6 Best Things to Do in Nairobi for Solo Travellers + 7 day Itinerary

• Solo Travel to Nairoibi: Why Nairobi Is Perfect for Solo Travellers
• Where to Stay
• Top Things to Do in Nairobi
• 7-Day Nairobi Itinerary for Solo Travellers

Solo travel to Nairobi is absolutely possible and quite easy to do. I recently shared a post about my safari in Kenya, where I spent three days exploring the Masai Mara. But before and after my safari, I spent some time in Nairobi and honestly, I was surprised by how much I loved it.

Nairobi is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for solo travelers. It’s a lively, bustling city filled with culture, energy, and a mix of modern and natural beauty. It’s also the only city in the world with a national park within its city limits, so even if a multi-day safari isn’t in your time or financial budget, you can still have an incredible adventure right here.

Why Nairobi Is Perfect for Solo Travellers

I shared the following on a previous post and the same things still stand

It’s easy to get around.
Nairobi is super convenient thanks to Ubers, which are everywhere and affordable. I used the app just like I would at home, paying with my saved card and it worked seamlessly.

One note: there’s a local Uber option called “Chap Chap.” It’s cheaper than UberX, but locals told me the Chap Chap drivers go through less vetting, which sometimes leads to unsafe or erratic driving. For me, the small savings weren’t worth the risk, so I stuck with UberX for all my trips.

Daytime safety feels manageable.

I felt comfortable walking around certain neighborhoods during the day, especially around the city center. Like in any big city, the key is to stay aware, keep your bag secure, and walk like you know where you’re going. Before heading out, I’d preview my route on my phone so I didn’t have to keep checking it in public. That small habit made me feel more confident and less like a target.

There’s plenty to do.
Within the city limits alone, you can feed giraffes, visit art galleries, explore local markets, and enjoy good food all while feeling like you’ve had a full, rich travel experience.

Where to Stay

I stayed at After 40 Hotel in central Nairobi. It was clean, the staff were kind, and it was definitely on the budget end. I chose it because I wanted to save my splurge money for the three-day Masai Mara safari.

If you’re looking for more comfort, Nairobi has some amazing boutique and luxury hotels, but if you’re traveling on a budget, After 40 is a solid, safe, and convenient option.

Top Things to Do in Nairobi

• Giraffe Centre: Feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes and learn about their conservation efforts. This was hands down one of my favorite activities and super affordable too. It costs about $15 for non residents
  
• Nairobi National Park: Experience a mini safari without leaving the city. You might spot lions, giraffes, and rhinos. This is a full day activity and is a bit pricier than most of the activities on this list but very much worth it. Prices can range anywhere from $150 to $300+ dollars depending on the length of the tour (half-day or full day) and the company you choose to go with.
  
• David Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary:  As there are no elephants in the Nairobi national park this is a fun opportunity to see and visit some rescued baby elephants and even get the chance to feed them.
  
• Maasai Market: Great for souvenirs and handmade crafts. There are multiple markets and while they are fun they can be a bit chaotic  so ensure that you visit with a guide if possible to help with bargaining and fair pricing. You can get a guide on Airbnb or Get your guide.
  
• Kazuri Beads Factory and Pottery Centre: A fun and educational activity to learn how local women handcraft ceramic jewelry and pottery. This is not just fun but it also support local artisans
  
• Nairobi National Museum: A great way to understand Kenya’s heritage  and history. You get a deep guide into Kenya’s art, literature, and culture.
  

7-Day Nairobi Itinerary for Solo Travellers

With all the options of things to do, If you’re planning to stay a week in Nairobi, here’s how you can break it up:

Day 1: Arrival + Walking Tour

 Check into your hotel and get your bearings.  You can choose to rest and take a chill day but if you are ready to begin exploring right away a local walking tour is a great way to meet people, learn about the city, and stay safe while exploring. End the day with dinner at  one of Nairobi’s top recommended restaurants for a relaxed introduction to Nairobi’s food scene.

Day 2: Explore the Town + Maasai Market

Spend your morning visiting the Maasai Market for handmade jewelry, baskets, and art.  Ensure you go with a local guide to the Maasai market as it can be overwhelming without one. In the afternoon, you can explore some local shops and experience some authentic kenayan coffee. 

Day 3: Nairobi National Park Game Drive
Book an early morning game drive at Nairobi National Park. You’ll be surprised how much wildlife you can see within the city limits. End the day with a visit to the Giraffe Centre, which is nearby (Hands down one of my favorite activities). If you choose to do a full day Game drive, you can move the Giraffe Centre to Day 4

Day 4: Giraffe Manor ($$$)

If you’ve ever seen the instagram posts of influencers eating breakfast with Giraffes poking through the window or roaming around, you’d be looking at images of the giraffe manor. It is quite pricey and should be booked significantly ahead of time. If you’re feeling indulgent, book breakfast or an overnight stay at Giraffe Manor. 

As mentioned earlier, if this option is out of your price range, I suggest swapping it with the giraffe centre, it is significantly more affordable and you still have the opportunity to feed the giraffes. 

Day 5: Nairobi National Museum + Elephant Sanctuary

Start with the David Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary. You want to get there before 11 am  if you want a chance to feed the baby elephants. Then mid day head over to the Nairobi National Museum, there’s so much to see and experience, including the opportunity to handle snakes.

Day 6: Kazuri Beads Factory

For a calm and crafty day, visit the Kazuri Beads Factory to see how the artisans make their stunning ceramics. You will have the opportunity to purchase some stunning bead work and support local artisans

Day 7: Rest + Local Exploration
Keep your last day easy. Visit a spa, enjoy a lazy brunch, or explore a local neighborhood market. If you have time before your flight, shop for last-minute souvenirs or local snacks.

Nairobi is an absolute dream location to visit, if you are considering adding a safari to your trip check out my Safari guide and 3 day Masai Mara experience