Kenya · WALKING TOURS IN NAIROBI
The good walking tours in Nairobi fill up weeks out and the best of them go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.
Join guides such as Jackie, Simon, Jeff, Sharon, or Dennis for a three-hour walk through Nairobi’s CBD. You’ll visit markets, monuments, mosques, libraries, and KICC, taste fruit salad, learn Swahili, and get practical advice on shopping and city safety.
“I really enjoyed the tour, and our guide Lea was excellent. Very knowledgeable, attentive, kind and patient.”
Walk central Nairobi with a private art historian guide such as Michael, Ezekiel, or Tim. Learn the city’s story, visit Jeevanjee Gardens, Jamia Mosque, and City Market, then finish with 360-degree views from the Kenyatta International Conference Centre tower. Some entrance fees cost extra.
“had a great tour with Michael our tour guide he was very knowledgeable and very nice learned a great deal of the history of Kenya and the city and had a lot of time to answer our questions would definitely recommend”
See Nairobi beyond the usual safari stop on a 150-minute CBD walk with guides such as David, William, Daniel, or Ibrahim. Expect market visits, colonial-era buildings, matatu and religious culture, a McMillan Library stop, and city views from KICC. Hotel pickup is included.
“The tour with Williams and David was amazing! We got so many impressions all around the city. Highly recommended!”
Spend five hours with a local English-speaking guide exploring Uhuru Park, parliament, Kenyatta Conference Centre, the National Archives, and August 7th Memorial Park. Use public transport, see Nairobi through local eyes, and finish with lunch and a drink at a nearby restaurant.
“Clinton took myself and a few others in the group all over Nairobi. Pros: - He shared several facts about the city, making the capital seem a lot more interesting than it was - Matatu/bus ride was cool Cons: - Terrible lunch place, it's not even Kenyan, it's Somali - Clinton couldn't even recommend a dish from the menu, I had to drag the waiter myself to do it...”
Spend three hours walking central Nairobi with an English- or Swahili-speaking guide such as David, Lenny, or Michael. Visit Jevanjee Gardens, City Market, the National Archives, historic Kenyatta Avenue, and KICC’s rooftop. Expect street food, city stories, and a $5 rooftop fee.
“David was an amazing guide, he provided us with so much information an excellent introduction to Nairobi and a pleasure to be with him for the morning. Thank you”
Leave Nairobi at 7 a.m. for Hell’s Gate, where you cycle for about two hours beside zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and antelopes. Then take a Lake Naivasha boat ride to Crescent Island for a guided wildlife walk. Drivers such as Patrick, Nuru, and Joash provide hotel pickup and return.
“I had the most amazing experience visiting Hell’s Gate and Crescent Island! The landscapes were absolutely breathtaking, and being able to walk among the wildlife was truly unforgettable. The combination of adventure, nature, anRead more”
Join English-speaking guide Ishmael Nzioka for a two-hour walk through Karura Forest. Look for monkeys, dik-diks, bushbucks, and birds, visit Mau Mau-era caves and Karura Falls, then take a canopy walk or pause for a picnic.
“This tour was perfect and exceeded my expectations. Ishmael is an excellent guide, and everything was well organized. He is also very flexible with special requests. The forest is a beautiful, peaceful area that I recommend to anyone looking to escape the city for a few hours. Ishmael shared fascinating insights about the history of the forest, and we enjoyed some great conversations. By the end of the tour, it felt like I had spent the morning with a friend rather than just a guide. Thank you for this wonderful experience!”
Spend 150 minutes walking through Nairobi’s city center with a local guide such as Williams, Daniel, Ibrahim, or Ezequiel. See Parliament, KICC, McMillan Library, City Market, Jamia Mosque, and more while learning about Kenya’s past, cultures, and daily life.
“gayet güzeldi kısa sürede nairobi ve kültürünü tsnıdik”
Spend two hours with a private guide such as Alex or Michael exploring central Nairobi. See people-owned Jeevanjee Gardens, City Market, Jamia Mosque, Nairobi Gallery, and KICC, with city views from the tower available for an extra fee.
“The guides sharing their vast knowledge of Nairobi. I feel like we really got a great overview of the city and her people.”
Join Allan for a three-hour walking tour through Nairobi’s central business district. See Jamia Mosque, Parliament, City Market, KICC, and more, learn local history and Swahili phrases, sample coffee at Java House, and shop for Kenyan crafts with help bargaining in Swahili.
“Allan is an amazing guide, took us through all parts of center Nairobi, showing us the big landmarks while sharing valuable bits of knowledge and advice. We took us out to an amazing African dinner and we are very thankful for his time and kindness. Um abraço de Portugal e Colômbia.”
Join Calvince of Crabvince Tours for a two-hour walk through central Nairobi. You’ll visit KICC, see statues and national monuments, learn about the 1998 bombing, and finish at Maasai Market with help bargaining at local prices.
“Very nice walking tour, Calvince is very knowledgeable guide and shares a lot of interesting information about Kenyan history. Going to the market is not such a pleasant experience if you are not a fan of intrusive salesmen and bargaining. Better places for your souvenirs and gifts are Langata Link and Spinners Web, also nice for a good coffee and lunch.”
Walk through Nairobi’s Kibera with a local English-speaking guide such as Collins or Allan. Visit Agape Hope Children Centre, a beadwork factory, Toi Market, and a local home. Expect direct conversation, careful guidance, and a candid look at daily life in Chocolate City.
“Was really interesting to see where the people live and hot it is. The guide showed us many places and explained a lot about their situation. Thanks”
Join Allan for a three-hour walk through Karura Forest, with two waterfalls, historic caves, Lily Lake, bird areas, monkey territories, and a stop at The River Café. The pace includes plenty of photo time, simple Swahili lessons, and useful stories about Kenyan history and forest life.
“Alan was very informative about the history of the forest and he knows his way through the force very well! This is our last day in Africa and for whatever reason we click on his activity and it was worth every minute.! I recommend Alan as your tour guide :-)”
Walk central Nairobi with John or Samson on a 2-hour-40-minute tour covering Jamia Mosque, City Market, Uhuru Park, Parliament, the Railway Museum, and more. English and Spanish guiding, mobile tickets, and a KICC rooftop visit make this a useful first look at the capital.
“Very interesting trip with valuable information. The guide was open to questions and willing to explain various issues.”
Spend 2 to 3 hours walking Nairobi’s central business district with Michael or another English- or Swahili-speaking guide. Visit City Market, historic landmarks, the Kenya National Archives, and KICC, where a $5 entry fee buys panoramic city views.
“thanks Michael for the fascinating tour ,I gained a whole appreciation for nairobi !he was incredibly knowledgeable dropping cool historical facts about each an every corner we turned.i highly recommend this tour to anyone vising nairobi ..”
Pick a park, a city, or a stretch of coast.
