Nairobi Travel Guide
Nairobi for First-Time Visitors — What to Know Before You Arrive
Nairobi rewards a little preparation. Ten minutes of reading before you land will save you hours on the ground.
Arriving at JKIA
Get an eVisa online before you fly (evisa.go.ke). At the airport, use the airport taxi desk or a pre-booked transfer — don't accept rides from touts. Expect 45–90 minutes to Westlands depending on time of day.
Money & SIM
Bring some USD in small bills for tips, but most places take card or M-Pesa. Grab a Safaricom SIM at the airport (~KES 100) — you'll want mobile data for Uber and Google Maps.
Getting around
Uber and Bolt work everywhere in the city. Rides are cheap: KES 300–800 across most neighbourhoods. Avoid driving yourself unless you've driven in African cities before.
Weather & what to pack
Nairobi sits at 1,800m — days are warm, evenings cool. Pack a light jacket, an umbrella (April, November), and comfortable shoes. Sunscreen is non-negotiable.
Where to stay
Westlands for a first trip. See our full guide to where to stay in Nairobi for the reasoning.
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