What to do in Nairobi when you have a long layover?

Nairobi is one of the most vibrant cities in Africa and a great place to explore. From stunning wildlife parks and national reserves to bustling markets, there’s plenty to see and do. Because of this, Nairobi is the perfect city to spend a long layover. Luckily you can see and visit so much in those few hours. 

Here are some of the best things to do in Nairobi.

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Visit the Giraffe Center

If you’re looking for an activity that combines education and entertainment, then visiting the Giraffe Center in Nairobi is a must-do. Located in the heart of Nairobi, the Giraffe Center offers visitors a unique experience of seeing and interacting with giraffes up close. Visitors can feed, touch and even kiss these gentle giants from a specially designed platform. In addition the center also offers educational programs to promote conservation and appreciation of these majestic animals.

Entrance fee: 11 USD

Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM.

Visit David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Visiting the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi is an amazing experience that you will never forget. Not only will you get to see the orphaned elephants being taken care of and rehabilitated, but you will also learn more about the importance of conservation and protecting these majestic creatures. At the orphanage, you can observe how these animals are trained, fed and cared for so that they can be released back into the wild when they are ready. You will also have an opportunity to learn more about their fascinating history and culture. Visiting this place is a great way to appreciate and respect nature in a safe environment.

Entrance fee: 15 USD

Opening hours: 11 AM – 12 PM (Just 1 hour. Try to prebook).

Visit the Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is Kenya’s first and only national park located within the city limits of Nairobi. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya due to its proximity to the city, its abundant wildlife, and its breathtaking landscapes. It covers an area of 117 square kilometers and is home to over 400 species of animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests and more.

Most people visit the National Park with a Safari tour or a bird watching tour. Another great option is to combine the national park with the Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Center.

Opening hours: 6 AM – 6 PM.

Visit the Karen Blixen Museum

The Karen Blixen Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the life and work of the renowned author Karen Blixen. The museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore Blixen’s life and works in an intimate setting with original artifacts from her time living in Kenya. The museum also hosts events and exhibitions related to her life and works throughout the year. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house or explore it on their own. It is a great way to learn about one of Africa’s most iconic authors.

The museum is populair amongst tourists. However, I decided not to go. I’ve read on many blogs that it wasn’t worth the entrance money, especially when you are not really that interested in Karen Blixen. I just went with the reviews from other bloggers and didn’t go. 

Also, my driver confirmed the story and said that many people thought the museum wasn’t that interesting. Just do your research on the history of Karen Blixen, see if it’s interesting to you and go from there. 

Entrance fee: 15 USD

Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 6 PM.

Go for food in the Stedmak Gardens or Carnivore restaurant 

If you are looking for some delicious food in Nairobi, then you should definitely consider visiting the Stedmak Gardens or Carnivore restaurant. Both of these places offer a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Kenyan cuisine to international favorites. The Stedmak Gardens offers a unique outdoor experience with lush gardens and beautiful views, while Carnivore specializes in grilled meats and other savory dishes. 

Transit visa Nairobi 

If you are traveling to Kenya, you may need a transit visa. A transit visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 72 hours while in transit. It is important to understand the requirements for obtaining a transit visa for and the application process. Knowing what documents are needed and how long it takes to get approved can help ensure that your travel plans go smoothly.

Like all visa’s you have to apply for a transit visa online. There are a few visa requirements:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of travel with at least two blank pages.
• An onward ticket or round trip ticket.
• A passport photo.

You can apply here https://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html for your visa. The visa gets approved very fast. I’ve got my approval 2 days later, but it can take between 5-10 days! A transit visa is 20 USD. 

Getting around in Nairobi 

Nairobi is a vibrant and exciting city that offers its visitors plenty of things to do and see. However, getting around the city can be daunting if you don’t know your way around. Fortunately, there are several options available to help you get around Nairobi easily and safely. 

Hire a driver 

Hiring a private driver is in my opinion the easiest way to get the most out of your layover in Nairobi. There are different pick up and drop off options: hotel, airport or another destination.

I booked my driver through Nairobi Day Tours. This is one of the best companies I’ve ever dealt with. They answers all your questions and make sure that you spend your layover just as you want. You can book a half day and a full day tour. But they also offer many more tours like a walking tour through the city or white water rafting.

I paid 80 USD for a half day tour. They picked me up from my hotel and dropped me off at the airport. Keep in mind that you have to pay separately for all the entrances.

Public transportation

Modes of public transport in Nairobi include matatus (shared minibus taxis), buses and trains. In general, expats don’t use public transport in Nairobi because of poor safety records. If you want to use public transportation anyway, buses are the most common form of public transportation in Kenya. Most towns have privately run local buses that are clean, cheap and safe.

Book a half or full day tour online 

If you enjoy joining group tour or want to meet new people in Nairobi you can prebook a tour online. Most tours offer the same things like The Elephant Orphanage, The Giraffe Center, The Karen Blixen museum and Nairobi National Park. Make sure you book these tours online, because tours have to make a reservation for the time sloth for the Elephant Orphanage. The orphanage only allows around 200 people since Covid from 11 AM to 12 PM, so one hour.

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So if you have the option to have a long layover in Nairobi on your way to another country in Africa, you should definitely take it! You will have an amazing time, even though it’s only for a half day or a day.