Two capitals, two rhythms. Abuja is Nigeria’s carefully planned political heart, framed by granite monoliths like Aso Rock and wide, orderly boulevards. Nairobi, the “Green City in the Sun,” grew from a rail stop to East Africa’s creative hub where wildlife pads past a skyline and coffee aromas float from roasteries.

Across 11 days, you’ll trace city life, public art, neighborhood food halls, and parks—then meet giraffes, rhinos, and lions without leaving Nairobi’s city limits. Expect suya smoke and jollof in Abuja, then ugali, nyama choma, and pillowy mahamri in Nairobi. You’ll travel light, spend smart, and still hit the highlights.

Practical notes: Kenya requires an eVisa for many nationalities; Nigeria also requires visas for most travelers. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is commonly requested when traveling between West and East Africa. Mobile money (M‑Pesa) dominates in Kenya, while cash remains useful in Nigeria; ride-hailing (Uber/Bolt) is cheap in both cities. Always check current advisories and travel in daylight for interurban excursions.

Abuja

Abuja is a young capital with big vistas—Aso Rock looming like a sentinel, the gold dome of the National Mosque catching light, and leafy districts ringing man-made lakes. It’s a great city for first-time West Africa travelers: manageable traffic, broad sidewalks, and markets that feel local, not touristy.

Come for civic architecture and stay for the neighborhood food—spicy suya skewers carved to order, smoky grilled fish, and bowls of pepper soup that warm the soul. The sunsets over Jabi Lake are an easy, low-cost highlight.

• Top sights: Aso Rock viewpoints, Nigerian National Mosque, National Christian Centre, Millennium Park, Jabi Lake & Park, Nike Art Gallery Abuja, Bwari Pottery (for ceramics).
• Neighborhood markets: Wuse Market (tailors, textiles, produce), Area 1 & Garki informal stalls for everyday snacks and phone accessories.
• Easy day/half-day ideas: Zuma Rock photo stop (daytime only, with a local driver), Usuma Dam overlook for a breezy late afternoon.

Days 1–4: Abuja essentials on a shoestring

Aso Rock corridor and civic icons: Start with a drive along the federal district to see Aso Rock, the National Assembly complex from afar, the National Mosque (quietly observe; modest attire), and the airy National Christian Centre. These are the landmarks that shaped Nigeria’s move to a new capital in the 1990s.

Parks and lakes: Walk Millennium Park’s geometric paths (designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas), then head to Jabi Lake Park for a waterside stroll. If you have a bit to spare, a short boat ride from local operators near Jabi Boat Club is a sunset treat.

Art and craft: Pop into Nike Art Gallery Abuja for contemporary works and textiles. If ceramics interest you, arrange a quick visit to Bwari Pottery for traditional firing methods and affordable handmade pieces.

Markets & everyday Abuja: Wuse Market is the place for colorful ankara prints, beaded jewelry, and street snacks. Haggle with a smile and small bills. Late afternoon, grab street-side fruit or roasted plantains.

Eat & drink on a budget in Abuja

• Breakfast/coffee: The Cube Café (creative crowd, good espresso), Café de Vie (calm nook, omelets and pastries), Pastry Basket (grab‑and‑go baked goods).
• Lunch: Nkoyo (Nigerian classics—try egusi and pounded yam), CityView (big portions, modest prices), University of Suya or Yahuza Suya Spot (beef and chicken suya with spicy yaji).
• Dinner: Blue Cabana (casual poolside vibe; shawarma and grills), Salamander Café (pan‑African plates, bookish vibe), Masala Wahala (solid Indian curries if you need a break from spice levels).
• Night snack: Roadside grilled fish with hot pepper, or kelewe (spicy fried plantain).

Where to stay (budget-focused): Target Wuse 2, Garki, or Jabi for value and easy transport. Many guesthouses fall in the $25–60 range per night.

• Browse budget apartments and rooms on VRBO – Abuja
• See guesthouses and hotels on Hotels.com – Abuja

Getting to Abuja (first stop): Use multi-city searches to fly into Abuja (ABV) and out of Nairobi (NBO) for the best value.

• Compare flights on Trip.com – often cheapest 4–8 weeks out.
• Check Kiwi.com for multi-city and flexible dates – good for mixed airlines and carry-on only deals.

Local transport: Ride-hailing (Uber/Bolt) typically runs $1–6 per ride in town. Always confirm the plate before entering; avoid walking far after dark.

Day 5: Fly Abuja to Nairobi

Plan a morning departure and arrive by late afternoon. Common 1‑stop routes connect via Addis Ababa, Kigali, or Lomé. Total travel time is usually 7.5–10.5 hours (including layover); budget $380–$520 one‑way with a checked bag if booked a few weeks ahead.

• Search Abuja–Nairobi flights on Trip.com
• Compare options on Kiwi.com

Airport transfer in Nairobi: A prebooked pickup is convenient after a long travel day.

• Safe and Private Airport transfer in Nairobi

Nairobi

Nairobi is where urban energy meets the wild. You can sip a flat white at a third-wave roastery, then 30 minutes later watch lions laze with the city skyline beyond. It’s a brilliant base for budget travelers—plenty of free parks, inexpensive eateries, and superb, short wildlife experiences.

History runs from Maasai homelands to the Uganda Railway era to today’s tech scene. Neighborhoods like Karen, Kilimani, and Westlands mix culture, markets, and inventive kitchens. If you’re a coffee fan, you’re in the right city.

• Essential experiences: Nairobi National Park game drive, Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (baby elephants), Karen Blixen Museum, Karura Forest, Kazuri Beads workshop, Maasai Market (rotates by day), Nairobi Railway Museum.
• Free or low-cost greens: Karura Forest trails and waterfalls (small entry fee), Uhuru Park strolls, Arboretum picnics.

Days 6–8: Urban wildlife and living history

Nairobi National Park: Book a morning game drive for cooler temps and active wildlife. It’s the classic “city safari”—rhinos, giraffes, zebras, sometimes lions, with skyscrapers in the distance.

• Nairobi National Park, Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre

  

  This combo loops the park with two beloved conservation stops. Tip: many tours exclude park fees—check the inclusions before booking.

City storytelling on foot: Explore Nairobi through local eyes, weaving history with street smarts and daily life. It’s affordable, eye-opening, and supports community-led tourism.

• NAI NAMI: Nairobi Storytelling Tour

  

Hands-on coffee: Visit a working coffee farm just outside the city to see the full “farm to cup” journey—then roast and taste your own beans.

• Coffee farm tour, coffee roasting and tasting experience

  

Days 9–11: Forest trails, craft markets, and easy eats

Karura Forest + Museum triangle: Spend a morning on Karura’s shaded trails (waterfalls, butterflies, monkeys). Combine with the Karen Blixen Museum nearby and Kazuri Beads to see artisans hand-making ceramic beads and pottery—great, ethical souvenirs.

Maasai Market & Railway Museum: Time the rotating Maasai Market (ask your hotel for the day’s location) to bargain for kiondo baskets and shukas. Pop by the Railway Museum for early Nairobi lore and vintage locomotives.

Optional extra game drive: If you want a second wildlife fix, choose an abbreviated safari focused on golden-hour light for photography.

• Nairobi National Park Half-Day Tour; Free Wi-Fi connection

  

Eat & drink on a budget in Nairobi

• Breakfast/coffee: Spring Valley Coffee (top local roaster; try a pour-over), Connect Coffee (Japanese-style precision brews), Java House (ubiquitous, reliable, free Wi‑Fi).
• Lunch: K’Osewe Ranalo Foods (lively canteen—tilapia, sukuma wiki, ugali), Al‑Yusra (Swahili/Arabian plates; excellent beef pilau and mahamri), Mama Oliech (crispy deep‑fried lake fish, tomato salsa).
• Dinner: Road House Grill (affordable nyama choma and kienyeji chicken), Kilimanjaro Jamia (big Kenyan/Tanzanian portions, central and wallet-friendly), Talisman (for one splurge night—fusion fare in a garden setting; book early).
• Sweet/tea breaks: Café Deli or Artcaffé for pastries; try Kenyan chai masala and mandazi.

Where to stay (value first): For tight budgets, CBD/Ngara offer the lowest rates but can be noisy; Kilimani and Westlands balance price with comfort.

• Kahama Hotel Nairobi – one of the best low-cost picks; clean rooms, central, friendly staff.
• Fairview Hotel – mid-range oasis with gardens; good security and breakfast deals.
• Sarova Panafric – classic stay near Uhuru Highway; frequent promos.
• Hemingways Nairobi – if you decide to splurge for one night in Karen.
• See all budget stays on Hotels.com – Nairobi
• Browse apartments on VRBO – Nairobi

Getting around: Uber/Bolt rides typically $2–8 within most neighborhoods; airport to Kilimani/Westlands is $18–28 depending on time. Matatus (minibuses) are very cheap but can be confusing—use them only if you’re comfortable with local routes.

Budget & timing snapshot

• Daily spend target: $35–65 per person (street breakfasts, local lunches, affordable dinners, rideshares, 1 paid activity every other day).
• Best wildlife windows: Nairobi National Park at dawn or late afternoon for golden light and active cats.
• Cash tips: Carry small KES notes (50–200) for markets and tips; in Abuja, small NGN notes for kiosks. Cards work at many midrange spots in Nairobi; less so in small Abuja stalls.

End your 11 days with one last coffee in Nairobi, beans tucked in your bag, photos of rhinos against a skyline, and the memory of suya smoke under Abuja’s big skies. This West-and-East Africa pairing is proof you can go far, see wildly different sides of the continent, and keep your budget intact.