How to get to Nairobi

Nairobi is not merely the administrative centre and capital of Kenya, but also one of the most colourful and dynamic metropolises in East Africa. The city is often referred to as the "Safari Capital of the World", as it is the only place on the planet where a genuine national park with lions, giraffes, and rhinos borders directly on the modern skyscrapers of the business district.

The atmosphere here is unique: modern urbanism sits side by side with a traditional way of life, while bustling markets and colonial architecture create an unmistakable cityscape. Nairobi invites travellers to immerse themselves in the region's rich culture, visit fascinating museums and animal conservation centres, and enjoy the comfort of a developed tourism hub before venturing deeper into the continent.

The main gateway for travellers is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). This is a key transport hub for all of East Africa, located in the south-eastern part of Nairobi. The airport receives regular flights from leading global airlines, connecting the capital with major cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Upon arrival in Kenya, tourists enter modern terminals equipped with everything necessary: from currency exchange points to shops and rest areas. The distance from the airport to the city centre is approximately 15–18 kilometres. You can reach your hotel via an official taxi or by booking a transfer, while using the new Nairobi Expressway allows you to significantly reduce travel time by avoiding heavy city traffic.

Travelling by train is one of the most scenic and comfortable ways to get to Nairobi, especially for those coming from the Indian Ocean coast. The modern Standard Gauge Railway, known as the Madaraka Express (SGR), connects the popular resort city of Mombasa with the country's capital.

A journey on this train becomes a true adventure: the route passes through Tsavo National Park, so passengers can often observe elephants, zebras, and giraffes right from the carriage window. The travel time is about 5–6 hours, and trains arrive at the modern Nairobi Terminus station, located in the southern part of the city. This is an excellent alternative to domestic flights, allowing you to see the beauty of Kenya's nature from a unique perspective.

Bus services connect the capital with the country's picturesque regions, offering travellers an authentic experience and views of the changing landscapes of East Africa. The popular route from the town of Nanyuki, located right at the equator, takes about 3–4 hours (200 km), while the trip from neighbouring Meru takes slightly longer — approximately 5 hours. These journeys often pass through the highlands, revealing panoramas of tea plantations and the foothills of Mount Kenya to passengers.

For tourists returning from safari, a transfer from the area of the famous Amboseli National Park is relevant. The road, about 240 km long, takes on average 4–5 hours, allowing for a final glimpse of the savannah and Maasai lands before entering the urban hub. Most intercity buses and matatus arrive in the busy centre of Nairobi, in the River Road area, from where it is easy to reach your hotel by taxi.

Travelling by car offers freedom of movement and a chance to see the country from a new angle, allowing you to plan stops in scenic spots yourself. The journey from the town of Nanyuki, lying at the foot of the mountains, will take about 3–4 hours (200 km), while the road from Meru will require approximately 5 hours to cover 270 km on roads with decent surfacing. Drivers should be prepared for left-hand traffic and fairly intense traffic when approaching the capital, so it is best to calculate travel time with a small margin.

Returning from Amboseli National Park is a popular route covering 240 km, which usually takes 4–5 hours and passes through colourful Maasai lands. Many travellers choose a private taxi or transfer, the cost of which varies between 100–150 US dollars; this eliminates navigation difficulties and allows you to rest comfortably after the safari. The trip concludes in Nairobi, where modern interchanges help you reach your desired district or hotel relatively quickly.

A trip to Nairobi is an exciting adventure that will be even more pleasant if you take local specifics into account beforehand. The capital of Kenya differs from typical hot African cities due to its high-altitude climate and strict environmental regulations. Here are a few useful tips for a comfortable journey.

1. Weather and Clothing. The city is located at an altitude of almost 1,800 metres, so there is no extreme heat here. The best choice is layered clothing: it can be sunny during the day, but evenings are often cool. It is important to know that wearing camouflage-patterned clothing by civilians is prohibited by law.
2. Strict Ban on Plastic. The country enforces one of the world's strictest laws regarding polythene bags. They cannot be imported, sold, or used. To avoid heavy fines, pack your belongings in fabric or paper bags before your flight.
3. Transport Safety. For travelling around the city, it is strongly recommended to use official taxi apps (such as Uber or Bolt). This guarantees transparent fares and safety. Walking around the centre is comfortable during the day, but once it gets dark, it is better to move exclusively by car.
4. Money and Currency Exchange. The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling. Cards are accepted in shopping malls and hotels, but cash is needed for markets and souvenir stalls. If you are bringing US dollars, ensure the notes were issued after 2013 ("blue" dollars), as older series banknotes are often not accepted at exchange bureaus.
5. Water and Hygiene. Tap water is not safe to drink. Use only bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, checking the seal is intact upon purchase. Also, do not forget insect repellent: although the risk of malaria is lower in the high-altitude city than on the coast, protection against mosquitoes in the evening is necessary.
6. Photography Rules. Locals are friendly but do not like being photographed without permission — always ask for consent. It is strictly forbidden to photograph people in military uniform, police officers, government buildings, and airports.
7. Electricity. Hotels use British standard sockets (Type G) with three rectangular pins. The mains voltage is 240 V. Travellers should pack an appropriate adapter in their suitcase in advance.

Observing these simple rules will help you feel confident and safe, allowing you to enjoy the unique flavour of one of East Africa's most dynamic metropolises.