Top 10 Unusual and Fun Things to Do in Nairobi
Do you have your annual two weeks of paid vacation coming up, but don’t know where to spend it? Well, don’t just settle for a staycation or a quick trip to a neighboring city. Spend your vacation exploring a unique and exotic destination!
Africa is one of the most exciting bucket list trips for many people. The thought of going on safaris and encountering animals up close is a dream. But, Africa has so much more to offer than animals (although it is a huge draw).
There are countless fun things to do in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Here you’ll be able to experience a mix of animals, shopping, culture, and food.
Do you want to know more? Keep reading to discover the top 10 unusual and fun things to do in Nairobi.
1. Go on a Safari
Alright, so this one may not be unusual, but it sure is fun! Let’s face it – no trip to Africa would be complete without a Safari.
When staying in Nairobi, you’ll find plenty of safari options, ranging from half day trips to multi-day treks. The Nairobi National Park is one of the most convenient and fun places to visit in Nairobi as it’s only a few minutes away. You’ll get the unique opportunity to witness nature and industry mesh as you see majestic animals with the Nairobi skyline in the background.
2. Visit the Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Once you’ve seen these animals from afar, you may be tempted to have close encounters with them. While getting too close on a safari can be dangerous, there are options.
The Nairobi Animal Orphanage is one of the most fun things to do in Nairobi. You’ll get the chance to get closer to these animals than you would on a safari, including a once in a lifetime chance to pet a cheetah!
3. Try the Local Cuisine
While you may think of Italy and France as the culinary capitals of the world, don’t sell Kenya short. Every country has some amazing food to offer, and it can tell you a lot about their culture. Nairobi is the perfect place to sample the best Kenyan dishes. We suggest dining from a variety of places, including local food carts and fine dining restaurants, like La Palanka.
4. Take a Cooking Class
So now that you know how amazing traditional Kenyan food tastes, it’s time to see what goes into making it. It may not taste as good as fine dining, but cooking your own food is a unique experience that will help you connect with the local culture.
5. Shop at the Masaai Market
You can’t leave Kenya without taking a souvenir home with you. There are many shops located in Nairobi, but the Masaai Market is one of the best things to do in Nairobi. You’ll get to take your pick of quality, handmade Kenyan goods, such as African prints and jewelry.
6. Ride an Ostrich
While thinking about what to do in Nairobi, you probably thought elephants would be the animal to ride. However, the Masaai Ostrich Farm gives you the unique opportunity to ride an ostrich! Now that’s a story to tell your friends back home.
Once you’ve de-mounted your ostrich, consider hitting the restaurant where you can eat foods like ostrich burgers or grilled ostrich. The Masaai Ostrich Farm is located in Kitengela, which is a small town near Nairobi. It’ll take roughly an hour to get there, but it makes a great day trip.
7. Attend a Nairobian Bash
One of the best parts about being on vacation is spending your nights at the bar. While there is a good nightlife in Nairobi, a Nairobian Bash is where it’s at! These night parties feature local musicians and great drinks, so you’ll be able to party and enjoy the local culture.
8. Visit the Kenyan National Archives
If you’re looking for a more structured way to explore the Kenyan culture, then a visit to the Kenyan National Archives is one of the can’t miss things to do in Nairobi. This museum showcases pieces of Kenyan culture, including antique artifacts and weapons. It’s a great way to learn more about the history in this wonderful country.
9. Walk Through the Bomas of Kenya
While you’re busy enjoying the hustle and bustle of Nairobi, don’t forget that not all of Kenya is so modernized – there are a good number of tribes scattered through the country. While you may not be able to visit these tribes, the Bomas of Kenya is the next best thing.
This is a special exhibition that educates visitors about all the different tribes in Kenya. You’ll see how each tribe has different traditional practices and cultures. It’s a great way to learn about cultures you would have otherwise missed when traveling to Nairobi.
10. Climb Mount Kenya
Have you been researching what to do in Nairobi for hikers? While there is plenty of nature to enjoy around Nairobi, most of it is rather flat. If you’re looking for something more challenging, consider climbing Mount Kenya.
It’s located roughly 4 hours away from Nairobi and will take a few days to climb (depending which of the 3 peaks you choose), so be sure to schedule your trip accordingly. It is worth noting that the climbing Mount Kenya is difficult, so make sure you prepare yourself and have a good packing list.
The Top Fun Things to Do in Nairobi
When you visit Kenya for the first time, you’ll want to make sure you spend some time in Nairobi. This city gives you the best of both worlds – nature and culture. You’ll be able to enjoy safaris, mountain climbing, and an animal orphanage as well as cooking classes, museums, and shopping for handmade goods. Just follow our list of the top 10 most fun things to do in Nairobi to make the most of your trip!
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