How to Spend 24 Hours in Nairobi, Kenya – Part 1

Visiting Nairobi with only a few days or hours to spare? Here’s the first of my “24 hours in Nairobi” guide for visitors who want to get the most out of the city within a short period.

Disclaimer: As I live here in Nairobi, I did a few of these activities listed on different days but if I were to do a full day city tour, I would do them in this order.

Visiting the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

24 Hours in Nairobi stop #1: Nairobi National Park (6:00 – 10:00)

It’s no secret that Kenya is a top destination for wildlife safaris. It is one of the best things to do in Kenya. So, if you have no plans to visit larger parks in the country, the Nairobi National Park, located within the city, is a good alternative.

To optimize your visit and increase your chances of good sightings, it is advisable to visit the park either early in the morning or late afternoon. If you have only 24 hours in Nairobi, then you can opt to begin your day by visiting this park in the morning.

I’d say 4 hours spent here is enough and if possible, you should pack a light breakfast to have on the go. Also, if you can, exit the Nairobi National Park through the gate on Magadi road as this is very close to the next stop.

24 Hours in Nairobi stop #2: David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (11:00-12:00)

After your safari, head to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage for the opportunity to interact with and learn about baby (orphaned) elephants and their human caretakers. The orphanage is open to guests only during these hours. There used to be an exclusive time slot slated for guests who have “adopted” an elephant but these slots have now been suspended due to the ongoing pandemic.

24 hours in Nairobi

Visiting now is by advanced booking only and you need to email the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to reserve. It takes between 24-48 hours to get a response and as this attraction is quite popular, it is important to book your visit early. Bookings are allowed for up to 3 months in advance.

24 Hours in Nairobi stop #3: Giraffe Centre (12:00 – 13:00)

Your next stop after visiting the David Shedrick Orphanage would be the Giraffe Centre. Ideally, my preference is to visit this place as soon as it opens at 9 am or later in the evening before closing time. These are the best times to visit to avoid a crowd.

The Giraffe Centre is a very popular attraction in Nairobi and it is a common stop for tours and other visitors after leaving the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Be sure to purchase your tickets online before arriving to facilitate your entry.

PS: If you skipped the visit to Nairobi National Park, then you should start your day here at the Giraffe Centre before heading to the Elephant Orphanage. Otherwise, you can also visit towards the closing hours (i.e. swap the timing for visiting the Karen Blixen Museum for this).

24 Hours in Nairobi stop #4: Lunch at Talisman (13:00 – 15:00)

Once you’ve had your fill of watching caretakers feed baby elephants and handing pellets to giraffes, you’ll probably also be quite hungry. Head over to the Talisman for a hearty lunch in a beautiful restaurant setting.

The food and service are quite good here and you could end the day here. However, if you would like to see more attractions in Nairobi and are a fan of the movie “Out of Africa”, then head to the Karen Blixen Museum located just a few minutes away from the Talisman Restuarant.

Alternate Restaurant: Boho Eatery

24 Hours in Nairobi stop #5: Karen Blixen Museum (15:00-16:30)

This Museum is named after the Danish author, Karen Blixen who once lived here. It gained notoriety after the Oscar-winning movie, ‘Out of Africa’ was released. There are guides and tours available to visitors who wish to learn more about Karen’s life and her time in Kenya.

Karen Blixen Museum Nairobi Visit

If you would like a more ‘unconventional’ stop to switch out this museum, then perhaps you could consider a leisurely walk in the Oloolua Forest, also located a few minutes away from Talisman. The Karen Blixen Museum also has a small nature trail to check out if you’re interested in doing so.

24 Hours in Nairobi stop #6: Wind Down

To end the day, you may choose to wind down in any one of the several restaurants in Nairobi. If you stay in the Westlands area, then you could check out The Alchemist – which is a local favourite. I also love to visit About Thyme, INTI and Ankole Grill.

If you stay in Karen, the Tamambo Karen Blixen Restaurant may be worth trying out. There are also a few restaurants located within the malls and hotels in the area.

Emara Ole Sereni Food

This is one way to spend an activity-filled 24 hours in Nairobi! In my other guides, I will show you a few “less-touristy” ways to spend time in the city, so stick around!

Best Place to Stay in Nairobi for this Itinerary

For this itinerary, the best place to stay is in the Karen neighbourhood. This is because all the attractions are located closer to this neighbourhood and you won’t have to deal with long traffic delays. This itinerary will also work out if you stay in the Westlands or Parklands areas, although the commute will be longer and prone to traffic delays. If you set out early enough, you should be fine.

I can also recommend a stay at the Emara Ole Sereni and Ole Sereni Hotels located on Mombasa Road. Emara Ole Sereni has gorgeous views of the Nairobi National Park and you can get to the park easily from here. While I stayed at this hotel, I could see buffaloes, giraffes and zebras from my room!

Emara Ole Sereni

And now, I would love to hear from you! Are you a local or resident? How would you spend 24 hours in Nairobi?
Also, If you’re visiting for the first time or have visited in the past, I would love to hear about your Nairobi itineraries and your stay! Please share them with me in the comment section below!

2 comments

  1. Hi,truly enjoyed reading this.l am born and bred in Nairobi and have shared with friends of mine coming in 2023.thanks.Merab

    1. That’s great to hear, Merab! I hope your friends have a great time in Kenya during their visit.

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

Close
I travelled for hours from Geoje to visit Sucheon and am pleased to report that it did not disappoint! 💙✨️

At 4pm, when I visited, the themed gardens were sparsely populated. Coming from Japan, where many beautiful places are often filled with tourists, this was a pleasant surprise! 🌼

I visited in spring and caught the last of cherry blossom petals on the trees but it was really the tulips 🌷 that took the spotlight. I explored various themed gardens and my favourite were the Korean and Netherlands Gardens.

Overall, this place was an absolute delight! I definitely recommend a visit if you're in the area!
I travelled for hours from Geoje to visit Sucheon and am pleased to report that it did not disappoint! 💙✨️ At 4pm, when I visited, the themed gardens were sparsely populated. Coming from Japan, where many beautiful places are often filled with tourists, this was a pleasant surprise! 🌼 I visited in spring and caught the last of cherry blossom petals on the trees but it was really the tulips 🌷 that took the spotlight. I explored various themed gardens and my favourite were the Korean and Netherlands Gardens. Overall, this place was an absolute delight! I definitely recommend a visit if you're in the area!
23 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
The beautiful places that made me fall in love with Japan 💙
The beautiful places that made me fall in love with Japan 💙
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Urgent decision needed! 🙏🏽 Help me out!
Urgent decision needed! 🙏🏽 Help me out!
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
✋🏾Before you go skincare shopping in Korea, you should get this FREE skin analysis done, especially if you're a novice like me!

🫒 I went to Olive Young during my last visit and walked out with nothing! I was so overwhelmed! 😰

This time, I decided to get a skincare analysis done first. I got mine done at the Mixsoon store (Olive Young has it too) It was quite detailed and 100%💲FREE, plus it took only a few minutes.

Would you try this? 💬⏬️

#kbeautyskincare #skincaretips #travelhacks #koreanskincare
✋🏾Before you go skincare shopping in Korea, you should get this FREE skin analysis done, especially if you're a novice like me! 🫒 I went to Olive Young during my last visit and walked out with nothing! I was so overwhelmed! 😰 This time, I decided to get a skincare analysis done first. I got mine done at the Mixsoon store (Olive Young has it too) It was quite detailed and 100%💲FREE, plus it took only a few minutes. Would you try this? 💬⏬️ #kbeautyskincare #skincaretips #travelhacks #koreanskincare
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Will I ever be able to fly economy again?😭

Just kidding. Find me in 43G next flight! Manifesting another upgrade though!✨️🧘🏽‍♀️
Will I ever be able to fly economy again?😭 Just kidding. Find me in 43G next flight! Manifesting another upgrade though!✨️🧘🏽‍♀️
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍 Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
I recently took a Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong trip and if you plan to replicate an itinerary like this one, here's the sequence I recommend to applying for your visas. 

Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below!
I recently took a Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong trip and if you plan to replicate an itinerary like this one, here's the sequence I recommend to applying for your visas. Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
When in Hong Kong!

An exciting way to see parts of the city is to ride the tram to The Peak.
When in Hong Kong! An exciting way to see parts of the city is to ride the tram to The Peak.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
Latest Posts
  • On the Road to Japan – Again!

  • Lazy Days in Mahé: From Rough Beginnings to Paradise

  • 7 New Romantic Korean Dramas I’m Binging This Spring!

  • A Planning Timeline for a Trip to Japan!

  • DIY: How to Apply for an e-visa to Hong Kong

Translate
Become an Insider!
Archives
Close

Travel with a Pen

Seek out New Adventures, Travel Differently

Travel with a Pen © Copyright 2025
Close