I recently travelled to Nairobi; however, my limited availability of two days did not permit me to explore one of the renowned national parks in Kenya.
I came to the realization that Nairobi, a cosmopolitan metropolis, provides an abundance of attractions for tourists with limited time who wish to experience the country’s fauna and culture.
My primary piece of advice is to avoid scheduling an excessive number of visits within a single day, and to strive for activities that are relatively close to one another.
Similar to numerous other urban centers globally, Nairobi experiences considerable traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. It is advisable to allot sufficient time to fully appreciate the attractions, including periods for lunch and brief pauses to recharge.
Places to visit and things to do in Nairobi in a day, Read more below;
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Near Nairobi National Park, the Elephant Orphanage is situated approximately 10 kilometers from the city capital of Nairobi. It is closed to the public for one hour daily, from 11:00 to 12:00.
The David Sheldrick Conservation Foundation rehabilitates infant elephants and other wildlife whose mothers have perished in the wild due to circumstances such as poaching, death, injuries, or becoming disoriented in the wild. They are raised by Daphne and her devoted staff in preparation for their eventual release back into the wild.
It is highly recommended, and you will have the opportunity to approach elephant infants up close. The attendants feed the elephants while bringing them outside and informing you about the elephants’ histories and the manner in which they are cared for.
An entrance fee of one ringing nairl is imposed, and a shop is available for souvenir purchases or contributions to the preservation of future elephants.
The Giraffe Centre, which is overseen by African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Kenya Limited (AFEW (K) LTD), is situated in the Langata region, approximately 5 kilometers from the city center. It is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding weekends and public holidays.
A raised circular feeding platform at the facility allows visitors to approach and nourish the giraffes without difficulty.
In the auditorium adjacent to the interior portion of the platform, guests are treated to in-depth presentations concerning the activities, conservation efforts, and giraffes of the center.
Adjacent to the center is a Nature Sanctuary featuring a 1.5-kilometer-long trail that winds through dense vegetation and forests.
A café and a gift shop are available at the Giraffe Sanctuary, where patrons can enjoy refreshments while observing the giraffes and purchasing African handicrafts from the surrounding communities, respectively.
Places to visit and things to do in Nairobi in a day, Read more below;
Nairobi National Park
Open daily from 06:00 to 18:00, Nairobi National Park is situated just 8 kilometers from the city center of Nairobi, making it an absolute must-visit for those who wish to experience a wildlife excursion but lack the time to travel further.
The national park is home to a variety of fauna and flora, including buffaloes, black rhinoceroses, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests; additionally, it is home to over 400 species of birds.
Bomas
The Bomas of Kenya, situated around one kilometer past the main entrance of Nairobi National Park and approximately ten kilometers from the city center of Nairobi, provides visitors with the chance to gain insights into the multifaceted and abundant cultures that constitute this captivating nation.
Places to visit and things to do in Nairobi in a day, Read more below;
Acrobatic performances and traditional routines are available daily from 2.30 to 4.30 pm on weekdays, and from 3.30 to 5.15 pm on weekends and public holidays.
Carnivore Nightclub and Restaurant
Dine at the renowned Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi to cap off the day; it is a haven for meat aficionados and is frequently hailed as “the ultimate ‘Beast of a Feast’.” This barbecue is unique in that in addition to standard beef, pork, and poultry, they also serve game meat.
The menu features an assortment of exclusive items, including ostrich, giraffe, zebra, crocodile, and hartebeest.
For those who prefer to avoid consuming substantial meals, the Simba Saloon offers a selection of light refreshments including pizzas (prepared in a traditional, dome-shaped brick oven), a salad bar that is particularly well-liked during lunch, steaks, hamburgers, scampi, trout, and chicken.
The nightclub is open Wednesday through Sunday and features themed evenings for contemporary African music, rock, soul, jazz, and the newest hits, among others.
Additionally, lunch is offered at Carnivore Restaurant.
Kenya Conference Centre
The Kenya Conference Centre is Nairobi’s second-tallest structure. Kenyan visitors can attain a bird’s-eye view of Nairobi by ascending the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) via the elevator. As of 2013, this is the tallest structure in Nairobi.
National Museum
Located on Museum Hill, the museum is accessible to visitors year-round from 08:30 to 17:00 hours per day. It is situated at a distance of approximately 10 minutes by car from the city center of Nairobi.
It features the nature, history, culture, and contemporary art of Kenya. In addition to Snake Park and Botanical Gardens, the vicinity features a State-of-the-Art Auditorium that stages concerts, film screenings, and other events on occasion.
Places to visit and things to do in Nairobi in a day, Read more below;
Nairobi City Market
The market, which is situated in Koinange Street, City Centre, is frequented by dozens of vendors who offer a variety of products for sale, including soapstone, Maasai jewelry and apparel, drums, spears, shields, meat, and vegetables.
Karen Blixen Museum
Located ten kilometers from the city center, it is open every day from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, excluding weekends and public holidays. Formerly the domicile of the renowned “Out of Africa” author and pioneer coffee farmer Karen Blixen, the house has been conserved as a museum.
A visit to this museum offers visitors the chance to travel back in time and acquire a deeper understanding of the life of this extraordinary woman. Encompassing the Ngong Hills, the museum’s exquisitely landscaped gardens provide the ideal vantage point.
The Karen Blixen Museum, which is affiliated with the National Museums of Kenya, is among several intriguing regional museums and prehistoric and archeological sites. Despite its status as such, it remains an exceptionally popular tourism destination.
Karura Forest Reserve
Located on the Limuru Road on the suburbs of Nairobi, this establishment is accessible every day between 0600 and 1800.
Kenyans and visitors can utilize the forest as an environmentally conscious sanctuary from the commotion of the city by strolling, jogging, or simply sitting quietly and appreciating the splendor of nature in all its variety.
The location is ideal for picnicking and a two to four-hour trek, contingent upon the specific trail selected.
Oloolua Nature Trail
Located directly opposite the Karen Blixen Museum, this location provides an ideal opportunity to commune with nature through hiking and escape the hubbub of the city. The waterfall is the focal point of the trail and an excellent location for birdwatching.
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Kazuri Pottery and Bead Factory Center
Formerly situated within the Karen Blixen Estate at Mbagathi Ridge, Karen Road, Karen, the factory is situated. Kazuri, whose name translates to “beautiful and small” in Swahili, originated as a modest workshop in 1975 that experimented with handcrafted beadwork.
The company has since experienced tremendous growth, now employing a sizable staff proficient in the creation of one-of-a-kind pottery-ware that embodies the wildlife and culture of Kenya.
Kazuri is dedicated to establishing and maintaining employment opportunities for marginalized individuals within the context of Kenyan society.