First time · Nairobi

First time in NairobiNairobi

Nairobi is a two-night base, not a sight list: land, sleep, do one museum or giraffe morning, and keep the afternoons free for traffic — safari flights leave early from Wilson, across the city from the international airport.

Everything here is a short version of the Nairobi guide. Prices and hours are estimates: check before you rely on them.

The honest verdict

Nairobi's sights are few and spread over long, congested roads. The trips that go wrong are the ones that plan two neighbourhoods in one afternoon, walk after dark, or take a safari flight the same morning as an international landing. Five short clusters cover a first stay; a ride-hailing car or a hotel driver joins them, and the last day ends with the bags already in the car.

From the airport

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Fastest and cheapest: Ride-hailing car or hotel driver to the door · about 45 min · about KES 2,500

Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.

Airport-to-bed timings →

How long to stay

1 day: Museum Hill morning, then rest
2 days: Museum Hill + Karen and giraffes, mornings only
3 days: Five clusters at a slow pace, or two clusters and a Nairobi National Park drive

Itineraries by length →

Three mistakes to avoid

Do not photograph government buildings, police or the military.(Survive · red lines)
Use ride-hailing or hotel-booked taxis after dark; keep phones and cameras out of sight near open car windows.(Survive · safety)
Ask before photographing people; some will ask for a fee.(Survive · red lines)

Scams and safety →

Money and SIM

Budget day: KES 3,000–6,000 excl. bed
Cash: Keep KES 3,000 in small notes for tips and small shops; withdraw at ATMs inside malls or banks, never on a dark street.

Money, SIMs and apps →