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Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and largest city and one of the most colourful with bustling street markets, a dynamic night scene with plenty of bars and clubs, delicious African street snacks, beautiful green spaces, charming colonial buildings, cultural museums, and so much more. Brightsun Travel offers a great choice of cheap holidays to Nairobi.
Nairobi is a common base location for safari experiences, as it’s the only capital city in the world with a safari park upon its borders – the Nairobi National Park protects hundreds of wildlife species and is home to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which protects endangered wildlife and operates a rescue programme for orphaned elephants. Just 40 minutes from Nairobi’s city centre is the Giraffe Centre, where you can encounter the endangered Rothschild's giraffe.
Nairobi has a variety of transportation options including taxis, Uber, and matatus (minibuses), however we recommend using matatus with caution, as they can be crowded and sometimes unsafe. It's advisable to negotiate taxi fares beforehand or opt for reputable taxi companies like Uber or Bolt.
Nairobi, like any major city, has its safety concerns. Be cautious in crowded areas, avoid displaying expensive items, and be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night. It's generally safe to visit popular tourist attractions, but it's always a good idea to check with locals or your accommodation for any specific safety concerns.
Ethnic Diversity
Nairobi is home to various ethnic groups, including the Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kamba, and Maasai, among others. Each group brings its own unique traditions, languages, and customs to the city, contributing to its diverse cultural landscape.
Language and Communication
While English and Swahili are the official languages, Nairobi is a multilingual city where you'll hear a variety of languages spoken, reflecting its diverse population. Learning a few basic Swahili phrases can enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for their culture.
Music & Dance
Music and dance play a significant role in Kenyan culture, and Nairobi is no exception. Traditional music styles such as Benga, Ohangla, and Mugithi are popular, as well as contemporary genres like Afro-pop and hip-hop. You may encounter street performers showcasing traditional dances like the Maasai dance or the Odi dance.
Cuisine
Kenyan cuisine is diverse and influenced by various ethnic groups. Staples like ugali (a maize-based dish), nyama choma (grilled meat), and sukuma wiki (collard greens) are commonly enjoyed. Nairobi's food scene also includes international cuisine, reflecting its cosmopolitan nature.
Religious Diversity
Nairobi is home to people of various religious beliefs, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and traditional African religions. Religious festivals and celebrations are an integral part of the city's cultural calendar, offering opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding.
Celebrations & Festivals
Nairobi hosts various cultural festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating music, dance, food, and art. Examples include the Koroga Festival, the Nairobi International Book Fair, and the Kenya Music Festival, enhancing any visitor’s time in Nairobi.
Giraffe Centre
Located in the Karen suburb of Nairobi, the Giraffe Centre is a conservation centre for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Visitors can feed and interact with these majestic animals.
Bomas of Kenya
This remodelled Kenyan village contains preserved artefacts displayed in traditional Boma homes, allowing an insight into the ethnic tribes of Kenya.
Karen Blixen Museum
Formerly the home of Danish author Karen Blixen, best known for her book ‘Out of Africa,’ this museum offers insights into colonial Kenya's history and Blixen's life.
Maasai Market
Experience authentic Kenya at the Maasai Market, where local artisans sell their handmade jewellery, textiles, wood carvings, and more.
Nairobi National Museum
Explore Kenya's rich cultural and natural heritage through exhibits on archaeology, paleontology, ethnography, and art at the Nairobi National Museum.
Karura Forest
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by exploring Karura Forest's walking trails, waterfalls, and caves. It's a great place for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking.
Nairobi Arboretum
This botanical garden offers a peaceful retreat within the city, with a diverse collection of trees, plants, and bird species.
Safari Adventures
Nairobi serves as the gateway to some of the most renowned safari destinations in Africa, including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo National Park. These parks are easily accessible from Nairobi, offering opportunities to witness incredible wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and wildebeests in their natural habitats.
Lake Naivasha
Approximately a 2-hour drive from Nairobi, Lake Naivasha offers a tranquil escape from the city. Visitors can take boat rides on the lake, go birdwatching, or explore nearby attractions such as Hell's Gate National Park and Crescent Island Game Park.
Ngong Hills
Located just southwest of Nairobi, the Ngong Hills offer stunning panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley and Nairobi city skyline. Enjoy hiking trails through lush greenery, with opportunities for wildlife spotting and picnics along the way.
Hells Gate National Park
This unique park, about a 2-hour drive from Nairobi, offers dramatic scenery including towering cliffs, gorges, and geothermal features. Visitors can hike, rock climb, or go on guided cycling tours through the park, with the chance to spot wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, and baboons.
Nairobi weather consists of a cool, temperate subtropical climate. The city receives around 610mm of annual rainfall, mostly occurring in the city’s two peak rainy periods: March-May with the long rains, and November-December with the short rains. The city’s dry period is seen from June-October, and June-August are the coolest months with plenty of sunshine, daytime temperatures averaging around 23°C and then dropping to around 12°C in the evenings.
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