Nairobi Hotels

Full of life and action, Kenya's highland capital, Nairobi, is the starting point for most Kenya safaris. Explore Nairobi’s boutique hotels, nearby National Park, and must-see excursions.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Year-round

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Overview

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is lively, a little chaotic, and usually just a stopover before or after safari. A night or two here often helps with jet lag so that you’re fresh and ready to head out on game drives. Happily, there are plenty of good options, from central city hotels to leafy boutique lodges in Karen and the Ngong Hills. (The leafy suburb of Karen is named after author Karen Blixen, whose memoir Out of Africa immortalised Kenya safaris.)

Nairobi National Park

One of Nairobi’s greatest assets is its very own wildlife reserve just outside the city. Once just a half-day trip, it now offers tented safari camps too – so you can start or end your Kenya safari with lions, rhino, and giraffe practically within sight of the skyline.

Unusual fact: Nairobi is the only capital city in the world with a national park right on its doorstep.

Excursions from Nairobi

Nairobi is also the base for several worthwhile half-day excursions: the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (for orphaned elephants), the Kazuri Beads workshop, city walking tours, or a stop at the Giraffe Centre.

A note on Giraffe Manor

This lodge has become an Instagram sensation, and probably some of the most successful marketing by any African lodge. Unless you book more than a year ahead, it’s almost impossible to get a room. It’s also more “tourist machine” than tranquil safari lodge – so go in with your eyes open!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see wildlife in Nairobi?
Absolutely. Nairobi National Park is right on the city’s edge with lion, rhino, and giraffe amongst other game.

How far is Nairobi National Park from the city centre?
Only a 20–30 minute drive, traffic permitting.

Need a Nairobi stopover? We’ll recommend the best hotel or lodge to suit your safari schedule.

Back to main Kenya safari pages

Why We Love It

Full of life and action – the vibrant gateway to most Kenya safaris
Visit the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage for unforgettable wildlife encounters
Shop for souvenirs at lively craft markets or browse chic boutiques for upscale leather goods
Nairobi’s restaurants are developing a strong foodie reputation
Within an hour you can be in rolling tea and coffee plantations or visiting Karen Blixen’s historic house
Nairobi National Park is right on the city’s doorstep – a unique chance to spot wildlife against a skyline backdrop

On The Map

When to visit Nairobi Hotels

Summer in Nairobi

Nairobi lies on the inland plateau at 1600m (5250ft). So, even though you are close to the equator, the altitude makes the days pleasant and warm and the nights cooler. The summer is the warmest with 25-26C days and cool nights with only occasional afternoon showers.

AVG RAINFALL 72mm

MAX TEMP 26 ℃ / 79 ℉

MIN TEMP 12 ℃ / 54 ℉

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Hard Afternoon Thunderstorms

The long rains here take the form of hard afternoon showers so there is still plenty of sunshine. April is the wettest month.

AVG RAINFALL 198 mm

MAX TEMP 24 ℃ / 75 ℉

MIN TEMP 14 ℃ / 57 ℉

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Dry Season

This is the coolest and driest time of the year with pleasant daytime temperatures but cold nights. Though it is dry, it is often cloudy so there is less sunshine overall.

AVG RAINFALL 28 mm

MAX TEMP 21 ℃ / 70 ℉

MIN TEMP 10 ℃ / 50 ℉

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Short Rains

November and early December are again relatively wet but as with April, the rain comes as afternoon or night showers so there’s plenty of sunshine as well.

AVG RAINFALL 103 mm

MAX TEMP 23 ℃ / 73 ℉

MIN TEMP 13 ℃ / 55 ℉

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Popular tours & safaris

Kenyan Exploration Fly-in Safari

This 9 night fly-in Kenya fly-in safari offers some of the highlights of Kenya. This safari visits three very different types of ecosystems while travelling in luxury. You encounter their ...

WHEN Year round

DURATION 9 Nights

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Best of Both Worlds Fly-In Safari

This 5 night Laikipia and Maasai Mara fly-in safari gives you a real experience of the savanna ecosystem of Kenya with two contrasting wildlife experiences. After a night in Nairobi, you spend 2 ...

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Accommodation

Hemingways Nairobi

Hemingways Nairobi is an elegant boutique hotel situated in Nairobi's Karen residential area with magnificent views of the nearby Ngong hills.

RATING Luxury

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The Emakoko

The Emakoko is a family run luxury lodge beautifully built into the side of a valley on the Mbagathi River, on the border of the Nairobi National Park. All 10 rooms look straight over the river and ...

RATING Premier

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House of Waine

House of Waine is located in the quiet and historic suburb of Karen, close to the city of Nairobi. House of Waine was originally built in the 1970s as a private home and was then turned into a unique ...

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Nairobi Tented Camp

Nairobi Tented Camp is an authentic tented camp and one of a kind. Set deep within a riverine forest, it is the only camp to be situated inside Nairobi National Park and yet it is close to both ...

RATING Comfortable

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Fairmont Norfolk Hotel

The venerable Fairmont Norfolk Hotel was opened in 1904 and has played a leading role in Nairobi’s colourful history. It continues to be one of the capital’s finest hotels, a calm oasis in the city ...

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The Sarova Stanley

From the day it opened its doors in 1902, Sarova Stanley, a 5 star hotel in Nairobi, has been making history - hosting royal safaris and a long line of living legends. Today, Sarova Stanley's ...

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