International Airport(s):  Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Recommended Airlines: Kenya Airways, KLM, Air France, Delta, Emirates, Turkish, American Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines have regular routes.

• Note that there is a Turkish Airlines lounge at NBO accessible with Priority Pass.  There are also two other lounge options: Aspire and Plaza Premium, though Turkish is the nicest.

Ground Transportation:  We recommend Uber for transfers to and from the airport as the most affordable option. The airport is approximately 30 minutes from Westlands,  and approximately 40 minutes from Village Market. Highly recommend requesting to take the expressway to avoid traffic to and from the airport. You may also wait for the NBO shuttle or a taxi. Also, most hotels provide airport transfer packages upon advance request. The service is extended to other destinations. If you decide to take an Uber or hotel car, walk out of the door, past the taxi drivers and stands selling SIM Cards. You will see a street to cross, and all pre-arranged pick-ups will happen along the curb across the street. 

Important: Please be aware there is a routine security stop en route to JKIA, approximately 5 minutes before you reach the airport. This requires travelers to exit their vehicles without any of their luggage to go through a security screening. All local drivers are familiar with this process and will wait for passengers on the other side. Also, the most expedient way to the airport is via expressway. Travelers must tell their Uber drivers if they wish to take the expressway and will be expected to pay the toll (approximately 500 KES/$4.00USD), either via Kenyan shillings to the driver or added on to their Uber tip.

JW Marriott - Newly opened property in the trendy Westlands District, near several malls, nice restaurants, and nightlife.

Nairobi Serena Hotel - Adjacent to Central Park, just a five-minute walk from the city center and the Central Business District, as well as a 30-minute drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Sankara Hotel (Marriott Property) - In trendy Westlands District, near several malls, nice restaurants, and nightlife.

Trademark Hotel - Attached to Village Market mall with shopping and indoor/outdoor restaurants. ~5 minutes from U.S. Embassy

Tribe Hotel (Marriot Property) - Adjacent to Village Market mall with shopping and indoor/outdoor restaurants and about 5 minutes from the U.S. Embassy. Known for Pan-African Art.

Nairobi has an abundance of wonderful opportunities for tourists and culinary enthusiasts alike! Easily navigable by Uber (except inside Nairobi National Park, which requires a safari vehicle), this is a city just waiting to be explored! 

If you find yourself with free time, here are some options worth exploring:

1) Take a Safari in Nairobi National Park

Animal and photography enthusiasts will love this opportunity to see lions, rhinos, hippos, and other beloved safari animals, within 30 minutes of their hotel. This is going to be your best chance to experience a true safari. 

2) Visit Orphan Elephants 

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is the very first elephant orphanage in the world and one of the most heart melting places in Nairobi. They only offer one opportunity for the public to visit each day, and advanced reservations are required. Pro-Tip: As of last September, visitors must pay the park entrance fee for Nairobi National Park to access the elephant orphanage, so this option is recommended as a great safari add-on.

3) Hug a Giraffe!

You've likely seen photos of Giraffe Manor, the Insta-famous hotel where you can stay with free roaming giraffes. You may not realize you can feed those same giraffes by hand at the Nairobi Giraffe Center. Accessible by Uber and approximately $11 USD. Pro-tip: staff will be happy to show you how to get the giraffes to "hug you" for an unforgettable photo. 

4) Experience Kenyan artistry and culture

The Bomas of Kenya offers unforgettable daily performances highlighting dances and live music from diverse Kenyan communities. It also offers a glimpse into Kenyan homesteads and a craft market where you can purchase souvenirs. Performances are held: Monday to Friday: 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Weekends: 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

5) Bring a little piece of Kenya home with you!

There are many great markets where you can purchase high-quality handicrafts to remember your time in this beautiful country. One option that is quite popular is Utamadumi Craft Center, known for a wide selection and fixed prices.  Another great option is Spinner's Web, which has many rooms of fixed price crafts, along with a cafe on site.

+ Our Dining Recommendations

There is no shortage of incredible food in Nairobi to suit any taste. Here are just a few of the many great options:

• To try all-you-care-to-eat Kenyan nyama choma (barbeque), Carnivore Restaurant is one of the most popular places. Perhaps a bit touristy, but for good reason. 

• For sushi lovers, Inti offers a modern Japanese/Peruvian fusion menu at the top of the One Africa building. Great ambiance and eclectic desserts that never disappoint. 

• For art lovers looking for an African fusion menu, beit e selam offers great options and indoor/outdoor seating.

• For a great outdoor seating area and one of Nairobi's best steak and cocktail menus, check out Ankole Grill in Kitisuru. 

• A little further out, but definitely worth the drive, try Cultiva, a proper farm-to-table restaurant with a diverse menu and the freshest ingredients grown right on site. 

• Want more options close to where you are in Nairobi? Check out REAC Lisa's Nairobi Suggested Restaurant Google map to see suggestions closest to you.

First Time in Kenya?

Nyama Choma (barbeque), Ugali (maize porridge; the national dish of Kenya); Sukuma wiki (sauteed spinach with tomatoes and onions), Kachumbari (A salad of diced onion, tomato, and parsley) are some regional favorites and definitely worth a try.

Nairobi in particular also has incredible Indian food options, due to a large Indian Kenyan population and a wide variety of delicious international cuisines.

Money and Credit Cards:

Visa is widely accepted. That said, we recommend having cash on hand if shopping at Maasai Markets or purchasing from street vendors. Small tips are also appreciated. (Tipping in Kenya is typically 10%, small change ~200 KES or $1-$2 U.S. dollars are appreciated for support with baggage, etc.) 

Using Cell Phones:

T-Mobile works in well in Kenya for users with an international plan. SIM cards are also readily available outside of the airport, in stands near the waiting taxi drivers. 

Visas: 

All U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Kenya. While an e-visa is usually issued within a few days, we strongly recommend that you begin all visa applications as soon as possible. 

Official information can be found at:

• Travel.State.Gov: Kenya

• Embassy of Kenya: Visas

Requirements for visas and/or entry:

• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). All visitors must obtain the eTA before entering Kenya.

• At least 6 months until passport expires.

• Two consecutive blank visa pages in passport.

• Proof of yellow fever vaccination if traveling from an endemic country.

Getting around town:

Uber is inexpensive, ubiquitous, safe and accepts credit cards. Very occasionally an Uber driver will ask for a trip in cash, but you are able to cancel a ride for free for any reason, and get another driver. One cultural difference with Uber etiquette is that drivers will often message or call to ask your destination, and may ask you to cancel the ride if you are not going in the same direction. You can then rebook for free. Bolt is also available, but is known to have lower quality vehicles. 

Taxis are most commonly seen at the airport, where they will take credit cards. Some taxis on the street may only accept cash.  

Where to Print:

The Chapacopy chain has done great work printing materials for HEI visitors. 

Expat Clinics: 

Columbia Africa clinics (Parklands and Lavington locations are both nearby)

Cultural Considerations:

Coastal cities in Kenya have deep Islamic cultural roots, so modest dress is appreciated.