Cities
The only capital with a national park inside it.
Nairobi is East Africa's capital of business, food, music and technology, and the only city on earth where you can watch giraffes graze against a skyline. Most Kenya journeys begin and end here, and the ones that linger a night or two are better for it.
- Nairobi National Park at dawn
- Giraffe Centre and the Sheldrick elephant orphanage
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Maasai Market and the Nairobi Railway Museum
- Rooftop sundowners over the skyline
Nairobi: at a glance
- Best time
- Year-round. January to March and July to October are driest; mornings are cool at 1,800 m.
- Wildlife
- Lions, black rhinos, giraffes, buffalo and over 400 bird species in Nairobi National Park; orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Trust.
- Weather
- Mild all year at about 1,800 m: warm days, cool mornings and evenings. Long rains April to May, short rains November.
- Park fees
- Nairobi National Park entry is set by the Kenya Wildlife Service. The Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick visits have their own small fees. We list every fee on its own line in your quote. Kenya Wildlife Service
- Safety
- Big-city sense: use ride-hailing or your driver at night and keep valuables in the hotel safe. On our trips you are met and driven throughout. U.S. State Department: Kenya
- Malaria
- The CDC lists no malaria risk in the city of Nairobi. You may still need tablets for the rest of your route. CDC Travelers' Health: Kenya
