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Picture of Nairobi, Kenya

Travel Guide for
Nairobi

Kenya

Mild, subtropical highland, two rainy seasons

Introduction

Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital, sits at almost 1,800 meters above sea level, offering cool, pleasant weather in September—ideal for exploring the city’s lively neighborhoods and green spaces. Founded in the late 19th century along the railway, Nairobi beautifully blends colonial heritage with modern African culture.

For a romantic getaway, stroll hand-in-hand through lush parks like Karura Forest or indulge in local cuisine at cozy restaurants in Westlands. Don’t miss the Nairobi National Park, where you can spot wildlife just beyond the city skyline. With its unique mix of nature, culture, and accessible adventures, Nairobi is a perfect destination for couples on an average budget.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleRomantic getaway

Dates05-19 September 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationApartment or house

Interests and Activities:

festivals and eventssightseeing and toursoutdoor adventures

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Picture of Nairobi, Kenya

Key Facts

Location

East Africa

Currency

Kenyan Shilling (KES)

Religion

Christianity (dominant), Islam, others

Population

4,700,000

Language

English, Swahili (official), local languages

Electricity

240V, 50Hz, UK-type plugs (Type G)

Time zone

UTCEAT (UTC+3)

Country code

+254

Internet access

Widely available, 4G/5G in urban areas, affordable broadband

Climate

Mild, subtropical highland, two rainy seasons

See More Kenya Facts

Language:

Swahili

  • hello

    habari (ha-ba-ree)
  • goodbye

    kwaheri (kwa-he-ri)
  • yes

    ndiyo (n-dee-yo)
  • no

    hapana (ha-pa-na)
  • how much

    hii ni bei gani? (hee nee bay gah-nee)
  • please

    tafadhali (ta-fa-dha-li)
  • thank you

    asante (a-san-te)
  • excuse me

    samahani (sa-ma-ha-ni)

Map

Logistics

Getting to Nairobi is easiest by air, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) welcoming many international flights daily. Major airlines connect Nairobi to Europe, the Middle East, and other African capitals—perfect for a romantic getaway on an average budget. Taxis and airport transfers make reaching the city center convenient and safe.

If you’re already in Kenya or East Africa, trains and modern buses provide scenic, cost-effective travel to Nairobi from cities like Mombasa or Kisumu. Weather in early to mid-September is usually pleasant—mild and dry—making travel smooth. Boats are not a direct option since Nairobi is inland, but local rideshares and car hires are readily available for exploring nearby attractions.

Weather

Nairobi enjoys a mild, subtropical highland climate due to its elevation. Temperatures are generally comfortable year-round, with warm days and cool nights, rarely becoming too hot or cold. Rainy seasons are typically in March–May and October–December, while June–September is dry and cooler, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

From September 05 to September 19, you can expect mostly dry weather with pleasant daytime temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F) and cooler nights. Extreme weather is uncommon during this period. This is a great time for sightseeing, outdoor adventures in Nairobi National Park, and exploring local festivals or markets without worrying about heavy rains.

Food & Drink

Nairobi’s cuisine blends Kenyan staples like nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali (maize porridge), and sukuma wiki (collard greens) with international flavors. For a romantic meal, try Talisman’s lush garden setting, or Carnivore for a unique barbecue experience. Urban Eatery offers a modern twist, and Connect Coffee is perfect for cozy brunches.

Most restaurants add a 10% service charge, but leaving a little extra is appreciated. Nairobi’s dining scene supports vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, and local fresh fruit is abundant year-round. Don’t miss sampling local beers or Dawa, a honey-ginger cocktail, at trendy rooftop bars like Kengeles or the Alchemist for a romantic evening vibe. Reservations are recommended for dinner dates.

A picture of Ugali

Ugali

Ugali is a staple food in Kenya, made from maize flour cooked with water to a thick porridge-like...

A picture of Nyama Choma

Nyama Choma

Nyama Choma is a popular Kenyan dish of grilled meat, often served with a side of tomato and...

A picture of Sukuma Wiki

Sukuma Wiki

Sukuma Wiki, which means 'stretch the week,' is a Kenyan stir-fry dish made from collard greens, often cooked...

A picture of Pilau

Pilau

Pilau is a fragrant, seasoned rice dish cooked with a mix of spices, including cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon,...

A picture of Maharagwe

Maharagwe

Maharagwe is a traditional Kenyan dish of stewed kidney beans cooked in coconut milk, tomato, and spices. It...

Accommodation

For a romantic getaway on an average budget, consider booking a private apartment or house in Karen, Lavington, or Westlands—these neighborhoods are quiet, leafy, and safe, with easy access to excellent restaurants and attractions. Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer cozy, well-furnished options with privacy, gardens, and sometimes even pools.

For more amenities and convenience, serviced apartments—such as those at The Palacina or Executive Residency by Best Western—provide hotel-like comfort with the charm of a home. If traveling between September 5-19, book early since Nairobi can see spikes in visitors for conferences and local events. Always check for secure, well-reviewed accommodations, and clarify amenities suited for couples, such as balconies or bathtubs.

Itinerary

Ease into Nairobi with a gentle introduction to the city's vibrant atmosphere, focusing on adjusting to your new surroundings and experiencing the city's welcoming spirit as a couple.

Stroll Through Nairobi Arboretum

Begin your romantic adventure with a peaceful walk among indigenous trees at Nairobi Arboretum. Enjoy shady trails, the melody of local birds, and find a cozy spot to relax and soak up your first impressions of the city together.

Late Lunch at Artcaffe Oval

Ease into Nairobi’s food scene at the stylish Artcaffe Oval, a favorite for couples. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on the terrace, sample local fusion dishes, and sip Kenyan coffee as you watch the city’s rhythm unfold.

Nairobi Highlight Guided Walking Tour

Nairobi Highlight Guided Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the highlights of Nairobi from a local perspective. A small group walking tour covering the modern city center, Nairobi View Point,  Uhuru Park, the colorful Nairobi city market, parliament buildings, Kenyatta International Conference Centre; the landmark of Nairobi (KICC), The 7th memorial park USA Embassy bomblast site, National archive and general view of the city.

5.0 (7 reviews)

From $95 USD

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Experiences

Volunteer Teaching in Kenya
teaching

Volunteer Teaching in Kenya

Minimum 1 week

Kenya

$430/week

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Environment & Climate Change in Kenya
volunteering

Environment & Climate Change in Kenya

Minimum 1 week

Kenya

$495/week

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Women Empowerment in Kenya
volunteering

Women Empowerment in Kenya

Minimum 1 week

Kenya

$430/week

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Healthcare Experience in Kenya
volunteering

Healthcare Experience in Kenya

Minimum 1 week

Kenya

$495/week

Learn More
Childcare Volunteer Experience in Kenya
teaching

Childcare Volunteer Experience in Kenya

Minimum 1 week

Kenya

$430/week

Learn More
Volunteer Construction in Kenya
volunteering

Volunteer Construction in Kenya

Minimum 1 week

Kenya

$495/week

Learn More

Attractions

4.8 (195 reviews)
Hell's Gate National Park Private Bike Tour from Nairobi

Hell's Gate National Park Private Bike Tour from Nairobi

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is a private tour and you will be picked up anywhere within Nairobi. This is a 1 day tour where you will be visiting Lake Naivasha for a walking/biking safari in the Hells gate National Park . Some people will opt to drive in the park and that is also allowed. Later on in the afternoon guests will be taken to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride on the shores of the lake. Here you will be able to view the big hippos on the shores of the lake and bird watching most notably the fish eagle.

From $125 USD

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4.4 (9 reviews)
Lake Naivasha day tour including the crescent island

Lake Naivasha day tour including the crescent island

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Lake Naivasha full day tour is a good way to enjoy the day away from the city and have a walk with the animals in the crescent island.

From $103 USD

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4.9 (169 reviews)
Day tour to Hell's Gate National park and optional Boat ride on lake Naivasha

Day tour to Hell's Gate National park and optional Boat ride on lake Naivasha

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy biking safari, walk at the gorges and a beautiful boat ride on lake Naivasha to see hippos and numerous birds. It's a trip not to miss.

From $125 USD

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3.0 (3 reviews)
Full-Day Tour to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha from Nairobi

Full-Day Tour to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha from Nairobi

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

“A Walk and ride on the Wild Side”  Hell's Gate National Park is a tiny park located between Lake Naivasha and Longonot and Suswa volcanoes and it is an ideal venue for a weekend retreat far from the urban life of Nairobi. Named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, the Hell's Gate National Park is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa. Hell’s Gate is an ideal venue for a day trip from Nairobi-walking and biking are allowed. Animals seen here include bushbucks, dikdiks, gazelles, gnus, hartebeests, impalas, klipspringers, buffalo,  zebras, baboons, and monkeys among others. This is a joining tour with a maximum of 14 people per day

From $54 USD

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4.6 (74 reviews)
3 days 2 nights budget group safari to Maasai Mara National Reserve

3 days 2 nights budget group safari to Maasai Mara National Reserve

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore the wilds of Masaai Mara in this 3 days, 2 nights safari. We are happy to announce that we have DAILY DEPARTURE for this tour so you can book at your convinient day. Maasai mara is a place not to miss, we pick from all hotels in the city center and westlands area. Our drivers are professional and experienced with the maasai mara terrain. Excellent reviews and the top most rated local supplier. We have a large fleet of well maintained cars and we use official company drivers and not resellers. Book with confidence, guarantee and surerity.

From $248 USD

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4.6 (23 reviews)
4 Days Small Group Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari

4 Days Small Group Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience both the Maasai Mara and lake Nakuru National parks at a very good friendly price. This is the tour that you are most likely to see all the BIG 5 animals Here you join a group of 7 people in a car, we use a small customized safari car as opposed to a big bus because the small car can go off-road and near rivers for a closer look at the wildlife. Our tents in maasai mara are big and they have a bed, hot shower and toilet inside. We also have lights in the rooms and electricity at the dining area to charge phones and cameras.

From $312 USD

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4.3 (7 reviews)
4 Days Group Joining Budget Safari To Masai Mara And Lake Nakuru National Park

4 Days Group Joining Budget Safari To Masai Mara And Lake Nakuru National Park

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience the best of both worlds combining Masaai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Park. Spend the full day exploring Masai Mara in search of the Big Five. You will have picnic lunches in the Reserve as you scale the Mara beauty . This is the day that we will go having game drives all the way to the mara river.There are lots of resident hippos and crocodiles sited at the banks of Mara river. You will also visit Lake Nakuru National Park. Its a small park with magnificent, rare white rhinos which form part of the Big five animals. There is also a possibility to see the pink flamingos .

From $382 USD

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5.0 (6 reviews)
Day tour to Hells Gate Park and Lake Naivasha

Day tour to Hells Gate Park and Lake Naivasha

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy biking safari, walk at the gorges and a beautiful boat ride on lake Naivasha. Spend the day away from the busy streets of Nairobi and in the great outdoors during this private excursion. Visit Hell’s Gate National Park for a biking safari, take a hike through the gorges and caves, and enjoy a relaxing boat ride on nearby Lake Naivasha (own expense). All national park fees and transportation are included for your convenience.

From $138 USD

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3.8 (6 reviews)
Nairobi City Tour with lunch

Nairobi City Tour with lunch

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Nairobi City Tour with Lunch – Discover Kenya’s Capital Explore the heart of Kenya with a guided Nairobi city tour that covers the city's top landmarks and hidden gems. Visit the historic Parliament buildings, stroll through the vibrant City Market, and discover Kenya’s rich heritage at the National Museum and Snake Park. After a morning of sightseeing, enjoy a delicious lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant or a similar top-rated spot, known for its unique Kenyan BBQ experience. Perfect for first-time visitors looking to get a feel for Nairobi’s culture, history, and local flavor — all in one exciting half-day tour.

From $150 USD

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