Nairobi Guide | Isoo Raac Travel

About Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital, is a dynamic city where traditional African culture meets modern urban life. Known as the 'Green City in the Sun', Nairobi is a major business hub with skyscrapers sitting alongside expansive national parks. The city serves as the regional headquarters for many international companies and organizations. With its vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options, and proximity to wildlife, Nairobi offers visitors a unique blend of urban adventure and natural beauty.

Population: 4.4+ million

Climate: Temperate, moderate

Languages: English, Swahili

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)

Points of Interest

Nairobi National Park

The world's only national park within a capital city, offering close encounters with lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos and other wildlife against the backdrop of Nairobi's skyline.

7 km south of city center

KES 400-500 for residents, $35-45 for non-residents

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Famous elephant orphanage where visitors can watch baby elephants being fed and learn about conservation efforts to protect these magnificent animals.

Near Nairobi National Park

KES 500-1000

Maasai Market

Vibrant open-air market where you can purchase authentic Kenyan crafts, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs made by local artisans.

Various locations on different days of the week

Free

Giraffe Centre

Conservation center that allows visitors to feed and interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform.

Karen, Nairobi

KES 1000 for residents, $15 for non-residents

When to Visit

Dry Season (January-February)

January-February

Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F)

Rainfall: Very low

Weather: Sunny and clear

Highly recommended - perfect weather for city exploration and safaris

Long Rains (March-May)

March-May

Temperature: 17-25°C (63-77°F)

Rainfall: High

Weather: Frequent heavy showers

Not recommended - unless you enjoy quieter tourism and don't mind the rain

Cool Dry Season (June-October)

June-October

Temperature: 15-23°C (59-73°F)

Rainfall: Very low

Weather: Sunny, cool, and often cloudy mornings

Highly recommended - ideal weather and coincides with the great migration in nearby parks

Short Rains (November-December)

November-December

Temperature: 18-26°C (64-79°F)

Rainfall: Moderate

Weather: Short afternoon showers with sunshine in between

Acceptable - prepare for some rain but with many sunny periods

Local Experiences

Maasai Beadwork Workshop

Karen area KES 2,000 ($20) per person

Learn the art of traditional Maasai beadwork in this hands-on workshop. Under the guidance of skilled Maasai artisans, create your own bracelet or small jewelry piece using techniques passed down through generations. The workshop includes cultural context about the significance of colors and patterns in Maasai culture.

Local Host: Grace Naserian

Grace is a Maasai craftswoman who has been practicing beadwork for over 20 years and leads women's empowerment initiatives in her community.

Kenyan Coffee Tasting Tour

Central Nairobi KES 1,500 ($15) per person

Experience Kenya's world-renowned coffee culture with a guided tasting tour. Visit a local coffee house to learn about different Kenyan coffee regions, brewing methods, and tasting notes. The experience includes sampling various single-origin Kenyan coffees and a bag of beans to take home.

Local Host: James Kariuki

James is a certified coffee Q-grader with extensive knowledge of Kenya's coffee industry and passionate about sharing the rich heritage of Kenyan coffee.

Nairobi Street Food Safari

Various locations across Nairobi KES 3,000 ($30) per person

Discover Nairobi's diverse culinary landscape through its vibrant street food scene. Visit different neighborhoods to sample authentic Kenyan dishes like nyama choma (grilled meat), mandazi (fried bread), and kachumbari (tomato and onion salad). Learn about the cultural influences that have shaped Kenyan cuisine.

Local Host: Catherine Wanjiku

Catherine is a food blogger and culinary expert who knows all the hidden gems of Nairobi's food scene and ensures visitors experience authentic local flavors safely.

Nairobi by Night Photography Tour

Starts at city center KES 2,500 ($25) per person

Capture Nairobi's vibrant nightlife and illuminated cityscape on this guided photography tour. Visit iconic locations including KICC viewpoint, city center, and Upper Hill district to photograph the city's dynamic architectural contrast. Suitable for all skill levels, from smartphone photographers to DSLR enthusiasts.

Local Host: Daniel Mwangi

Daniel is a professional photographer whose work has been featured in national publications. He specializes in urban landscape photography and knows the best vantage points in Nairobi.

Getting Around

Matatu

KES 30-100 ($0.30-$1)

These colorful minibuses are the most common form of public transportation in Nairobi. They follow set routes and are very affordable, though often crowded, especially during rush hours.

Tip: Know your route number before boarding. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings. Download the 'Digital Matatus' app for route information.

Taxi

KES 400-1500 ($4-$15)

Traditional taxis are available throughout Nairobi and provide a comfortable, direct transportation option. Always use registered taxis or those recommended by your hotel.

Tip: Agree on the fare before starting your journey. Most taxis don't have meters, so negotiation is expected.

Ride-Hailing Apps

KES 300-1200 ($3-$12)

Uber, Bolt, and Little Cab operate efficiently in Nairobi, offering a convenient and often more affordable alternative to traditional taxis. They're popular with both locals and visitors.

Tip: Ensure you have internet access to use these apps. They're generally considered safe and reliable with transparent pricing.

Boda Boda (Motorcycle Taxi)

KES 100-300 ($1-$3)

These motorcycle taxis can navigate through Nairobi's notorious traffic jams, making them a faster option during peak hours. However, they come with safety considerations.

Tip: Only use if necessary and always insist on a helmet. Not recommended for long distances or if you're carrying valuables.

Car Rental

KES 3,000-10,000/day ($30-$100)

Renting a car gives you flexibility to explore Nairobi and its surroundings at your own pace. Both self-drive and chauffeur-driven options are available.

Tip: Consider hiring a local driver familiar with Nairobi's complex traffic patterns and road conditions. Major international car rental companies have offices at the airport.

Local Tips

Local Cuisine

Try Kenyan staples like ugali (cornmeal porridge) with sukuma wiki (collard greens), nyama choma (grilled meat), and samosas. For an authentic experience, visit Carnivore Restaurant for a variety of game meats.

Currency & Payments

The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the local currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and small vendors. Mobile money service M-Pesa is ubiquitous in Kenya.

Safety

Like any major city, exercise normal precautions. Avoid displaying valuables, be cautious in crowded areas, and use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, especially at night. The city center and tourist areas are generally safe during daylight hours.

Timing & Traffic

Nairobi is notorious for traffic congestion. Plan your movements outside rush hours (7-9am and 5-7pm) when possible. Allow extra time for journeys, especially to the airport.

How to Get There

Nairobi is served by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), one of Africa's busiest and best-connected airports. It offers direct flights to major cities in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Domestic flights to various parts of Kenya are also available.

Typical flight duration:

1-2 hours from Mogadishu, 5-8 hours from international destinations

Typical price range:

$150-$400 from Somalia, $400-$1000 for international flights

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