Things to Do in Nairobi

Nairobi's largest park, site of Kenya's independence celebrations. Has a towering monument with three figures representing Kenya's history, struggle and future. Good for picnics and people-watching.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Go late afternoon when the heat drops and locals gather for football and jogging. Keep valuables hidden – pickpockets work the crowds near the entrance. Free public toilets by the monument.

The spiral tower in central Nairobi. The rooftop viewing deck gives 360-degree views of the city, the surrounding plains and on clear days, Mount Kenya.

🕐 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily

💡 Entry is 200 KES for adults. Go just before sunset for the best light. The lift only goes to the 27th floor; last three flights are stairs. Combine with a walk through nearby City Park for free.

A women's pottery cooperative producing handmade ceramic beads and jewellery. You can walk through the production area and see each stage from shaping to firing.

🕐 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Sat

💡 Free entry but you'll want to buy something – prices start at about 200 KES for a small pendant. The factory shop has better prices than city souvenir stalls.

Covers Kenya's history, culture and natural history with exhibits on early man, tribal artifacts and wildlife dioramas. The grounds have a snake park and botanical garden.

🕐 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM daily

💡 Entry is 600 KES for residents, 1200 KES for non-residents. Go on a weekday morning to avoid school groups. The museum cafe serves good cheap mandazi.

A large urban forest reserve with marked walking and cycling trails, a waterfall, caves and bird hides. Much quieter than Nairobi National Park.

🕐 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily

💡 Entry is 200 KES for residents, 600 KES for non-residents. Bring insect repellent – there are tsetse flies near the Mau Mau caves. Cycle rental available at the gate for 500 KES per hour.