Nairobi’s wildlife is a major draw. For a classic African wildlife safari experience, head to the Nairobi National Park, where more than 100 mammal species, such as lions, zebras, cheetahs, giraffes and rhinoceros freely roam the sun-drenched savanna. A mere 15-minute ride from the city centre, this wildlife haven stretches 117 square kilometres (around the length of 17 soccer fields), and is also home to over 400 species of migratory and endemic birds. 

Visitors can take the safari walk and roam around on foot. A trip to the park cannot be complete without visiting the iconic Ivory-burning Site—a historic monument dedicated to Kenya’s conservation efforts. There, Kenyan president Daniel arap Moi set fire to 11 tonnes of seized ivory in 1989, making a bold statement to poachers. Animal lovers would also delight in the animal orphanage, which serves as a treatment and rehabilitation centre for wild animals. 

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Looking for some serenity after an exciting animal spotting adventure at the Safari Walk? The Karura Forest Reserve offers a calming oasis of green just a few kilometres from the Nairobi city centre. 

Teeming with wildlife, Karura’s verdant green forest is one of the largest urban forests in the world. The sprawling sanctuary offers plenty for nature and adventure lovers to do. Hike to a multi-tiered waterfall, or pack a picnic basket to enjoy its lush surroundings. Then, sit back and observe the monkeys swing from tree to tree. 

For some quiet reflection, lounge by Lily Lake and lose yourself in its tranquillity. Up for some action? Bike riding is a popular option here; just follow the well-marked red-clay trails. After your forest escapade, unwind at the riverside cafe for a drink and snack. 

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Craving for more nature? Head to the Ngong Hills for more tropical greenery and stunning views of Kenya. Here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Nairobi Town, the Great African Rift Valley, and the surrounding landscape from the top of the hills. 

The hills stand out with seven distinct hump-like structures resembling the knuckles of a fist and are a popular hiking spot. For adrenaline seekers, head to Kompass at Ngong Hills—a popular dining and recreational spot where you can soar 20 feet above the savanna grassland for almost 200 metres on the zip line. Replenish your energy with a hearty lunch at the restaurant after your high-flying adventure. 

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Nairobi’s culture and history can be learned from its many museums—the best place to start is probably the Nairobi National Museum, with exhibits showcasing its diverse art, culture, and heritage. 

From ethnic displays of various Kenyan tribal groups to stuffed indigenous Kenyan animals and birds, the museum provides an educational and enriching overview of Nairobi’s natural and human history. 

At the Geology Gallery, you can study its extensive collection of rocks and minerals, and gain an insight into the life cycle of a volcano by learning about how tectonic plates shift from beneath us. Over at the Hominid Vault, get up close to prehistoric bones and fossils—look out for the impressively preserved fossil of an ancient elephant. 

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Curious to know more about Kenya’s many tribes? The living museum, Bomas of Kenya, celebrates Kenya’s tribal diversity with displays that showcase the lifestyle, music, crafts, art, and culture of each tribe. 

Experience the lives of tribesmen and women through a recreated traditional village complete with homesteads or bomas—each a reflection of the culture of a major ethnic group in Kenya. Traditional dances and songs are performed in a large theatre in the afternoons, where audience participation is encouraged.  

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Move from tribal culture to one of Nairobi’s top attractions, the Karen Blixen House and Museum, which was the former home of the Out of Africa author of the same name. Blixen lived in the house from 1917 to 1931, and after she left Kenya for Denmark, she penned her non-fiction memoir Out of Africa, which was turned into a multiple-award-winning movie starring Meryl Streep. 

In the book, Blixen wrote with loving nostalgia about her treasured experience in Kenya. If you loved the book or the movie, you would enjoy exploring the home-turned-museum, which gives you a peek into the author’s enchanted life in Nairobi.  

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Have any questions on Nairobi? Feel free to reach out to the team at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi. We would be more than happy to assist.