About Nairobi
Nairobi, is the capital and largest city of Kenya, located in the south-central part of the country. As of 2026, it has a population of 5.6 million and a metropolitan population of 15.95 million, making it the 8th most populous city in Africa and the 4th most populous metropolitan area. The city goes beyond its borders and has expanded into neighbouring counties, making it the 4th largest metropolitan area in Africa.
Cheap flights to Nairobi
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $922 from Toronto, travelling 2 Mar – 8 Mar. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- YTO Toronto to Nairobi2 Mar – 8 Mar · NBO from$922
- YEG Edmonton to Nairobi22 Nov – 30 Nov · NBO from$1,332
- YVR Vancouver to Nairobi12 Jan – 1 Feb · NBO from$1,152
- YOW Ottawa to Nairobi27 Nov – 9 Dec · NBO from$1,113
- YWG Winnipeg to Nairobi1 Nov – 22 Nov · NBO from$1,188
- YHZ Halifax to Nairobi19 Nov – 25 Nov · NBO from$1,124
- YQR Regina to Nairobi8 Feb – 15 Feb · NBO from$1,194
- YXE Saskatoon to Nairobi8 Feb – 15 Feb · NBO from$1,262
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: Austrian Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, KLM, Air Canada, Lufthansa.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to NairobiPlaces to visit in Nairobi
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Nairobi National Park
Park · 7 mi from centreA real wildlife park on the edge of the city where lions, rhinos, and giraffes roam with skyscrapers in the background. Enter at opening time on a guided game drive for the best chance of seeing animals.
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Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Zoo · 7 mi from centreA rescue center for orphaned baby elephants and rhinos, where you can watch keepers feed and play with them. The public visit happens only for a short window each morning, so book ahead online.
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Giraffe Centre
Zoo · 8 mi from centreA conservation center for the endangered Rothschild's giraffe, where you can feed the animals from a raised platform. Combine it with the elephant orphanage, since both are in the Karen and Langata area.
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Karen Blixen Museum
Museum · 9 mi from centreThe farmhouse of the Danish author of Out of Africa, set in gardens at the foot of the Ngong Hills. Take the short guided tour, which brings the rooms and her story to life.
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Nairobi National Museum
MuseumKenya's main museum, covering human origins, wildlife, and the country's history and cultures, with a snake park next door. Plan at least two hours and use the garden cafe for a break.
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Karura Forest
Park · 3 mi from centreA large urban forest in the north of the city with walking and cycling trails, a waterfall, and caves used during the Mau Mau uprising. Rent a bike at the main gate to see more of it.
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Bomas of Kenya
Entertainment · 5 mi from centreA cultural center with replica homesteads of Kenya's many ethnic groups and a daily show of traditional dance and music. Arrive in the early afternoon to tour the villages before the performance.
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Hell's Gate National Park
Park · 43 mi from centreA dramatic park of red cliffs and gorges near Lake Naivasha, one of the few in Kenya where you can cycle among zebras and giraffes. Hire a local guide for the gorge walk.
Things to do in Nairobi by type
23 tours, tickets and experiences across 6 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 7 experiences Amboseli National Park from Nairobi - Full-Day Tour -
Day Trips & Excursions 4 experiences Coffee Farm Tour -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 4 experiences Day Hiking Adventure in Mount Longonot -
Art & culture 4 experiences Bomas of Kenya Tour -
Gastronomy & nightlife 3 experiences Safari Cat Show with Dinner -
City tours 3 experiences Nairobi Highlight Guided Walking Tour
- 3-6 hours 5
- Over 6 hours 5
- Couples 7
- Families 6
- Senior 6
- Youth 6
Top experiences in Nairobi
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 23 available.
Nairobi National Park Tour and Baby Elephants
From $186 per adult
Nairobi city tour
From $79 per adult
Safari Cat Show with Dinner
From $84 per adult
The Carnivore Experience Lunch
From $39 per adult
Nairobi Highlight Guided Walking Tour
From $83 per adult
Half Day Masai Village Tour
From $98 per adult
The Carnivore Experience Dinner
From $44 per adult
Visit of Karen Blixen Museum and the Giraffe Centre
From $86 per adult
Nairobi souvenir Half Day Tour
From $78 per adult
Bomas of Kenya Tour
From $81 per adult
Visit of Nakuru lake on the Rift Valley
From $300 per adult
Visit of Nairobi National Park, Carnivore and Bomas of Kenya
From $296 per adult
Where to stay in Nairobi
Popular hotels in Nairobi, out of 395 properties you can book.
Sarova Stanley
From $116 per night
The Heron By Sarovar Portico India
From $54 per night
The Boma Nairobi
From $91 per night
The Zehneria Hotel
From $66 per night
Eka Hotel
From $117 per night
Sarova Panafric
From $124 per night
Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi
From $120 per night
The Panari Hotel Nairobi
From $79 per night
Tamarind Tree Hotel
From $176 per night
Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands
From $74 per night
Best Western Premier Westlands
From $123 per night
Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel
From $66 per night
Best time to visit Nairobi
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Nairobi is February, July and September, when average daytime highs are around 75–83°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Nairobi weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 87° 63° 39%
- Thu 22 Oct 87° 64° 14%
- Fri 23 Oct 86° 62° 31%
- Sat 24 Oct 86° 64° 51%
- Sun 25 Oct 87° 62° 30%
- Mon 26 Oct 74° 61° 33%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Kenyan shilling (KES)1 US dollar ≈ Sh130
- Languages
- English, Swahili
- Calling code
- +254
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Africa/NairobiUTC+3
Upcoming public holidays in Kenya
- Jamhuri Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
- New Year's Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Nairobi
These are the airports closest to central Nairobi. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- WIL Wilson Airport2 mi (4 km) from the city centre
- NBO Jomo Kenyatta International Airport8 mi (13 km) from the city centre
Getting around Nairobi
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.
By taxi
Taxis are neither very cheap nor prevalent. Prices should always be negotiated before the trip, and paid afterwards (only cash is accepted, often with limited change available). This can be tricky as it requires you to be knowledgeable on the market rate price of the ride you wish to take. Typically, taxis can be found parked around hotels, malls, 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 enquire at your hotel.
By bus (matatu)
Matatus (public minibuses/commuter buses) are generally used for travelling between downtown Nairobi and the suburbs. Matatus vary in size, between the van sized 14-seat matatus and the larger 50-seat buses. While generally safe, matatus are involved in a high number of accidents every year. Matatus are often overcrowded with more people than seatbelts and therefore can be dangerous if involved in accidents.
Nairobi travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Nairobi?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Nairobi is February, July and September, when average daytime highs are around 75–83°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Nairobi?
February is usually the warmest month in Nairobi, with average highs of 83°F (29°C). August is the coolest, with average lows of 55°F (13°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 148 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Nairobi?
Wilson Airport (WIL) is the closest airport, about 2 miles (4 km) from the centre of Nairobi. Other nearby airports include Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO, 8 mi).
How much are flights to Nairobi?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Nairobi in the last 30 days was $922 from Toronto, travelling 2 Mar – 8 Mar. March is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $922.
What currency is used in Nairobi?
Nairobi uses the Kenyan shilling (KES). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ Sh130.
What time zone is Nairobi in?
Nairobi uses the Africa/Nairobi time zone (currently UTC+3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Nairobi?
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.
What are the best places to visit in Nairobi?
Top sights in Nairobi include Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum. A real wildlife park on the edge of the city where lions, rhinos, and giraffes roam with skyscrapers in the background. Enter at opening time on a guided game drive for the best chance of seeing animals.
What are the top things to do in Nairobi?
Popular experiences you can book in Nairobi include Nairobi National Park Tour and Baby Elephants, Nairobi city tour and Safari Cat Show with Dinner. Destina Holidays offers 23 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Nairobi?
The most popular types of experiences in Nairobi are zoo, aquarium & nature (7), day trips & excursions (4), outdoor activities & adventure (4) and art & culture (4). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Nairobi?
Popular areas for hotels in Nairobi include Nairobi. Well-reviewed options include Sarova Stanley and The Heron By Sarovar Portico India.
How many hotels can I book in Nairobi?
Destina Holidays currently lists 395 properties in and around Nairobi, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
