How to Plan a Fun-Filled Family Trip to Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya's vibrant capital, is an amazing place for families to have fun! You get all sorts of fun things to do, from seeing wild animals on safari to diving into some cultural adventures. It's a mix of fun and learning rolled into one! So, if you're thinking about heading there with your family, just remember to plan things out carefully. That way, you'll make sure everyone has a good time and brings home some fantastic memories.

Best Time to Visit Nairobi

For the best experience in Nairobi, you need to time it right.

The ideal time to go is during the dry seasons, which run from late June to October and then again from December to February. These months bring about sunny days, and there’s hardly any rain. It’s perfect if you want to go on safaris or enjoy outdoor activities. Plus, during the dry season, all the animals gather around the water sources, so you're more likely to spot them.

But here’s the thing: Nairobi's weather is pretty nice all year round, so you can visit anytime and still have a good time. If you're on a budget or you want to avoid the crowds, for instance, you might even think about going during the rainy months, which are from March to May and then from October to early December. During those times, accommodation and tours might be less expensive, which is a win-win!

Where to Stay

When it comes to places to stay, Nairobi offers something for everyone. Whether you're a luxury lover or want to save up some money, you'll find what you need.

If convenience is what you’re after, think about staying near Nairobi National Park or right in the city centre. In Nairobi, serviced apartments, hotels, and guesthouses make up the accommodation sector, so you won’t be too hard-pressed to find what you like – take Somerset Westview Nairobi, for example.

As you’re here with your family, presumably with your kids, look for places that offer fun activities for children. Some places even offer nanny services, which comes in pretty handy if you want some time for yourself.

Getting Around

Getting around Nairobi can be quite an adventure! You have a few options for public transport, like buses and matatus, which are colourful minibuses. But as you’re here with your kids, it might be more sensible to hire a private car or use taxi services.

But if you're up for a different kind of exploration, check out the guided walking tours. They're a great way to see the city with a local expert leading the way.

Nairobi National Park

You absolutely can't miss a trip to Nairobi National Park! It's one of the very few wildlife parks right in the middle of a capital city. The park is home to an array of animals like the endangered black rhino, lions, giraffes, and zebras.

The park also features a picnic spot, three places to camp out, and walking trails for bird lovers. So, whether you're into picnicking, camping, or just admiring nature, Nairobi National Park has got you covered.

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Check out the famous elephant orphanage! Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage rescues orphaned elephants. If you visit, you’ll get to see adorable baby elephants being fed and having a great time playing in the water. Plus, you can learn all about the conservation work they're doing. The best part is that you can get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.

The Giraffe Centre

More wildlife? Head to the Giraffe Centre! They offer raised platforms where you can feed giraffes at their eye level – a literal close encounter!

While the centre is a popular tourist attraction, its primary goal is conservation. While you're having fun feeding these adorable animals, you also get to learn about the importance of conservation. So, a visit to the Giraffe Centre is bound to be both fun and educational!

Bomas of Kenya

Head to Bomas of Kenya if you're up for a cultural adventure! Visiting this recreated Kenyan village is a great way to witness how different Kenyan tribes used to live.

This is the best place to get a glimpse of Kenya’s cultural diversity. They showcase their rich culture through music, dance, and theatre performances.

Nairobi National Museum

The Nairobi National Museum is a goldmine of all things Kenyan! It has everything from history to nature, and culture. You can dive into exhibits about human evolution, Kenyan art, and fossils; there’s also a collection of plants and animals from around Kenya.

What’s more, the museum is home to a snake park where you can see all sorts of reptiles. It definitely is a thrilling experience, and it’s completely safe.