Destinations / Kenya / Nairobi
Nairobi
Africa’s Safari Capital
Nairobi is the gateway to East Africa's great safaris and the only capital city in the world with a national park on its doorstep. Between flights, you can meet orphaned elephants, feed giraffes from your breakfast table and discover the story of Kenya's conservation pioneers.
More Than a Gateway
Wildlife in the City
Nairobi National Park is home to lions, rhinos, giraffes and buffalo, all with the city skyline as a backdrop.
Conservation Pioneers
The city is home to celebrated elephant and giraffe conservation projects that welcome visitors.
Culture & Creativity
A vibrant food scene, galleries and craft workshops reflect Nairobi's energy and creativity.
Unforgettable Experiences
The perfect start or finish to an East African safari.
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Elephant Orphanage
Watch orphaned baby elephants at feeding time and learn about their rescue and rehabilitation.
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Giraffe Centre
Meet endangered Rothschild's giraffes face-to-face.
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Karen Blixen Museum
Visit the farmhouse of the author of Out of Africa.
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Craft & Design
Discover handmade beads, ceramics and contemporary design.
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Karen Garden Dining
Lunch in the garden at the Talisman in Karen, or feast on nyama choma, Kenya's beloved grilled meat, at the legendary Carnivore.
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Kazuri Beads & the Maasai Market
Watch hand-painted ceramic beads being made at the Kazuri workshop in Karen, then browse beadwork, carvings and fabrics at the rotating Maasai Market.
When to visit
As the gateway to Kenya's great safari regions, the best time to visit follows the seasons in the parks beyond the city.
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The long dry season brings superb game viewing across Kenya. The Great Migration usually arrives in the Masai Mara in July, with river crossings often peaking in August and September.
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A short dry season with warm weather, excellent wildlife viewing and fewer visitors.t birds.
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The long rains bring lush landscapes and great value, though some safari camps close for the season.
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The short rains turn the parks green, with newborn animals and migran
Premier Stays
Riverside tents and hilltop hideaways in Kenya's wild north.
Luxury City Hotels
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Boutique & Private Retreats
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Iconic & Experiential Stays
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Pairs Perfectly with…
Because the best safaris rarely stop at one destination.
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Ngorongoro Crater
Cross into Tanzania to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s densest concentrations of wildlife.
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Tarangire National Park
Ancient baobabs, enormous elephant herds and exceptional game viewing.
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Zanzibar
Swap safari for white sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters.
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Rwanda
Add an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience to your East African adventure.
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Masai Mara
Add big cats and the drama of the Great Migration.
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Amboseli National Park
Add great herds of elephant beneath Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Samburu National Reserve
Discover rare northern species in Kenya's rugged north.
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Serengeti
Cross into Tanzania to follow the herds across endless plains.
Frequently Asked Questions
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One night is usually enough, ideally with a morning visit to the elephant orphanage and the Giraffe Centre.
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International flights land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Flights to the safari camps leave from Wilson Airport, about 30 to 60 minutes away depending on traffic.
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As in any major city, we recommend sensible precautions. We arrange private transfers, trusted guides and well-located hotels throughout your stay.
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US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), applied for online before travel.
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Nairobi itself is low risk because of its altitude, but most safari areas are not, so antimalarials are usually recommended for your wider trip.
