Nairobi

Understand

History

The word Nairobi is derived from a water hole known in Maasai as Enkare Nyorobi, which means "cool waters". Nairobi, which had been a swamp area, was founded in 1899 as a railway camp for the Uganda Railway. By 1905, the city had become the capital of Kenya (then the British East Africa Protectorate), supplanting Mombasa and Machakos, the previous capitals. With the spread of plagues in the early 1900s, the town was burnt down and had to be rebuilt. Having a railway helped it to grow rapidly, becoming the second largest city in Kenya behind Mombasa. Nairobi also grew due to administration and tourism businesses (mostly big game hunting). The British presence led to the creation of big hotels primarily for the British hunters. After independence, some descendants of the British settlers remained in Nairobi and obtained Kenyan citizenship, and today form Kenya's white community. Nairobi also has an East Indian community, who are the descendants of the labourers who built the railway and the merchants who set up shop during colonial times. After independence, Nairobi airport became the principal entrance point to Kenya and it still is today, although it has lost some of its importance to Mombasa.

Climate

Nairobi has a subtropical highland climate. At 1,795 metres above sea level, evenings may be cool, especially in the June/July season, when the temperature can drop to 9 °C. The sunniest and warmest part of the year is from December to March, when temperatures average in the mid-twenties Celsius during the day. The mean maximum temperature for this period is 24 °C.

Tourist information

There does not seem to be a physical general tourist office in Nairobi. The Kenyan Tourist Board's website Magical Kenya has information about the capital too.

Getting there

For general information about visas and vaccinations, etc., see the Kenya article.

By plane

1 JKIA Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO IATA) (is 15 km (9.3 mi) south-east from the centre of the city). Nairobi’s main airport, and one of Africa's largest hubs. Terminal 1A section is linked to Terminal 1B and 1C by walkways both airside and landside. Terminal 1A has a small food court upstairs airside, and there is a Nairobi Java House between the two terminals airside. Terminal 1B is completed since renovations in 2022 and it serves departures. Terminal 1C has very little except for 10 small shops all selling the same souvenirs. Terminal 1A has a two small shops with a better selection of duty-free and souvenirs. There are Ecobank & Cooperative bank & I&M no withdrawal fee ATMs at the airport or at the cargo terminal. (updated Dec 2022)

Airlines

Kenya Airways (KQ) is the national airline of Kenya, and used to be one of the largest and most reputable airlines in Africa, connections from as far as New York JFK (a direct 15-hr flight), a couple of major European and Asian airports and the largest African airports. As of 2025 the airport is also served by major African, Middle Eastern and European airlines, China Southern and Indigo.

Getting around

Be careful getting around Nairobi. Traffic is very bad like any other major city, but if you use common sense and a local or guide you should be able to get where you want.

By car

Hiring a car is convenient as it allows you the freedom to explore Nairobi at your own pace. Most rental companies in Nairobi offer self-drive and chauffeured options respectively. You will find that a large fleet of cars available for hire are Japanese: Toyota, Nissan or Mitsubishi. You can hire both automatic and manual transmission. All rental cars are right-hand drive. Hiring a vehicle with a driver or chauffeur is advisable due to the generally lower standards of driving, average to poor road conditions and the overall cost effectiveness of not having to pay a deposit on hiring a vehicle which is the case with a self drive vehicle. The car rental rates are often determined by the number of days and estimated mileage per day. Some car hire companies will give you a rate that is 50% cheaper but either give you a contract with a clause limiting you to visit the specific locations, an old car or require a hefty deposit. The rates are cheaper if you are hiring the car for a week, a month or are looking for a lease. Most car rental rates include unlimited mileage, PSV comprehensive insurance, theft and damage waivers. The driver and fuel are charged separately with some companies requiring that you hire a driver if you are taking a large 4X4/4WD (e.g. a Toyota Prado, Land Cruiser j70, Range Rover, Land Cruiser VX, Land Rover discovery). Although a good number of local car hire companies are reliable, you should either take photos of the car before the hire, or carefully note the dents or scratches on the car and agree. In addition, carefully read the rental contract to check for rules on insurance liabilities in case of accident or theft of the vehicle. Here are some reliable car hire companies in Kenya:

Nairobi Car Hire offer good services for 4x4 and other categories of cars. Central Car Hire are a reliable, trustworthy and helpful rental company based in Nairobi. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles are available and are well maintained. Nairobi Car Hire Services provided by Hire N' Drive Kenya Limited who are very flexible with their rental terms and reliable. They accept credit card payment online with a very credible refund processing system. They also have a wide fleet of cars available at all major airports in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret. Elite Car Rental Kenya although their offices are located in Kikuyu Town, they are a reliable car rental company and have been in operation since the mid-1990s. Avis Rental the local representative of the global business. Services are dependable with a variety of self drive vehicle options. Hertz Car Hire are also represented in Kenya and offer pick up and drop off at the international airport in Nairobi. Explorer Kenya Safaris, Garden Estate Road. Victory House. 3rd Floor. Apartment 1, ☏ +254 722218260, info@explorerkenya.com. Offering safari 4x4 Land Cruisers and safari vans for use in Nairobi and on safari (updated Dec 2025) Ravina Tours & Travels Ltd, Mombasa Road. Vision Plaza. 3rd Floor. Apartment 2, ☏ +254 722103340, info@ravinatoursandtravels.com. Offering safari 4x4 Land Cruisers and tour vans for use in Nairobi and on safari in all parks in Kenya. (updated Dec 2025) For ease of navigation around town and to the outskirts, it is advisable to use Google Maps. The navigation guide can be combined with other useful apps such as to help you get a better experience. For ease of search and navigation to secure parking lots, you can use Pata Parking, a smartphone app which is downloadable from Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. The app enables drivers to search and pre-book for parking, with details of location, charges per hour, features of the preferred parking lot, and the number of reservable parking spaces. Car hire from the airport is possible, and fairly painless with prices in line with other African countries. Travelling during the day reduces your chances of getting car-jacked as most car-jackings occur after dark, but even so, carjacking can still happen at any time of day, even with a strong police presence. However, watch out for undisciplined drivers, as they take little regard for safety.

See

Nairobi is known as the safari capital of Africa; however, the city has still managed to keep up with modernization. Unlike other cities, Nairobi is surrounded by 113 km² (70 mi²) of plains, cliffs and forest that makes up the city’s Nairobi National Park. The city is filled with many things to do during the day and the night. Tourists can have their pick from numerous safaris (wildlife, cultural, sport, adventure, scenic and specialist), ecotourism tours, restaurants, culture, shopping and entertainment. While in Nairobi, tourists can also engage in numerous sports from golf, rugby, athletics, polo, horse-racing, cricket and football (soccer).

1 Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) (Central District). The best place to get that far ranging view over the sprawling, congested metropolis that is Nairobi. You can go up to the saucer-shaped top of the conference centre's round viewing tower and depending on smog and fog, you might be able to see as far as the slums and the national park. Ksh 400, Ksh 200 reduced. (updated Dec 2025) 2 August 7 Memorial Park (US Embassy Bombings Memorial Site) (Central District). In 1998 a truck bomb blast rocked downtown Nairobi. The US Embassy building had been the target of a terrorist attack, reducing it to rubble and killing 213 people, mostly bystanders, and leaving more than 4,000 injured. On the same day, the US embassy in Dar es Salaam was also subject to a similar attack which killed 11 people and injured 85. 21 people were charged, including Osama Bin Laden. The former embassy site today contains a memorial park, with a monument engraved with the names of every victim. Ksh 30. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Westlands by night. Visit the bustling and hip Westlands district, which has turned into the new nightlife centre of Nairobi. Many restaurants and bars line the busy Woodvale Grove and Mpaka Road. A visit to 'Tree house' club is a must if you are looking for a spacious one and crowd outnumbered with expats, rather than the otherwise congested natives dominated ones. Traffic can become hectic, well into the early hours. Security is generally tight and the action spills out from packed clubs into the street. (updated Dec 2025) 4 UN Office at Nairobi (UN Complex Gigiri), United Nations Ave, ☏ +254 20 762 2034, un.tours@un.org. Sitting between the Karura Forest and the US Embassy, it houses international organisations such as the UN Environmental Programme, UN-HABITAT and is the basis of all UN operations in Africa. Africa's first completely carbon- and water-neutral building was opened here in 2011. Guided tours allow tourists to see the major buildings and gifts from member states and walk along a nearby nature trail, while learning about the history and work of the UN. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Nairobi Mamba Village, The Mamba Village, Langata N Rd, ☏ +254 714782653. 09:00-18:00 daily. Kind of an adventure-tourism park with Nile crocodile feedings, tortoise holding, ostrich viewing, horse/dromedary rides, and boat rides. One croc feeding takes place on Sundays at 16:30. Also a restaurant on site. (updated Dec 2025)

Museums

6 Nairobi National Museum, Museum Hill, ☏ +254 20 3742131. 8:30AM-5:30PM. Where visitors can learn about Nairobi, its history and culture. The museum was founded in 1910. Adults: Kenyan citizens Ksh 200, East African residents Ksh 600, non-residents Ksh 1200. (updated Dec 2025) 7 National Railway Museum (southwest of Haile Selassie Ave and Uhuhu Hwy roundabout), ☏ +254 0721 268741, info@krc.co.ke. Daily 8AM-5PM (including holidays). Visitors can learn more about the history of Kenya’s railways and the Kenya/Uganda railway. It also houses some of the engines and rolling stock from the country’s colonial period. Adults: Kenyan citizens Ksh 200, East African residents Ksh 500, non-residents Ksh 600. (updated Dec 2025) 8 Nairobi Gallery, P.O. Box 40658-00100, ☏ +254 20 216566. This is a museum housing only special exhibits, so the featured artwork is always changing. (updated Dec 2025) 9 Karen Blixen Museum, P.O. Box 40658-00100, ☏ +254 20 8002139. Of interest if you have read Karen Blixen’s book Out of Africa or the movie. Her house is now the home of the museum. You have to be accompanied by a guide to visit the house, but you can walk around the gardens on your own. If you're not into the movie, and don't know the history of the house, then it may not be worth your while taking the hour or so it takes, and the price of admission. The house has little remaining original furnishings, but there are some of the props used in the movie here (although the movie wasn't filmed here - it was create on a set). It is on the outskirts of Nairobi (in the suburbs of Karen) and a taxi or bus can get you to the museum. It's not too far from the Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre, so these attractions can easily be combined in a single trip. (updated Dec 2025) 10 Bomas of Kenya, Langata/Forest Edge Road, ☏ +254 20 891391. Portrays Kenya’s culture. Visitors can see exhibits of traditional Kenyan homes, artifacts, dances, music, and song. (updated Dec 2025)

Do

Art and shopping

1 Go-Down Arts Centre (South of Centre), ☏ +254 20 555770. A former warehouse turned arts centre - this has also happened in Nairobi and this spot allows you to get a glimpse of what contemporary Kenyan artists are up to, including exhibitions, performances and discussions. 2 Kazuri Beads shop. Started in 1977 the workshop of beads is adjacent to Karen Blixen's Museum. It was started by an English woman to provide sustainable income to poor Kenyan women. Has beautiful jewellery created of clay brought from the areas surrounding Mt. Kenya. 3 Village Market. Visit Village Market and Sherlocks.

Food and drink

Try excellent food. Nairobi has a great variety of international food. For more information see the Eat section. Nightlife. Go dancing and be a part of Nairobi's excellent nightlife. For more information see the Drink-section.

Local life

4 Oloo’s Children Center (OCC) (Kibera), ☏ +1 616 987-1106. Lend a hand at the volunteer-operated school, take a tour of Kibera, and have a cup of tea with the OCC Founder. The founder of the school lives in Kibera and works to provide children in need with education and meals.

Shopping

Money

Most transactions are cash only, so it is best to have enough cash on hand to pay for purchases and transport. Cash is dispensed in units of Ksh 1,000. Many smaller businesses will not have much change, so before going shopping for curios be sure to have a good selection of smaller notes. On the other hand many stores will accept international credit cards. All big supermarket chains accept credit cards without a surcharge. Exchange bureaux are found in many parts of the city where tourists are common. They will exchange cash of different currencies, and may also accept a personal cheque for Kenyan cash. They will want a photocopy of your passport before they exchange money. Rates are not bad, but will be worse than a banking machine will offer. Many exchange bureaus and hotels will not accept or exchange American currency printed before 2000. When the exchange bureaus do accept pre-2000 notes, they typically offer substantially lower exchange rates than for currency printed after 2000. Exchange rates are also typically lower for small denomination currency than for US$100 and $50 bills. There are ATMs in major shopping areas of Nairobi and in the airport. Ecobank. Cooperative Bank, Gt Bank, NCBA, Sidian bank, DTB, I&M charges no fees for withdrawals (e.g. by Visa or Mastercard) through their ATMs. Absa and Standard Chartered Bank, Stanbic, Equity, BOA, KCB have a minimum Ksh 400-700 ATM fee for overseas cards at all their ATMs. Eco Bank has ATMs in 36 African countries. Another option for payment is the M-Pesa app. It is a mobile phone-based platform used for most money transactions in Kenya. M-Pesa agents are available all over Kenya. You can use the platform instead of carrying cash around for safety purposes. This may also be a good place to repeat the warning about safety. Pickpockets are rampant in Nairobi and have been known to keep an eye on people getting cash from a machine. It is best to carry cash in a hidden pouch rather than a wallet. Men should not carry their wallets in their back pockets, and women should not carry their purses to the side or behind them, particularly in busy locations.

Maasai Market

For local curios and souvenirs, the most easily accessible and tourist-friendly is the Maasai Market. Prepare to haggle and as a guide, pay about half to two-thirds of the asking price. It takes place Tuesday-Sunday on different places around the city according to the following schedule (as of 2024):

Tuesday: 1 Kijabe Street opposite the Norfolk Hotel - for slightly better prices. This market is less secure, but is larger and offers more variety and opportunity for bargaining. Wednesday: 2 Capital Centre on Mombasa Road near the airport Thursday: 3 Junction Shopping Mall on Ngong Road Friday: 4 Village Market in Gigiri - an upmarket, open concept shopping centre near the United Nations and American Embassy complexes. Bargaining is necessary, and one should probably not spend more than Ksh 1,000 on one item, except in extraordinary circumstances. Saturday: 5 The High Court parking lot in the centre Sunday: 6 Yaya Centre in Hurlingham

Eat

Nairobi has a wide range of Indian restaurants that speaks to the significant South Asian community in Kenya. The city also offers other restaurants specializing in different European and Asian cuisine. Restaurants serving international cuisines can be found in downtown and in the areas of Westlands, Hurlingham, Kilimiani, and Lavington. Among the many cuisines available are Italian, Brazilian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, German and French restaurants. In addition, there are several local restaurants that cater to local cuisine like sukuma wiki (green spinach-like vegetable, 'Kale' in English), ugali (corn bread, ground maize flour and made to a tasty white bread/porridge form), nyama choma (literally: meat roast), chapati and other specialities. There are also many of the internationally well-known fast-food chains in the city and they are also very popular with the Kenyan youth.

Budget

1 Hot dishes (5 restaurants around Nairobi). A chain restaurant serving local food. Several venues in Nairobi CBD. Spacious with ample seating, reasonably clean. Mains Ksh 180-450 ksh. (updated Dec 2025) 2 KK Restaurant, Koinange Street and Standard Street (in CBD of Nairobi), ☏ +254 718210110. 06:00-19:00. A downtown eatery well-known for featuring economical African fare such as beef stew with managu, goat meat, grilled tilapia, porridge, maize, njahi, minji, kienyeji, etc, plus breakfasts. Sometimes service can be a bit slow, but it is a well-liked place. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Roast House, Ngariama Lane. In the city centre facing the matatu station on Tom Mboya Rd. Regular local prices with more selection, excellent food, friendly service. Very busy at lunchtime. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Habesha, Arwings Kodek Road. daily 9AM-11PM. Near Yaya centre- great Ethiopian food for around USD5-6, although they serve Nescafé coffee rather than the traditional Ethiopian freshly-roasted beans. around Ksh 1000. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Red Sea, Mbono Road. An authentic Eritrean restaurant located on the top floor of China Centre on Ngong Road near the Chinese embassy. Meals cost around Ksh 500 and the food is excellent, with nice traditional coffee ceremony. (updated Dec 2025)

Mid-range

Nairobi has a fantastic array of mid-range eateries.

Drink

1 New Florida Clubs (F1), Kenyatta Avenue/Koinage Street. The New Florida, locally known as Madhouse or Madi, is in the heart of Nairobi on Koinange Street. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Pango (F3):, Harambee Avenue, ☏ +254 20 229-036, info@floridaclubskenya.com. Commerce House, 1st Floor. The latest addition to the Florida Group. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Shooters & Dips Cocktail Lounge, Mombasa Road (Panari Sky Centre,Mombasa Road opp Simba Colt Offices,5km from JKIA), ☏ +254 787 637948. Daily from 17:00. Handpicked music by the DJ. The bar offers a varied food menu along with a long list of signature cocktails, fine wines and liquors. Ksh 250. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Mercury Lounge ABC, ABC Place (Off Waiyaki Way), ☏ +254 722 309947. Daily 16:00-late. An upmarket modern cocktail and tapas bar. A delicious tapas and bitings menu, and the best cocktails and high end spirits array in Nairobi. All major imported and local wine and beers are available chilled to perfection. A popular hangout for expats, well to do locals and local business leaders. Ample parking and good security make this one of Nairobi's more popular spots. Shooters and cocktails range US$3-6 with shooters and high end, globally popular wines and spirits USD6-15. All major credit cards accepted.. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Klub House 1 (K1), Ojijo Road (is located along Ojijo Road in Parklands), ☏ +254 20 374 9870, info@klubhouse.co.ke. Live music, cocktails. (updated Dec 2025) 6 Choices Lounge and Restaurant, Karen Road, ☏ +254 72 648 5228, mmuchami@yahoo.com. Great place to watch Formula 1. (updated Dec 2025) 7 Black Diamond (Mradi). Many expats and travellers and has a cover band that plays very good music. A lot of ladies of the night here, always after the expats. (updated Dec 2025) 8 Havana:, 33 Woodvale Grove, ☏ +254 795 984345. It's an expats' favourite on Thursdays nights. The live band on Saturdays attracts a good cosmopolitan crowd. Bar snacks available throughout the night. (updated Dec 2025) 9 Cockpit. Langata Road not just popular with Wilson Airport pilots (updated Dec 2025) 10 Club LA, Tom Mboya Street. 8PM -till late. One of the nice dance club & night clubs in Nairobi. A beer from Ksh 200. Soft drink from Ksh 150. has a Facebook page. best nights are Friday and Saturday. No fee to go in. (updated Dec 2025) 11 Santuri Salon Spotlight Sessions, Ring Road Parklands (The Mall (basement level) in Westlands). monthly event for upcoming East African music (updated Dec 2025)

Sleep

Budget

The area around Tom Mboya Street & River Road has a lot of low cost hotels. Budget accommodation in Nairobi is from Ksh 1000 for a single room.

1 Milimani Backpackers & Safari Centre, Oldeani Crescent, ☏ +254 718 919 020. It has internet, WiFi, hot showers, and bar. They offer dorms, doubles, singles, twins, camping space, permanent tents, and cabins. Milimani also offers safaris and other trips. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Manyatta Backpackers, Milimani Road, ☏ +254 722 466 765. Six-person dorm. hot water showers. free wifi. This backpackers is near downtown Nairobi. 20 min walk. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Destiny Hotel, Duruma Road (downtown Nairobi), ☏ +254 20 2253 1236. Check-in: 10am, check-out: 10AM. Single room with own hot water bathroom. nice clean good value for money hotel. great place for backpackers and travelers. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Jungle Junction campground, Karen Kongoni Road. (near Ngiri road.), ☏ +254 722-752865. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Camping, dorm beds, room with own bathroom. Warm showers, fast internet, good kitchen, laundry service. Also kitchen for cooking own food available as well as common room. Workshop for overland vehicles on site. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Mad Vervet Backpackers Hostel, 55 Chalbi Dive House number A3 (4.2 miles from the centre), ☏ +254 718 340 134. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. 4/6 bed dorm, double room shared lounge tv area, laundry, shared kitchen, garden, safety depost box, bar,. (updated Dec 2025) 6 Inks hotel, Latema Junction River Road CBD, ☏ +254 707 353 937, info@inshotel.com. Check-in: 11:00, check-out: 10:00. Single/double room with own hotwater bathroom. 24-hour front desk, bar, free wifi, flat screen TV, safe box. (updated Dec 2025) 7 Hotel Africana, Dubois Rd, ☏ +254 757 916 555. Check-out: 10:00. Simple rooms with hot water bathroom. free WiFi. (updated Dec 2025)

Mid-range

8 Olive Gardens Hotel, Argwings Kodhek Rd, Hurlingham (Opposite Nairobi Women's Hospital), ☏ +254 20 2737854, +254 20 2727777. 62 rooms. (updated Dec 2025) 9 Ole-Sereni Hotel (Sarovar Hotels & Resorts), Mombasa Rd (5 km from Jomo Kenyatta international airport off Mombasa Rd opposite Zain offices), ☏ +254 20 390 1000, geetika@sarovarhotels.com. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. Wildlife resort overlooking the Nairobi National Game Park. (updated Dec 2025) 10 Savannah Sands Executive Apartments., Off Ngong Road (behind Nairobi Baptist Church), ☏ +254 20 2710116. Features furnished and serviced apartments, as well as unfurnished and unserviced apartments. (updated Dec 2025) 11 DusitD2, 14 Riverside Drive, Riverside Woods (north west of city, near University of Nairobi Chiromo campus), ☏ +254 204233000. This is a stylish 4-star hotel. Thai restaurant on site, outdoor pool, gated secure compound. (updated Dec 2025)

Stay safe

Nairobi has a reputation for thievery. Beware of snatch and grab, con artists, or groups of people following you. Scams are elaborate and can involve up to 10 or more people working together. The best advice for a tourist is to stay in the city centre, know where you are at all times, and pretend you know where you're going (even if you don't). If you find yourself in an unfamiliar area your best bet is to find a taxi (although you will probably pay dearly if the driver suspects a panicked westerner!) Don't carry large quantities of money or passports on the street, and assume that anyone trying to engage you is up to no good or trying to sell you something. If you stay smart and play safe, without going around much after dark, Nairobi can be a safe place to stay. Most locals are honest people who will happily help you if you approach them. The areas where you have to take special care are: Globe Roundabout, Archives, Ambassadeur, Muthurwa Market, around Nation Centre, Landies Road, Nyamakima, Kirinyaga Road, and Uhuru. Kenyans are proud people and there is not a lot of begging like you find in some other countries. Some opportunistic people will hang around shopping centres and beg, but they will generally accept a simple 'sorry' and leave you alone if you do not give. Many of these 'beggars' are middle-class kids or adults who have realised they can profit from exploiting white guilt, and should not be encouraged. If you are ever lucky enough to visit a slum as a local (not on some perverse tourist safari) you will discover the poorest of the poor do not even beg. Outside of tourist and expat communities, young children will become excited at the sight of a white person and may come running towards you to try to shake your hand while yelling out 'mzungu' (white person) or 'how are you?'. Older kids are more reserved, and you should be wary of kids who are older than 9 or 10 who are trying to distract or get close to you. Slums should be avoided by tourists as you will attract a lot of attention which can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Apart from the inner city centre, Nairobi dies out at night. Streets are mostly empty. Do not walk alone after nightfall. Always use taxis. The areas north and east of River Road should be avoided, especially if you're not a local! Biashara Street is a safe shopping street due to the presence of 10-15 Maasai guards. A place to avoid as a tourist is the City Market; you could end up paying a much higher price than on Biashara Street. If you are in a matatu and moving slowly through traffic, particularly after dark, you should keep your window closed if your valuables are in reach to prevent people snatching them from the outside (there are thieves who walk through traffic looking for such opportunities). Mobile phones and wallets should be securely kept and not displayed prominently during calls or cash transactions in the River Road area, particularly after dark. Eastleigh (known as 'little Mogadishu') is an area near the city centre that is decaying due to years of neglect by the government (including the police). It is predominantly populated by Somalian migrants and refugees, and most Kenyans will not go there for fear of their safety. Tourists would be wise to avoid it day and night. There have been several grenade attacks in the city for which Al-Shabaab have claimed responsibility. These are likely to be ongoing while the Kenyan army has a presence in Somalia. They are random and often fatal, and one should be wary and report any suspicious behaviour. Associated with the terrorist threat, you can expect to pass through security checkpoints with armed guards at most attractions, shopping malls and even on the streets. You can expect (at times) to have to have your bags searched, and car checked.

It is recommended that before tourists come to Nairobi, that they should be vaccinated well in advance (6 weeks) of their trip. The most common recommended vaccines for people traveling to Africa are tetanus, diphtheria, polio, typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, rabies and meningitis.

Food and beverages

Be careful with the food that you eat outside the more upscale establishments. Before eating, make sure that the food is freshly and thoroughly cooked and served hot. Also avoid seafood, except at upmarket restaurants and hotels, and make sure that your fruits and vegetables have been properly washed in clean water. The safest fruits to eat are bananas and papayas. Do not drink tap water or brush your teeth with it. Only use bottled or canned drinks (especially popular brands). Also, do not use ice as it may also be contaminated water, and remember that alcohol does not sterilize a drink. The general rule of thumb is, the more high end an establishment is, the greater the safety of the food and drink within.

Go next

Kisumu Kakamega Rainforest: the last primeval rainforest in the country, and home to various monkeys and hundreds of bird species Lake Naivasha is worth at least a day's visit and has enough to keep you occupied for two or three days. Lakeshore country clubs are a good place for lunch. You can take a boat ride on the lake to see hippos, go for a walk among zebra and giraffes on Crescent Island, ride thoroughbred horses among zebra, giraffes and wildebeest at the Sanctuary Farm, and ride bicycles among wildlife and dramatic scenery at Hell's Gate National Park. Nakuru National Park, although further afield, deservedly warrants a 1-night stay for a late-afternoon and early-morning game drive. Maasai Mara National Reserve: Kenya's most important National Park Mount Longonot National Park: Daytrip to hike on a 2700m volcano Aberdare National Park: known for high population of rhinos Ol Pejeta Conservatory provides a sanctuary for great apes and rhinos

More pictures of Nairobi

From this destination's category on Wikimedia Commons. Each photograph is credited to its own author under its own licence.