National park
Capital city
Nairobi
East Africa's hub of museums, food and wildlife on the doorstep.
- Nairobi
- Best: Jun–Oct, Dec–Feb
Overview
- Status
- Capital city
- Main airport
- Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)
- Domestic flights
- Wilson Airport
Nairobi grew from a railway depot in 1899 into Kenya's capital and East Africa's busiest business and aviation hub. Most safaris start here.
The Nairobi National Museum and Karen Blixen Museum, run by the National Museums of Kenya, tell the country's natural and colonial history. Conservation centres for orphaned elephants and endangered giraffes are in the suburbs.
The city has a lively food, music and art scene, with markets, galleries and restaurants across Westlands, Karen and the city centre.
- Nairobi National Museum
Kenya's history, culture and natural history.
- Karen Blixen Museum
The farmhouse of the Out of Africa author.
- Nairobi National Park
A safari on the city's edge.
Things to do
- Museums and galleries
National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi Gallery.
- Conservation centres
Elephant orphanage and giraffe centre visits; book ahead.
- Markets and food
Maasai markets, coffee and nyama choma.
When to go
A year-round city; heavy afternoon showers in April–May and November.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Good
- May: Good
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Best
Fees and permits
Official rates from the National Museums of Kenya (Heritage admission fees from 7 May 2026 (Legal Notice 79 of 2025)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi National Museum (adult)per personChildren: KES 200 / US$6 / US$9. Combined museum and Snake Park: KES 600 / US$15 / US$25. | US$18 | US$9 | US$9 | KES 350 |
| Karen Blixen Museum (adult)per person | US$17 | US$9 | US$9 | KES 550 |
- Nairobi National Museum (adult)per person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$18
- Foreign resident
- US$9
- Rest of Africa
- US$9
- East African citizen
- KES 350
Children: KES 200 / US$6 / US$9. Combined museum and Snake Park: KES 600 / US$15 / US$25.
- Karen Blixen Museum (adult)per person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$17
- Foreign resident
- US$9
- Rest of Africa
- US$9
- East African citizen
- KES 550
- National Museums of Kenya charges residents and other African visitors the same rate. Museums open 8:30–17:30 daily.
Getting there
- By roadFrom Jomo Kenyatta International AirportAbout 30–60 minutes
Via the Nairobi Expressway (toll) or Mombasa Road.
- By roadFrom MombasaTrain, about 5 hours
Madaraka Express on the Standard Gauge Railway.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Traffic is heavy at rush hour; allow extra time.
- Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps at night.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Nairobi National Museum?
From 7 May 2026: US$18 for adults from outside Africa, US$9 for residents and other Africans, KES 350 for Kenyan and East African citizens.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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