Kenya's capital and East Africa's largest city - a unique safari destination with a national park right at the city's edge. The world's only capital where you can see lions and giraffes just 7km from downtown, with the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre for conservation experiences. It's also the gateway to the Maasai Mara and home to the Karen Blixen Museum ('Out of Africa'). Modern malls and traditional markets coexist in this vibrant city.
Best Season
Best in the dry season (June-October) and January-February. April-May and November are rainy.
Budget
Daily budget around 80,000-180,000 KRW (lodging 40,000-100,000; food 20,000-40,000; safari and transport 20,000-40,000).
Transport
From Jomo Kenyatta Airport, a taxi or Uber takes about 40 minutes downtown. Use matatus (minibuses) and taxis or Uber within the city. Highly recommend buying a Safaricom SIM (with M-PESA) at the airport (KES 500-1,500). M-PESA mobile payments are ubiquitous; card payments also accepted. Cash (Kenyan shillings) needed at markets and small shops. Tip 10% at restaurants; $10-20/day for safari guides is customary.
Visa
Korean passport holders must apply for an eTA in advance (up to 90-day stay).
Safety
Stay alert in this large city and avoid walking at night. Always follow your guide's instructions on safari.
Popular attractions in Nairobi
Nairobi National Park
A national park just 7km from downtown where lions, giraffes, and other wildlife roam.
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David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
A world-renowned sanctuary that rescues orphaned elephants and returns them to the wild.
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Giraffe Centre
A conservation center where you can meet and feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes up close.
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Signature food of Nairobi
Nyama Choma
🍱 TraditionalNyama Choma: slow-charcoal-grilled goat or beef - Kenya's most beloved dish. KES 500-1,500 per serving. The Carnivore Restaurant in Karen is famous.
Ugali
🍱 TraditionalUgali: a stiff maize-flour dough that is Kenya's staple, typically eaten with stews. KES 100-300 per serving. Available at local restaurants throughout Nairobi.
Mandazi
🍢 Street FoodTriangular doughnuts flavored with coconut milk and cardamom, eaten with chai for breakfast. KES 10-30 each. Available at stalls across Nairobi.