Dynamic, creative, and proudly green, Nairobi grew from a railway depot in 1899 into East Africa’s most spirited capital. Nicknamed the “Green City in the Sun,” it’s one of the few places on earth where a capital skyline backs onto a wild savannah—with lions and rhinos roaming just beyond the runway.

Beyond the safari, Nairobi hums with contemporary art, design collectives, and a food scene powered by local farms. Karen whispers colonial-era stories at the Karen Blixen Museum, while Kazuri artisans spin clay into beadwork worn worldwide. Markets brim with shukas, woodcarvings, and textiles; cafés roast some of the best coffee you’ll sip in Africa.

Practical notes: Traffic can be heavy—plan early starts. Tap-to-pay is common; M-Pesa is king, though cards are widely accepted. Pack a light jacket for cool mornings (Nairobi sits at ~1,795 m) and a Type G plug adaptor. For national parks outside the city (e.g., Amboseli), consider malaria precautions and always carry sun protection.

Nairobi

Nairobi is an irresistible blend of big-city energy and wide-open nature. Start with Nairobi National Park at sunrise, when the wildlife is most active, then glide through Karen’s leafy lanes to greet giraffes and learn Kenya’s coffee-and-culture stories. By night, Westlands and Kilimani buzz with live music, craft cocktails, and nyama choma (grilled meat) joints that never seem to sleep.

• Top sights: Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephants), Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi National Museum, Karura Forest, Railway Museum, Nairobi Gallery, Bomas of Kenya.
• Food & drink: From heritage tilapia at Mama Oliech to modern Kenyan at Talisman, farm-driven plates at Cultiva, and legendary skewers at Carnivore.
• Fun fact: Nairobi National Park is the only full wildlife park within a capital city anywhere in the world.

Where to stay: Base yourself in Westlands (nightlife and dining), Karen (leafy, close to wildlife centers), or Gigiri (embassy/quiet). Browse stays on VRBO Nairobi or compare hotels on Hotels.com Nairobi.

Getting in: Fly into NBO (Jomo Kenyatta International). Search fares on Trip.com Flights or compare on Kiwi.com. From North America, expect 1 stop and ~16–22 hours; from the Middle East often direct (~5–6 hours). If traveling to/from Europe, you can also check Omio Flights.

Day 1: Arrival, First Taste of the City

Afternoon: Arrive at NBO and transfer to your hotel. Shake off jet lag with a gentle loop through the revitalized Uhuru Park and a peek into the Kenya National Archives downtown for a quick primer on the country’s past. Coffee pick‑me‑up at Spring Valley Coffee (try a pour‑over from Nyeri or Kiambu estates).

Evening: Welcome dinner at Nyama Mama (modern Kenyan comfort—ugali fries, tilapia with coconut sauce) or About Thyme (leafy patio, seasonal plates). Nightcap at The Alchemist in Westlands—open‑air bars, rotating food trucks, and live DJs set the Nairobi tone.

Day 2: Big Five Mornings, Gentle Giants Afternoon

Morning: Sunrise game drive in Nairobi National Park. Book the Safari Tour; Nairobi National Park (from roughly $60–$90 pp; hotel pickup, 4x4, and park time optimized for early sightings). Expect lions, black rhinos, giraffes, and buffalo set against the city skyline.

Afternoon: At 11:00 am, visit the renowned elephant nursery. The Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Tour times the baby elephants’ mud‑bath hour (viewing 11am–12pm) then heads to the Giraffe Centre for close‑up photos and conservation talks (from ~$60–$80 pp).

Evening: Dine in Karen: The Talisman (Pan‑African/Asian‑inspired, art‑lined rooms, standout crispy squid and dukka prawns) or Boho Eatery (garden setting; veg‑forward Kenyan produce). Sip a Kenyan G&T back in Westlands at Brew Bistro or Hero (comic‑book‑themed speakeasy inside Tribe Hotel).

Day 3: Museums, Markets, and Downtown Classics

Morning: Nairobi National Museum (human origins, regional art, and bird galleries) and the adjoining Snake Park. Coffee at Connect Coffee Roasters (Riverside) where baristas can walk you through Kenyan processing methods—washed vs. natural.

Afternoon: Walk to the Railway Museum to see century‑old locomotives from the “Lunatic Express” era. Lunch at K’Osewe Ranalo Foods—order tilapia wet fry with ugali and sukuma wiki. Browse the Maasai Market (rotates locations; ask your hotel) for beadwork, kiondos, and kanga textiles. Practice polite bargaining.

Evening: If open, catch sunset views from the KICC helipad; otherwise try rooftop sundowners at Emara Ole Sereni overlooking the park. Dinner at Cultiva in Karen (inventive farm‑to‑table tasting menus) or Inti (Nikkei grill; great for a celebratory night).

Day 4: Day Trip—Hell’s Gate & Lake Naivasha Adventure

Morning: Early departure (approx. 2–2.5 hours each way) to Hell’s Gate National Park. Book the 1 Day trip to Hell’s Gate and Lake Naivasha (from ~$120–$160 pp; bike and hiking options). Cycle past zebras and gazelles through a canyon landscape that inspired Disney’s Lion King backdrops.

Afternoon: Lunch at Lake Naivasha (try Fisherman’s Camp for grilled tilapia by the water), then boat to spot hippos and fish eagles. Return to Nairobi by early evening.

Evening: Casual dinner back in town: Road House Grill (Kilimani; classic nyama choma), or Mister Wok if you’re craving Asian comfort. For something low‑key, Wasp & Sprout is cozy with craft goods and good tea.

Day 5: Karen’s Culture, Crafts, and a Taste of Home Cooking

Morning: Tour the Karen Blixen Museum for stories of coffee farming and “Out of Africa.” Continue to Kazuri Beads to watch artisans hand‑mold and kiln‑fire ceramic beads—excellent for thoughtful souvenirs. Coffee and brunch at Tin Roof Café (salads, wraps, wholesome bakes).

Afternoon: Stroll the forests and waterfalls of Karura Forest; loop to the River Café inside the park for a mid‑hike lemonade. Alternatively, time the Bomas of Kenya cultural show (traditional music and dance; typically mid‑afternoon).

Evening: Join a small‑group Kenyan cooking session (market walk, then chapati, mukimo, or pilau at a local home). Prefer to dine out? Book Carnivore for flame‑licked skewers, or head to J’s Karen for live music and easygoing gastropub plates.

Day 6: Full-Day Safari to Amboseli (Mt. Kilimanjaro Views)

Pre‑dawn departure for a classic Kenyan landscape: elephants trekking across dusty pans under Mt. Kilimanjaro. The Amboseli National Park Day Tour from Nairobi (from ~$180–$260 pp) includes round‑trip transport and game drives; expect a long but unforgettable day (often 5:00 am–8:00 pm). Carry a hat, buffs for dust, and a power bank.

Day 7: Last Sips, Last Finds, and Departure

Morning: Easy walk in the Nairobi Arboretum or a final jog along Karura’s shaded paths. Brunch at the River Café (if you didn’t make it earlier) or Artcaffé (good pastries; reliable espresso).

Afternoon: Pick up souvenirs at Village Market (Gigiri) or Sarit Centre (Westlands)—look for Kenyan single‑origin coffee beans, tea, soapstone, and olive‑wood spoons. Quick lunch at Mama Oliech (famously crispy whole tilapia) before your transfer to the airport for an afternoon departure.

Evening: If you have a late flight, consider a spa hour at your hotel or a light bite at CJ’s downtown. Aim to be at NBO three hours early; traffic to the airport can be unpredictable.

Getting around and tips: Use licensed taxis or vetted ride‑hailing. Avoid walking with valuables after dark. Keep small bills for markets; sellers appreciate M‑Pesa. Most venues are card‑friendly; tap works.

Tour shortlist used in this itinerary:

• Safari Tour; Nairobi National Park
• Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Tour
• 1 Day trip to Hell’s Gate and Lake Naivasha
• Amboseli National Park Day Tour

Seven days in Nairobi deliver a rare mix of wildlife thrills, thoughtful culture, and memorable meals. With smart early starts and a couple of day trips, you’ll cover Kenya’s capital highlights—and still have reasons to return.