How To Make the Most of One Day in Nairobi, Kenya?
Planning a short visit to Nairobi can be challenging, but with my experience of returning to Nairobi three times during my safari trip across Kenya, I have some tips to share.
While in Nairobi, I stayed in various hotels, experienced multiple activities, and visited other safari destinations like the Maasai Mara. This gave me both the perspective of a first-time visitor and the insight of a seasoned traveller.
As a former luxury travel advisor, I have planned countless itineraries and know how to make the most of limited time. This guide is designed to help you do the same.
My itinerary covers Nairobi’s highlights, contains tips on tours and transport, and provides recommendations for hotels when you have one day in Nairobi.
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, offers something for everyone. Whether you are a first-time visitor eager to see iconic wildlife, a layover traveller looking to make the most of a short stay, or at the end of a safari adventure, this guide will help you experience the best of Nairobi in just 24 hours.
Overview of Things to Do in Nairobi
Nairobi is one of the few cities in the world where you can experience a safari within sight of a metropolitan skyline. With just 24 hours to spare, you can experience some of the city’s most iconic highlights.
- Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Book a guided tour that includes the orphanage, or arrange a visit by booking online.
- Giraffe Centre: Spend your afternoon interacting with endangered Rothschild giraffes by feeding them from an elevated platform and learning about their conservation.
- Explore Nairobi National Park: Consider a half-day game drive of the park.
Another useful tip is to pre-book your transfers or hire a trusted local guide. Find out if booking Nairobi Airport meet-and-greet services is necessary here.
Time Breakdown for One Day in Nairobi
6:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Nairobi National Park
Start your day early with a game drive in Nairobi National Park. Spend 4 hours exploring this unique park.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Head to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located within the park. Arrive by 10:30 AM to secure a good spot for the 11:00 AM public visiting hours. The animal encounter is one hour long. Take time after the session (about 15 minutes) for any adoption or purchases, such as supporting the Trust’s conservation efforts.
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch at Carnivore Buffet
Next, make your way to the Carnivore Buffet for lunch. The restaurant is a 10-minute drive from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Allow around 1.5 hours to enjoy this unique dining experience.
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Giraffe Centre
After lunch, drive roughly 25-30 minutes to the Giraffe Centre. Spend 1.5 hours interacting with the endangered Rothschild giraffes.
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM: Optional – Karen Blixen Museum
If time allows, end your day at the Karen Blixen Museum, about 15 minutes from the Giraffe Centre. Spend an hour exploring the former home of the Out of Africa author.
You can book a full-day tour that includes Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi National Park, and Giraffe Centre.
How to See Nairobi in One Day?
Morning: Nairobi National Park
Start your day early with a tour of Nairobi National Park, which opens at 6:00 AM.
This park offers a unique safari experience set against the Nairobi skyline. Despite its proximity to the city, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. While elephants are not in Nairobi National Park, you will spot giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and black rhinos.
I highly recommend booking a guided tour to see Nairobi National Park. Without one, you may struggle to find wildlife or get lost. Whereas the local guides are skilled at locating wildlife and navigating the park efficiently.
Book a private or group tour in Nairobi National Park for a stress-free experience and to ensure optimal efficiency by seeing as many animals as you can in your limited time.
If this is your first game drive, Nairobi National Park is a fantastic introduction to photographing wildlife in its natural habitat. However, if you are at the end of your Kenya trip and have already been on safaris in places like Maasai Mara, you may consider skipping it and visiting the Karen Blixen Museum instead.
When I visited Nairobi National Park, the city skyline combined with wild animals was a fascinating sight. However, the landscape in Nairobi is quite different from more remote parks like Maasai Mara and Samburu which I also visited.
Make sure you are dressed appropriately for a game drive by reading my tips on what to wear.
Mid-Morning: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
After your game drive, head to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, renowned for its elephant orphanage. During your visit, you will watch the adorable elephants being fed and playing in the mud while the keepers share their rescue stories.
Public visiting hours are from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, but online booking in advance is mandatory. Arrive by 10:30 AM to secure a good viewing spot.
A word of warning: take the 10:30 AM arrival seriously. We arrived at 10:45 AM, thinking we had enough time, but nearly missed the start due to the long line of cars checking in.
Visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was one of the highlights of my trip to Kenya. I had been eagerly anticipating it, and it met all my expectations. The elephants were cute, and we were moved by the Trust’s dedication to conservation. We decided to donate and adopt an elephant named Latika for a year.
Read more about my experience visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust here.
- How to Book: Online booking is mandatory via the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust website. You can also book a tour that includes the orphanage
- When to Book: The dates are released approximately three months in advance.
- Tips: Arrive by 10:30 AM to ensure you are on time and in a good position at the front.
Lunch: Carnivore Buffet
For lunch, visit the Carnivore Buffet, a renowned restaurant offering an all-you-can-eat meat experience, including exotic options like crocodile, oxtail, and ostrich. The fun, lively atmosphere makes it perfect for a midday break. Vegetarian options are also available for those who require a meat-free menu.
The Carnivore Buffet was a unique lunch experience for me. It had a fun atmosphere with great decor and theme and I would recommend it, particularly at the beginning of your travels in Kenya. However, you need to be open to a more touristy experience than fine-dining.
The servers come around and carve the meats directly onto your plate. You can turn down anything you do not want and signal when you have had enough by raising a small white flag on the table. You will also be offered sides like soup and salad.
You can make a reservation online yourself or speak to your tour operator who can arrange the logistics. Reservations are usually unnecessary unless visiting during peak seasons or with a large group.
Afternoon: Giraffe Centre
In the afternoon, visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes. Feed them from an elevated platform for a hands-on, educational experience. It is a fantastic spot for photos and a memorable encounter.
If you are staying at Giraffe Manor, this experience is included in your visit, but anyone can enjoy it as a standalone attraction.
We visited the Giraffe Centre while staying at Giraffe Manor, and the experience was unforgettable. Getting up close to a giraffe for the first time was exhilarating and nerve-wracking, but I quickly warmed up.
Many group tours include a visit to the Giraffe Centre or you can arrange a private driver to create your ideal day.
- How to Book: Tickets are sold at the entrance; no pre-booking is required.
- Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Cost: Non-Resident Adults – Ksh. 1,500 (approx. $15.00). Payments by Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
- When to Visit: The busiest times are 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on weekdays, with weekends and public holidays generally busy throughout the day. Arrive early or later in the afternoon for a quieter experience.
For information on what camera to use and shoes to wear in Nairobi and the rest of Kenya, read my Kenya packing list article.
Optional: Karen Blixen Museum
If time allows, finish your day at the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the author of Out of Africa. Explore the museum’s colonial-era architecture and gardens while learning about Blixen’s life and the region’s history.
Tickets are available at the entrance; guided tours are arranged on-site. There is no need to book in advance unless visiting with a large group.
Where to Stay With 1 Day in Nairobi?
If you only have 24 hours in Nairobi, choose a hotel based on your plans and convenience.
1. For an Iconic Experience: Giraffe Manor
Stay at Giraffe Manor, where you can share breakfast with endangered Rothschild giraffes. This bucket-list-worthy hotel is ideal for a luxurious and unique stay before heading out on a safari.
Book your stay early, as availability fills up months (if not years) in advance.
2. Easy Access to Attractions: Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi in Karen is close to top attractions like the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Centre. It has elegant rooms, fine dining, and an on-site spa.
3. For Quick Stopovers: Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport
If you must be at the airport for an early morning flight, Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport is the most convenient. It is located within a 7-minute drive of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
I stayed at two Nairobi airport hotels, and this was the best one.
What To Do in Nairobi with More or Less Time?
Whether you have a few hours or one day in Nairobi, you can tailor your itinerary to maximise your limited time.
12 Hours in Nairobi
With less than half a day in Nairobi, focus on the most unique experiences, such as the Giraffe Centre and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
48 Hours in Nairobi
If you have more than 24 hours, use your time to rest ahead of a busy itinerary or to prepare for the long flight home.
Otherwise, you can fill your Nairobi itinerary with more activities. Visit the National Museum for a deeper understanding of Kenya’s rich history and cultural heritage. Go to Karura Forest to enjoy the walking trails and waterfalls.
Finally, the Maasai Market is a great spot to shop for authentic souvenirs and handmade crafts while supporting local artisans – you will find it in the Central Business District.
Conclusion
Nairobi offers a unique blend of urban culture and wildlife encounters, making it a fascinating stop on any Kenyan adventure.
If you are looking for things to do in Nairobi in one day, you can enjoy a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park, visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to support elephant conservation, have a memorable lunch at the Carnivore Buffet, and hand-feed Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre. For those with more time, the Karen Blixen Museum gives you a touch of history to your itinerary.
If you are preparing for a safari or want more inspiration, check out my other articles, including What to Expect on a Safari in Kenya, What to Pack for a Safari in Kenya, and Where to Stay in Nairobi.
