Nairobi is mostly a transit place to tourists heading to Masai Mara where most safaris take place. Yet, Nairobi is a vibrant city with a lot to do for the wanderers. Here is what you can do to kill time if you have some.
Make the most of your 24 hours in Nairobi
JAVA HOUSE
Early morning, opens at 7AM
We start the day at Java house: Nairobi Starbucks or Tim Hortons’ like coffee-house. Being Kenyan owned, they offer really good breakfast, lunch, and dinner worth the price. They can be found anywhere in Nairobi. Grab something to eat and head to Nairobi National Park. The earlier the better
From:
Kshs 170
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
6AM - 7PM, crowded in weekends
Close to the airport, Nairobi National Park offers great alternatives for those who want a short escape from the city or who can't afford to go to Masai Mara. They offer 4H safaris (important to monitor the time since some guides make it shorter), picnic sites, and a safari walk (more like a zoo... people have mixed feelings about it, but this guarantees that you see animals unlike the safari in which animals' sight really depends on seasons.
From:
Vary
GIRAFFE CENTER
9AM - 5PM
Still want to see more of nature wonders? Then, head to Giraffe center. There, you will be able to feed, and pet them for as long as you want. They also have a restaurant if you want to enjoy the sight while eating.
Another center is the Elephants' orphanage (they have specific hours so plan your visit beforehand), which is equally great.
From:
Vary
BOMAS KENYA
8 AM - 5PM
After seeing so much of the animal kingdom, we need to get back to our peers. If you won't be staying for long in Kenya, Bomas Kenya offers you Kenya in miniature. This place allows you to discover Kenyan tribes and cultures. They have daily shows, on weekdays, from 2:30pm to 4pm on weekdays and from 3:30pm to 5:15pm. It is a quite informative experience
From:
USD 10
MAMA OLIECH'S FISH
7:30AM - 8PM
After spending the day with animals, you might feel bad to eat meat (at least that's how I felt). Yet, you can't come to Kenya and miss ZE fried fish. Yeah, I know you can have fried fish everywhere buuut THE Kenyan one is especially good! With a side of Ugali, Kales or fries and tomato sauce? You will be licking your fingers.
Mama Oliech's food is great, though the customer service is somewhat okay. Many other restaurants offer it as well, my favorite are the local ones who are much more cheaper. Unfortunately, I don't remember the names nor the locations :(
From:
Kshs 450
CARNIVORE
01/19 - 01/23
For those who still want to eat meat., Carnivore is the place to be! It's a Kenyan steakhouse per excellence! There you will have a "nyama choma" of all meats combined ! (Lamb, ostrich, crocodile, camel, you name it!!). It's an all you can eat type of buffet. You just have to keep your green flag up until you can't eat anymore... IT'S MEAT HEAVEN. Fortunately, they have a vegetarian so it's convenient for everyone
From:
Kshs 3000
SHOP AROUND
Nairobi markets
It's time to shooop! Nairobi is a cosmopolitan city blending modern and traditional aspects of life. This gives you an array of choices when it comes to shopping. The best places to shop (for everything in general and Kenyan crafts), according to me, are the markets. Check this article to find out more about best Nairobi markets to shop at.
From:
Kshs 10
UHURU PARK
Downtown
Stroll through one of the most famous parks in Nairobi. also called the Freedom Park. Here, you will find interesting historical monuments telling you more about Kenya's history.
* I mind the pollution in the city but the park is worth a short walk
From:
Free
NAIROBI BY NIGHT
Untill 6-7AM
The nightlife in Nairobi is hectic. I don't club so I won't really be able to tell you about the clubbing life. Though, with the diverse and broad artistic scene in Nairobi, there are always interesting events taking place. Some companies offer nightlife tours you might want to check out (I didn't, I had local friends).
From:
USD 76