Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is Kenya's bustling capital. This is a very busy city on the roads and with people traffic in the downtown core. Mostly it's visited as a starting point for those going on Kenyan Safaris, but it's definitely worth staying for a few days to see what it has to offer. Besides it's urban hustle, busy markets and shops, it has a legendary National Park just 7km outside of the city. This large game reserve is home to Black Rhinos, Lions, Giraffes, Hippos, Zebras and a praised elephant and rhino orphanage that will redefine cuteness, charity and strike love into the hearts of even the hatiest of haters that may cross its threshold.
Nairobi Guide
The most important thing to have in Nairobi is an awesome guide. It will save you money and time. Plus, having good advice in Nairobi is key for safety and making the most out of your journey.
Who to hire?
There is NON OTHER THAN Martin Maina to be this man. I hung out with Martin for 3 days in Nairobi and he is cool, calm, collected and knows the city for well. He's also a total dude (which means he's cool and stuff)
Who to hire?
There is NON OTHER THAN Martin Maina to be this man. I hung out with Martin for 3 days in Nairobi and he is cool, calm, collected and knows the city for well. He's also a total dude (which means he's cool and stuff)
Martin Maina
Budget
Kenyan Schilling
$1 Canadian Dollar = $80 Kenyan Schilling (July 2015)
Accommodation:
Nairobi is definitely a city you have to keeps your wits about you, but in my experience of staying in a hostel, it was safe and staff were knowledgeable about where to go and where not to. In Nairobi, you should not walk at night or you're taking a chance.
Hotels start from $50/night. There are a lot of 3 star hotels and a few 5 star hotels.
Hostels are about $15/dorm bed $25/private room per night.
I stayed here, at Manyatta Backpackers in a dorm room for $15/night. Weeeee!
Transportation in town:
Cabs:
Cabs start at $3.00 for the 1st KM and then about $2.00 for every km after that. This is probably the most you'll pay though. Everything is a negotiation here, so try and get a flat rate that makes sense before you get in.
Matatus:
These are shared mini buses - passenger vans. They have stops on the road or you can flag one down if it's going in your direction. Super crowded and super budget choice. About half the cost of a cab.
City buses:
Much more organized than the Metatus. City buses follow a designated route, but also very crowded and chaotic. Slightly more than a matatus.
Boda Boda: Motor Cycles. Yep. Apparently getting more popular. Kind of cool and price is determined between you and the driver.
Food:
Grocery stores:
Are the cheapest option and you could spend $50 and it would last a week.
Restaurants:
A nice restaurant with game meats and the full deal would be about $40. There are all kinds of restaurants in Nairobi and compared to most places in the world, it's really cheap to dine here.
Hostel Kitchen/Restaurant:
To get that full, sweet sweet hostel meal, you'll pay about $3.
Overall, there is an option for any budget.
Top things to do:
Nairobi National Park: $50/person
By far, the most amazing place to experience. You can rent/hire a vehicle and drive through yourself if you'd like. Or hire a tour company.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: $7/person
Do it!! Devastating cuteness + conservation, preservation and protection of wildlife = The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust here in Nairobi, Kenya. The orphans' project is a beacon of hope for the future of Kenya's threatened elephant and rhino populations. Poaching of ivory and horn and loss of habitat from deforestation and drought threaten the future of these animals.
National Museum: $5/person
Pretty good! the museum had decent flow and layout. Kenya has an interesting history and this is a great place to start yer learnin!
Karen Blixen Garden: $15/person
The book "Out of Africa" was based on experiences at this place. I never went here myself, but maybe it would interest you!
$1 Canadian Dollar = $80 Kenyan Schilling (July 2015)
Accommodation:
Nairobi is definitely a city you have to keeps your wits about you, but in my experience of staying in a hostel, it was safe and staff were knowledgeable about where to go and where not to. In Nairobi, you should not walk at night or you're taking a chance.
Hotels start from $50/night. There are a lot of 3 star hotels and a few 5 star hotels.
Hostels are about $15/dorm bed $25/private room per night.
I stayed here, at Manyatta Backpackers in a dorm room for $15/night. Weeeee!
Transportation in town:
Cabs:
Cabs start at $3.00 for the 1st KM and then about $2.00 for every km after that. This is probably the most you'll pay though. Everything is a negotiation here, so try and get a flat rate that makes sense before you get in.
Matatus:
These are shared mini buses - passenger vans. They have stops on the road or you can flag one down if it's going in your direction. Super crowded and super budget choice. About half the cost of a cab.
City buses:
Much more organized than the Metatus. City buses follow a designated route, but also very crowded and chaotic. Slightly more than a matatus.
Boda Boda: Motor Cycles. Yep. Apparently getting more popular. Kind of cool and price is determined between you and the driver.
Food:
Grocery stores:
Are the cheapest option and you could spend $50 and it would last a week.
Restaurants:
A nice restaurant with game meats and the full deal would be about $40. There are all kinds of restaurants in Nairobi and compared to most places in the world, it's really cheap to dine here.
Hostel Kitchen/Restaurant:
To get that full, sweet sweet hostel meal, you'll pay about $3.
Overall, there is an option for any budget.
Top things to do:
Nairobi National Park: $50/person
By far, the most amazing place to experience. You can rent/hire a vehicle and drive through yourself if you'd like. Or hire a tour company.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: $7/person
Do it!! Devastating cuteness + conservation, preservation and protection of wildlife = The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust here in Nairobi, Kenya. The orphans' project is a beacon of hope for the future of Kenya's threatened elephant and rhino populations. Poaching of ivory and horn and loss of habitat from deforestation and drought threaten the future of these animals.
National Museum: $5/person
Pretty good! the museum had decent flow and layout. Kenya has an interesting history and this is a great place to start yer learnin!
Karen Blixen Garden: $15/person
The book "Out of Africa" was based on experiences at this place. I never went here myself, but maybe it would interest you!
