Things To Do in Nairobi (2025) | A 5 Day Itinerary

Nairobi is a dream destination for many people who want to visit Africa, and I can definitely say it’s a choice that fully delivers. I was there for 5 days, and everyday was filled with memorable moments that made me consider going back some time in the future.

You’ve probably heard about the incredible wildlife experiences, but Nairobi offers more beyond that. So, what else can you do in this vibrant city? Well, you have options! Keep reading to learn more about the diiferent things to do in beautiful Nairobi.

7 Things To Do in Nairobi

1. Giraffe Centre

We’re starting off strong with one of my favorite things to do in Nairobi – visiting the famous Giraffe Centre. As someone who isn’t too fond of interacting with animals and nature in general, I had mixed feelings about this activity. However, I was definitely excited. Thankfully, the Giraffe Centre lived up to its hype because it was an amazing experience.

Upon entry, staff will give you a bowl of pellets to feed the giraffes. Then, they will direct you to the feeding platform, where you can feed and even pet the giraffes. Each giraffe has its own unique personality, which determines how you should approach them. For example, a couple of them love attention, so you definitely shouldn’t turn your back on them! But don’t worry, the staff are there to guide guests and make sure both you and the giraffes have a safe and enjoyable interaction.

For this activity, you can simply purchase your ticket upon arrival. The entry fee for non-resident adults is Ksh1,500 (around $12 USD).

2. Bomas of Kenya

This was the definition of an immersive experience. The afternoon started with staff directing my friends and me to the auditorium, where we watched a cultural dance performance. At some point, they invited us to dance with them, and of course we said yes! I absolutely love experiencing different cultures in unique ways, so this moment was incredible. The schedule for the daily cultural shows is as follows:
Monday to Friday: 2:30pm to 4:00pm
Weekend & Public Holidays: 3:30pm to 5:15pm

After the dance performance, we got to walk around the property to see the traditional homesteads representing Kenya’s diverse ethnic communities. Each homestead showcases the unique architecture, way of life, and traditions of different tribes. The entire experience felt like a cultural journey through Kenya’s heritage.

The ticket fee for a non-resident adult is $20 USD per person, and my friends and I purchased our tickets in person. However, if you feel more at ease booking ahead of time, you also have the opportunity to do so.

3. Nairobi National Park | Safari Game Drive

I think we can all agree that a trip to East Africa isn’t complete without a Safari experience. This was definitely one of my favorite things to do in Nairobi, because I’ve had this on my bucket list for a while. It’s common for people to do full-fledged safari experiences at renowned locations such as Masai Mara, Amboselli, and more. However, if you’d prefer to stay in the city, or if you have a tight budget, you can visit Nairobi National Park. This park is quite unique because it’s the only national park in the world located within a capital city, where you can spot lions, giraffes, rhinos, and more, all with Nairobi’s skyline in the background. It truly was an unreal scene for me.

To make the most of your experience, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These cooler times of the day encourage more animal activity, as wildlife is generally less active during the hotter midday hours. Also, the dry season is the best time for wildlife viewing. Thinner vegetation means animals are more likely to gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. When I visited in April during the rainy season, I found it more challenging to see wildlife due to the dense vegetation. Also, many animals had moved to drier land, so sightings were less frequent.

I booked my tour with Msanii Africa Safaris, and we were able to get a good deal. We were a group of 5, and paid $40 USD per person for the tour, and $43 USD per person for the National Park entry free. That brought our total fee per person to $83 USD. If you prefer to book with third party platforms, that’s also an available option.

4. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nursery

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nursery (elephant nursery) is known for its exceptional work with rescuing and rehabilitating baby elephants and rhinos. My favorite part of this experience was the incredible storytelling. Each baby elephant and rhino has its own unique story, and it’s clear that the workers are deeply passionate about their mission, showing genuine care and dedication to nurturing these animals back to good health.

Guests are only able to visit at a particular time each day (11am – 12pm), and while you’re there, you can only watch the workers as they feed the baby elephants and rhinos. Therefore, this experience isn’t as immersive as what you’d get at the Giraffe Center. Nonetheless, I enjoyed watching them in their element, and it was admirable to see the gentle care being provided by the staff. 

I booked my safari with Msanii Africa Tours, and they also handled our transportation to the Elephant Nursery. Most tour providers offer this service since visiting the nursery requires entry through Nairobi National Park, and combining both activities in one day helps avoid paying the park entry fee twice. However, it’s important to ask your tour provider or local guide to ensure they provide you with a copy of the official booking confirmation email from the nursery.

*This activity is frequently advertised by third party platforms such as Viator, Tripadvisor and GetYourGuide, however the nursery does not accept these bookings. Your visit needs to be approved directly by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for it to be considered valid.*

5. Masai Market Nairobi

The Maasai Market is more than a place where you can buy souvenirs. I found that it gave me an opportunity to learn more about the culture. Through art pieces, beautiful fabrics, handmade jewelry and more, you get to really see the beauty of Kenya’s culture.

While you’re there, one key tip is not to be in a haste to buy something! Most sellers have similar products, so you should weigh your options and see who’s offering the best price before you make a purchase. It’s common that as a tourist, they will give you a higher price than what they would give a local. Researching ahead of time helps you identify overinflated price points, which will allow you to bargain effectively. Bargaining is a common and accepted practice, but don’t get carried away! Be mindful to respect the process, and aim for a fair deal rather than driving the price down unrealistically.

The Maasai Market rotates locations throughout the week. Be sure to check the schedule before your visit to ensure you’re heading to the right spot. This is the current schedule:

• Tuesday: Westgate Shopping Mall in Westlands (the upper car park) relocated to Kijabe Street opposite the Norfolk Hotel
• Wednesday: Capital Centre on Mombasa Road near the airport
• Thursday: Nakumatt Junction Shopping Mall on Ngong Road
• Friday: Village Market in Gigiri (the upper car park)
• Saturday: The High Court parking lot in the city center (behind the Hilton)
• Sunday: Yaya Centre in Hurlingham

6. Afternoon Tea at Villa Rosa Kempinski

If you’re someone who enjoys a touch of luxury when traveling, then without a doubt, this experience is for you. The Kempinski hotel chain is known for its renowned high end hospitality and five star service, so it’s no surprise that their afternoon tea felt like royalty, all for a cost of Ksh2,900 (around $22 USD).

During my tea time, I was offered a variety of sweet treats, all of which were beautifully presented and had a lot of flavor. The tea itself was rich, aromatic, and perfectly brewed, which was no surprise, because after all, Kenya is known for producing some of the world’s finest tea.

You don’t need to be a hotel guest to have access to this experience. However, I absolutely loved staying at Villa Rosa, so I’d highly recommend it!

7. Spa at Villa Rosa Kempinski

The state-of-the-art spa facility at Villa Rosa Kempinski is the perfect place to wind down at the end of your trip. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance immediately set the tone for relaxation. Picture this – soft music, calming scents, and warm hospitality. Perfect, right?

While you wait for your masseuse, there’s a dedicated room for guests to sit and have some alone time while sipping on any tea of their choice. In addition to its calming and aromatic rooms for massages, the facility also has a sauna and hot tub.

If you’d like to step outside for a bit, their stunning pool area offers an enjoyable space with loungers and a breathtaking view. I saw it to be the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the warmth of Nairobi before wrapping up my trip.  

The solo massages range from Ksh4,500 to Ksh9,500 ($35 – $75 USD) and a couple’s massage is Ksh14,500 ($112 USD). Spa bookings are also open to non-hotel guests, but as I previously mentioned, Villa Rosa Kempinski is an incredible experience, so why not make it a full luxury getaway?

Conclusion

I found Nairobi to be a city of adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it an unforgettable destination for me. Whether it’s feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, experiencing the safari at Nairobi National Park, or immersing myself in luxury at Villa Rosa Kempinski, there was no shortage of incredible things to do.

I know I’ve said this for other destinations, but Nairobi really does offer something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re an animal lover, a foodie, someone who enjoys immersing yourself in local culture, or someone who loves the outdoors, you’ll find something enjoyable. So if Nairobi is on your travel list, get ready for an experience filled with unforgettable moments, warm hospitality, and a taste of Kenya’s exciting spirit!