Kenya is famous for wilderness and wildlife, Nairobi is the cosmopolitan heart. With one day in Nairobi, you may visit significant attractions such as museums and colonial-era buildings before venturing out into the surrounding wilderness. Whether you’re all about animals or interested in local history, use these tips to plan one day in Nairobi.
Morning
Follow the morning flow of local workers into the city center, as skyscrapers compete for space with historical relics. Anyone who does not live here may find it daunting, so follow a tour who can show you to essential places like Uhuru Park, the National Parliament, and the Kenya National Archives.
Afternoon
Some rescued elephants and other wildlife make their way to Nairobi orphanages, where conservationists care for them until they recover. Visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Centre allows you to observe what Kenyans are doing to preserve wildlife alive; lucky visitors may also see workers bottle-feed infant animals.
Night
Nairobi National Park, just beyond the metropolitan sprawl, is home to free-roaming giraffes, lions, and black rhinos on grassy plains against the backdrop of the city skyline. It's a year-round game-drive location that you can visit between lunch and cocktail hour, and early evening is the best time to see the park at its most picturesque. After the excursion, end your day in Nairobi with the colorful performance at Carnivore Restaurant; reserve a table in advance for the fixed-price supper, which is served by sword-wielding servers dressed in character.
If you are planning a trip to Kenya, you must apply for a Kenya ETA well in advance of your departure date. You can enter and stay in Kenya for a short period if you have a Kenya eTA
At least 4 days in Nairobi is enough for a first-time visitor. This is enough time to recover from jetlag, experience the city center and the outskirts, visit the attractions in Nairobi, go on a safari, and experience nature.
The majority of Nairobi's attractions are located outside the city center. Without sufficient information, a first-time tourist may believe there isn't much to do and see no need to remain in Nairobi.
Fortunately, everything is only a short drive from the city center, and many sites are accessible via public transport or taxi.
If you enjoy sightseeing alone, the only issue you'll have is locating the correct bus to your location. But don't worry, everyone in Nairobi knows and speaks English, so it's easy to travel around.
If you have time, you may spend up to a week in Nairobi touring different districts and doing day trips and experiencing the wildlife safaris. If you don't have much time, four days will suffice to get to know Nairobi.
Yes, Romanian citizens need a visa for entering Kenya. Notably, the eTA system deviates from the popular perception of a visa-free trip by requiring travelers (even babies and minors) to get the paperwork prior to departure. Romanian citizens can use the e-visa system to get travel documents in a few days.
Kenya eTA for Romanian citizens is a travel document that is approved by the government before a person enters Kenya. An approved Kenya ETA is valid for three months from the issue date. Once you arrive in Kenya, your stay is limited to 90 days from the entry date.
If you want to remain longer than your ETA allows, you must ask for an extension at the nearest immigration office in Kenya. Moreover, you can apply for a paper visa at Kenya Embassy for staying more than 90 days.
Getting around Nairobi can be an adventure, as the city offers several transport options suited to different preferences and budgets. The most convenient and widely used methods for tourists include taxis, rideshare apps, buses, and matatus.
Taxis and Rideshare Apps: Taxis are readily available, with popular rideshare apps like Uber, Bolt, and Little Cab offering reliable service across Nairobi. These apps are generally safe and convenient, with transparent pricing and options for cashless payments. Rideshare apps are ideal for tourists unfamiliar with Nairobi, as drivers know the city well and can provide secure transportation.
Matatus: For a truly local experience, matatus (minibuses) are the main form of public transport in Nairobi. They are colorful, affordable, and often play loud music, making them a fun choice for short trips. However, they can be crowded, and routes may be confusing for newcomers. Travelers should remain cautious of pickpockets in crowded matatus.
Buses: Nairobi also has a bus system with routes covering most of the city. City Hoppa and Kenya Bus Service are two common options. Buses are generally safer and less crowded than matatus, but they still require some route familiarity.
Car Rentals: For those wanting flexibility, car rentals are available, though driving in Nairobi can be challenging due to traffic and different driving customs. Hiring a car with a driver is often recommended for tourists.
With a population of three million, Nairobi is a big city situated on the Nairobi River in Kenya. It is regarded as one of Kenya's and Africa's biggest cities. Originally established as a swamp in 1899, the city expanded quickly thanks to its administrative and tourism industries.
Nairobi is generally safe for American tourists, but like any large city, it has areas where caution is advised. The city has made strides in safety, with a visible police presence and increased security in popular tourist areas; therefore, travelers no need to worry about the crime here. However, it's important for travelers to remain vigilant and informed about the best safety practices when visiting Nairobi. Scam dangers are likely nonexistent in Nairobi, in contrast to violent risks. Some people will try to talk to you in an attempt to divert your attention and steal something from you, even if you don't come across beggars.
In central areas, such as Westlands, Karen, and Gigiri, where many hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions are located, crime rates are lower, and these areas are generally safe during the day. Walking alone at night in unfamiliar or isolated areas is not recommended, and taking licensed taxis or rideshares is usually safer than public transportation.
Generally, temperatures in Mombasa range from 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (90°F), though the heat can feel more intense due to the city’s high humidity. The year is divided into two main seasons: the dry and the rainy seasons.
Dry Season (January to March, and June to October): During the dry months, Mombasa experiences warm and sunny weather, with minimal rainfall and lower humidity. This is the best time to visit for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts, as the days are consistently warm and skies are mostly clear.
Rainy Season (April to May, and November to December): The rainy season is divided into long rains (April to May) and short rains (November to December). During these periods, Mombasa receives frequent, heavy downpours, which often occur in the afternoons or evenings. Humidity levels increase significantly, and temperatures can feel warmer than usual.
Overall, Mombasa's tropical weather makes it an ideal destination for beach vacations, with the best travel times falling in the dry season for more predictable sunshine and fewer rain disruptions. December, November, and March are the biggest travel months in Mombasa, Kenya. These months will see the highest hotel and airfare costs, but if you book early in advance, you can save money. In June, tourists are unlikely to travel to Mombasa. It's probably the cheapest month for those who are willing to travel during these periods.
Planning a trip to the Masai Mara involves several essential steps to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Kenya is divided into 47 counties, which serve as the primary administrative units established by the 2010 Constitution.
Yes, you can re-enter Kenya from Tanzania using a single-entry visa, provided that the visa is still valid.
For those planning a journey from Oman to Kenya, understanding the flights, entry requirements, and top attractions will ensure a smooth and unforgettable trip. Here’s everything you need to know about travel to Kenya from Oman:
Applying for a Kenya ETA online: Omani citizens can get approval to visit Kenya completely online. The Kenya ETA allows Omani citizens to apply through a simple online application form.
Booking your flights from Oman to Kenya: For those wondering how to get to Kenya, flying is the most effective option. Travelers will depart from Muscat International Airport in Muscat and finally arrive at Moi International Airport in Mombasa. However, as of now, direct flights from Oman to Kenya are not available. Passengers will need to take connecting flights with 1–2 layovers. Several airlines operate flights from Oman to Kenya, including Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Saudia, Kenyan Airways, and Flexflight ApS.
Accommodation in Kenya: Visitors to Kenya have many lodging options to choose include lodges, tent camps, hotels, hostels, and more.
Buying travel insurance: While travel insurance is not required for a Kenyan ETA, having it is strongly recommended. It provides financial security and helps to make your trip go more smoothly.
What to pack for Kenya: There are several essential items to pack when traveling to Kenya. These include documents like passports and visas, appropriate clothing for climate and activities, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, an electrical adapter, cash, a camera and binoculars, a daypack, and a rain jacket.