Choose from 24 Fun Things to Do in Kenya
ShowingFilter 21-24 of 24 listings.
Nairobi National Park
Located just south of the city, Nairobi National Park is Kenya’s first game reserve and the only protected area in the world that sits so close to a nation’s capital. Visitors to the vast wildlife park are likely to spot black rhinos, lions, giraffe, and zebra, as well as some 400 bird species.
The Basics
Nairobi National Park ranks among Africa’s most accessible wildlife experiences, offering the chance to spot some of the continent’s most iconic species in as little as a half-day trip from downtown Nairobi. Explore on a safari tour, enjoy picnic sites and campsites, and hike an assortment of walking trails in this nature escape. Half-day and full-day tours allow visitors to drive through the park’s grass plains with the capital’s skyscrapers as a backdrop, spotting endangered animal species in their natural habitat. It’s also possible to visit on a more comprehensive Nairobi tour to also see nearby highlights such as the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the Giraffe Center, the Karen Blixen Museum, and the Nairobi National Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Nairobi National Park is a must-see for animal lovers and first-time visitors to Kenya’s capital.
- A guided day tour of Nairobi National Park can last anywhere from five to nine hours.
- Bring plenty of drinking water and a picnic lunch to enjoy within the park.
- Don’t forget to bring binoculars, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
How to Get There
Nairobi National Park lies roughly six miles (10 kilometers) south of Nairobi’s city center. Visitors must enter the park in a vehicle, and a guided safari tour is the easiest (and most rewarding) way to visit. Most tours to the park include hotel pickup and drop-off in the capital city. The closest major airport is Jomo Kenyatta International.
When to Get There
The dry season (July to September) is the best time to spot animals within the park. Avoid April through June, when heavy rains can make spotting wildlife difficult and a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary for visiting certain areas of the park.
Four of the Big Five in Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is home to four of the Big Five safari animals: lions, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. In fact, the park contains the highest density of black rhinos anywhere in Kenya. What you won’t find here are elephants. While the park once had an African elephant population, the animals were relocated to reduce unnecessary contact between humans and wildlife.
Address: Kenya
Admission: Nonresident Adult: US$43; Child: US$22
From $ 25
Tsavo National Park
Though forming one contiguous stretch of land, Tsavo is split into two entities either side of the main Nairobi-Mombasa road. Tsavo East National Park is the larger of the two, and is famed for its huge numbers of elephants that gather at the Galana River and wander across the plains. You may also spot lions, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes to complete the “Big Five” of game-spotting, and the park is a haven for a huge range of bird species.
Tsavo West extends southwards to the Tanzanian border, and includes the beautiful Mzima Springs. Here you can watch hippos, Nile crocodiles and fish swim by in a submerged viewing tank. There are also great opportunities for rock climbing, hiking and cave exploration.
Practical Info:
Tsavo East and West are in the south-east of Kenya, with the coastal city Mombasa about 66 miles (106 kilometers) from Tsavo East's closest point. There are lodges and campsites for overnight stays.
Address: Kenya
Admission: Non residents - Adults: $65, Children/Student: $30
From $ 390
Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park
The fast-paced streets of Nairobi buzz with an energy unique to the capital. But this constant bustle can be exhausting. Green grassy fields and scenic city views at Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park provide a welcome respite from the chaos and offer visitors a place to slow down. Weekdays are mostly quiet in this hillside park, and weekends bring local families out to picnic in the sun. The president uses Uhuru’s sloping hillside as stadium seating for his political speeches, so be sure to check whether rallies are scheduled before venturing to the park.
Practical Info:
Some locals come to this open space to booze in the open, so it’s best to stay aware of surroundings and only visit during the daytime. Consider carrying only small amounts of money and leaving cell phones at home, since theft is known to occur more often here.
Address: Langata Road, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Hours: Daily: 8am - 6pm
From $ 48
Nairobi National Museum
The National Museum of Kenya opened in 1930 as a place for local naturalists to collect and display their specimens. But in 2005, the museum doors closed and the once archaic structure got a much-needed facelift. Today, it houses more than mere evidence of Kenya’s unique flora and fauna (although its massive East African bird collection is impressive and the botanical garden and nature trail are perfect for afternoon wandering).
In addition to biological wonders, the National Museum now houses galleries that examine the rich culture and traditions of its numerous tribes, outline the nation’s history, and even galleries that display the talents of Kenya’s contemporary modern artists.
Practical Info:
The museum is open Monday through Sunday—including public holidays—from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Entry costs about $8 USD for non-residents.
Address: Museum Hill, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Hours: Daily: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Admission: Nonresident Adult: $8; Child: $4
From $ 150