The Best Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya

23.08.2024 - 23:26 / cntraveler.com / Conde Nast

While most tourists to Kenya are ultimately heading to Maasai Mara for a safari, truly savvy travelers know that the best things to do in Nairobi are plentiful, making it a capital city that deserves its own dedicated trip. It’s a dynamic city with stellar homegrown restaurants, independent boutiques, thriving cultural venues and contemporary art galleries, innovative social enterprises, and seemingly countless opportunities for ethical wildlife viewing. On top of that, there’s a hotel where you can have breakfast with giraffes. Nairobi really has it all.

Even a national park—home to black rhinos, cape buffaloes, and zebras that meander in its open plains against a backdrop of commercial and residential buildings. But beyond the breathtaking animals that call this place home, it’s of course the people, young and old, shaping Nairobi’s present. The heritage and contemporary life of many Kenyan tribes animate this city of five million, drawing young talents from far and wide, other parts of East Africa included. From shopping and hotels to bars and restaurants, here’s our guide to the best of what Nairobi has to offer.

A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller Middle East.

At Giraffe Manor, giraffes famously poke their long necks through the windows, hoping to get a treat from hotel guests enjoying their breakfast.

It’s a visual that continues to circulate on social media, and for good reason: wild Rothschild giraffes poking their long necks through the windows of Giraffe Manor, hoping for a treat (dried grass pellets) from guests enjoying their breakfast. And while Instagram is often credited for the fame of this intimate hotel in the leafy suburb of Karen, the hype is far from short-lived. Up-close encounters with an endangered species aside, Giraffe Manor is a historical destination with charm to spare; its 12 rooms are meticulously designed to retain the property’s original 1930s character by way of antique furniture, Art Deco bathrooms, in-room fireplaces, and artwork inspired by the long-lashed creatures themselves.

It’ll be tough to lure yourself away from Giraffe Manor’s on-site spa and 12 acres of pristine private grounds, but several unmissable attractions beckon. Giraffe Centre, for starters, is practically located at its doorstep—perfect if you’re looking to hit a nature trail or simply educate yourself on what makes the Rothschild variety so special. Animal enthusiasts can also schedule a visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to meet (and foster) orphaned elephants. Kenya boasts a plethora of riches when it comes to wildlife, but the sight of baby elephants frolicking in mud and suckling on milk bottles is one to remember.

There are also many social and environmental