Nairobi is Kenya's largest urban centre with more than 5 million inhabitants. The capital has doubled its population in fifteen years, and is expected to reach 6 million by 2030. It is an industrial metropolis, which has drained a large rural population in its young history and continues to establish itself as the absolute centre of the country. A city inherited from colonial history, initially a railway centre emerging from the savannah, it does not have the charms of a city of history. And if safari enthusiasts quickly abandon this noisy, turbulent urban centre, also marked by severe poverty, to rush into natural parks, it nevertheless shelters a modern and pleasant city centre, of a cosmopolitanism rare in Africa.As the financial platform of East Africa, this city centre populated by businessmen and traders is marked by a very tangible dynamism. Moreover, if its architecture is not particularly interesting, staying there will allow you to get in touch with the country and its population, and to take the temperature.Nairobi has some tourist attractions, such as its national park, which can be a first approach to Kenyan nature, the Nairobi National Museum to discover the country's culture and history, the railway museum, the Karen Blixen railway museum and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Foundation.Its number of hotels and restaurants, its good infrastructure, in the centre, but also in some outlying districts, can make a stay in Nairobi pleasant and essential if, in addition to the amenities of animal parks, we want to understand Kenya.

What to visit Nairobi?

When to go to Nairobi?

When to go to Nairobi? The best periods to go to Kenya and to Nairobi in particular are January and February on the one hand, and August and September on the other. Specifically, the periods to avoid are those of the two rainy seasons. The main rainy season is in April and June, the short rainy season in November and December. Some tracks, even some paved roads, are then difficult to pass and make visits to parks or villages uncertain. The wild animals are then more difficult to observe.

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Weather all year round

The climate of Nairobi is tropical, close to an equatorial climate but tempered by altitude, with cool mornings that can become cold during the rainy seasons. Nairobi has two rainy seasons, one between April and June, the other in November and December. Temperatures vary on average from 12 to 24°C in Nairobi, with an annual average of more than 20°C. If you go camping on the heights, be aware that the nights can be cold.

Jan.
11° / 25°
Feb.
11° / 26°
Mar.
12° / 26°
Apr.
14° / 24°
May
13° / 23°
June
11° / 22°
Jul.
/ 21°
Aug.
10° / 22°
Sept.
10° / 24°
Oct.
12° / 25°
Nov.
13° / 23°
Dec.
12° / 23°
Budget

The local currency is the Kenyan shilling (Ksh), however hotels and local travel agencies also accept dollars and euros. Long reserved for wealthy tourists, Kenya has become more affordable, even if this destination is not the most economical on the market. However, safaris and luxury stays are always possible. Be aware that in off-peak periods, from April to June and in November, many hotels lower their prices. Tipping is mandatory.

Procedures

EU nationals must pay a tourist visa (€50) for a stay of less than three months. Please note that the visa is free for children under 16 years of age accompanied by their parents. Visas can be obtained at the Kenyan Embassy in Paris, online on the eCitizen platform or upon arrival at Nairobi or Mombasa airport.

Health

The yellow fever vaccine is required to enter Kenya and stay in Nairobi. A certificate can be requested from customs. Malaria is very common below 2,000 m asl, so in Nairobi, even if the situation is better than in the plains, especially during the rainy season. Running water is not drinkable in Kenya, drink only bottled or boiled water. And of course, protect yourself from the sun like mosquitoes.

How to go to Nairobi? Our advice & tips

Safaris in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo or Lake Naivasha reserves are on the menu of all travel agencies. It is the means of transportation that differs from one safari to another, in 4x4, on foot, on horseback, on motorcycle or even in a hot air balloon. Accommodation during the safaris is in camps, or even lodge in the reserves or near them. Many agencies also offer to conclude the trip with a stay on the beaches of the Indian Ocean, in Mombasa or Nairobi.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

There are direct flights from Europe to Nairobi and Mombasa. The two cities are linked by several daily flights. The capital is 440 km away from Mombasa by the A109 road, crossing the Tsavo Natural Park. A railroad also connects Nairobi and Mombasa. Please note that it is not allowed to enter the national parks without a guide for safety and environmental reasons, so you will always have to go through a local agency, big or small. Solo, of course, you will be able to get more off the beaten track. Generally, an organized safari for one or two people is much more expensive than a group safari.

Attention: in Kenya we drive on the left! It is easy to get around in the south of the country by public transport. Buses are generally reliable, comfortable and punctual. The road network is quite dense even if the roads are sometimes similar to tracks, which is a problem during the rainy season. The train connects Mombasa and Nairobi. The two cities are also connected by air.

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Pictures and images Nairobi

Vue de Nairobi. Jacek_Sopotnicki - iStockphoto.com
Au Giraffe Center de Nairobi Kenya Tourist Board
Jour de marché, Nairobi. cribea - iStockphoto.com
Nairobi elmgrover - Fotolia

Discover Nairobi

When to travel?

When to go to Nairobi? The best periods to go to Kenya and to Nairobi in particular are January and February on the o...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

The climate of Nairobi is tropical, close to an equatorial climate but tempered by altitude, with cool mornings that...
Read more about it

Budget

The local currency is the Kenyan shilling (Ksh), however hotels and local travel agencies also accept dollars and eur...
Read more about it

Formalities

EU nationals must pay a tourist visa (€50) for a stay of less than three months. Please note that the visa is free...
Read more about it

Health

The yellow fever vaccine is required to enter Kenya and stay in Nairobi. A certificate can be requested from customs....
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

There are direct flights from Europe to Nairobi and Mombasa. The two cities are linked by several daily flights. The...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Safaris in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo or Lake Naivasha reserves are on the menu of all travel agencies. It is t...
Read more about it

Getting around

Attention: in Kenya we drive on the left! It is easy to get around in the south of the country by public transport. B...
Read more about it

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