The Top Things to Do in Nairobi
Kenya is most well known for its dazzling safaris in the Mara and picturesque beaches on the coast – but it is Nairobi, Kenya’s booming city, that is Africa’s culture capital. Here are the best things to see and do.
Planning a trip to Kenya and want all the details taken care of? Book yourself onto Culture Trip’s seven-day Kenyan adventure, where you’ll venture into national parks on game drives, visit an extinct volcano and have chance to explore the best of Nairobi.
1. Adopt an elephant at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Architectural Landmark
This wildlife trust is one of the most pioneering animal rehabilitation centres in the world. Young, orphaned elephants and rhinos, the victims of poaching and human-wildlife conflicts, are nurtured back to health. To date, it is the proud mother over 150 elephant calves. Between 11am and midday daily, visitors can watch the slurps and gurgles of young orphans being fed as their keepers skilfully administer their supersize feeding bottles. If you’re moved by this humble feat, adopt a young orphan elephant and follow its inspiring journey firsthand.
2. Picnic in Nairobi National Park
Natural Feature, Park
3. Visit the Nairobi National Museum
Museum
4. Feed giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Zoo
Get the chance to pet an endangered Rothschild’s giraffe at this world-class nature education centre. Located in Langata, only whispers from Nairobi National Park, this centre is run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. Standing atop a tall wooden platform, visitors can feed giraffes a tasty grub of pellet-shaped biscuits. Be prepared for a welcome dose of giraffe breath and the gentle lick of long, sandpaper tongues.
5. Take a morning jog in Karura Forest
Forest
6. Explore the Karen Blixen Museum
Museum
7. Feast on a Kenyan karoga at Nairobi Gymkhana
Sports Center, Stadium
A karoga is a Kenyan cookout that takes place in outdoor dining venues. Food can be ordered and cooked in a number of ways: diners can bring their own ingredients and equipment and cook at the venue or those not wanting the stress of cooking can order a la carte and have their food freshly prepared in front of them by the in-house chefs. The bottom line to these cookouts is to cook the food to the exacting tastes of the diners. Don’t miss out on this truly unique dining experience.
8. Sip a cold Tusker Beer at the Fairview Hotel
Hotel
9. Tour Brown’s Cheese Factory
Architectural Landmark
It’s hard to find consistently good cheese in Nairobi’s supermarkets. That is, until Brown’s award-winning cheese came along in 1979. Everything from halloumi to Valençay is produced from the finest local, organic milk. Located just a half-hour from Nairobi, the factory neighbours the picturesque Rift Valley. Indulge in a tour of the factory coupled with a sumptuous offering of specialty cheeses and a variety of homemade breads and salads for lunch. This will delight cheese lovers.
10. Shop at the Village Market Curio Stalls
Shopping Mall
From beaded masks and brass earrings to Maasai spears, shoppers are offered unique, handmade Kenyan crafts at this ever-popular curio market. Be prepared to haggle down prices with your best poker face, or else you’ll be paying an arm and leg for everything. Don’t forget to take a water bottle and empty rucksack to safeguard all your hard-bargained goodies.
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
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