5 days in Nairobi
Nairobi National Park and Maasai Market on day 1, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Karura Forest on day 2, and Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum on day 3. The other 2 days add a day trip to Maasai Mara National Reserve and Westlands. Stay in CBD (Central Business District), the area closest to the plan's stops.
Costs about €680 for one person mid-range, or €270 on a budget.
Day 1: Nairobi National Park and Maasai Market
Morning
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is best visited early in the morning (6-9am) or late afternoon (3-6pm) for the best wildlife activity and softer light for photography.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 6,990 reviewsTours and tickets for Nairobi National Park
To eat
Traditional Kenyan
Eat with your hands! It's customary to use your right hand to scoop up ugali and stews.
Where to go: Nyama Choma at Carnivore Restaurant, Kenyan buffet at Mama Oliech Restaurant, Fresh fish from Lake Victoria at The Hook
Afternoon
Maasai Market
The Maasai Market moves to a different location each day (e.g., Village Market on Tuesday, The Junction on Wednesday, City Park on Friday). Ask your hotel for the current day's venue.
Evening
Kitengela Glass Hot Glass Workshop
A unique artistic community and workshop located in the Kitengela plains, where recycled glass is transformed into beautiful sculptures, jewelry, and homeware.
Day 2: David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Karura Forest
Morning
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
To eat
Street Food
Look for vendors with a high turnover of customers to ensure the food is fresh and hot.
Where to go: Mutura and smokies from street vendors in the CBD, Mahamri (Swahili donuts) and viazi karai (fried potatoes) at Biashara Street, Roasted maize (corn) from roadside carts
Afternoon
Karura Forest
Karura Forest has multiple gates. The main Limuru Road gate is most popular, but the Kiambu Road gate offers quieter trails. Rent a bike inside for the best way to explore.
In Kileleshwa/Lavington.
Evening
Nairobi Railway Museum
A small museum located near the central station, housing vintage locomotives and carriages from the era of the 'Lunatic Express' that built Kenya.
In CBD.
Day 3: Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum
An affluent, leafy suburb named after author Karen Blixen, offering a serene, village-like atmosphere with large estates, beautiful gardens, and a focus on history and nature.
Morning
Giraffe Centre
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 3,533 reviewsIn Karen. Tours and tickets for Giraffe Centre
To eat
Fine Dining / Contemporary
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner on weekends at popular spots.
Where to go: Pan-African tasting menu at The Talisman (Karen), Modern Indian at Open House (Westlands), Farm-to-table experience at Cultiva Farm (Karen)
Afternoon
Karen Blixen Museum
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 695 reviewsIn Karen. Tours and tickets for Karen Blixen Museum
Evening
Kazuri Beads Women's Cooperative
A fair-trade workshop in Karen where beautiful, hand-painted ceramic beads and jewelry are made, providing employment for single mothers.
In Karen.
Day 4, a day trip: Maasai Mara National Reserve
45 min by flight from Wilson Airport, or 5-6 hours by road.
Embark on a world-class safari to witness the iconic African savannah and, if timing aligns, the breathtaking Great Wildebeest Migration. A fly-in day trip allows for multiple game drives in one of the world's most famous wildlife reserves.
Highlights: The Great Wildebeest Migration, Big Five game drives, Maasai cultural village visits, Hot air balloon safaris at dawn
Day 5: Westlands and Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary
Morning
Westlands
Nairobi's bustling commercial and entertainment hub, packed with skyscrapers, shopping malls (like Sarit Centre and Westgate), vibrant nightlife, and a dense concentration of restaurants, bars, and cafes. It's modern, energetic, and constantly buzzing.
Also here: Sarit Centre, The Alchemist Bar, Artcaffe restaurants, Various rooftop bars and clubs
Afternoon
Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary
A lesser-known section of the larger Ngong Forest, managed by the Kenya Forest Service, offering serene walking trails right in the city.
In Karen.
Evening
The Alchemist Bar (Sunday Day Party)
While known as a nightlife spot in Westlands, its Sunday afternoon sessions are a Nairobi institution for a relaxed, trendy crowd.
In Westlands.
Before you go
From the airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is about 15km from the city center. The most convenient option is a pre-booked taxi or ride-hail app (Uber/Bolt), costing approximately KES 1,500-2,500 ($12-20) and taking 30-60 mins depending on traffic. There is no direct train; buses are cheaper but not recommended for first-time visitors with luggage.
Getting around
The city center (CBD) is very walkable for short distances, but sidewalks can be crowded and uneven. Neighborhoods like Karen and Westlands are more spread out, requiring transport between points. Walking after dark is not generally advised.
Local tips
- Always carry some small denomination Kenyan Shilling (KES) notes for tips, small purchases, and matatu fares. While cards are accepted in malls and upscale places, cash is king elsewhere.
- Use trusted taxi apps like Uber, Bolt, or Little Cab for safe, reliable, and metered rides. Avoid hailing random taxis off the street, especially at night.
- Learn a few basic Swahili greetings. A simple 'Jambo' (Hello), 'Asante' (Thank you), and 'Habari?' (How are you?) will be warmly appreciated and can enhance your interactions.
