Your stay in Nairobi: 5 great insider tips
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is also known as the “City of the Sun”. More than 4 million people live in the vibrant capital, offers culture enthusiasts, animal fans and adventurers so much. Despite this, Nairobi is very modern and continues to grow. Immigrants and travelers from all over the world are drawn to the second largest city in East Africa. Since gaining independence, Nairobi has become Kenya’s most important industrial and commercial center.
A trip there is always worthwhile, because the possibilities are many and there is much more than just the reserve. That’s why we have put together 5 great insider tips for your stay in Nairobi in this blog. Have fun reading!
Nairobi Art Walk
The Nairobi Art Walk is a digital interactive art event that gives different artists the opportunity to showcase their art in a curated exhibition and for art lovers to see, enjoy and buy art from different artists. The event is designed to give emerging artists the opportunity to showcase their work in an interactive space at no cost. You, as an art lover, can listen to the music of different artists and DJs selected to match the theme of the event.
If you can’t make it to the Art Walk, here are countless other cool events happening in Nairobi. From wine festivals and 90’s parties to BBQs and concerts, you’ll find it all. You can really find something to do in the vibrant metropolis for every day!
Village Market Gigiri
The Village Market is the oldest shopping center in Nairobi and is built like a Dort. You are in the open air most of the time and not in a closed building as in other centers. The Village Market is modeled after an open-air African market; including waterfalls, rivers, gardens and plants. The Masaai Market is also held every Friday. At the bazaar, artisans and artists offer their handmade products – super exciting!
You will find everything your heart desires: over 150 stores sell clothes of all kinds. There are two large supermarkets, hairdressers, beauty salons, toilets, gym, prayer room and designer outlets. You will not starve during your visit there either. There is a huge mile with various offers for food and drink, culinary you will find here both for authentic African and Kenyan, but also French, Mexican or Italian cuisine. Just whatever you want.
Planetarium of Nairobi
The Nairobi Planetarium (TNP), is located at 105 Riverside Lane on Riverside Drive. The planetarium is super inspiring and entertaining, where you can learn a lot about the celestial world. There is both a fixed planetarium (made of bamboo!) in the heart of the city, but also a mobile planetarium. In both, you can enjoy a beautiful view. It feels like a real space trip, moon landing or a journey through the different planets and stars.
At the moment the following shows are offered: “The hot, energetic universe” (with deep astrology), “from the earth to the universe” and “Sun Struck”. But the program is changing and in the future more shows will be added… So it remains exciting!
Karura Forest
Karura Forest is, in our opinion, one of the most underrated sights in Nairobi and also definitely worth a visit. Located in the north of the city, the forest covers 1,041 hectares and is one of the largest urban forests in the world. The flora and fauna there is super diverse – you’ll find close to 650 different species there! From ancient mangroves, eucalyptus trees, antelopes, 200 species of birds to various reptiles, you will find everything there.
But you will also find beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, picnic areas and rivers. In addition, guided tours or bird and butterfly watching are offered. And with public transport you can easily get there from the center!
KICC Tower
For a great view over Kenya’s capital, Nairobi’s 105-meter-high landmark is well worth it. The KICC Tower is part of the Kenyatta International Convention Center, the city’s conference center. The center consists of the famous tower, but also an amphitheater with space for 800 people and a garden. On the roof of the tower there is also the only helipad in the whole city.
If the air is clear, you can even see Mount Kenya to the north and Kilimanjaro to the south. If you want to climb the tower, you should definitely bring your passport along with your camera. Without your passport, you will not be allowed to enter the building, due to the security precautions regarding terrorism. The tower with 32 floors is open for tourists until 6 pm – but remember that it gets dark early in Nairobi.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Nairobi or for your entire trip through Kenya, Africa or anywhere else in the world, then take a look at socialbnb. Here you’ll find super many authentic, cool value-added accommodations. And if you want to learn more about responsible travel and accommodation in general, read this post !