Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital city, is a dynamic mix of modern energy, rich history, and wild beauty. Often used as a jumping-off point for safaris, Nairobi is a destination in its own right, offering unique wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and urban charm.
Nairobi offers a rare mix: a cosmopolitan African capital where wildlife, culture, and urban life collide. Whether you're spotting lions before lunch or shopping for beaded jewelry after a museum tour, Nairobi is bold, energetic, and uniquely Kenyan.
Just 15 minutes from downtown, this is the only national park in the world located within a capital city. Spot lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras roaming free—often with the city skyline in the background.
Visit this renowned elephant orphanage to meet rescued baby elephants and learn about conservation efforts. Daily visiting hours include a public feeding and mud-bath session that’s as adorable as it is inspiring.
Get up close and personal with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes at this conservation center. Hand-feed them from a raised platform—and prepare for giraffe kisses!
Shop for traditional crafts, colorful beadwork, fabrics, wood carvings, and souvenirs at Nairobi’s rotating open-air Maasai Market. It’s a vibrant and bustling spot to support local artisans and test your bargaining skills.
Escape the city buzz with a walk, bike ride, or picnic in Karura Forest, a protected urban woodland filled with waterfalls, caves, and peaceful nature trails—ideal for a breath of fresh air.
Nairobi’s early year dry season brings warm, pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 55°F to 82°F (13°C to 28°C). The skies are generally clear, making this one of the best times to explore Nairobi National Park, where lions, giraffes, rhinos, and zebras roam against a backdrop of city skyscrapers. Outdoor attractions like the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and Karura Forest are ideal during this sunny season.
April and May mark the long rains in Nairobi, with temperatures remaining moderate between 55°F and 75°F (13°C to 24°C). Rainfall is often heavy in the afternoons and evenings, turning the landscape lush and green. While some roads, particularly outside the city, may become muddy or difficult to access, this is still a great time for indoor attractions such as the Nairobi National Museum and local restaurants showcasing Kenyan cuisine.
This season is Nairobi’s coolest, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C). The weather is dry but can feel surprisingly chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Despite the cooler temperatures, this is a fantastic time for wildlife viewing, as animals tend to be more active and easier to spot. The Great Migration is underway in the Maasai Mara, making Nairobi a popular jumping-off point for safaris.
The short rains arrive in late October and last through December, with warm temperatures between 58°F and 78°F (14°C to 26°C). Rainfall tends to come in short, heavy bursts, often in the afternoon or overnight. The city’s parks and forests become especially green and photogenic, and birdwatching improves significantly during this time. While the rain might disrupt some outdoor plans, it rarely lasts all day, and the city remains active with cultural events, music festivals, and lively holiday markets as December approaches.