Must-See & Do’s in Nairobi, from Our Charlie’s Angels

THE TIPS FROM CHARLIE’S ANGEL RUTH

Must-try

Our very own Nairobi city tour! Together with a group of people who grew up in downtown Nairobi, you’ll discover the city on foot and hear the most fascinating stories.

Weekend break

For all families: Lake Naivasha. Easy to reach from Nairobi by car, or for an adventure, take the matatu. Take a boat trip and watch the giant hippos having lunch on the shore, while spotting the beautiful birds flying by. Don’t forget to stop by Hell’s Gate National Park, where you can cycle through the park. Ride your mountain bike across the plains while zebras walk alongside you, and giraffes leisurely munch on tree leaves.

Shopping

You can’t miss the Masai Market! It’s touristy, yes, but also the best place to pick up souvenirs. Colourful bracelets, large earrings, wooden salad utensils, or a colourful bag or table for your home—you’ll find everything here! Just be aware that it’s in a different location every day.

Cultural Places

Bomas of Kenya is all about culture. There’s a restaurant serving all the national specialties, and you’ll find a group of dancers who’ll be happy to introduce you to Kenyan dance and music traditions. Check their website for showtimes and to book your tickets.

Must-see

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Once you’re here, your heart will melt! Every day between 11 and 12, the orphaned elephants come outside. They line up eagerly for their carers and the massive milk bottles they hold. Then the real playtime begins! It’s a great way to get up close to elephants, learn about them, and contribute to the effort of reintroducing them into the wild—that’s what it’s all about!

NAIROBI TIPS FROM CHARLIE’S ANGEL DERK

Best Café

By far, Brew’s Bar. Locally brewed (as the name suggests), with awful beer. Luckily, the taste doesn’t matter too much as you’re here for the amazing vibe the café offers!

Local Spots

Valley Arcade, the local football field. Come here with some friends and play football!

Nightlife

Can I mention Black Diamond? Sloppy beats, fogged-up glasses, and lots of big boots. It’s where tourists and locals alike are found deep into the night, often with little memory of the night the next day…

Cultural spots

If you happen to be in Nairobi when a Sofar Sounds event is scheduled, you can’t miss it! These are self-organised concerts held at people’s homes. You pay an entrance fee and get to enjoy music and culture in a very unique setting.

Weekend Getaway

The Taita Hills! It may be a bit far for a weekend, but it’s absolutely worth it! Put on your hiking boots, head into the mountains, enjoy the greenery, and have an active weekend away. Once you’ve reached the breathtaking peak, you can abseil down and treat yourself to a cold Tusk beer! Explore the region by motorbike and check out this article for more tips.

Must visit

Lucas in Magadi. Hop on the back of Lucas’s motorbike and let him guide you through the otherworldly Magadi. Race through the desert and wrestle with the soft sand beneath your tyres. When you arrive at Lake Natron, it’s fantastic! Build a campfire, roast sausages, have a beer, and gaze at the stars. Trust me, you won’t want to leave after just one night.

TIPS FROM CHARLIE’S ANGEL MONA

Must-try

Nairobi National Park is often overlooked, and that’s a real shame! If you have little time to go on safari, this is the place to visit. With Nairobi’s skyline in the background (which can lead to some bizarre photos), you’ll find roaring lions, zebra herds, and various families of rhinos.

Nightlife

For a relaxing evening, head to Abyssinia, an Ethiopian restaurant in the suburbs of Nairobi. Great meals, traditional music—you’ll forget you’re even in Kenya!

Shopping

Nairobi doesn’t really have shopping streets, but it’s home to large shopping malls with air conditioning turned up high, where you can find anything you need. The most famous ones are Diamond Plaza, Westgate, Garden City, and Two Rivers. The latter is especially popular for its big clothing outlet, and you’ll definitely leave the store with a full shopping bag!

Nature

Sunsets at Lake Oloiden! This is the smaller sibling of Lake Naivasha, but just as beautiful! Zebras and monkeys hide amongst the trees, and as evening falls, the sound of crickets swells and the setting sun casts a red glow. Need I say more?

DE TIPS FROM CHARLIE’S ANGEL MARIEKE

Best café

Head to Wasp & Sprout for true hipster vibes. You’ll see countless laptops from expats working here for the day. A retro bike on the wall, delicious coffee, and colourful cushions—you could easily spend the whole day here. Eat, work, or just people-watch. Bonus tip: there’s also a lovely shop upstairs!

Local Spots

Go to Karura Forest to escape the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. Put on some music and lose yourself in the stunning nature that’s right in the middle of the city. You can follow different trails and the tall green trees tower above you. Along your walk, you’ll occasionally encounter small waterfalls and playful monkeys, and overall, it’s a peaceful retreat.

Pro tip

Silk noodles on Arwings Kodeck Road! So tasty, so good—you won’t want to eat anything else once you’ve tried them!

Must-see