Places to Visit in Nairobi: Ultimate City Guide
Looking for exciting places to visit in Nairobi? Explore our comprehensive guide to the best places to visit in Nairobi, from the world's only urban national park to vibrant cultural centers. Discover top tourist attractions, museums, and modern entertainment spots that make Nairobi the perfect urban safari destination.
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park, established in 1946, is Kenya's first national park. Located approximately 7 km south of Nairobi's city center, it offers a unique juxtaposition of wildlife against the backdrop of the city's skyline. The park spans 117 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Karen Blixen Museum
The Karen Blixen Museum, located in Nairobi, Kenya, is the former residence of Danish author Karen Blixen, famed for her memoir 'Out of Africa.' The museum offers insight into her life and the history of the area.
Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya, located in Langata, Nairobi, is a cultural center established in 1971 to preserve and promote the rich and diverse cultures of Kenya. The center showcases traditional villages representing Kenya's various ethnic groups and offers daily performances of traditional music and dance.
Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum offers a comprehensive overview of Kenya's rich cultural and natural heritage. Exhibits range from archaeological discoveries, including early human fossils, to diverse ethnographic displays and an extensive collection of Kenyan art.
Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre, located in Lang'ata, Nairobi, serves as a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Visitors can engage in interactive feeding sessions, learn about giraffe conservation, and explore the on-site nature trail.
Two Rivers Mall
Two Rivers Mall, located in Nairobi, Kenya, is the largest shopping mall in sub-Saharan Africa outside of South Africa. Opened in 2017, it offers a diverse range of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities, including the 'Eye of Kenya' Ferris wheel and the largest cinema screen in East and Central Africa.
The Village Market
The Village Market, located in Nairobi's diplomatic district, is a premier shopping and entertainment complex featuring over 250 outlets. It offers a diverse range of retail stores, restaurants, and recreational facilities, including the Ozone Trampoline Park and regular cultural events.
Cycling in Karura Forest
Karura Forest, an urban oasis in Nairobi, offers over 50 kilometers of well-maintained trails suitable for cycling enthusiasts. The forest provides a serene environment to explore diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for both recreational and avid cyclists.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage)
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) in Nairobi is renowned for its efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos. Visitors can witness the daily care routines of these young elephants, including their midday mud bath and feeding sessions.
Uhuru Gardens
Uhuru Gardens, meaning 'freedom' in Swahili, is Kenya's largest memorial park, commemorating the country's independence from British colonial rule in 1963. The park features significant monuments, including a 24-meter high independence commemorative monument and a statue of soldiers raising the Kenyan flag.
Uhuru Park
Uhuru Park is a 12.9-hectare (32-acre) recreational park adjacent to Nairobi's central business district. Opened on May 23, 1969, by the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, it features an artificial lake, several national monuments, and an assembly ground popular for skateboarding and various gatherings.
City Park Nairobi
City Park Nairobi is a 60-hectare urban oasis rich in biodiversity, featuring indigenous forests that serve as a habitat for hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Established in the 1920s, the park offers a serene environment for relaxation, nature walks, and bird watching, making it a cherished green space amidst the bustling city.
Nairobi Arboretum
Established in 1907, the Nairobi Arboretum is a 30-hectare (74-acre) green space located approximately 3 kilometers from Nairobi's city center. Initially created to test the viability of exotic tree species in Kenya, it now serves as a sanctuary for over 350 species of indigenous and exotic plants, making it a haven for nature lovers and a popular spot for picnics, nature walks, and outdoor events.
Jeevanjee Gardens
Jeevanjee Gardens is a 5-acre public park located in Nairobi's Central Business District. Donated to the residents of Nairobi in 1906 by Alibhai Mullah Jeevanjee, an Indian-born entrepreneur and philanthropist, the park offers a serene environment amidst the bustling city, featuring lush greenery, artistic benches, and historical statues.
Central Park Nairobi
Central Park Nairobi is a 20-acre public park located in the heart of Nairobi's Central Business District. Adjacent to the famous Uhuru Park, it offers expansive lawns, well-maintained gardens, and a children's playground, providing a serene environment for relaxation and recreation amidst the bustling city.
Jamia Mosque
Jamia Mosque, located in Nairobi's Central Business District, is one of Kenya's most significant Islamic religious sites. Built in 1906, it showcases classic Arabic architecture with prominent silver domes and minarets. While the interior is generally reserved for Muslim worshippers, visitors can admire its impressive exterior and the serene ambiance it brings to the bustling city center.
All Saints Cathedral
All Saints Cathedral, located in Nairobi, serves as the mother church of the Anglican Church of Kenya. Consecrated in 1952, this historic cathedral is renowned for its English Gothic architectural style and has played a pivotal role in Kenya's religious and social history.
Swaminarayan Temple (Nairobi)
The Swaminarayan Temple in Nairobi, also known as the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, is a significant Hindu temple renowned for its intricate stone and marble architecture. Established in 1999 by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, it serves as a spiritual, cultural, and social hub for the Hindu community in Kenya.