Most travellers treat Nairobi as a gateway — a place to land before heading to the bush or the coast. But Kenya's capital is a vibrant, fast-moving city with world-class attractions, incredible food, and a character all its own. Here is how to spend a perfect 48 hours in the Green City in the Sun.
DAY 1 MORNING — WILDLIFE WITHOUT LEAVING THE CITY
Start at Nairobi National Park, the only national park bordering a capital city. Lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras roam against a skyline backdrop. Then visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see orphaned baby elephants, and the Giraffe Centre where you can feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes by hand.
DAY 1 AFTERNOON — HISTORY AND CULTURE
Visit the Nairobi National Museum for Kenya's natural and cultural history, then the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the Out of Africa author, set in beautiful gardens at the foot of the Ngong Hills.
DAY 1 EVENING — THE FAMOUS CARNIVORE
No Nairobi visit is complete without dinner at Carnivore, the legendary open-air restaurant serving all manner of grilled meats. It is touristy, yes, but deservedly iconic.
DAY 2 MORNING — MARKETS AND SHOPPING
Hit the Maasai Market (it rotates locations by day) for authentic crafts, beadwork, and souvenirs — remember to bargain. For a modern experience, the city's malls like Two Rivers and the Village Market offer shopping, dining, and entertainment.
DAY 2 AFTERNOON — COFFEE AND GREEN SPACES
Kenya grows some of the world's finest coffee. Spend an afternoon at a specialty cafe in Westlands or Kilimani. Then relax in Karura Forest, an urban forest with walking trails, waterfalls, and cafes right in the city.
GETTING AROUND
Nairobi traffic is notorious. Use ride-hailing apps or, better, hire a car with a driver through Turkenya so you can relax while someone who knows the city navigates it. Airport transfers from JKIA start at KES 2,500.
STAY AND EXPLORE WITH TURKENYA
Whether Nairobi is your final destination or a stopover before safari, Turkenya arranges hotels, city tours, and transfers. Ask us to add a Nairobi city experience to your itinerary.