How to spend a day in Nairobi in 2024

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I had no idea what to expect from Nairobi before I visited. All I knew was what I had researched, but I was pleasantly surprised when I landed. Nairobi is an incredible city, the people are warm and welcoming and the experiences to be had…unreal.

From safari and multiple animal encounters to the aesthetic cafes and hiking trails – there’s so much to do and see and it can get overwhelming when making a choice.

So without further ado, here’s how to spend a day in Nairobi for a first-timer!

Breakfast: Boho Eatery (8-10 am)

Budget: $15-$30

You’re going to want to fuel up in the morning before starting your day of exploring. So stop at Boho Eatery, a wholefoods restaurant focused on conscious and sustainable living, for a hearty healthy meal.

If you do end up eating here, make sure you order the Tostones, which is a twice-fried plantain with guacamole and chilli paste (I still think about it 2 years later). If you are in the mood for caffeine, order a hot or cold coffee to go.

Tip: Many businesses in Nairobi don’t take cash, they only accept card or Mpesa payments so keep this in mind.

Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (11 am)

Budget: $20 per person

Opening times: 11 am-12 pm

I never knew I needed baby Elephants in my life until this visit. For 1 hour you can have an almost out-of-body experience at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. This sanctuary rescues orphaned baby Rhinos and Elephants from all over the country and hand-raises them for 3-4 years before releasing them back into the wild.

Here’s what their day is like:

At 6 am every day, they are taken to the forest to get acclimated to the environment and are fed a special mixture of baby formula every 3 hours (they drink 18-24 litres of milk every day).

Since its establishment, the sanctuary has rescued over 270 Elephants. At the time of my visit (November 2022), there were 33 Elephants here and we got to see and interact with them all as they were fed and bathed in mud.

Tip: Get here at least 30 minutes before your time slot. Also, do not try to feed the Elephants, it’s frowned upon.

Feed Giraffes at the Giraffe Centre (1 pm)

Budget: $20 per person

Opening times: 9 am – 5 pm

Get up close and personal with Giraffes! If you’ve ever heard of the famous Giraffe Manor where the animals come up to your room windows, this is the next best budget-friendly option.

When you first get in, you are given a small bowl of pellets to feed the Giraffes (they are on a diet) and while you feed them, you can take videos and pictures. The photo ops here are incredible and the Giraffes are so photogenic.

Plan to spend at least 30 minutes here – you don’t really need to spend longer than that.

Tip: There are particular giraffes you can’t take selfies with because they’ll headbutt you if you get close to them without food (I would know, I was almost headbutted). Also, the giraffes will walk away if you don’t feed them.

Lunch: Nairobi Street Kitchen

Budget: $15-$30

At Nairobi Street Kitchen you have an endless number of options for lunch, you’re not just limited to one menu.

It is a street-food market-style experience with an array of foods from different cultures and regions. Sip your way through the wine regions of Portugal or enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop with a stunning view of Nairobi with live bands playing in the background.

It’s also a great place to enjoy art, and aesthetic spaces and meet and speak with the locals. Plus, it’s amazing for pre-drinks before hitting the famous Nairobi night scene. Their evening DJ knows how to set the mood.

Tip: Again, don’t take cash, they only accept cards and Mpesa

Go for a Game drive at the Nairobi National Park (1 pm)

Budget: $30 – $80 (depends on the company you book with)

Duration: 5 hours

Do you have a taste for adventure? Then instead of going to the Giraffe Centre, spend 5 hours at the Nairobi National Park tracking game and if you’re lucky you’ll spot the big 5! 

I haven’t experienced the magic of an East African safari before (I have been on an Elephant Safari in Ghana which was amazing so I can only imagine what an experience a Kenyan Safari will be) but I know it’s a thrilling experience no one can afford to miss.

Shop at the Maasai Market (3 – 5 pm)

Budget: $2 and above

Opening times: 8 am – 6:30 pm

If you go on Safari, you may not have time to stop at this market before it closes. But if you choose the Giraffe Centre, spend the rest of your afternoon shopping for local items – jewellery, shoes, clothing, bags (any and everything).

I admit I lost my head here. I bought everything in sight. Like any other market, the items are stunning so if you don’t want to overspend, have a budget before going in and bargain! Once they realise you’re a tourist, the price will be tripled.

Tip: Keep your personal items close to you, there are pickpockets here so be on alert.

Dinner: Fifteen Rooftop (8 pm)

Budget: $25-$50

I ate the most tender ribs here. Generally, the quality of restaurants in Kenya is amazing – it’s a combination of the ambience, aesthetics, food and service – 10/10.

Fifteen Rooftop also has an amazing DJ so expect immaculate vibes if you’re dining here. Now, you can end the night here or head to Mercury Lounge to experience the famous Nairobi Nightlife.

Nightlife: Mercury Lounge (12 am)

Budget: whatever you can afford

Kenyans do not sleep! Make sure you go to Mercury – that’s where the party is.

There you have it, your guide on how to spend a day in Nairobi. Keep your eye on the blog because, over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing day trips and weekend trips you can take from Nairobi.

P.S – If you have more than 24 hours, here are 12+ things to see and do across Kenya

Happy Travels!