National Park Safari
Lions at dawn with the skyline behind.
Nairobi
The only capital with a safari inside it — lions and giraffes graze at the city's edge, ten minutes from markets, matatu art and nyama choma.
- Metro population
- 5,300,000
- Country
- Kenya
- Region
- Africa
Overview
Why visit Nairobi
Nairobi is the only capital on earth with a full national park inside its boundaries — Nairobi National Park's lions, rhinos and giraffes roam against a backdrop of skyscrapers, and the giraffe centre at Karen adds a gentler encounter.
The city grew from a swampy railway camp ('cool water' in Maasai) into East Africa's economic engine — and its energy is in the streets: the open-air Maasai Market, the art-covered matatu minibuses, and the smoke of nyama choma (roast meat) joints at night.
Speed's 2025 Africa tour streamed from Nairobi to wild crowds. For travellers it's the gateway — the park at dawn, orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick sanctuary at noon, dinner in the city by night, then out to the Mara or Amboseli.
Things to do
Top things to book in Nairobi
Popular tours and tickets. Compare prices and book ahead to skip the lines.
Elephants & Giraffes
Sheldrick orphanage plus the Giraffe Centre.
Karen Blixen & Crafts
The Out of Africa house and bead workshops.
Street-Food Walk
Nyama choma and market eats with a local.
Plan your trip
Compare prices for Nairobi
Pick your dates once and search hotels, homes, flights and tours on every major site.
Compare two at a time
Side by side in Nairobi
Tour prices change by date and group size, so each site opens with your search ready to check today's price.
Starting prices checked on Nov 9 on each company's site. Prices depend on age, country and dates; confirm before you buy.
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Fun facts
Things you didn't know about Nairobi
- 01
A Safari In The City
Nairobi National Park's lions and giraffes graze 7km from downtown — skyline visible behind the zebras.
- 02
The Railway Swamp
The city began as an 1899 rail depot on Maasai land — 'Enkare Nairobi' means cool water.
- 03
The Baby Elephants
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rears orphaned elephants — visitors watch the mud-bath feedings.
- 04
Feed A Giraffe
The Giraffe Centre lets you hand-feed Rothschild giraffes — next door to the famous manor.
- 05
Matatu Culture
Nairobi's minibus taxis are rolling art galleries with DJ sound systems.
- 06
The Green Lung
Karura Forest's waterfalls and trails sit inside the city — saved from developers by Wangari Maathai.
- 07
Karen Blixen'S Farm
The Out of Africa author's house is a museum in the suburb named for her.
- 08
Silicon Savannah
Mobile money (M-Pesa) was invented here — Nairobi leads East African tech.
- 09
Nyama Choma Nights
Roast goat or beef with ugali is the national night out.
- 10
A Mile-High City
At ~1,795m the climate stays springlike year-round on the equator.
Random Nairobi fact
Tap the button for a random fact about Nairobi.
FAQ
Quick answers about Nairobi
Where is Nairobi located?
Nairobi is in Kenya, in Africa.
What is the population of Nairobi?
The greater Nairobi area is home to about 5,300,000 people.
What is Nairobi famous for?
Nairobi is famous for the only capital with a safari inside it — Nairobi National Park's lions and giraffes against the skyline.
Did IShowSpeed stream from Nairobi?
Yes — IShowSpeed streamed from Nairobi on his 2025 Africa tour. See his full world tour map.
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