Why visit
Nairobi is East Africa's major safari gateway and a city with its own wildlife story. National park plains, museums, restaurants, and creative districts sit close to the airport and regional transport links.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Nairobi is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Kenya. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Nairobi, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Kenya better matches the trip style.
Nairobi at a glance
City population
5.1 million
Metro: 9.5 million
Elevation
1,795 m
5,889 ft
Time zone
UTC+3
Africa/Nairobi
Airport
NBO
Jomo Kenyatta International
Founded
1899 (railway depot)
Getting around
Matatus (shared minibuses), buses, Uber/Bolt
Signature dish
Nyama choma, ugali, sukuma wiki, chapati, githeri
Neighborhoods for travelers
CBDWestlandsKarenLavingtonKilimani
Kenya at a glance
Country center
1.0°, 38.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
580,367 km²
224,081 mi²
Country population
56.4 million
97/km²
Subregion
Eastern Africa
Currency
Kenyan shilling (Sh)
KES
Dial
+254
Languages
English, Swahili
Demonym
Kenyan
Internet
.ke
UN
Member state
ISO code
KE / KEN
Where in the world
1.0° - 38.0°
Kenya
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Nairobi National Park is the only national park within a major capital city.
- Nairobi sits at 1,795 m altitude: cooler than its equatorial position would suggest.
- The city's name comes from the Maasai "enkare nyorobi" (place of cool water).
- The Great Rift Valley runs straight through Kenya: you can see the continent literally splitting apart.
- Nairobi is the only capital in the world with a major national park (Nairobi National Park) inside its city limits.
Bordering Kenya
Traveler notes
- Nairobi National Park has lions and rhinos within sight of the skyline
- Karen Blixen Museum and Giraffe Centre are common half-day stops
- The city is the main launch point for Kenya safari circuits
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Nairobi
What currency is used in Nairobi?
Nairobi uses the Kenyan shilling (Sh), ISO code KES.
What languages are spoken in Kenya?
The primary languages are English and Swahili.
What is the international calling code for Kenya?
The calling code is +254.
When is the best time to visit Nairobi?
Jun–Oct, Jan–Feb. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Nairobi?
Jomo Kenyatta International (IATA: NBO).
Is Nairobi at high altitude?
Yes, Nairobi sits at 1,795 m (5,889 ft). Give yourself a day or two to acclimatize.
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