Come to the capital of Kenya and explore with us in our Nairobi Kenya Outdoor Adventure Guide!

“And if you are interested we are hosting a rooftop pool party until 11pm tonight at our hotel. Buy one get one beers will be included.”

Those were the words from the front desk manager at our downtown hotel in Nairobi, Kenya upon arriving from Tanzania.
I had only been there an hour but I felt confident our time in Nairobi was going to be well spent and full of fun!

Nairobi is big, chaotic, beautiful, impoverished, under resourced, and everything in between that you would expect to see and feel out of a massive international city located in East Africa.

I spent three days in Nairobi and while it was only a glimmer of what you can do there here’s my long weekend Destination Guide should you find yourself here with time to spare!

Nairobi Kenya What To Do:

1. Karen Blixen Museum
Tour the former home of the award-winning writer whose most famous work “Out of Africa” become a hit movie starring Meryl Streep & Robert Redford. A fascinating story and the ability to have a guided tour from a Nairobi resident is a fun and educational hour of your time!

2. Nairobi National Museum
Another informative and educational way to understand the history of Kenya from past to current day. The museum is vast but a few hours will get you through it and the wealth of knowledge can last you a lifetime.

3. Nairobi National Park
Not headed out on safari to greater Kenya or Tanzania but still want to see some animals? This “city park” boasts lions, giraffes, elephants, and more. You can go on safari without even leaving Nairobi.

4. Kitengela Hot Glass by Anselm
A bit out from the city on the Athi Kapiti Plains but nonetheless a great stopping point. Watch glass be formed in the heat and then explore the grounds from amazing curated art by Nairobi residents. Pay a few bucks to trek across the intimidating and heart wrenching “Scary Bridge” and you’ll have an afternoon you won’t soon forget.

5. Africa Yoga Project
Being a yogi and a yoga teacher I had to throw this one in there. I love practicing in studios all over the world when I travel and my friend Jenny who used to live told me about this studio. Fun experience, amazing story behind the studio, and a wonderful way to rid yourself of jet lag. Namaste!

6. Sherlock Wildlife Trust
Feed and adopt a baby elephant? YES PLEASE! A must do for animal lovers and conservationists of any age. It’s a popular stop but your heart will be full afterwards. Elephant & Rhino Approved.

Nairobi Kenya Where To Eat/Drink:

You mean beyond the rooftop bar at the Sheraton? Yeah I know it’s hard to compete.
But we loved hanging out at Havana. After 17 days of Tanzanian/Kenyan food & drink it was a nice chance to get some Mexican food and IPA’s. It’s a popular expat hangout but with good reason, it’s a fun place to hang! We also stopped at small places along the way that were recommended by our drivers for the day.

Nairobi Kenya Secret Insider not always so Secret Tips:

There are direct flights to Nairobi from JFK for those living in the United States.
Hire a private driver to support a local family and be able to navigate without feeling like you are being herded on and off tour buses or public transit. We loved Jered who felt like part of our family by the time I left. Comment below for this WhatsApp Number!
Bring US Dollars made in the last 10 years or they WILL NOT be accepted anywhere to exchange. You can also likely get Kenya Schillings form your bank or credit union prior to your trip.
A 3 day 2 night jaunt will give you a glimpse into the city scene without a rush. After that consider some of the beaches on the Indian Ocean in East Kenya. We went to Watamu Beach & CAN NOT WAIT to return there.
If you are a meat eater give their chicken cooking process a go. It’s a Kenyan delicacy and the spices are to die for. The meat is tough but that’s the point, give it a shot!
If you will be traveling to several other countries in East Africa opt for an East Africa Visa. Or here are details on Kenyan Visas, which we easily obtained upon entry to the country.

Hope this gives you a snapshot into some of the ways in which you can explore and connect in Nairobi!

The country of Kenya has the loveliest people, Nairobi is a city I will never forget, and I can’t wait to visit again.

Because Adventure Feeds the Soul,
Mike R

Check out morocco day hikes part one with mike r. click here!