Most people opt to head to Kenya for a safari at the infamous Masai Mara. On our recent trip, we opted to spend two nights in Nairobi prior to embarking on our Masai Mara adventure. One day in Nairobi is the perfect amount of time to explore what this amazing city has to offer and have some memorable experiences.
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History of Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, was founded in 1899 as a rail depot on the Uganda Railway. Nairobi quickly grew in significance due to its strategic location between Mombasa and Kampala. Initially, it served as a supply depot and administrative center for the British colonial government. Despite the harsh highland conditions, the British developed the town into a colonial administrative center, and by 1907, Nairobi had become the capital of British East Africa.
During the colonial era, Nairobi experienced rapid growth as a center for commerce, government, and the white settler society, although this growth often came at the expense of the indigenous population. Racial segregation was a defining characteristic of life in Nairobi during this period. The city’s African population was confined mainly to low-income, overcrowded neighborhoods, the present-day slums.
Nairobi played a key role in Kenya’s independence movement, especially in the 1950s during the Mau Mau Uprising. After independence in 1963, Nairobi transformed into a major political, economic, and cultural hub of East Africa. Today, it’s known for its blend of modern urban development and rich cultural heritage, as well as its unique proximity to wildlife through Nairobi National Park, located just outside the city center.
When to Spend One Day in Nairobi
The best time to visit Nairobi is during the dry season, which runs from June until October. While this time may be popular to visit, you can still find some good deals on hotels, and it does not get as crowded as other popular destinations. Temperatures fall in the 70s, and there is minimal rainfall, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities.
How to Get to Nairobi
Skyscanner is my favorite way to search for flights. Kenya Airways operates a direct flight from JFK. All other destinations in the United States will require a layover. You can choose to connect through several places in Europe (London, Amsterdam, Paris, and more) or through the Middle East. I traveled to Nairobi from the Seychelles and flew Kenya Airways. To initially get to Africa, I traveled on Qatar Airways to Cape Town.
Transportation in Nairobi
To get to and from the airport, I recommend booking this Airport Transfer or this Airport Transfer for ease upon arrival. Our driver greeted me upon arrival and got me to the hotel quickly and safely. Uber is widely used in Nairobi and is very easy to get around as well.
Where to Stay in Nairobi
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Check out the best hotels in Nairobi here! You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel.
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands using points. It was a great location and had excellent service, so I would recommend this hotel. Other options are shown below. Then before our early flight home, we stayed at the conveniently located Four Points Sheraton Nairobi Airport.
What to Do During One Day in Nairobi
The best option when spending one day in Nairobi is to book a tour that takes you to some of the main sites. This is the easiest and more relaxing way to explore the city. It is possible to Uber from place to place, but for ease, I recommend a tour.
Nairobi National Park
Cost: $41 entrance fee plus vehicle hire
If you only have one day in Nairobi, a visit to Nairobi National Park makes for an amazing safari experience close to Nairobi, especially if you cannot travel all the way to the Masai Mara. While a safari here is not as unique an experience as Masai Mara, it is definitely a more affordable option. I recommend booking a guide prior so they can pick you up at your hotel.
Nairobi National Park is a unique wildlife reserve located just outside Kenya’s capital, offering a rare chance to see wild animals like lions, rhinos, and giraffes against a backdrop of city skyscrapers. It is one of the few parks in the world where you can experience a full safari without leaving a major urban center. Best of all, the entrance fee is very inexpensive compared to many other African safari destinations.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Cost: $20
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, also known as the elephant orphanage, is a center that takes care of orphaned baby elephants before releasing them back into the wild. Every day at 11am, visitors can watch as they feed and care for the elephants while interacting with them. It plays a vital role in wildlife conservation, offering a safe haven for baby elephants and other animals before reintroducing them to the wild.
Giraffe Center
Cost: $15
When spending one day in Nairobi, a visit to the Giraffe Center is a must. You may have heard of the infamous Giraffe Manor that costs over a thousand dollars a night. The Giraffe Center is part of the same property, but you can learn about the giraffes and interact with them for a much cheaper price.
The Giraffe Centre is dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Visitors can learn about giraffes, feed them from a raised platform, and support ongoing wildlife education and conservation efforts. Make sure to get some awesome photos before you leave!
This tour takes you to both the Giraffe Center and the Elephant Orphanage, while this tour takes you to both of those and the Karen Blixen House.
More Than One Day in Nairobi
Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in Nairobi here. You can also check out this awesome sightseeing tour.
National Museum of Kenya
Cost: $8
Hours: 9am-5pm
For those interested in learning about the history of Kenya, head to the National Museum of Kenya during your one day in Nairobi. This museum covers a lot of information about Nairobi and Kenya. The National Museum of Kenya showcases the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage, including exhibits on archaeology, paleontology, and ethnography. Plan to spend a couple of hours here.
Masai Mara
You cannot visit Kenya without going on a safari in the Masai Mara. There are several packages you can book, or you can stay at the JW Masai Mara using points like we did. You will want to spend at least three nights on a safari here.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most well-known wildlife conservation areas. It is known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. It is famous for the Great Migration where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River from Tanzania’s Serengeti in search of greener pastures. The reserve is also home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), making it a top destination for safaris.
Looking for a guided tour experience? Check out TourRadar for some of the best tours around! Other things to do in Nairobi include a slums tour and the Karen Blixen House.
Final Tips for One Day in Nairobi
One day in Nairobi is the perfect way to get adjusted to the country prior to embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. You will not want to miss the wildlife encounters and see what this fantastic city has to offer.
