saved us the time of having to haggle. Uber also works in Kenya, but we found the prices on Bolt to be lower.
Invest in good walking shoes: Exploring Nairobi involves plenty of walking, and with uneven sidewalks and occasional muddy streets close-toed walking shoes are a must. I live in my Blundstones when I travel as they’re waterproof, durable, and stylish.
Carry a durable bag: Nairobi does have an unfortunate reputation with petty crime. I recommend carrying only the essentials when out exploring the city and investing in a durable anti-theft bag to keep your belongings secure. I used this crossbody camera bag to keep my possessions in front of me.
Bring a filtered water bottle: The tap water is not safe to drink in Nairobi (or anywhere in Kenya for that matter!) Save yourself from the stomach bug by carrying a filtered water bottle like this one from Water-To-Go.
Recommended Reading: 15 Things to Know Before Visiting Kenya
How to Spend 24 Hours in Nairobi
You’ve made it to Nairobi! You’ve navigated to your hotel from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and now it’s time to explore the city. Here’s how to spend the perfect day visiting Nairobi’s highlights. Check out the map above to help plan your day in Kenya’s capital city.
9:00AM: Grab a coffee at Java House
Kenya is famous for its coffee, and there’s no better place to get your hands on a freshly brewed cup than the beloved local chain, Java House. With locations all around Nairobi, it’s the perfect place to start your day with a hearty breakfast or a freshly baked pastry. Of course, you can’t leave without trying a cup of coffee, or the delicious Masala Tea – served Kenyan-style with lots of milk.
Java House began in Nairobi, but since its inception has grown to have branches in 14 cities throughout Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. If you want to visit the original, it’s in Adam’s Arcade Mall on Ngong Road.
10:00AM: Kiss a Giraffe at the Nairobi Giraffe Centre
I nearly cried from joy when I saw Daisy the giraffe approaching me at the Nairobi Giraffe Centre. The center was established in 1979 as an attempt to save the endangered Rothschild giraffe – a species only found in the grasslands of Eastern Africa. Since their establishment, the center has successfully rehabilitated numerous giraffes and there are now over 300 Rothschild giraffes in protected areas throughout Kenya.
Currently, over 50 giraffes call the center home, where they roam freely on protected land. Visitors are given a small bowl of pellets when they arrive at the center, which they can then feed to the giraffes from an elevated platform. You can either hold the pellet out in your hand, or grip it gently between your lips to get a “giraffe kiss!”
Going early in the morning is best to avoid crowds and give yourself ample time to spend with these beautiful creatures. Make sure to check out the small museum onsite as well to learn more about the history and conservation efforts of the center. You can find the latest ticket pricing online here.
11:00AM: Hike along the Giraffe Centre Nature Trails
A lot of people visit the Nairobi Giraffe Centre without knowing there are hiking trails right across the street! The trail system is short, only about 1.5km in total with minimal elevation, but with beautiful views of the Gogo River and a final viewpoint where you can see the peaks of the Ngong Hills. You’ll certainly spot plenty of wildlife along the way – from beetles to birds to monkeys – and if you’re lucky, you might just spot a giraffe roaming around as well!
To access the Giraffe Centre hiking trails, cross the street across from the main entrance to the center and you’ll see a gate labeled “Giraffe Centre Nature Trail.” Simply unfasten the gate to enter the trail system but be sure to close and latch the gate behind you to prevent any of the protected creatures from getting away!
12:30: Eat Kenyan Food in the City Center
For lunch, head back into Nairobi City Center to sample from Kenyan delicacies. Swahili Plate has some of the best Swahili dishes in Nairobi, and with affordable prices that can’t be beat. Sample matoke, stew made with green bananas, pilau, spiced rice filled with veggies, and don’t forget to try everything with a hearty side of ugali, a maize-based meal that can be eaten with everything!
For those with a little more to spend, check out the nearby Thorntree Cafe. This cafe, housed in the Sarova Stanley Hotel, has been a hub for travelers since its establishment in the 1950s. In 1958, the hotel planted a Naivasha Thorn Tree in the center of the courtyard, which quickly took on a life of its own. Travelers and expats who visited the cafe left messages tacked to the tree, which soon became a live message board sharing stories, tips, and enquiries for all who passed by. Quite a few notable names left their own messages here – from Winston Churchill to Franklin Roosevelt.
These days, the central tree visitors see is not the original, but remnants of the original tree lie in a time capsule buried within the roots, set to be opened in 2038. Come leave a message of your own while sampling the menu.
2:00 Explore the Maasai Market or City Market
After lunch, walk to the nearby City Market, the main souvenir market in the city. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, this market is an experience in and of itself. Grab yourself a snack from one of the various food stalls or admire the beautiful beaded Maasai jewelry on display. Just be prepared to haggle, and haggle hard. Many vendors will try to pressure you to purchase from them or buy multiple items. Don’t be afraid to walk away, even if you feel rude.
Another must-visit market is the Maasai Market. This handicraft market is held at a different location throughout the city every day, so be sure to check online to find out where they’ll be the day you’re visiting. Home to one of the largest collections of Maasai handicrafts, this market is your go-to for unique souvenirs like Maasai sandals and woven shukas.
3:30PM: Visit the Nairobi National Museum
I’m not usually a museum traveler, but the Nairobi National Museum absolutely changed my mind. With collections dedicated to the history of the country and its abundantly diverse wildlife, I think it is the perfect place to visit before further travels in Kenya to gain a better understanding of the country and its people.
The museum itself is absolutely massive, with a number of permanent galleries and rotating exhibitions alike. When we visited we were lucky to catch a temporary installation of featured wildlife photography from around Africa. Click here to find the latest entry fees for the Nairobi National Museum.
Quick tip: The museum offers two packages, a regular entry fee and a combined entry fee with a visit to the “Snake Park.” We opted for the combined but I don’t recommend it – I do not believe the animals in the park were very happy and I do not want to support animal tourism of this kind. I share this in hopes of encouraging other travelers to make more informed decisions.
6:30PM: Eat around the world at Nairobi Street Kitchen
Did I ever think I would be eating tacos in Kenya? Most certainly not, but at the Nairobi Street Kitchen you can choose from over 11 different types of cuisine for your dinner. From wood-fired pizza to Mumbai-style chaat, tasty tacos to traditional Kenyan dishes, there’s something for everyone at this colorful cafeteria style eatery.
Nairobi Street Kitchen doesn’t just embrace the cultures of the world with their food – they also host regular events from Salsa Nights to high Tea. Check out their website to see what events they’re hosting during your visit, or simply stay late to sip a cocktail at their rooftop bar, admiring views of Nairobi all night long.
8:30PM: Party like a local in Westlands
Nairobi is known for it’s nightlife, so for those who enjoy an evening out, look no further than Nairobi’s Westlands neighborhood. This area is packed with bars and clubs left and right and offers everything from casual bars to trendy nightclubs. Get rooftop views at Sky Bar Westlands, embrace a Latin flavor at Havana Bar and Restaurant, or sip sophisticated cocktails at Milan. For a full list of bar recommendations in Westlands, check out this great article.
The Best Time to Visit Nairobi
Kenya has two distinct seasons, the rainy season (from April-June) and the dry season (from July-October) Though weather in Kenya is pleasant year-round, keep those seasons in mind when creating your packing list.
We visited Kenya in December and found the weather to be almost perfect – mid 20s (70s Farenheight) daily with occasional scattered rain, only for about an hour or so. Nairobi was breezy and sunny most of the time we were there.
I highly recommend making Nairobi your first stop when traveling in Kenya. While most travelers arrive in the Jomo Kenyatta Airport, don’t rush on from Kenya’s capital city right away and spend at least 24 hours getting yourself grounded in Nairobi.
Why Visit Nairobi in 24 Hours?
Nairobi is a complex and complicated city, but one worth giving a chance. Beyond the busy facade is a city of stories old and new, filled with people who have called it’s streets home for decades.
Within just 24 hours in Nairobi, you’ll gain a better understanding of the city’s role in Kenya’s history and the outlook of the Kenyan people. Nairobi is truly the gateway to the vibrant, colorful culture of Kenya.
There is certainly much more to see in Kenya besides Nairobi, so if you’re craving a little nature, check out Mount Longonot for a perfect day hike from the capital city. While you’re at it, check out all my Kenya guides, or get to know other cities around the world with my 24-hour city break guides, everywhere from Reykjavik to Muscat and everywhere in between.
Kenya Quick Links
✈️ Flights – Use Kiwi.com or WayAway to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Kenya
🛏️ Accommodation – Find the best places to stay all around Kenya on Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
🚗 Rent a Car – Find the best deals on RentalCars.com to explore the best of Kenya behind the wheel.
✅ Get Insured – I personally use Safety Wing Nomad Insurance for my travels all around the world!
🚴♀️ Find Things to Do – Check out Get Your Guide or Viator for exciting guided tours of Iceland
☎ Buy a Sim – Airalo offers eSIMS for over 200 countries and regions
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.
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