Discover Kenya's Capital City

Most visitors to Kenya must spend a night in Nairobi before venturing onwards, so whether you have half a day or choose to make it longer, there is so much to explore. Here are some of our bespoke Angama Safaris experiences

Nairobi Highlights

Art & Culture

From street art to contemporary galleries and artist collectives in shipping containers, art is a way of life in Nairobi
 

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Food

Everything from traditional Kenyan to Japanese Peruvian, Nairobi is fast emerging as a food capital of Africa
 

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Shopping

With open air markets and stylish boutiques featuring local designers - this is so much more than souvenir shopping
 

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Wildlife

For a different perspective on wildlife, get up close and personal with some of Africa’s greatest creatures
 

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Getting There

As the capital of Kenya and a gateway for East Africa, Nairobi is connected to all major international hubs through the national carrier Kenya Airways and other international carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, AirFrance-KLM and British Airways.

Highlights
Discover all East African Journeys

Nairobi Classics

Travel FAQs

Our knowledgeable and experienced team of East African experts answer some of the commonly asked questions
Airports

Nairobi has two main commercial airports. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the main hub that major international airlines fly in and out of and is likely to be your first arrival port when entering Kenya. The smaller regional airlines, such as Air Kenya and Safarilink operate out of Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, which is 17km away from JKIA. The newly constructed byway has made travelling between these two airports much quicker, but it is still important to factor in an adequate amount of time between connections, as the city’s traffic situation varies significantly throughout the day.

Baggage Allowances

Please note that all scheduled internal flights carry a luggage restriction of 15kg per person in soft bags, including carry-ons. The acceptance of excess baggage is at the sole discretion of the airline but some offer the option to purchase an additional freight seat for luggage weighing up to 75kg.

Currency and Payments

The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES) and the current rate of exchange is approximately KES 100 = US$1. US dollars are widely accepted, though you may have some trouble with notes of larger denomination or those issued prior to the year 2000. At certain bank branches US$ are available over the counter, but are not available for withdrawal from ATMs. We recommend travelling with some US$ in cash, for any eventuality, and in multiple denominations. Many local restaurants will accept US$, though prices are shown in Kenyan Shillings and typically inclusive of all taxes and levies. All major credit cards are widely accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Diner’s Club.

Getting around Nairobi

Based in Nairobi, Angama Safaris has a dedicated ground handling team ready to ensure your travels will be carefree, with the same high-touch approach to service that you have come to expect from Angama. With offices at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, we have two five-passenger WiFi-enabled, air-conditioned Hyundai vehicles and professional city driver guides.

 

Nairobi has a reputation for high levels of traffic congestion but the completion of several byways throughout the city has resulted in a significant improvement in jams and delays. It is strongly recommended, however, that you have an adequate amount of time between flight connections, as traffic remains an ongoing issue and is somewhat unpredictable. Angama Safaris’ vehicles are all equipped with air-conditioning, refreshments and WiFi to ensure a comfortable journey on the road.

Health & Safety

While theft is not terribly common, please take responsibility for your safety and that of your valuables by keeping them in a money belt or a safe, and take caution when in the urban areas, especially at night.  All the properties Angama Safaris recommends have been vetted to ensure safety procedures are in place and are well-equipped to deal with any security concerns.

Meet-and-Greet Service

Angama Safaris offers a meet-and-greet service at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This service is on a par with a diplomatic meet-and-greet standards, is discreet and seamless. You will be met airside as you enter the terminal building and will be graciously escorted to the front of the queue at diplomatic immigration counter where formalities are finalised. The host will then accompany you to the luggage carousel, assisting with bags before escorting you through customs. The host is in constant contact with our city driver guide who will be waiting to collect you just outside the terminal building.

Plastic Bags

In an effort to reduce the impact on the environment, Kenya has recently made the use and importation of all plastic bags illegal. The ban applies to carrier bags, flat bags, zip lock bags etc, with severe consequences if not complied with. Plastic bags (includes those from duty-free shopping) are known to be confiscated upon arrival in Nairobi.

Do you have more questions?

Contact our travel team

Partners We Love

All these partner properties have been handpicked by the Angama Safaris team because of the exceptional experiences and high standards they consistently deliver, making them the perfect stay, whether it's for a stop-over or a longer visit

Giraffe Manor

One of Nairobi's most recognised hotels, Giraffe Manor is set within the leafy suburb of Karen, west of the bustling city centre, and characterised by the resident herd of endangered Rothschild giraffe which lives on the property.
Visit Giraffe Manor
 

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Hemingways Nairobi

Overlooking the famed Ngong Hills, this 45-roomed plantation-styled hotel is well away from the hustle and bustle of central Nairobi and ideally positioned to explore the nearby attractions within the leafy suburb of Karen.
Visit Hemingways
 

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Villa Rosa Kempinski

Offering the perfect fusion of European luxury and Kenyan hospitality, Villa Rosa Kempinski is positioned between the city and countryside. The hotel is a unique destination where guests can spend time relaxing or enjoying the on-site dining options which includes Pan-Asian and Italian, along with a Levant-style lounge and restaurant.
Visit Villa Rosa
 

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Eden Nairobi

This artistic boutique hotel, owned by fashion designer Anna Trzebinski, is located in the peaceful suburb of Langata, bordering on the Giraffe Sanctuary. It is the ideal option for those seeking rest and relaxation in tranquil, leafy surroundings.
Visit Eden Nairobi
 

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Stories from Nairobi

Shop ’til You Drop

Evelyn Kamau

The aroma of coffee wafted up into the air on a chilly morning. Under the shady trees, notebooks in hand, Angama’s retail kamukunji began. Three days of manoeuvring within bustling Nairobi was quite a change from the quiet of the lodge. The first stop was Spring Valley Coffee where we were hosted by their lovely...
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Some Things Never Change

Charlotte Ross Stewart

The Muthaiga Country Club in Nairobi has captured the imagination of filmmakers and authors the world over, and for good reason. With few rules — its footloose and fancy-free members fuelled by a never-ending supply of alcohol — the Club boasts a history that would make most Country Clubs blush. You might be wondering how...
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From Ear to Ear

Stefanie Strothmann

In early December, the Angama Safaris team of travel planners received a very special invitation — a private viewing at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Nairobi Nursery. Despite having grown up in Nairobi, I had only ever been on a public visit, so I was both excited and curious to see the difference. The private viewing...
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