5 October 2024
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24 Hours in Nairobi: How To Spend A Day In Kenya’s Capital

24 hours in Nairobi
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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. 

   
24 hours in Nairobi
     

Kenya’s food offerings are diverse, with influences from all over the world. The most common food staple is ugali, which is made from cornmeal, and usually served with vegetables and stew. Irio, a combination of mashed peas and potatoes, is another common dish and is often eaten alongside nyama choma (roasted meat).

7am – 8:00 am: Breakfast at Java Housen or CJ’s (Cafe Javas)

24 hours in Nairobi
Javas Cafe

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

24 Hours in Nairobi: How To Spend A Day In Kenya’s Capital - Afrofeast
24 Hours in Nairobi: How To Spend A Day In Kenya’s Capital

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. 

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!

1:00 pm: Lunch at Swahili Plate, Nairobi City Centre

24 Hours in Nairobi: How To Spend A Day In Kenya’s Capital - Afrofeast
24 Hours in Nairobi: How To Spend A Day In Kenya’s Capital

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.

2:00 pm: Explore Maasai Market

24 hours in Nairobi
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

24 Hours in Nairobi: How To Spend A Day In Kenya’s Capital - Afrofeast
24 Hours in Nairobi: How To Spend A Day In Kenya’s Capital

Source: GIRAFFE MANOR – Updated 2024 Prices & Lodge Reviews (Nairobi, Kenya)

 

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.

5:00 pm: Karen Blixen Museum

24 Hours in Nairobi: How To Spend A Day In Kenya’s Capital - Afrofeast
24 Hours in Nairobi: How To Spend A Day In Kenya’s Capital

Source: Karen Blixen’s House & Museum | Nairobi, Kenya | Attractions – Lonely Planet

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

24 Hours in Nairobi: How To Spend A Day In Kenya’s Capital - Afrofeast
24 Hours in Nairobi: How To Spend A Day In Kenya’s Capital

Source: The Hub Karen – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

 

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?

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