Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi functions primarily as the practical starting point for East African safaris, with its own city offering a surprising counterpoint: a national park with wildlife just outside downtown. Its airport is among the busiest in East Africa, making it a genuine regional meeting point as well as a safari gateway.

Top attractions

• •Nairobi National Park, a functioning safari park within sight of the city skyline
• •The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage
• •The Giraffe Centre in Karen
• •The Karen Blixen Museum, former home of the Out of Africa author
• •A short flight or drive onward to the Maasai Mara for a full safari

Practical tips

• •Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) has no rail link into the city center — taxis and rideshare are standard, and traffic can add significant time.
• •Many safari itineraries connect through Nairobi via a short domestic flight rather than a road transfer — book that connection in advance.
• •Yellow fever vaccination requirements can apply depending on your routing — check current entry requirements well before travel.

Frequently asked questions