Nairobi City Guide

Try Nyama Choma, Ugali, Sukuma Wiki, and Mukimo. The city has many international cuisines. Vegetarian and vegan options are common in urban areas. Late-night food is available in entertainment neighborhoods.

Westlands, Kilimani, and Karen offer many bars and clubs, from upscale lounges to pubs and dance clubs.

Strong coffee culture with many specialty cafes and roasters. Kenya coffee is world-known. Coffee tours are available nearby.

Tipping is optional but appreciated. 5-10% in restaurants, small tips for taxis and services. Safari guides rely on tips.

SIM cards are easy to buy at the airport or provider stores. Safaricom is the best for coverage and M-Pesa. You need ID or passport to register. eSIMs are becoming available.

Cleanliness varies by area; wealthier neighborhoods are cleaner. Waste management is improving but still inconsistent.

Some pharmacies and minimarts open 24/7. Few clinics offer after-hours care. Late-night food is mostly in entertainment areas.

Supermarkets like Carrefour, Naivas, Quickmart, and Chandarana Foodplus have many international products. Fresh markets offer local produce and meat. Supermarkets open 8 AM to 9 PM. Bargaining is common in fresh markets, not in supermarkets.

Cards work well in big stores and restaurants, but cash is needed for small vendors and public transport. Mobile money like M-Pesa is widely used and often preferred.

ATMs are common at banks, malls, and petrol stations. Major banks include Equity, KCB, and Standard Chartered. Use ATMs from big banks to avoid high fees.

International schools like ISK, Braeburn, and Rosslyn teach in English with IB, British, and American curricula. Local schools follow the Kenyan system. Admissions often align with international calendars.

Growing digital nomad scene with meetups on Facebook. Co-living and cafes with good Wi-Fi are common. Tech events offer networking.

Many parks including Uhuru Park, Karura Forest, and Nairobi Arboretum offer green areas for walking and running.

Popular running in parks like Karura Forest and Nairobi Arboretum. Run in daylight; some areas less safe.

Many gyms in the city including hotel and estate gyms.

Tennis courts in sports clubs and hotels; some require booking.

Padel courts are emerging in private clubs.

Several yoga studios with drop-in classes and English-speaking instructors.

Facilities for Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, BJJ, and Muay Thai with English-speaking instructors.

No skiing in Nairobi or Kenya.

Limited water sports; some options outside the city on lakes but scarce.

No surfing near Nairobi.

No diving spots near Nairobi.

Nairobi has good hospitals like Nairobi Hospital and Aga Khan with English-speaking staff. Private care is better than public. Pharmacies are common and work like those in Western countries.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water.

Parks like Uhuru Park and Karura Forest have playgrounds. Kid-friendly cafés are growing. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include Nairobi National Park and Giraffe Centre.

Laws are restrictive but Nairobi's scene is discreetly tolerant. Public displays are not safe. Some private venues and groups exist.

Pet policies vary. Veterinary care is good. Few pet parks; dogs allowed on leash in some green areas.