Nairobi holidays create magic all of their own. A national park home to Africa’s best-loved animals on its doorstep, streets full of lively locals and a growing contemporary architecture scene make up the exciting Kenyan capital.
A typical day can see you breakfast in a city centre hotel, head out to spot lions and rhinos in open country, then return to your base for a spectacular evening meal. Leafy suburbs blur the lines, making it hard to tell where the city ends and Nairobi National Park begins.
As the skyscrapers rise, traditional culture remains. Talented locals keep the Maasai markets stocked with colourful crafts, while the work of contemporary artists is showcased in modern galleries.
Book one of Etihad’s Nairobi holiday packages and discover Kenya’s ‘green city in the sun’.
The constantly evolving Kenyan capital has countless exciting things to do, from exploring its traditional heart and renowned wildlife, to immersing yourself in its modern edge.
Holidays in Nairobi open the doors to some of Kenya’s most important conservation projects. Take the chance while in the city to see the ongoing work at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, on the very edge of Nairobi National Park.
Orphaned elephants and rhinos are rehabilitated here all year round. Watch as these beautiful animals are bottle-fed and prepared for their release back into the wild. In the north of Nairobi, head to the huge Karura urban forest – hike, bike or run around this beautiful space filled with trees, birds and butterflies.
Find handcrafted souvenirs at the stalls of the wonderfully hectic Maasai Market. A truly authentic shopping experience, visiting here is about far more than getting a bargain. See intricate craftsmanship at work and appreciate the time spent making everything for sale, from beaded jewellery to colourful woven bags.
It’s also a chance to show off your bargaining skills by haggling over prices. Useful phrases in Swahili include ni ghali (it’s expensive) and bei ya mwisho (final offer or last price).
There’s a thriving local art scene in Nairobi. Visit the Banana Hill Art Gallery to see work by native Kenyan artists, alongside pieces from some of East Africa’s most talented painters and sculptors.
Photography is booming as an artistic field in Kenya too, and the opening of the Upepo Gallery has helped it flourish. Originals on display are available to buy as limited prints, with frames handmade by local artists.
Nestled in Nairobi’s Langata suburb you’ll find Giraffe Centre. Founded in 1979, the centre is dedicated to the conservation of a rare subspecies of giraffe, the Rothschild’s giraffe.
The stars of the show are the resident giraffes. Head to the feeding platform for a unique experience – they sure love their pellets and many of them enjoy interacting with guests. Then stroll around the nature trails, visit the tea house and browse the gift shop – anything you spend goes back into the centre and wider conservation.
To see the best of Africa’s famous wildlife on your holiday to Nairobi, head out on safari into the Nairobi National Park. This is your chance to spot leopards, giraffes, rhinos and lions.
Your photos could well have Nairobi’s skyscrapers in the background – that’s how close the park is to the city. Guides will track the animals, leaving you free to take in the sights and sounds. Seeing your first wild lion will be a moment you’ll never forget.
Stay in the city’s leafy suburbs for luxury holidays in Nairobi.
The calm Kilimani neighbourhood in the west of the city is home to hotels offering a relaxing break in Kenya’s capital. Stay at the Mash Park Hotel for bright rooms and a beautiful pool.
After a long day sightseeing, book in at the on-site spa for a relaxing massage.
Experience Nairobi’s day-to-day energy at a hotel in the city centre.
The Sarova Stanley is close to the action, not far from Central Park, while Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel is minutes from the John Michuki Memorial Park.
Life here is certainly busy and the area between Central Park and Moi Avenue is ideal as a metropolitan base, close to the street food stalls and Maasai Market.
If you’re keen on the idea of an adventure holiday in Nairobi but don’t fancy being woken at dawn by roaring lions, safari hotels provide an elegant compromise.
Safari Park Hotel and Casino provides a wildlife feel with its gardens, decor and wooden balconies, with modern facilities.
If you want somewhere near Nairobi National Park then Eka Hotel Nairobi is almost over the road.
The currency used in Nairobi is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Use ATMs and currency exchange outlets across the city and at the airport for cash withdrawals.
Swahili and English are the two official languages spoken in Nairobi. You may hear some regional languages such as Kikuyu and Luhya as well.
Buses, taxis and moto-taxis are the easiest way to get around Nairobi. You can also hire a car, ideal for exploring further afield.
Dates to bear in mind when booking Nairobi packages include 1 May (Labour Day) and 20 October (Kenyatta Day).
Kenyan cuisine uses a lot of maize, meat and vegetables to create delicious dishes found all over Nairobi. Ugali (a dough made from maize) and kachumbari (a salsa/salad combination) are staples of the capital, while the traditional githeri is created with simple ingredients such as maize and beans.
There’s a big Indian influence on Nairobi’s food, so street vendors sell samosas and other snacks. Indian flavours are also fused with Kenya's staple foods to make a creamy, curried soup called maharagwe. Coconuts and kidney beans are the main ingredients – a must-try if you spot it on a Nairobi menu. The suburbs of Westlands and Karen are good for fine dining restaurants.
As the capital of Kenya, Nairobi hosts many festivals and celebrations across the year.
The East African Arts Festival is one of the biggest and best events. Celebrating East African art, literature, fashion, music and more, it’s a three-day extravaganza which attracts visitors from all over the globe.
Christianity is the most widely observed region in the country, so Easter and Christmas are both public holidays.
Jamhuri Day celebrates the date that Kenya became a republic and gained independence from Britain. There’s a parade, dancing and the day typically ends with fireworks.
Nairobi began life as a city in the late 1890s. Once a camp for British engineers as they built railways, it expanded into a town and eventually evolved into a city. Kenya’s independence in 1963 saw another building boom take hold.
Today the city is a mix of old and new, with shimmering skyscrapers looming over streets filled with life and reminders of the traditional ways. Maasai people still sell their wares in the popular markets, while younger residents seek out contemporary coffee houses. The National Museum has exhibits offering great insight into the country and the capital’s past.
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