How to make the most of your layover in Nairobi

Posted Nov 29, 2024

Nairobi Airport, also known as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, is one of the biggest and busiest in Africa. As well as providing a gateway to the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi Airport is an important hub linking airports across the continent with destinations throughout Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. Therefore, if you're traveling in the region, your chances of ending up on a Nairobi layover are pretty high.

That's not necessarily a bad thing. Nairobi is the vibrant capital of a modern country, but part of its appeal is that you can also get a taste of the iconic African wilderness without straying too far from the airport itself. If you have more than a few hours to kill while waiting for your next flight, you could easily journey from the airport to the city, experience at least a little bit of what it has to offer, and still make it back in time for your next flight.

Aerial view of Nairobi Airport with a green field and the city beyond

Things to keep in mind before leaving Nairobi Airport

Visa requirements for Kenya

If you plan to leave the airport, you're in luck when it comes to immigration status. Kenya is a visa-free country, allowing short stays to explore Nairobi’s attractions. Kenya has implemented an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system for all travelers, which you can apply for online and will need before you board your plane to the country. You don't need to worry about a single entry visa or a transit visa, no matter what your nationality is. The eTA allows entry for up to 90 days, so you'll have no problem exploring the city before your connecting flight.

Minimum layover times in Nairobi

The proximity of Nairobi’s main attractions to the airport makes it easy to explore Nairobi on a layover. Here are some general time guidelines:

In-airport short layover (2-3 hours): If your layover is brief, staying at the airport is likely your best option. Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport offers comfortable lounges, dining options, and shops to explore and pick up unique African souvenirs.
Domestic flights (3-4 hours): With this timeframe, you can relax at the airport, grab a meal, and enjoy some shopping in the terminal.
International flights (6-8 hours): With a long layover, you’ll have enough time to visit one or two of Nairobi’s iconic attractions, such as the Giraffe Centre or the city center, before returning to the airport.
Overnight layover: For an overnight layover, Nairobi offers many hotels and opportunities to experience the city’s unique attractions, including early-morning tours to nearby wildlife parks

A bridge leading into the Westlands area of Nairobi with two large buildings in the distance

Getting around Nairobi

Nairobi is accessible from the airport by taxi or rideshare services, which can take you to major city attractions in about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that Nairobi traffic can vary, so factor in extra time for getting to and from your next destination.

What to do in Nairobi during a layover

With a blend of wildlife, history, and vibrant city life, Nairobi offers a unique experience for travelers looking to explore an African city. From iconic parks and wildlife reserves to cultural landmarks, Nairobi has something for every traveler.

Morning layover in Nairobi

If you have a morning layover, take advantage of Nairobi’s beautiful parks and wildlife attractions before the city gets busy.

Activities: Start with a morning tour of Nairobi National Park, one of the few national parks located within a capital city. This park offers a rare opportunity to see wild animals like lions, rhinos, and zebras with the city’s skyline in the background. You’ll need a few hours to explore Nairobi National Park, so make sure to allow enough time to get back to the airport if you have a tight schedule. It's an absolutely incredible experience to see some of Africa's most charismatic wildlife so close to the city, so don't ruin it by carrying more heavy bags than you need to. Drop off your luggage at a Nairobi luggage storage location near the airport or in the city so that you can pick it up on your way back to the airport.
Breakfast spots: After visiting the park, head to Java House in the city center, a popular local café chain offering hearty breakfast options and quality Kenyan coffee. Alternatively, you can try Artcaffe, another local favorite known for its pastries and breakfast fare.

Elephants playing in the mud at the Sheldrick Wildlife Centre in Nairobi

Afternoon layover in Nairobi

If you have an afternoon layover, Nairobi’s wildlife and cultural attractions provide plenty to see and do.

Activities: Begin your visit at the Giraffe Centre, where you can get up close to the endangered Rothschild giraffe, learn about their conservation, and even feed them. Afterward, visit the nearby David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a sanctuary for orphaned elephants. Here, you’ll have a chance to learn about elephant conservation efforts and see the young elephants up close. You can easily find a tour company that will bring you to these famous locations, or you can make your way there from the city centre.
Lunch spots: Enjoy lunch at the Talisman Restaurant in the Karen neighborhood, known for its unique fusion of European, African, and Asian cuisine in a beautiful garden setting. If you prefer to try some local street food, the city center has vendors offering Kenyan classics like samosas and grilled corn.

The Nairobi skyline just after the sunset

Evening layover in Nairobi

For an evening layover, Nairobi’s city center and dining options provide a relaxed way to spend the evening.

Activities: Start with a visit to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), an eye-catching landmark with a rooftop viewing deck offering panoramic views of Nairobi and surrounding areas. Afterward, take a stroll through the city center, where you can see some of Nairobi’s notable buildings and experience the evening vibe of one of East Africa’s most bustling cities. Make your evening go more smoothly by leaving your bags behind at a Bounce luggage storage. Although most areas in Nairobi are fairly safe, crimes like bag snatching do happen, so leaving your things in secure storage would give you extra peace of mind while you enjoy the night.
Dinner spots: For dinner, try Carnivore Restaurant, a popular spot known for its grilled meats and African-inspired dishes.

Overnight layover in Nairobi

If you have an overnight layover, Nairobi has great hotels and convenient attractions to suit your budget.

Hotels: There are several hotels near the airport, but for a more memorable experience, consider staying at Hemingways Nairobi in the Karen neighborhood, which provides a luxurious retreat with easy access to popular attractions. Another great option is Fairview Hotel Nairobi, known for its beautiful gardens and relaxing atmosphere.
Night activities: For evening entertainment, head to Westlands, an area with lively nightlife and popular bars. You’ll find a variety of clubs, lounges, and restaurants here where you can unwind before your flight.

Other notable attractions for a long layover in Nairobi

Karen Blixen Museum: Located in the former home of the famous author of Out of Africa, the Karen Blixen Museum offers a glimpse into Nairobi’s colonial history and Blixen’s life in East Africa. It’s a short drive from the Giraffe Centre, making it easy to combine both visits. Just be aware that bag storage at the museum is limited, so it's a good idea to take advantage of a Bounce storage location first.
Maasai Market: If you’re interested in local crafts, the Maasai Market offers handmade jewelry, textiles, and art. It’s an ideal place to shop for souvenirs and support local artisans.

Tips to make the most out of your layover in Nairobi

Here are some practical tips for the best Nairobi layover:

Give yourself extra time: Nairobi’s traffic can vary, so give yourself extra time to return to the airport, especially if you’re heading back during peak hours.
Currency and payment: Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling (KES), and most places in Nairobi accept credit cards. However, it’s helpful to carry some cash, especially if you’re planning to try local dishes of street food or shop at markets. You can often get a better rate on changing money in the city itself rather than at the airport, but be wary of flashing too much cash around in some of the more impoverished areas of the city.
Plan for wildlife visits: If you’re planning to visit Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, or the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, consider pre-booking or checking opening times so that you don't miss out.

A person feeding a giraffe at Nairobi's Giraffe Centre

With unique opportunities to see wildlife, visit cultural landmarks, and enjoy Kenyan cuisine, Nairobi is one of the African cities that offers a rich layover experience. From exploring Nairobi national parks to enjoying a meal in the city center, a layover in Nairobi offers a true taste of East Africa before your next flight. Leave the bags behind and enjoy an African encounter, even if only for a few hours before heading on to your final destination.