With a mix of ethnicities and nationalities worldwide, Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, warmly embraces all her visitors and works to make you at home quickly. Yet despite having a space for everyone who visits, Nairobi still sets itself apart and offers a unique vacation to all its visitors.
If an authentic safari experience is on your bucket list, Nairobi is definitely worth considering. Here are some recommendations to make the most of your trip to Kenya.
The Nairobi Culture
Nairobi is a busy city just like any other city in the world. The streets are bustling as ever and there are tons of places to visit and see. As a Nairobian tourist, it would help to learn a few Swahili words. “Hujambo” for greeting or “Habari yako”, “Karibu” for “welcome”, “asante” means “thank you”, “pole” means “sorry”, and “tafadhali” means “please”. See the incredible thing about Nairobi, nobody expects a foreigner to be fluent in Swahili. Throw in one of the above words and continue your speech in English and that’s more than enough.
Beyond language, politeness is paramount in Nairobi. Tip your servers in the restaurants when you can. Always start all your conversations with greetings and don’t leave too many leftovers. Wasting food is looked down upon in Kenyan culture.
There is no strict dress code in Nairobi, much less for a visitor. Fridays in Nairobi are spent socializing in malls, bars, clubs, and or at restaurants for tea or coffee. If you want a never-ending nightlife, find your way to the Westlands. Indulge in some club-hopping before you retire for the night.
Things To Do In Nairobi
1. Visit Nairobi National Park
About an hour from the city center, you will find Nairobi National Park. Enjoy an authentic safari experience in the savannah grassland in a park teeming with lions, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, rhinos, wildebeests, and buffalo. The only animals you won’t find here are elephants. It’s an incredible sight to watch the wildlife in their natural habitat with the city’s skyline as a backdrop.
In addition to Nairobi National Park, the city has many animal sanctuaries in the region that are open to the public. Many endangered species of animals like Sokoke cats, buffalos, ostriches, flamingos, hyenas, blue wildebeest, rhinos, hartebeest, waterbuck, common warthog, and black-backed jackal can be seen – both at the sanctuaries and on safari excursions. In addition to endangered animals, some sanctuaries house endangered plants.
2. Explore Maasai Market
Immerse yourself in Maasai culture at this incredible market that changes its location every day of the week. This is in keeping with the Maasai nomadic culture. This market is a must-visit as part of the Nairobi experience. Stroll through the market and experience vibrant colors in beadwork, woven shukas, and house ornaments all handcrafted by the Maasai people.
3. Visit Nairobi National Museum
Enjoyed even by non-museum fans, the Nairobi National Museum is an excellent showcase of Kenya’s history. Located within the city, the museum is a popular destination and easily accessible. Besides Kenya’s history, the museum also takes you through a journey of human ancestors. Explore the snake park within the museum and the beautiful botanical garden.
4. Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage
Located right next to the Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of the animal sanctuaries that will be the highlight of your trip to Nairobi. Here you will find the most adorable baby elephants. Watch as their caretakers bring them out, feed them, and play with them. Your heart will melt at the bonds between these baby elephants and their caretakers.
5. Have breakfast at the Giraffe Manor
Can you imagine having breakfast while petting and feeding giraffes? The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is home to the critically endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Founded in 1979, this sanctuary is one of Nairobi’s greatest gems. Meet and learn the names of the welcoming giraffes and take as many pictures as possible with these lovely creatures.
Kenyan Food You Gotta Try
Kenyan cuisine is inspired by over 44 tribes in the country of Kenya. Over time, these meals have made their way through the country and have become staples in households everywhere.
Foodies will find a haven in Nairobi as it offers dishes from just about every part of the world. From delectable and spicy Mexican dishes to creamy pasta, Kenyan dishes have made a name for themselves and serve as part and parcel of a Nairobi experience.
Sample Ugali, a meal made by adding maize flour to boiling water until it hardens. It pairs well with stews and vegetables, especially collard greens Kenyans love to call Sukuma Wiki (push the week). Ask for Pilau, a delicious traditional cinnamon, ginger, and garlic. Try chapati, a Kenyan flatbread inspired by the Indian naan. Vegans will love Kenyan cuisine for dishes such as githeri (a mix of maize and bean), mokimo (pounded potatoes, maize, and greens), matoke (cooked green bananas), and Maandazi, a sweet treat made with leavened flour.
Safety Tips
As with any big city, Nairobi has its fair share of security issues. Here are some tips to keep you safe as you visit:
- Always keep your valuables close to you. Whether it’s your handbag, backpack, or wallet, make sure it is well-kept. There are pickpockets and tourists can make for an easy target.
- Don’t walk alone at night – for the most part, Nairobi taxis are pretty safe. When you are out at night, it is safer in a taxi or any vehicle than walking alone. For more safety, you can use ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt to navigate your way through the city.
- Do a bit of research about Nairobi before arrival. This will familiarize you with the city, which should make your exploration much safer.
- Stay connected and reachable at all times. Stay online and inform your loved ones of your itinerary and whereabouts every day. Buy a local SIM card for your phone to ensure you have a reliable connection throughout your stay.
A Bucket List City
Boasting as the only city in the world with a national park within its confines, Nairobi is a mix of raw untamed wilderness and vast urban sprawl. Whether you decide to spend your days in Nairobi exploring wildlife in the national park and sanctuaries or embark on a museum blitz around the city, your stay in Nairobi is bound to be unforgettable.
Hujambo na karibu katika jiji la Nairobi!
Written by Sharon O. – a proud resident of Kenya.
Photo credit: Nairobi National Park