Visit Nairobi June-October (dry, Great Migration) or January-February. Fly into NBO. Don't walk at night — Uber is fine. Book safaris through reputable operators.
At a Glance
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Main airport | NBO |
| Currency | Kenyan Shilling (KES) |
| Language | Swahili + English |
| Best time to visit | June–October, January–February (dry seasons) |
| Visa for US citizens | US citizens need Kenya eTA (replaced visa, ~$30 online, valid 90 days). |
Top Things to Do in Nairobi
- Maasai Mara safari (3-4 day trip)
- Giraffe Centre
- Elephant Orphanage (Sheldrick Trust)
- Nairobi National Park (lions within city limits)
- Karen Blixen Museum
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- Bomas of Kenya cultural village
- Kazuri Beads workshop
- Day trip to Lake Naivasha
- Mount Kenya foothills trip
Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
- Westlands — modern, hotels, restaurants
- Karen — leafy, expat, near orphanage
- Lavington — upscale residential
- Kilimani — modern, near city center
- Gigiri — UN, embassy zone
- City Centre — business, shopping
Our recommendation: Westlands (modern, restaurants), Karen (leafy, near attractions), Kilimani (central modern).
What to Eat
- Nyama choma (grilled meat)
- Ugali (cornmeal staple)
- Sukuma wiki (collard greens)
- Chapati
- Mandazi (sweet doughnut)
- Pilau (spiced rice)
- Tusker beer
- Kenyan tea + coffee
How to Get Around
Uber is safe + cheap. Matatus (minibuses) chaotic. Don't walk at night. Hire driver/guide for day trips.
How to Get There from the USA
Main airport: NBO.
👉 See our New York flight page.
👉 Call +1 (833) 546-3547 for live agent quotes.
👉 Or set a price watch and get an email when we see a matching fare.
Visa & Entry Requirements (US Citizens)
US citizens need Kenya eTA (replaced visa, ~$30 online, valid 90 days).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to visit Nairobi?
June–October, January–February (dry seasons).
Do US citizens need a visa for Kenya?
US citizens need Kenya eTA (replaced visa, ~$30 online, valid 90 days).
Where should I stay in Nairobi?
Westlands (modern, restaurants), Karen (leafy, near attractions), Kilimani (central modern).
How do I book cheap flights to Nairobi?
Call +1 (833) 546-3547 24/7.
Can you bundle the flight with a hotel?
Yes — full-service travel agency. Hotel booking.