NairobiCapital
Kenya · Country profile
Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and East Africa’s hub, a modern African city perched near a green wilderness — Nairobi National Park, with lions and giraffes roaming against a skyline of towers, is just a short drive from downtown. It’s a gateway to legendary safaris in the Masai Mara and Amboseli, yet it has a rich life of its own, with museums, bustling markets like the Maasai Market and an emerging coffee-and-art scene. Buzzing, friendly and full of contrast, Nairobi is where the wild and the urban meet — and where many of Africa’s greatest journeys begin.
About Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya. The city's documented population is around 4,397,073 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES) and Swahili and English are spoken; the dialling code is +254. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Where the Safari Begins at the Skyline's Edge
Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and the gateway to East Africa — a busy, modernising city where a national park with wild animals sits on the edge of the skyline. For many travellers it is the launch point for safaris to the Maasai Mara and Amboseli, but the city itself has a lively life of museums, markets and a growing coffee and art scene. It is an intense, warm and fast-growing metropolis that blends African urban energy with a surprising dose of nature. The contrast between the wild and the city is part of what makes it memorable, and it rewards a little time beyond the airport.
Highland Calm, Ride Apps and Safari-Ready Planning
For safari trips, the planning is essential — book the major parks and tours well in advance through a reputable operator, and time your stay with the dry seasons when game-viewing is best. The city moves by matatu (shared minibus), bus, taxi and ride apps — ride apps are the easiest and safest way for visitors to get around. The climate is mild thanks to the elevation, so heavy cold-weather gear is unnecessary. Carry cash for markets and smaller vendors, though cards work in most formal businesses. English is widely spoken. Vaccination and health requirements can change, so check the current advice before you go.
The National Park, the Maasai Market and the Road to the Mara
The dedicated Nairobi National Park is the extraordinary highlight — a savannah with lions and giraffes just outside the city, best visited early in the day. The Maasai Market is the place for crafts, and the emerging arts and café scene in the newer districts is well worth exploring. Traffic is heavy, so allow extra time for any cross-city journey and use ride apps over street taxis. Tapping into the local rhythm means being patient — things move at Nairobi’s own pace. The city is a springboard for the region, with easy connections to the coast and to the great parks by road and air.
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- Country
- Kenya
- Population
- 4,397,073
- Coordinates
- -1.3192, 36.9278
- Capital
- Nairobi
- Region
- Africa
- Currency
- Kenyan Shilling (KES)
- Languages
- Swahili, English
- Calling code
- +254
- Country code
- KE
Entry requirements for Kenya
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Kenya for tourism.
Getting to Nairobi
Airports we list for Nairobi:
Frequently asked questions
Is Nairobi the capital of Kenya?
Yes — Nairobi is the capital of Kenya.
What currency do I need in Nairobi?
The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Languages spoken in Kenya include Swahili and English.
What is the dialling code for Kenya?
The international dialling code for Kenya is +254.
Which airport should I fly into for Nairobi?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the airport we list for Nairobi.
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?
It depends on your passport. Among the origins we track, travellers from Morocco currently enter Kenya visa-free for tourism. Use the entry requirements tool to check your own nationality and purpose of travel.
Flying out of Nairobi? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.