Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum is the flagship brand for the National Museums of Kenya. Located on Museum Hill, the museum showcases Kenya’s rich Heritage with four distinct themes representing Kenya’s Culture, Nature, History and Contemporary Art. Other attractions within the compound include the Snake Park and Botanical Gardens as well as a State of Art Auditorium that occasionally hosts concerts, film shows and events.
Sagana (White Water Rafting)
An adventure lover’s favourite in Nairobi, white water rafting is an adrenaline-filled experience. The Sagana River features a series of exciting rapids depending on the water levels and the section of the river. These rapids provide thrills and challenges for rafters of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers. Rafting on the Sagana River offers participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in Kenya’s beautiful natural landscape. The river meanders through lush forests, rocky gorges, and scenic valleys, providing breathtaking views along the way. Several adventure companies and tour operators organise white water rafting experiences on the Sagana River. These companies provide all the necessary equipment, including rafts, paddles, helmets, and life jackets. The duration of the trips on the Sagana River varies depending on factors such as water levels and the chosen route. Trips typically range from a few hours to a full day.
Lukenya Motor cross
Lukenya Motorcross is an off-road motorcycling and motorsport facility located near Nairobi. It’s situated in Athi River, approximately 40 kilometres southeast of Nairobi’s city centre. The rugged terrain and natural landscape provide an ideal setting for off-road motorcycling and motorsport activities. It offers a range of amenities and infrastructure for both participants and spectators. This includes dirt tracks for motocross and off-road racing, spectator viewing areas, parking facilities and accommodation for overnight stays. It has also become a space for foodies with a bar, poolside dining and Porini Restaurant which specialises in continental and African cuisine. Lukenya Motorcross also offers training programs and clinics for riders looking to improve their skills in off-road riding and racing. These programs are conducted by experienced riders or professional instructors and may cover topics such as technique, safety, and bike maintenance.
Mater Heart Run
The Mater Heart Run started in 2002 and happens annually in Nairobi and other towns in Kenya. The run is a fundraiser for children with heart conditions, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who require cardiac surgery or treatment. The Mater Heart Run attracts thousands of participants, including individuals, families, corporate teams, schools, and community groups, from across Kenya. Participants can choose to run, walk, or engage in other physical activities during the event, making it inclusive and accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. In addition to fundraising, the Mater Heart Run aims to raise awareness about heart disease, particularly congenital heart defects in children, and the importance of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Gatura Greens
Gatura Greens is the world’s first purple tea farm and offers an authentic Kenyan Tea Farm Tour experience. The tour is an opportunity to learn about the different types of tea, enjoy a long beautiful walk, and swim in a waterfall. This paid experience involves people picking their tea, processing it and keeping it as a souvenir, as well as a tea tasting ceremony and a 3 – course vegetarian lunch. Gatura is becoming more popular as a fun weekend activity with friends surrounded by a bamboo forest and even the option to camp at the location or stay the night at the farm cottage.
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is located in Nairobi. The main objective of the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves and later reintegrate them into the wild. The orphanage also provides veterinary care to injured and sick elephants, as well as other wildlife species. The orphanage offers a unique opportunity for visitors to observe the orphaned elephants during their daily feeding and mud bath sessions. These visits allow visitors to learn about the challenges facing elephants in the wild and the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect them. The orphanage holds a public visiting hour every day from 11 AM to noon and advanced booking is required. The trust also runs an adoption program that allows individuals to foster an orphaned elephant or rhino. By symbolically adopting an orphan, supporters contribute to the ongoing care, feeding, and rehabilitation efforts. In return, they receive updates and exclusive access to information about their adopted animal.
Arboretum
The Nairobi Arboretum is a botanical garden in Nairobi. It covers 74 acres and is managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). Arboretum is a popular area for residents who enjoy fresh air and nature. The arboretum is home to a diverse collection of trees, plants, and shrubs, both indigenous and exotic, and visitors can explore the garden through guided tours. Visitors can also explore walking, jogging, picnicking and birdwatching – with well-maintained paths and trails winding through the garden, the arboretum is perfect for a well-deserved break in the middle of the city. The Arboretum also holds events and cultural activities such as tree planting events, environmental awareness campaigns and concerts. If you’re planning a visit, the Arboretum has the right facilities to make the experience easier such as restrooms, picnic areas, benches, parking areas and a small cafe where you can enjoy drinks and snacks.
Oloolua Nature Trail
Oloolua Nature Trail is a scenic nature reserve located in Nairobi. It’s located in the Karen-Langata area and is popular for its beautiful views, indigenous trees and calm atmosphere. Oloolua is ideal for nature walks and bird watching and has a few beautiful waterfalls that drain into the Mbagathi River that flows through the trail. The trail offers hiking opportunities suitable for all skill levels and people can explore the winding paths that meander through the forested areas and along the riverbank. There are also designated picnic spots where visitors can relax and enjoy food immersed in nature. The trail is also popular for events, photo shoots, and camping and is also a historical site through the natural caves that are 37 metres deep into the forest surface. The trail also has a bamboo resting point and a papyrus swamp that is a usual visitor favourite.
Ngong Hills Hike
A short drive from Nairobi city, Ngong Hills is home to one of the most fantastic views in the country. Not only is it a natural wonder, Ngong Hills is also a popular location for adventure lovers. With breathtaking scenery, surrounded by rolling green hills and lush grasslands, Ngong Hills is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, antelopes, and monkeys. The Ngong Hills attracts outdoor enthusiasts and hikers seeking to explore the scenic trails that crisscross the hills. Ziplining, hiking, trekking, and birdwatching are popular activities, offering people an opportunity to experience nature and enjoy panoramic views of Nairobi and the Rift Valley. One of the most notable things about the hills is the large wind turbines that make the area cooler and make the landscape even more interesting.
Giraffe Centre
Enjoy sights of some of the biggest animals that wander the face of Earth with a visit to Giraffe Centre in Nairobi. Run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), the centre’s main objective is to secure the imperilled Rothschild giraffe which is found to roam about in free and protected captivity around the meadows. Over the years, Giraffe Centre has become a favourite of tourists and students. Visitors are given the opportunity to observe and interact with giraffes in a natural setting. Visitors can hand-feed giraffes from a raised platform, allowing for up-close encounters and memorable experiences. Educational talks and guided tours are also available to learn more about giraffe biology, behaviour, and conservation. In addition to giraffe encounters, the Giraffe Centre features a nature trail that winds through the adjacent Gogo River Bird Sanctuary. The trail offers a chance to explore the surrounding habitat, observe native bird species, and enjoy scenic views of the landscape.