location.beaches.districts_subtitle
Upscale commercial and entertainment hub. Malls, restaurants, nightclubs.
Leafy suburb - Giraffe Centre, elephant orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum. Where safaris begin.
Colonial-era downtown - busy, chaotic, authentic. National Museum, markets.
faq.subtitle Nairobi
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) required - apply online, $30, 90 days. East Africa Tourist Visa available for Kenya+Uganda+Rwanda combined ($100). Process straightforward. Apply before arrival.
YES! Nairobi National Park - lions, rhinos, giraffes with city skyline! Only capital city with safari park. Giraffe Centre (feed giraffes!), Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (baby elephants!). Wildlife within city limits unique.
Requires caution. Use Uber exclusively. Don't walk at night. Keep valuables hidden. Tourist areas (Karen, Westlands) safe. Avoid slums without guide. 'Nairobbery' reputation outdated but street smarts needed. Most visitors have no problems.
Flight 45 min (~$150-300 one way) - recommended. Drive 5-6 hours on rough roads. Book safari through reputable operator. Mara best July-October for migration. 2-3 nights minimum. Life-changing experience!
Useful tips for visiting Nairobi
Visit Giraffe Centre in Karen - feed endangered Rothschild giraffes from platform. They'll kiss you for pellets! Morning less crowded. ~1500 KES entry. Combine with nearby Elephant Orphanage (11am feeding).
Nairobi National Park - only capital with wild lions! Half-day safari from city. Rhinos, lions, giraffes with skyscrapers behind. Early morning best. ~$50 entry. Surreal experience - safari before lunch in the city.
Use Uber/Bolt exclusively - essential safety advice. Don't walk at night. Keep phone hidden on streets. Most crime is opportunistic. Tourist areas fine daytime. This is non-negotiable advice for Nairobi.
Try nyama choma (grilled meat - national obsession), ugali (maize porridge), sukuma wiki (greens), Tusker beer. Carnivore Restaurant famous (all-you-can-eat game meat). Kenyan coffee excellent. Food cheap and hearty.
Average temperature by month
location.transport.subtitle
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Cost of food, accommodation and services
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Hotels and rental prices
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.subtitle
M-Pesa DOMINANT! Mobile money used by 96% of adults. Cards in hotels, upscale malls. Cash for matatus, markets. Mobile money revolution leader!
Shilling (KES). M-PESA REVOLUTION! Kenya INVENTED mobile money - M-Pesa used by 96% adults! Send money, pay bills, buy goods via phone. Lipa na M-Pesa (pay with M-Pesa) QR codes everywhere - from matatus (minibuses) to Masai Market! Cards at Sarit Centre, Village Market malls, Nairobi National Park. KCB, Equity Bank ATMs widespread. Matatus cash/M-Pesa. East African tech hub - fintech pioneer! Gateway to safaris!
10% appreciated in restaurants. Safari guides $10-20 per day per person. Hotel staff 100-200 KES.
Follow standard precautions
Nairobi requires street smarts. Petty theft and carjacking exist. Don't walk at night. Use Uber not matatus initially. Avoid Eastlands, Kibera unless with guide. Tourist areas (Westlands, Karen) safer. 'Nairobbery' reputation outdated but be aware.