• Safari in central Nairobi park.
• Try the many excellent restaurants in Nairobi.
• Go dancing and be apart of Nairobi's excellent nightlife
• Go ice-skating at Panari
• Visit Village Market and Sherlocks with your friends

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 sq km 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).

• Nairobi National Park, just outside Nairobi. This is home to large herds of Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe, Lion, Cheetah, Hippo, Rhino and even birdlife (over 400 species). Here you can also go on the Nairobi Safari Walk, an educational centre to make people aware of wildlife and habitat conservation. Also in the park is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
• Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, close to the Nairobi National Park. This Orphanage takes in elephant calves and rhinos from all over Kenya which were orphaned by poaching.
• Giraffe Centre, in Lang'ata right outside of Nairobi. The Centre breeds the endangered Rothschild Giraffe and has conservation/education programmes for Kenyan children. It also has many warthogs.
• Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, is centred around a 2,146 metre mountain. This is a mountain forest and plain land, with a large population of Buffalo. It also serves as a refuge for Colobus monkeys, bushbuck, duiker, leopard, and a large variety of bird species.
• 14 Falls, a waterfall at Thika.
• Tana River, is an hour's drive from the city. White water rafting throughout cataracts, which leads to the 14 falls can be done here. The rafting trip also includes a full BBQ lunch.
• Nairobi National Museum, where visitors can learn about Nairobi, its history and culture. Currently the museum is open again after major renovations.
• National Railway Museum, visitors can learn more about the history of Kenya’s railroads and the Kenya/Uganda railway. It also houses, some of the engines and rolling stock from the country’s colonial period.
• Karen Blixen Museum, is based on the Karen Blixen’s book "Out of Africa". Her house is now the home of the museum. It is located on the outskirts of Nairobi and a taxi or bus can get you to the museum.
• Bomas of Kenya, portrays Kenya’s culture. Visitors can see exhibits of traditional Kenyan homes, artifacts, dances, music, and song.
• Uhuru Gardens, built in remembrance of the struggle for independence, which Kenya was granted in 1963. The monument is a 24 metre high triumphal column supporting a pair of clasped hands and the dove of peace, high over a statue of freedom fighter raising the flag. The monument is surround by fountains and lush-landscaped gardens.

Prior to entering Kenya, citizens of some countries have to have a visa before entry. These countries are 217.243.198.68 06:00, 28 November 2008 (EST)If you are only traveling through the country via a connecting flight and will not leave the secure area of the airport you will not need a visa.

By plane

Regular flights are operated by Air Kenya and Kenya Airways (& KLM which partners Kenya Airways). KLM/ Kenya Airways offers a broad range of destinations in Africa and the world. Kenya Airways is the national airline for Kenya, and travels throughout Europe, America, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. Nairobi’s main airport is JKIA Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA: NBO), which is 15 km southeast from the center of the city. If taking a taxi from JKIA, use a reputable taxi, many are waiting outside for to give you conveyance, and the cost should be very near or on 1,000KSh ((or £8) to the city centre; Westlands or such places more west or north will be more. Use www.xe.com for exact & reliable cash currency transfer rate comparisons. When taking a taxi to your accommodation, do not be inveigled into taking their recommendation for accommodation although this is very at your own risk). There is also Wilson Airport, 11 km south from the city's center, that is for domestic flights throughout Kenya, more lighter, Cessna-type aircrafts can be seen there. The military/ government airport is in Eastleigh district (pron: "East-Lee"), a very large residential area of housing in the east/north-east of Nairobi, but the government airport is fenced around and does not handle civilian traffic. From the center, you can take Bus #34 for 50 KSH, to the international airport, from in front of the Ambassador Hotel.

By train

The city is also accessible by trains, with daily arrivals and departures at the Nairobi Railway station. The Trains go east to Mombasa and West to Kisumu. There are 3 classes: First, Second and General. First and Second are sleepers. First have 2 seats in a cabin, Second have 4. In Second Class genders are seperated unless you purchase the entire compartment of 4 seats. First costs around $50 all inclusive: bedding, breakfast, dinner; Second is $35 all inclusive. Both can be purchased without bedding or food. Tickets have to be booked through the office on Station Road in south-central Nairobi, or online[1].

By car

By bus

Kenya’s bus system is also reliable. There are many bus companies that have routes going to and from the country’s different cities, including Nairobi, which is the centre of the bus network.

By boat

Entry into Nairobi by boat is of course not possible, however one could certainly arrive in Kenya by boat via Mombasa or Lamu, proceeding by road, air or rail to Nairobi. Immigration should be processed at the port facility.

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

By taxi

Taxis are not very cheap, but will make city life easier, and safer, at least at night. Prices should always be set before the trip, and paid afterwards. They can be found parked around hotels and tourist areas. The taxis tend to be marked with a yellow line on each side. Your best bet is to ask a local or at your hotel. Matatus (public minibuses/ commuter buses) are all right for traveling to the suburbs, but the best choice is probably the City Hoppa bus service and of late the revived Kenya Bus Service. Beware of traffic jams on the large motorways, not only in the rush hours.

On foot

Walking around Nairobi is fairly easy since the city is small and places are easy to get to. However, there are some areas within the city where tourists should not go.

By rail

By car

Nairobi in recent past has had a severe car-jacking problem, but because of increased police check-points it is marginally safer these days.

The two primary supermarkets in Nairobi are Tusky's, Uchumi and Nakumatt. For goods beyond supermarket fare, try either the Sarit Centre, YaYa centre or Nakumatt Westlands, which are both located in the Westlands suburb.

The Sarit Centre will be recognizable to any Western traveller as a shopping mall, with an Uchumi supermarket inside. Clothing, shipping and internet are all available here. In addition, there is a small movie theater. Other malls in Nairobi include Yaya Centre near Hurlingham and The Mall in Westlands.

Nakumatt Westlands is a just finished competitor to Sarit Centre. It is a large building with many spaces for stores to move in to (they have yet to move in at the time of this writing, however the building is still unfinished). Currently, the primary occupant is the Nakumatt itself, which has modeled itself to emulate a Super Wal-Mart type experience.

Any taxi driver will know these two shopping centers by name, so getting there is not a problem.

An additional smaller supermarket, catering more to expatriates, is located in ABC Plaza, along Waiyaki Way. Chandarana supermarket carries a wide variety of imported goods, Zucchini greengrocer is a highly dependable spot for clean and varied veggies, and Gilani's is a well stocked western style buchery.

For local curios and souvenirs, the most easily accessible and tourist-friendly is the Maasai Market, held on Fridays at the Village Market, an upscale, open concept shopping center near the United Nations and American Embassy complexes. Bargaining is necessary, and one should probably not spend more than $1000KSH ($20) on one item, except in extraordinary circumstances.

For slightly better prices, visit the Tuesday market in town, just down from the Norfolk hotel. This market is less secure, but is larger and offers more variety and opportunity for bargaining.

Another Nakumatt is located at Nakumatt Junction, past Lavington towards the Ngong Racecourse (Horse Flat-Racing takes place 3 Sundays a month, and is a great way to spend an afternoon). The Nakumatt Junction shopping complex features a few more boutiques - one of note being Zebu, a store highlighting local Designer Annabelle Thom's leather bags and more, where you will find higher quality and higher prices for beautiful designs.

Biashara Street, located downtown, is the spot for textiles. Make sure you pick up at least one kikoi (a traditional wrap for Swahili men, predominantly at the coast).

Budget

Mid-range

Nairobi has a fantastic array of mid-range eateries.

Java House, with quite a few locations, including The Junction, ABC Place, and close to the United Nations, features a western coffee house menu, from bagels to burritos, with excellent coffees and milkshakes, and a full breakfast menu. Prices average about 500KSH - 750KSH ($10-$15US) for a complete meal. Another popular coffeehouse is Dormans

Trattoria is an Italian restaurant. Do not expect anything decent when it comes to the mains (all around 700KSH). However, there is a fabulous and extensive dessert menu, including crepes, tiramisu, souffle, and a coffee granita with fresh cream (250-500KSH).

Motherland, is an authentic ethiopian restaurant with great and affordable food (typical of ethiopian restaurants in Nairobi!).

Village Market Food Court, Has an array of different ethnic cuisines, including Thai, Italian, Chinese and German, as well as a Mongolian Barbeque. Good prices as well, between $10-$20US for complete meals. Venture further into Village Market to find a good Japanese restaurant as well, though with slightly steeper prices. There are also food courts at other malls in the City.

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 cuisins.

Common fast food restaurants include Steers, Debonairs, Wimpy, local favourite, Kenchic among others.

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/porrige form), nyama choma (lit: meat roast), chapati and other specialities.

Splurge

The Carnivore, located just outside the city, close to the Uhuru Gardens, is a luxury restaurant famous for its meats. In 2006, the restaurant was listed as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. Once seated, different masaai grilled meats will be carried around on sticks and carved to your plate at request. Very expensive by Kenyan standards, beware of additional taxes and catering levys. Reservations might be a good idea, ask at your hotel.

Furusato, located in Westlands, has fantastic Japanese food. For a price. Expect to pay $40 - $50 per person.

The Rusty Nail, in Karen, has been super in the past, but mediocre of late. No reason not to give it another chance. Approx. $20 -$40US per person.

The Lord Errol, past Village Market and into Runda, is said to have very good food, and is popular with the expat crowd.

"Moonflower," on State House hill at the Palacina hotel, is a very upscale bistro / fusion / grill restaurant in a lovely outdoor setting. Fantastic food, about $50 for a meal with wine.

"Pango Brasserie" at the Fairview Hotel features upscale french and continental dishes. Dinner begins in an underground stone winecellar where the chef will send out complimentary tasters while you sip a bottle of wine of your choice. $40 for a three course meal with wine.

"Alan Bobbe's Bistro" is a venerable, legendary restaurant now located on Riverside Drive. Founded in 1962, the restaurant features French haute-cuisine at about a third of what you would pay in Paris! $35-$50 for dinner with wine.

• Gypsies (Westlands). Always popular at the weekends, this lively bar is great for drinks & dancing, long into the night.  edit
• Rusty Nail, Karen. Things have improved dramatically, its a great place to have a sundowner, the gardens are simply beautiful with lots of different flowers and trees and abundant bird life. Susie and Clive Evans (Sister/Brother owners) make everyone feel welcome and are great hosts. The menu is varied and caters for everyones needs, if its not on the menu, they will try their utmost to provide whatever you wish, the sweets are to die for. The Rusty has become the "rugby bar" of Karen, large crowds gather to support their respective teams, it's bustling and friendly.