4 Amazing things to do in Nairobi during your safari in Kenya

Safari Sage   Kenya  

If you’re going on a safari in East Africa chances are you’ll visit Nairobi city. While you are there, what are the ultimate things to do?


Here we’ve listed 4 of the best things to do in Nairobi, Kenya. We have included exciting wildlife activities to add to your safari in Kenya and beyond.


Best things to do in Nairobi (with activity prices)


  1. 1. Giraffe Manor & Giraffe Centre in Nairobi
  2. 2. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Orphanage (Elephant Sanctuary)
  3. 3. Nairobi National Park
  4. 4. Karen Blixen Museum


Learn more about the best things to do in Nairobi, during your wildlife safari in Kenya and other East African countries.


1. Giraffe Manor & Giraffe Centre


Giraffe Manor is famous for its giraffes. It is often called ‘the Nairobi hotel with giraffes’.


This historic boutique hotel is one of the most Instagrammable places in Africa. You’ll see why.


The elegant giraffe hotel is set on a private property surrounded by 57 hectares (140 acres) of indigenous forest. This special forest in the Nairobi suburb of Langata is home to the famous herd of Rothschild’s giraffes. The highlight of staying at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is feeding the giraffes. They visit the hotel in the mornings and evenings and are so tame they often stick their heads in through the hotel windows in search of treats. If you’re lucky, you may even get to kiss a giraffe on the nose.


The Giraffe Centre is run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and is next to the hotel. Established in 1979, the Giraffe Center in Nairobi has played a pivotal role in giraffe conservation and wildlife education. They run a successful giraffe breeding program. Thanks to their hard efforts the number of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes in Kenya has risen from 80 to over 600. The Giraffe Centre has also helped increase the number of Rothschild’s giraffes in the wild from 100 to about 1800 with 50 giraffes from the centre being returned to the wild.


Visit the viewing platform at the Giraffe Centre to feed the giraffes and take a stroll along the forest trail. Browse the gift shop for souvenirs that support giraffe conservation and even sponsor a giraffe.


  • ● Giraffe Centre entrance fee: about $15.00 per adult and $7.50 per child (3 - 12 years) for international visitors. To book a Kenya Safari that visits the Nairobi Giraffe Centre, contact us.


2. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage


Visit the extraordinary Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, a famous Kenya elephant sanctuary.


They take care of elephant orphans and other rescued animals. The orphanage is run by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, one of the oldest wildlife charities in Africa.


The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was the first organisation to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants. Today their Orphan’s Project is still the most successful elephant orphan program in the world.


The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) also plays a vital role in East African wildlife conservation and protecting key wilderness areas in Kenya and beyond. By visiting the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, you’ll support the important work that they do and enjoy a remarkable wildlife experience at the same time.


During your visit, you will get to meet the orphaned animals and see the dedicated team at work. While you’re there, you’ll also learn more about conservation in Africa and the resident wildlife species.


You can even adopt an orphaned elephant, rhino, or giraffe for yourself or as a gift when you visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.


  • ● Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Orphanage entrance fee: is US$15 per adult and US$5 per child (under 12 years) although you are welcome to make a bigger donation. Please note that you need to book your visit in advance and early bookings are advised.


3. Nairobi National Park - the World’s Wildlife Capital


The Nairobi National Park is right next door to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Orphanage, so it’s easy to visit them at the same time.


A stone’s throw from the central business district of Nairobi, the Nairobi National Park is the only protected area in the world located so close to a capital city. Hence it’s known as “the World’s Wildlife Capital”.


This is the place to take photos of wildlife with city skyscrapers in the background. Although Nairobi National Park is relatively small, covering just shy of 46 mi2 (120 km2) it boasts diverse landscapes.


Nairobi National Park is home to more than over 100 mammal species. Four of the Big Five animals are found in Nairobi National Park - buffalos, rhinos, leopards and lions (no elephants), along with cheetahs, hyenas and a variety of plains game. On game drives in Nairobi Park, you are also likely to see giraffes, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, crocodiles, wildebeests and various antelopes like klipspringer and reedbuck. The park also hosts impressive birdlife with over 400 types of birds recorded here, including migratory and endemic species.


You can visit Nairobi National Park on an organised tour with a safari company or embark on a self-drive safari in your own vehicle. Alternatively, you can book a Kenya safari that includes a visit to the national park in Nairobi or ask your safari company to add it as an extra to your itinerary.


There are several picnic sites and viewpoints where you can stop for refreshments and stretch your legs. Nairobi Park also features walking trails you can hike and three campsites where you can camp overnight.


Habitats range from lush forests around the Athi River to open savannah grasslands and swampy wetlands. The southwest of the park is one of the most scenic areas of Nairobi Park, with the Athi River and streams flowing through lush valleys.


  • ● Nairobi National Park entrance fees: US$43 per adult and US$22 per child (3 - 18 years) for non-residents. The best time to visit Nairobi National Park for wildlife watching is during the dry season (from June to September).


4. Karen Blixen Museum


Head to the Karen Blixen Museum, just outside of Nairobi city for an interesting journey back in time. Also known as the ‘Out of Africa’ house, the Karen Blixen Museum is a beautiful historical gem.


One of Kenya’s national museums, the Karen Blixen Museum was established in 1985 to commemorate the life of talented Danish Baroness Karen Blixen, who wrote the famous autobiography, Out of Africa.


This is where Karen Blixen lived with her Swedish husband Baron Bror von Blixen Fincke, from 1917 to 1931. The Karen Blixen Museum is set in what was once their colonial farmhouse overlooking rambling gardens. A visit to the museum house, built in 1912, gives you insight into the lives of the Baron and Baroness.


A visit will reveal more about how this renowned authoress, poet and coffee farmer lived, so if you’re a fan of the Oscar-winning Out of Africa movie, then a visit here is a must.


  • ● Karen Blixen Museum entrance fees: US$10 per adult and US$5 per child (under 16 years) for non-residents. Ticket prices include a guided tour, but visitors are expected to tip the guide (about US$1 or US$2).
  • ● The Karen Blixen Museum is located 10km from Nairobi city centre. A taxi to the museum should cost between US$13 and US$17, or you can take cheaper public transport (by matatu).



Best Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya


These are just 4 of the best things to do in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. There are plenty of other fun things to do and amazing places to visit, such as the Bomas of Kenya and hiking in Karura Forest.


Take a peek at our Kenya Safaris online. Or contact us to book a safari in Kenya that includes a memorable visit to Nairobi.