Your Go-To Nairobi Itinerary: Wildlife, Culture & Soulful Flavours

Welcome to Nairobi, also known as the safari capital of Kenya. Nairobi is named after the Maasai saying “Enkare Nairobi,” which translates to “cool water”, a name inspired by the river that gives life to the city. With its scattered grasslands and diverse wildlife, Nairobi is where the city meets savannah.

From music and art to food and storytelling, there’s a lot to see here that will capture your heart and open your mind.

Make sure to place yourself at Novotel Nairobi Westlands, where you’ll be able to relax at the spa, enjoy international cuisine, and settle into rooms or suites that are big enough for the whole family. There's also meeting facilities if you’re in Nairobi on business.

The hotel is just 20 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the must-see Nairobi National Park – but we’ll get to the Safari part of the trip later!

Make sure to bookmark this Nairobi itinerary to make your trip to the heart of Kenya truly unforgettable. 

Once you’ve arrived and checked in at the Novotel Nairobi Westlands, you’ll be ready to explore this vibrant city from a calm, yet central base. Take a dip in the pool or unwind at the spa after a long flight, then grab a bite from the in-house breakfast and get ready to start your day.

It’s time to ease into your Nairobi adventure, and there’s no better place to start than the Giraffe Centre. Here, you and the family can come face to face with endangered Rothschild giraffes. Run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, the centre is a fun, educational space where both kids and adults can connect with Kenyan wildlife in a memorable way. Yes, you can feed the giraffes, but you'll also get to learn about their ecology. 

Be sure to stop by the tea house for a refreshment, or wander along the nature trail. Keep an eye out for the resident warthogs who scurry between the bushes from their aptly named Warthog Den. You might even spot some squirrels running down to the snaking Gogo River, where animals come to cool off and sip some fresh water. It’s wild, it’s whimsical, and it’s the perfect first sneak peek into Nairobi’s natural magic.

If you're up for a little more sightseeing on your first day, head to the Karen Blixen Museum, which is a 12-minute cab ride from the Giraffe Centre. This is a great place to explore on your first day, especially if you enjoy literary tales or learning about colonial history. Danish author and aristocrat Karen Blixen lived here until 1931, and today the home is one of Kenya’s national museums. With its tranquil garden and native forest, the old house takes you back in time.

It’s been a great first day, and what better way to end it than with a delicious meal in a cosy setting? Head back to Novotel Nairobi Westlands and enjoy dinner at Gemma's Cucina Italiana, where Mediterranean-Italian cuisine takes centre stage. You can also check out the international menu at The Social Hub, where you can unwind on comfy chairs or couches and feel right at home. If you don’t feel like eating out on your first day, then you can also relax and order room service. 

Imagine sipping your morning coffee, then spotting a lion lounging in the grass or a rhino trudging past a backdrop of skyscrapers. Welcome to the wild side of the city, where you’ll be able to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, and zebras all just 20 minutes from the city centre. It’s surreal and totally Nairobi. We recommend starting your day early, since animals are most active at sunrise, and be sure to hire a guide. The guides have sharp eyes and local know-how that can turn a simple safari into an unforgettable ride. Make sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing – and buckle up!

Did you think Nairobi National Park was the only place to witness wildlife up close? Oh, no – this Nairobi itinerary has a lot more in store. Just beyond the park itself lies the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, often called a refuge for the wild. Tucked into the lush green vegetation on the edge of the park, the orphanage takes in injured, ageing, or abandoned animals. It’s about 20 minutes from the centre of the park in a separate but adjacent sanctuary, and well worth a visit.

Also, if you (or your kids) love elephants, don’t miss the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where you can meet charming residents like Baraka, Korbessa, or Wamata. You can even sponsor an elephant, and no, you can’t take one home – though we totally get the temptation. The Sheldrick team works tirelessly to prevent ivory poaching and protect rhinos and other endangered species. Their ultimate goal is to reintegrate these animals back into the wild where they belong. It’s a heartwarming experience that offers insight into the region’s fragile ecology and the efforts being made to preserve it.

After spending the day in the great outdoors, it’s time to treat yourself to some local flavour. Two totally different vibes here, both equally delicious.

First up, Nairobi Street Kitchen. Picture a vibrant street food and market-style setup where you and your travel companions can hop between kitchens sampling everything from juicy burgers to spicy samosas. There’s plenty of outdoor seating near the food trucks and cosy indoor spots for you to lounge and soak up the laid back energy. Bonus points if you catch a night with live music or entertainment. Just check their social media for the latest schedule.

If you’re craving something a little different, head to Mama Ashanti for West African comfort food with serious flavour. It’s colourful, family-friendly, and serves dishes that taste like they came straight from mama's kitchen. Using fresh ingredients and bold spices, the recipes here have been passed down through generations, and it shows. From goat pepper soup to fish stew, there’s something for every palate. If you’re starving, go for the all-you-can-eat option and try a bit of everything. Just be sure to call ahead to reserve a table, as it can get busy at dinner time.

Start your morning with a big stretch and a hearty breakfast, because Nairobi’s green spaces are calling! If you’re in the mood for a gentle walk amongst more than 300 species of trees (and maybe a few curious monkeys), the Nairobi Arboretum is a lovely place to ease into the day. It’s peaceful, shady, and perfect for a stroll or a picnic.

If you’re up for a little more adventure, Karura Forest is a must-see. It’s the second-largest urban forest in the world, just after Brazil’s Tijuca Forest. You’ll find waterfalls, caves, cycling paths, wetlands, butterflies, and wide open trails that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another planet. Whether you want to walk, run, or just take a million forest selfies, Karura delivers. Wear comfy shoes, bring a snack, and your curiosity.

If you’re feeling super active and want to stretch your morning, you can go to both places. The arboretum is just a 20-minute cab ride from Karura.

You can easily lose yourself in the colourful Maasai Market. Bursting with character and crafts, the market is not just for shopping; it’s for storytelling. Rows of handmade beaded necklaces catch the light like tiny rainbows, while stacks of boho-chic baskets adorned with bold patterns are perfect for brightening up your home. At Maasai, there’s always time to chat with the local artisans – and remember, bargaining here is totally acceptable and actually half the fun. 

If you have kids, they’ll be mesmerised by the colours, textures, and friendly faces, but you might want to steer clear of the most crowded aisles. Whether you're looking for the perfect souvenir or just soaking in the atmosphere, the Maasai Market is a feast for the senses.

Okay, so you’ve tried delicious international cuisine at Novotel Nairobi Westlands, and you’ve sampled East and West African food. Now it’s time to try something a little different. There’s no better way to end your trip to Nairobi than with a lovely Lebanese dinner at Cedars Restaurant. Order some fresh seafood or a barbecue dinner and enjoy a wonderful meal in their serene garden setting. 

This hidden gem and local favourite is located in the Kilimani area of Nairobi, about a 15-minute cab ride from Novotel Nairobi Westlands. Make sure to order the Mezze platter to enjoy a little bit of each delicious Lebanese appetiser, including hummus and other tasty bites. 

When planning your Nairobi trip, the best time to visit is between June and October, when the weather is warm and wildlife sightings are at their peak. If you’re travelling with kids, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are reliable and affordable for getting around.

Also, friendly greetings go a long way. Teach your little ones a simple “Jambo" which means "hello" in Swahili. Nairobi Novotel Westlands and popular tourist areas are secure, but always opt for official guides when exploring. The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling, though cards are widely accepted.

Nairobi offers an enriching and unforgettable experience, full of wildlife, a vibrant culture, and seriously good food. With Novotel Nairobi Westlands as your perfect home base, you’re all set to venture off and let Nairobi capture your heart.