12 hours in Nairobi a layover itinerary

Nairobi in 12 Hours

If you find yourself with a layover in Nairobi, Kenya, and have approximately 12 hours to spare, you’re in for a treat! Despite the limited time, Nairobi offers a range of exciting activities and attractions that can make your layover a memorable experience. From exploring the city’s cultural heritage to venturing into the wild, there are plenty of options to make the most of your 12-hour stay. So, buckle up and get ready for a whirlwind adventure in the vibrant capital of Kenya.

About Nairobi

Nairobi serves as the capital and largest city of Kenya. It is located in the southern part of the country and enjoys a central position, making it an economic and political hub. The city proper had a population of 5 million and is often referred to as “The Green City in the Sun”. Nairobi was founded in 1899 by colonial authorities in British East Africa, as a rail depot on the Uganda – Kenya Railway. The town quickly grew to replace Mombasa as the capital of Kenya in 1907.

Kenya Airlines has the cheapest flights from Mumbai and connects several African cities. Therefore, you are bound to have some free time in Nairobi even if it’s a stopover for your safari. While on a layover, you can quickly visit The Nairobi National Park, which is located just outside the city and very close to the airport. It’s a unique experience that will allow you to see wildlife against the backdrop of a modern skyline. Combine this with a visit to the Giraffe and Orphan Elephants Centre if you have more time.

If you’re interested in discovering Nairobi and immersing yourself in Nairobi culture, a Nairobi CBD walking tour might be just what you’re looking for. This exciting experience will allow you to explore the city on foot and learn about its history and culture. So, why not consider taking a short walking tour and discovering all that Nairobi has to offer?


A Nairobi Walking Tour

I opted to do a walking tour in the CBD to understand the city’s pulse in a nutshell. The tour guide picked me up from the airport (for USD 10), helped me settle into my hotel, and showed me around CBD in 3 hours. It cost me USD 40 and was fun and cost-effective. On the walking tour, we walked through Jeevanjee Park, Jamia Mosque, Moi Avenue and the Tom Mboya statue, Biashara Street, the City Market, and McMillan Memorial Library, ending with the view of Nairobi from the roof of Kenyatta International Conference Center. (This is another fantastic walking tour I considered.)

About the places we went to:

Jeevanjee Park

Jeevanjee Park is situated in the Central Business District of Nairobi. The park was established in the early 1900s and was named after Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee, an influential figure in the development of Nairobi and of Indian origin! Jeevanjee Park features walking paths, benches, and shaded areas where locals can sit and enjoy the surroundings. Apart from its recreational value, Jeevanjee Park holds historical significance. It was a meeting point for political rallies and gatherings during the struggle for Kenya’s independence. Currently, though, the park seriously needs renovation. What I found amusing were the scores of young and old men sleeping on the park grounds oblivious to the world. This is a socially accepted common practice in the park!

12 hours in Nairobi what to do in a layover | Jeevanjee Park
The sleeping men of Jeevanjee Park, Nairobi

Jamia Mosque

Jamia Mosque, located at 32 Banda Street in Nairobi, Kenya, is the largest mosque in Kenya and the second oldest after the Mandhry Mosque in Mombasa. Jamia Mosque was constructed in 1902 and has undergone several renovations over the years. The mosque serves as a prominent place of worship for the Muslim community in Nairobi. The mosque holds cultural and historical significance, representing the rich Islamic heritage in Nairobi. Anyone is free to enter keeping in mind prayer timings.

McMillan Memorial Library

The MacMillan Memorial Library, which is the oldest library in Nairobi and the second oldest in Kenya, was built by the McMillan family to celebrate William McMillan. William McMillan, an American millionaire, went to Kenya on a hunting expedition in 1904 and became captivated by the country. Eventually, he became one of the leading settlers in Kenya. The library houses an extensive collection of books, periodicals, reference materials, and multimedia resources that cater to a wide range of interests and age groups. It is an interesting place to visit because of the beautiful neo-classical granite building and the sheer diversity of rare books and periodicals available. However, the library is in dire need of maintenance. It is worth noting that the McMillan Memorial Library is the only building in Kenya protected by an Act of Parliament.

A 12 Hour Itinerary for Nairobi | What to do in a Layover | McMillan Memorial Library outside
McMillan Memorial Library – Outside
A 12 Hour Itinerary for Nairobi | What to do in a Layover | McMillan Memorial Library insides
McMillan Memorial Library – Inside

City Market

Nairobi’s City Market is an interesting and essential visit. The market’s origins date back to the early 1930s when it was established to provide a centralised location for traders to sell their goods. It opens around 6 a.m. and typically closes around 6 p.m., although some vendors may stay open later. The market is a bustling hub of activity, with numerous stalls and shops selling a wide array of products. Visitors can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, spices, clothing, handicrafts, and other household items. If you have to buy souvenirs from here, bargain hard. The best part of the market is the street food sold here. Devour the Nyama Choma, a popular Nairobi street food which is grilled meat, seasoned with local spices. Nyama Choma is often served with a side of kachumbari (tomato and onion salad) and ugali (a maize-based staple food). Other available delicacies are samosas, roasted maize, mandazi (deep-fried, sweet and fluffy doughnut), and seasonal fruit salads.

A 12 Hour Itinerary for Nairobi | What to do in a Layover
Outside the colourful walls of Nairobi’s City Market
Kenya Tanzania safari solo on a budget | City Market Nairobi
City Market Nairobi

Kenyatta International Conference Center

The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is a 28-story building situated in Nairobi, Kenya. The KICC is located in the City Square of Nairobi and is a crucial address for several government offices, including those of recently elected Senators. It hosts conferences, meetings, exhibitions, and special events. KICC is known for its helipad, located at the top of the building. The helipad offers a unique aerial vantage point of Nairobi’s skyline and provides a convenient landing spot for helicopters. Entry is 500 KES. It is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

12 hours in Nairobi | Layover itinerary
The panoramic view from the KICC Helipad

Alternatively, if You Want to See Wildlife

Depending on when your flight lands, you could consider taking one of the half-day tours that show you the following:

Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is a unique wildlife conservation area located just outside the city of Nairobi. It is one of the few national parks in the world that is situated in such proximity to a major urban centre, making it easily accessible for travellers, including those on layovers from the airport. Nairobi National Park is located only about 7 kilometres from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, making it a convenient destination for travellers with limited time. It offers an authentic safari experience with its open grassy plains, acacia woodlands, and scenic landscapes.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Located within Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a conservation organisation that focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned elephants. Visitors can visit the trust’s elephant orphanage and witness the caretakers feeding and interacting with the young elephants. 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. is the public visiting hour. Pre-booking is required. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offers an adoption program where individuals can support the care and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants. More information is here.

The Giraffe Centre

The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi offers visitors the opportunity to interact with and learn about giraffes. The Giraffe Centre is open to visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day of the week. Visiting the Giraffe Centre offers a unique experience where visitors can observe, feed, and learn about giraffes up close. The centre aims to educate the public about giraffe conservation and the efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. More information is here.

Other Visits

Utamaduni Craft Centre

Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. the Utamaduni Craft Centre is located in the leafy suburb of Langata and close to the airport. Prices are fixed. There’s also a good restaurant inside.

Westgate Shopping Mall

Located in the Westlands area of Nairobi, the Westgate Shopping Mall is an upscale mall that first opened its doors in 2007. With over 100 retail outlets, several restaurants, a few cinema halls, and a bowling alley, it offers a wide range of entertainment options. If you’re looking for a way to kill time, the mall is just a 20-minute drive from the airport.

Carnivore Restaurant

The Carnivore Restaurant is a popular dining establishment known for its meat-focused menu. The restaurant operates from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its “all-you-can-eat” concept, where meats are roasted on traditional Masai swords over a charcoal pit.

bubbles

Where to Stay in Nairobi

I stayed at Hotel Mokka City in CBD which was central and inexpensive. Best Western nearby is another good option in CBD.

Karen is a good place to stay, too (Posh). Arabella Suites is a good option in Karen.

Alternatively, Ibis Styles at Westland is great.

Good to Know

About Nairobi International Airport Jomo Kenyatta

Jomo Kenyatta Nairobi International Airport is the main international airport in Kenya. It is a small airport with only one arrival and departure hall. Take an Uber to get to the city centre from Nairobi Airport. It costs around USD 10 and takes around 30 minutes. Most hotels offer pick-up for USD 25 or above, so Uber is quite cost-effective. The airport has two big duty-free areas and nice souvenir shops. There are public showers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and a few lounges, too. Also, there is a Java House coffee shop right outside the departure area if you don’t want to enter the airport too early. Please note that the time taken by immigration can be quite unpredictable. For instance, when I landed at around 10:30 a.m, it took me approximately an hour to get out of the airport.

Lockers at Nairobi Airport

A secure counter facility provides both short and long-term storage options for personal belongings and luggage. To utilise the storage service, customers need to complete the necessary documentation, present their passports, and sign a disclaimer. When retrieving their baggage, customers must show identification and receipt. The cost for storage is KSH 300 or US$ 4 per bag per day, and the facility operates 24 hours a day, every day.

Kenya’s e-visa

Official site

Citizens of a few countries can get a Kenyan visa on arrival. Indians are not among them 🙂

The Kenyan e-visa costs USD 55 payable by Visa or Mastercard credit card (USD 51 for the Visa + USD 4 processing fee). An application does not need flight tickets but requires a hotel/safari booking voucher. I received the e-visa within 2 hours of applying. A visa to Kenya, once approved and issued, is valid for travel within 3 months.

The visa application does not ask for vaccination proof.

The official list of Yellow Fever Vaccination centres in India is here. A passport is required as proof. The cost was INR 300. Details on how to get it in Mumbai are at the end of the blog post. A yellow fever vaccination is valid for life.

The official list of Oral Polio Vaccination (OPV) centres in India is here. This was free and didn’t need any proof of travel. Only a valid passport and a copy were required to get the OPV. An OPV is valid for a year from the date of issue.

Getting around Nairobi

If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to get around Nairobi, Uber is the perfect choice. Despite the notoriously bad traffic in the city, Uber rides are readily available and won’t break the bank. However, navigating the congested roads in and out of the CBD can be a challenge. To make your trips smoother, consider taking the expressway and allowing extra time to get to your destinations and make it back to the airport on time.

My Recommended Travel Sites
This is how I plan all my trips quickly, efficiently, and economically. Below are my go-to recommended travel planning sites.
  • First, I go to TripAdvisor and check out top things to do, top places, and experiences. I use this to make a rough itinerary.
  • From TripAdvisor I often go to Viator to book day tours. I love their user friendly platform and flexible cancellation policies. Compare their offers with GetYourGuide, which is great too.
  • I book my accommodations in Booking because of their flexibility and that the bookings are easily cancellable. The mobile app is great and the genius discounts are on point.
  • I recommend getting the Priority Pass. It gives you access to airport lounges and has helped me through many long waits. It’s definitely well worth the money.
  • And I am literally always on Skyscanner. I get to see the best airfares, and the airline / third party providers offering them. Try the “From: origin city” to “To: Everywhere” option to ignite your imagination on where to travel to next.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *