Holidays to Nairobi (Updated 2025)

Holidays to Nairobi

Nairobi is the capital of the East African country of Kenya. Nairobi is a city of 4.4 million people which is based on the banks of the Nairobi River. The city is located in the south-central part of Kenya and has an altitude of 1,795 meters from the sea level. The largest city of Kenya is the political, financial, commercial and media hub of Kenya and is a major transit point for most travellers to Kenya. Nairobi is the largest and fastest-growing city in the country and is one of the largest cities in Africa. Nairobi holidays are famed for their stunning urban exploration, museums, wildlife safaris, shopping for African fashion and accessories and trying out delicious food and beverages.

The name, “Nairobi” came from the Maasai phrase “Enkare Nairobi” which translates to “place of cool waters” which is a reference to the Nairobi River that flows through the capital city of Kenya. The city of Nairobi was founded in 1899 by British colonialists during their reign in British East Africa. It started as a rail depot on the Uganda – Kenya Railway line. Steadily, Nairobi grew in size and importance to replace the erstwhile capital of Mombasa in 1907 and officially became the capital of the Republic of Kenya following its independence from the British in 1963. During colonial times, Nairobi gained prominence as a major centre for the coffee, tea, and sisal industry.

One of Africa's most vibrant and dynamic cities, Nairobi is the main starting point in Kenya for several wildlife safari adventures. Nairobi is a huge capital city with upmarket suburbs, colonial buildings, and a mixture of different cultures that travellers can enjoy and explore during their holidays to Nairobi. Spend your day meandering through the city streets or relax by your tranquil hotel pool shielded from the hustle and bustle of the city. Nairobi has plenty of museums where you can learn the rich heritage of this once British East Africa colony to Kenya’s young, spirited capital city. Enjoy views of the Nairobi River or scale nearby mountains, crossing the border into Tanzania brings you within reach of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Nairobi is a magical African city with a colonial history, East African culture, and plenty of amazing experiences starting from wildlife, African art, music, culture, delicious food and much more! If you are thinking about holidays in the Kenyan capital, we suggest that you start your research by searching for flights to Nairobi (NBO). Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the country’s main airport catered by several African, Middle East and European and International Airlines.

Things to do in Nairobi

Giraffe ManorNairobi

30 minutes outside Nairobi lies Giraffe Manor. A charming colonial-style mansion where Rothschild giraffes wander the grounds and even pop their heads through the windows in the hope of a treat before returning to their forest sanctuary. A must-see for any animal lover as you get up close with these magnificent animals during your holidays in Giraffe Manor. It has a visitor centre that displays information about the tall and handsome Rothschild Giraffes and a raised platform even allows visitors to feed these majestic creatures. Visitors can also enjoy a self-guided forest walk in the adjacent nature reserve which has a beautiful trail of 1.5 kilometres.

Nairobi National ParkNairobi

A short drive out of Nairobi’s central business district is the Nairobi National Park. Wide open grass plains and backdrop of the city scrapers, scattered acacia bush play host to a wide variety of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes, and diverse birdlife. Visitors can enjoy the park’s picnic sites, three campsites and walking trails for hikers. Kenya’s first national park, Nairobi National Park is the best spot for travellers to explore and see wildlife with an urban landscape and protects more than 50 critically endangered species. Enjoy several walking trails around the Hippo Pools and bond with orphaned baby elephants and rhinos at the David Shedrick Wildlife Trust during holidays to Nairobi.

Karen Blixen MuseumNairobi

The centrepiece of a farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills came to fame with the release of the Oscar-winning movie 'Out of Africa'. Based on the autobiography of then-owner Karen Blixen, the museum gives an interesting insight into Kenya's colonial past. Karen Blixen, who also used the pen name of Isak Dinesen, lived in this house from 1917 to 1931 and ran a coffee plantation. The Karen Blixen Museum is a well-preserved colonial farmhouse with a kitchen in a separate building, a coffee-drying plant in the woodland, and an agriculture college on the grounds. The Museum also has several photographs, personal items, furniture, and plenty of books owned by the author and her lover.

When to visit Nairobi

The best time to visit Nairobi is from late June to October. This is the dry season and an excellent time to view the wildlife including the wildebeest migration. The wet season from November to May brings new-born wildlife and lush, beautiful scenery. Temperatures are mild all year round due to Nairobi’s elevation being over 5,000 feet. They range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius most of the year making it pleasant and not too hot.

The High tourism season is between the months of July to October and January to February. It is also the best time to see the Great Migration, the annual natural phenomenon which sees millions of animals migrating in search of water from Kenya to the south of the African continent. The shoulder season is from November to December and March, and it is a good time to enjoy the lush green landscapes, the dry season, and the migratory birds. April to June is the low season and is known for a smaller tourism crowd but the downside is heavy humidity and heavy rains.

Top Attractions in Nairobi

Karura Forest ReserveNairobi

If are you looking for some solitude and relaxation in the lap of nature during your holidays in Nairobi, then you must visit the Karura Forest Reserve. This beautiful cool and shady green forest lies a few kilometres away from the city and is one of the largest urban forests in the world. Visitors can enjoy hiking in the forest and discover a 15-metre waterfall and have a picnic in the gardens. Bikers will also enjoy cycling along the clearly marked red-clay trails in the forest. Nature lovers can sit by Lily Lake and see the colourful butterflies and several species of birds and have some light snacks and drinks at the river café.

Ngong HillsNairobi

The Ngong Hills are the peaks of a ridge that overlooks the Great Rift Valley. “Ngong” in the Maasai language means “knuckles”. These hills are a popular place to visit for travellers looking to escape the heat and chaos of Nairobi and spend a day in the lap of nature. It is the place where several white settlers set up their homes and farms during the colonial rule of Kenya by the British empire. Today, the area is full of half-timbered houses and flower gardens plus plenty of walking trails that go through the hills and offer scenic views of the valleys. Visitors can also spot several wildlife-like buffalos gazelles, giraffes, bushbucks, baboons, and zebras.

Nairobi National MuseumNairobi

The Nairobi National Museum is a must-visit attraction for travellers during your holidays in Nairobi. This museum offers an interesting glimpse into Kenya and Nairobi’s history, culture, and natural history and is a great way to spend an entire day learning about the history and culture of the country. The museum displays several cultural and natural history exhibits like more than 900 stuffed birds and mammals, fossils, artefacts of various Kenyan tribal groups and local art exhibits. Visitors will also enjoy various rocks and learn about the geology of the area including tectonic plates, volcanoes, rock formations, minerals and prehistoric remains of bones and fossils. There is also Snake Park adjacent to the museum where visitors will see the various reptiles found in this region.

Frequently Asked Questions on Nairobi Holidays

How do I travel to Nairobi?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA Code – NBO) is the primary international airport of Kenya. The airport lies 15 kilometres from the city and is a major international airport in Africa. Wilson Airport (IATA Code – WIL) is a domestic airport that receives several domestic and low-cost airlines.

What are the travel requirements for Nairobi?
The citizens of the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia will have to apply for online e-visa to Kenya as the country is no longer issuing visas of arrival. If you are looking to travel to multiple countries in East Africa, apply for an East African Tourist Visa that costs around 100 USD and gives access to Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for 90 days.

What is the currency used in Kenya?
Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the official currency used in Kenya. The official exchange rate is currently hovering around 128 KES for 1 USD, 137 KES for 1 Euro, and 155 KES for 1 GBP. The exchange rates can vary with +/- of 1 to 2 as per currency. Visa and Master Card credit cards are widely accepted.

Do I need travel insurance in Nairobi?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Nairobi travel. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical, accidental, baggage loss, etc. 

What is the language spoken in Kenya?
Spanish is the official language of Spain. However, Costa del Sol is a highly popular destination, and the natives can now speak English, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian and French.

How do I travel around Nairobi?
The easiest and most convenient way to commute in Nairobi is to use a car rental and explore the city at your own pace. Nairobi also has several Taxis and cabs that are ideal for commuting within the city. Matatus are the public minibuses and commuter buses that ply between downtown Nairobi and the suburbs.

How long is the flight to Nairobi?
A direct flight to Nairobi takes approx. 8 hours and 35 minutes. In-direct flights take around 11 hours or more.

Which airlines fly to Nairobi?
Kenya Airways and British Airways fly direct from the UK to Nairobi. Major airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France all fly direct to Nairobi.

Which UK airports can I fly from?
You can fly from most UK airports to Nairobi as many services will connect in Qatar, Dubai, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris and Istanbul. London Heathrow offers the only direct flight, while all other airports are in-direct.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Nairobi?
September is the low season and the cheapest time to fly to Nairobi. Christmas, like anywhere is the most expensive time of year to fly as people will fly back to visit friends and family. For the latest flight prices please click the link below. Cheap Flights to Nairobi.

Nairobi Holidays

Great Value Deals

World Wide Holidays

Book Confidently

Atol Protected