Flights to Nairobi (NBO)

Nairobi is Kenya’s booming capital and while it’s a popular starting point for breathtaking safaris across the country, the city itself is bursting with life.

Glorious national parks spill into the urban landscape, where there’s a fantastic blend of modern and traditional cultures and a thronging nightlife. Begin your Nairobi adventure with a trip to the Nairobi National Museum, where you’ll learn about Kenya’s rich history and see a fascinating selection of early human fossils. The Karen Blixen Museum also offers a captivating snapshot of Nairobi’s history. Here you’ll tour the famous author’s former house, a majestic colonial building with expansive gardens.

For a charming experience of modern-day Nairobi, visit the City Market, where locals boisterously sell an array of intricate crafts, from beadwork and jewellery to life-sized wooden animal carvings. After, take a break from the marketplace hubbub in Uhuru Park, a popular retreat where the concrete jungle subsides to an airy, open space with lush greenery.

Spectacular natural beauty awaits just minutes from Nairobi, including the Ngong Hills on the edge of the famous Rift Valley. Explore a network of hiking paths to find a host of panoramic views across the valley and Nairobi. To the north of the city – yet still within its limits – the waterfalls, trees and trails of Karura Forest Reserve offer a remarkable sanctuary for urban wildlife.

Even if you plan to embark on safaris deeper into Kenya, Nairobi has an unmissable first stop on any itinerary. Nairobi National Park is just half an hour from the city centre and yet you’ll see rhinos, lions, giraffes and more incredible animals roaming across open plains – earning Nairobi a reputation as the world’s only wildlife capital. Soak in the wonderfully unique sight of wild animals thriving as the cityscape dominates the horizon.

Close to the national park, the Bomas of Kenya is an enthralling display of traditional villages belonging to Kenyan tribes. You’ll be treated to lively traditional dance performances and see how the architectural styles of Kenya's major ethnic groups were formed.

Fuel up for exploring Nairobi with a hearty Kenyan breakfast. Uji, a thin, sweet porridge made with dried maize, is a filling choice, while mandazi, a spiced, deep-fried doughnut-like snack is a more tantalising treat. For an evening meal, irio is a staple side dish made from mashed potato and peas, often served alongside the mouth-watering grilled meat Kenya is famous for.