24 Hours in Nairobi: How To Spend A Day In Kenya’s Capital
24 hours in Nairobi: How To Spend A Day In Kenya’s Capital
So you only have 24 hours in Nairobi? Don’t worry because the Green City In The Sun has a rich and diverse range of sights and activities to fill your day. Whether you are arriving from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or already situated in the city, find your way to the city centre.
7am – 8:00 am: Breakfast at Java Housen or CJ’s (Cafe Javas)
Source: Africa’s Largest Coffee Chain Java House Acquired by Dubai Firm Abraaj
Your first 24 hours in Nairobi should be spent in a cafe. Look for Java Coffee House or CJ’s (Cafe Javas) and and get yourself a cup of coffee or African tea. These two cafes are big rivals but both offer excellent ambiences and breakfast for travellers, content creators and families.
Kenya has some of the best coffee and tea in the entire world. We advise you to have the tea the Kenyan way – with lots of milk. Add some of their freshly baked pastry of choice for a full breakfast which can include chapus, mandazi, samosa or matumbo.
- Location: Kimathi Street, CBD
- Opening Hours: 7 am to 9 pm
- Website: JAVA HOUSE
- Location: Koinange Street, CBD
- Opening Hours: 6 am to 11pm.
- Website: CJ’s
- Note: Cafe Javas, which started in Uganda, is called CJ’s in Kenya, for trademark reasons.
9:00 am: Nairobi National Park
Source: History of Nairobi National Park | Kenya Safaris Tours
So you have filled your tummy with delicious African goodies, it is time to head over to the Nairobi National Park, about an hour from the city center. Nairobi takes pride in being the only city in the world to have a national park within its boundaries. Enjoy a full safari experience as the park teems with wildlife except elephants. The park is vast with different habitats and wildlife including lions, gazelles, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, buffalo, and rhinos. You will spot leopards lounging on the trees to escape the mid-morning sun.
- Location: Langata Road, Langata
- Opening hours: 6 am – 6,30 pm
- Website: Nairobi National Park | Kenya Wildlife Service
- Cost: Non-resident 43 USD / Resident 1000 KSH
11: 00 am: Elephant Orphanage, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Right next to the Nairobi National Park is a gem that will be the highlight of your day; the Elephant Orphanage. Here you will find the most adorable baby elephants. Watch as their caretakers bring them out, feed them, and play with them. Your heart will melt at the bonds between these baby elephants and their caretakers. Each has a unique personality that makes interaction with them so fun. Adopt an elephant and earn the privileges parents get at the orphanage. Snap some beautiful pictures and selfies to post on your instagram on the go!
- Location: Ngong Road, Karen
- Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm (earlier during COVID)
- Website: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
1:00 pm: Lunch at Swahili Plate, Nairobi City Centre
Source: Swahili Plate – Sarit
Your 24 hours in Nairobi clock is ticking, you gotta maximise your time. Hop on a taxi back to the city center and make your way to Swahili Plate for lunch. Swahili dishes are part of the authentic Kenyan experience. Experience Swahili culture that requires food to be served in generous portions and well-seasoned with herbs and spices. Pick whatever your mood desires for the day from chicken biryani, matoke, chicken tikka to vegetable fried rice. Order a side of ugali (corn meal) to complete your Kenyan experience.
- Location: Muindi Mbingu Street, CBD
- Opening Hours: 7 am to 10 pm
- Instagram: Swahili Plate (@swahiliplate) • Instagram photos and videos
2:00 pm: Explore Maasai Market
A perfect activity to help you digest the hearty meal is to walk to Maasai Market also at the CBD. Immerse yourself in Maasai culture just by walking through the market even if you have no plans of buying. The market displays are full of vibrant colours selling jewelry, woven shukas, and house decorations all handcrafted by the Maasai people. This is the best place to grab some souvenirs for your trip.
- Location changes weekly to these various locations: Tuesday (Kijabe Street opposite the Norfolk Hotel), Wednesday (Capital Center on Mombasa Road), Thursday (The Junction Mall on Ngong Road), Friday (Village Market on Limuru Road), Saturday (Nairobi Law Courts parking in the City Center), Sunday (Yaya Center on Argwings Kodhek Road).
- Opening Hours: 8 am to 8 pm.
- Facebook: Maasai Market
3:30 pm: Giraffe Manor
What about an evening spent petting and feeding giraffes? Hop on a taxi and head over to the Giraffe Manor in Hardy, Karen, a 20-minute ride. This is a sanctuary founded in 1979 to protect the critically endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Here you will get to meet welcoming giraffes and learn their names. Take as many photos as possible because this is a moment to remember, and if possible, take a once in a lifetime kiss.
- Location: Duma Road, Hardy, Karen
- Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
- Website: Giraffe Manor, Hotel Nairobi – The Safari Collection
- Cost: Residents 250 KES/Non-residents 10 USD
5:00 pm: Karen Blixen Museum
Just 11 minutes away by car, is the Karen Blixen Museum. The serene environment here is perfect for an evening walk on the nature trail. The museum which showcases the life of Karen Blixen, the Danish author, also gives insight into Kenya’s history at different periods. Explore the museum and enjoy the stunning sights against the backdrop of Ngong Hills.
- Location: Karen Road, Nairobi
- Opening hours: 8: 30 am to 6 pm
- Website: Karen Blixen
- Cost: Residents 200 KES/Non-residents 15 USD
6:00 pm: Dinner and Drinks, The Hub Karen
Unwind after your day of exploration at The Hub Karen. This is a one-of-a-kind open-air mall that’s perfect for a relaxing evening. Head over to Ocean Basket for some of the best seafood cuisines in Nairobi. Enjoy Wine O’clock at 4 -7 pm. With every glass of red or white house wine you purchase, you get a refill on the house.
- Location: Dagoretti Rd, Nairobi City
- Opening Hours: 8. am to 11 pm
- Website: The Hub Karen
After dinner, if you feel like the night is still young, get a taxi and find your way to Westlands, Nairobi’s party district. There are many bars to explore such as Milan, Sky Bar, Havana Bar and Restaurant, and party the night away like a local. There go your 24 hours in Nairobi. On your next visit, you can add more places and activities to your itinerary. This is a city of adventure after all.
Have you ever visited Nairobi before? If you haven’t, do you plan to visit in the future?
More: 10 Tips for Solo Women Travelers To Stay Safe in Nairobi
