7 Fun Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya

If you’ve been thinking of the next best destination to add to your bucket list, now is genuinely one of the best times to plan a trip to Kenya. With the dry season in full swing, skies clear, and sunny days, Nairobi sits at that sweet spot where you want to spend time experiencing a different culture and all the unforgettable moments that come with it and we’ve made a list of 7 things to do for fun in Nairobi.

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Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city and honestly one of the most underrated cities in East Africa. Usually, when people think of East Africa, a safari is probably one of the first things that come to mind. But that’s a mistake—it’s just one of many things you can do in Nairobi. Want to experience East Africa in a different light? Here are 7 fun things you can do in the city.

Visit the KICC City Centre

The Kenyatta International Convention Centre, or KICC, is where you get to see it all at a glance. It is the iconic cylindrical tower right in the CBD that you’ll spot from almost anywhere in the city. Once you’re up close, you’ll also get a good look at other landmarks nearby like Uhuru Park, the Nairobi Railway Station, and newer glass giants like GTC Tower in Westlands if you’re passing through.

You get to climb up to see the rooftop helipad. You take an elevator most of the way up, then a short flight of stairs to the very top, and arrive at a panoramic 360-degree view of the city. It is usually windy up there, so you’ll want to hold onto your hat, but guess what? The photos are absolutely worth it, especially if you get there around sunrise or sunset. Entry is cashless only (M-Pesa or card) and runs roughly 200 to 500 Kenyan shillings depending on residency status, so budget a few dollars for this one.

Museum of Illusions

For something completely different, the Museum of Illusions in Westlands is pure fun. Every room is built to mess with your head. Expect wild optical illusions here: walk on ceilings, pose at trick tables, and explore warped rooms. Each exhibit is built for interactive photos, so take your time at every spot. Adult tickets cost roughly 1,500 KES, making it a great date or group outing.

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Karibu Giraffe Centre

Feeding a wild animal might seem impossible, but Nairobi makes it a reality. At the Giraffe Centre in Karen, you can hand-feed the world’s tallest land animals. Founded to protect endangered Rothschild giraffes, it’s the ultimate spot to create unforgettable memories.

From a raised platform, feed a giraffe right from your fingers or lips. Just stay alert: giraffes will head-butt if you get too close or lag with their snacks. It sounds funny until you’re standing there watching someone get gently bumped by a very large animal.

Beyond the photos for the gram, it’s genuinely worth learning about the conservation story here.This center helps protect the remaining 2,500 wild Rothschild giraffes. Your $15 non-resident ticket also covers the quiet nature trail across the street—perfect for a peaceful walk among the trees and birds. Visit here, and you might just find yourself dreaming about feeding giraffes and other magnificent wildlife.

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

This one tends to be the emotional high point of a Nairobi visit. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rescues baby elephants and rhinos who’ve lost their mothers, often to poaching or drought, and hand-raises them until they’re old enough to be reintroduced to the wild in Tsavo. The public visiting window is short—just 11:00 AM to noon daily—so you’ll want to book ahead. During that hour, you watch the keepers bottle-feed the babies and lead them through a mud bath while sharing each orphan’s rescue story.

It’s the kind of place that changes how you think about conservation, not just because of the animals, but because of the people who’ve dedicated their lives to this work. Entry runs about $20 for non-residents and can be paired with a Giraffe Centre visit since they’re only a short drive apart.

Nairobi National Park

Only in Nairobi can you spot lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos with a city skyline in the background. Nairobi National Park sits right on the edge of downtown, and depending on the time of day and season, you can catch real movement: herds crossing open plains, predators on the hunt, or buffalo grazing near the fence line. Early morning game drives tend to be the most rewarding since the animals are more active before the heat sets in. Entry for non-residents runs around $80 per adult, plus a separate vehicle fee if you’re self-driving.

Kitengela Glass

This is a little further out, but well worth the detour. Kitengela Glass is part art studio, part junkyard wonderland, where local artisans turn recycled glass into furniture, chandeliers, jewelry, and sculptures right in front of you. You can watch the glassblowers at work, and depending on the day, you might even get to try your hand at shaping a piece yourself. What makes it cool isn’t just the process; it’s the setting. The whole property is covered in mosaic paths, glass-bottle walls, and quirky structures built from scrap materials, so it feels more like wandering through an artist’s imagination than a factory tour.

Ziplining, Archery, and a Sky Date for Couples

If you want a bit of adrenaline in the mix, Nairobi has a handful of spots on the outskirts of the city you can visit as well. If there are things you’ve sworn you’d never do because they seem incredibly scary, you might be surprised at your willingness to dare when you finally arrive.

You’ll find yourself enjoying zipline courses through the forest canopy, archery ranges, and even sky-swing setups if you’re travelling as a couple looking to do something adventurous together. Picture flying over the treetops side by side, saying sweet nothings to each other mid-air. It’s a fun half-day activity and a nice break from museums and animal centres.

What You’ll Need to Budget

To visit Kenya, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before you fly. You can apply online in advance for about $30 or let Vecta Travels sort it for you. You’ll get an approval within a few days. A budget of about $200 per person or more will get you through seeing and experiencing all the places above, aside from flight bookings and lodging, so plan accordingly.

Nairobi has got all the range for a rewarding trip, but you need proper planning to make it all work out beautifully and enjoy each experience without having to rush through it. That’s exactly where having a local travel agency like us pays off. We handle the bookings, the transport between stops, and everything in between. If Nairobi feels like your next travel destination, contact Vecta Travels today to get started.