10 Reasons Why Nairobi, Kenya, Should Be Your Next Adventure

Many travelers relish the idea of going on an African safari. However, a proper African safari can cost thousands of dollars. A visit to Nairobi, Kenya, can be significantly less expensive and still offer safari-themed experiences that the whole family would enjoy.

Nairobi offers the opportunity to see African wildlife, interact with some of the animals, enjoy nature, and learn more about African culture and history. Nairobi is also an excellent destination for dining, especially for meat lovers, and shopping, offering a wide selection of ecofriendly, locally produced items.

Best of all, the sights and experiences of Nairobi are conveniently available in the city or nearby.

Here are my top 10 reasons for visiting Nairobi, along with tips on how to offset your travel expenses with points and miles.

1. You Can Use Points and Miles To Offset the Cost

Offsetting your transportation and lodging costs by using credit card rewards helps make your holiday more affordable.

Traveling to Nairobi, Kenya, from any part of the U.S. is possible using points and miles. Here are some of the options when utilizing rewards to book flights to Nairobi.

Based on the results using Roame for flights to Nairobi from the U.S., we found more than 100 flights available by transferring points to frequent flyer mileage programs or using miles directly with the airline.

Here are some flights we found for traveling one-way in economy class from the U.S. to Nairobi:

• Redeem 18,462 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points to fly Air France from New York (JFK) to Nairobi (NBO) via Paris (CDG).
• Redeem 24,231 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points to fly Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways from JFK to NBO via London (LHR).
• Redeem 40,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles to fly Qatar Airways from the U.S. to NBO via Doha (DOH).

Perhaps you would prefer to fly in business class to Nairobi. The following are some options to consider for booking a one-way business class flight using points and miles:

• Redeem 78,000 Avianca LifeMiles to fly Lufthansa from Houston (IAH) via Frankfurt (FRA) to NBO.
• Redeem 88,000 United MileagePlus miles to fly United Polaris from Newark (EWR) via Addis Ababa (ADD) or Toronto (YYZ) to NBO.
• Redeem 90,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles to fly Qatar Airways Qsuite from Los Angeles (LAX) via Doha (DOH) to NBO.
• Redeem 105,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points to fly Etihad from Chicago (ORD) via Abu Dhabi (AUH) to NBO. You can even add a stopover in AUH.

The prices above do not include any applicable taxes and fees.

Hot Tip:

Nonstop flights from the U.S. to Africa are scarce. However, Kenya Airways has a direct nonstop flight from New York (JFK) to Nairobi. You can learn more about these flights and how to use miles and transferable rewards points to fly to Africa in our comprehensive article on the topic.

We like earning transferable rewards that can be used to book premium flights. Here are 2 of our favorite cards that fit perfectly in this category.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express has the potential to be one of the most valuable cards you’ll ever hold. The card earns valuable and flexible Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to airline partners, allowing you to book award flights. Additionally, the card offers the best airport lounge access benefits.

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel^® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel^®.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, with over $500 of annual value if you visit Centurion Lounges and each of our partner lounges including Delta Sky Club^® lounges when flying an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations) , select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and enroll in Priority Pass Select. See terms.
• A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card^®.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Reserve^® earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points and offers some of the best travel insurance benefits available.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.

100,000 points + $500 Chase Travel credit

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

2. You Can Book Hotels With Loyalty Points

Using hotel loyalty points to secure lodging in Nairobi is a sure way to save money on your visit. Fortunately, there are several hotels where you can book award nights using your loyalty points or free hotel night certificates.

Marriott

The JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi offers luxury full-service accommodations in a convenient location. The hotel, which receives stellar reviews, can be booked for 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for a standard room.

The Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham offers access to Nairobi’s shopping venues and is about 3 miles from the city center. Rooms start at 16,500 points per night.

Trademark Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels, and Tribe Hotel, Nairobi, a Member of Design Hotels, offer convenience for international visitors to the Gigiri area, home to the United Nations and several embassies. Rooms are available from 22,000 points at the Trademark Hotel and from 37,000 points at the Tribe Hotel.

When you need an airport hotel, the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport offers a convenient and affordable option. The hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle service. Rooms start at just 25,000 points per night.

Hilton

The DoubleTree by Hilton Nairobi Hurlingham offers a convenient location near Nairobi’s shopping venues and just 3 miles from the city center. The hotel also has an outdoor pool. Rooms can be affordably booked with points, starting at just 25,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport is 10 minutes from the city center and 5 1/2 miles from Nairobi National Park. You can arrange a free airport shuttle in advance. Rooms start at 25,000 points per night.

The Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton, is near Karura Forest, where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. The city center is about 4 1/2 miles away. Standard rooms start at 40,000 points per night.

Hemingways Nairobi, an SLH Hotel, is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is near all the wildlife attractions in Nairobi. Suites have balconies and incredible views. Book rooms from 100,000 points per night.

Hyatt

Hyatt has 3 properties in the Westlands area of the city close to shopping, parks, and wildlife venues. The Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands is a full-service luxury hotel. Check out this comprehensive review for everything you need to know about the hotel. Rooms start at 6,500 World of Hyatt points per night.

The newly opened Hyatt House Nairobi Westlands offers spacious 1-bedroom and studio suites. Along with the adjoining Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands, both properties offer complimentary breakfast and are within easy reach of prime shopping centers. Rooms start at just 3,500 points per night.

Our favorite card for earning rewards that are transferable to World of Hyatt is the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card. We like that the card has a lower annual fee than most premium travel rewards cards yet offers elevated earnings, flexible redemption options, and excellent travel insurance.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel^SM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel^SM
• 10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

IHG

The Fairview Hotel Kenya is a historic classic hotel situated in a lush area of the city center. It receives good reviews and returning customers. Rooms start at 19,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

With an outdoor pool and direct access to the mall, the Holiday Inn Nairobi Two Rivers Mall also offers day-use packages. The hotel is perfect for a long layover or a business meeting. You can book rooms starting from 18,000 points per night.

If you require a stay near the airport, the Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport may be a suitable choice, as it is just a 5-minute drive away. The hotel has a complimentary shuttle, day rates, a spa, and a fitness center. Standard rooms start at 25,000 points per night.

Hotel rates for each of these examples are the lowest off-peak rates available, sourced directly from each hotel’s website. Actual rates may vary based on booking dates.

3. There’s an African Game Park Next to the City

One of the most thrilling attractions in Nairobi is the wildlife. Fortunately, you won’t have to travel far as the birds and animals are all within minutes of the city.

Nairobi is the only city with a national game park right outside its city center. Nairobi National Park is approximately 5 miles away, which is around 20 to 30 minutes by car. At the park, you’ll find dozens of species of wildlife, including lions, leopards, rhinos, crocodiles, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, and zebras.

You can book safaris in half or full-day sessions that include hotel pickup. A 5-hour safari drive tour costs as low as $50 per person, depending on the group size. You can also combine a tour of the park with other Nairobi wildlife experiences.

4. There’s a Baby Elephant Orphanage

Within Nairobi National Park is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust baby elephant orphanage. Baby elephants who have lost their mother, been held captive, injured, or separated from their mother for other causes are nursed back to health at the center.

The orphanage is open to the public daily at 11 a.m. for viewing. You can meet the babies and witness their feeding time. After feeding time, the babies take a mud or dust bath and play.

For a minimum $50 donation, you can participate in the Orphans’ Project and adopt a baby elephant. The contribution helps feed and care for the baby of your choice. You receive a written profile of the elephant, an adoption certificate, a watercolor portrait, and a newsletter.

It is essential to make reservations in advance, as walk-in visitors are not accepted. Entry is $20 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Guests must also pay Nairobi National Park entry fees, so consider including the orphanage as part of your safari day.

5. Giraffe Feeding

If you’ve never fed a giraffe, perhaps it’s time to try the experience. At the Giraffe Centre, you have the opportunity.

The Giraffe Centre is a refuge and education center for the saving and breeding of the once-endangered species of Rothschild giraffes. The center, managed by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, educates the country’s youth on wildlife conservation and provides the public an opportunity to engage with the giraffes.

As the world’s tallest animal, feeding, touching, and observing this incredible creature is a remarkable experience you shouldn’t miss while in Nairobi. Adult tickets are around $12, and children are around $6.

Hot Tip:

If you’ve seen images from Giraffe Manor dominate your social feeds but don’t want to pay upwards of $2,500 per night for the experience, the Giraffe Centre shares the same roaming giraffes at a fraction of the cost.

6. Meeting the Maasai

Getting to know the people of Nairobi and their culture can significantly enhance your visit. While you’ll encounter the friendly people of Nairobi daily, there are additional experiences to expand your knowledge.

The Masai are a semi-nomadic tribe known for their vibrant, predominantly red clothing, traditions, dances, and dependence on their cattle. They possess a rich and fascinating culture and history.

Spending a day with the Maasai is a unique experience. It’s possible to visit a Maasai home, cook a basic meal with them, sing and dance, participate in crafts, help milk one of their goats, and see a livestock market. While their lives are changing, learning about the Maasai helps keep their culture alive.

You can book an immersive Maasai experience while in Nairobi via Viator.

7. Kibera Slums

Seeing African wildlife is undoubtedly unique, but other types of experiences in Nairobi can help you delve deeper into the culture.

During my last visit to Nairobi, I toured the Kibera slums. While not for the faint of heart, visiting the neighborhood is an experience everyone should have.

Our first stop was the cinema, where admission was approximately $0.20. Inside, there were a few benches and a 15- or 20-inch TV with a VCR.

The local hair salon was a simple operation with just 1 chair.

Small fruits and vegetables stands were scattered throughout the slums, as were charcoal shops, latrines, a shower center, food stands, and other simple businesses. I also visited a Sunday Mass under a tent.

The slum tour was not a formal, organized tour, but one I arranged with a college student who was trying to earn money. He accompanied me from the city center by public bus. You can book a more structured tour on Viator.

8. Karen Blixen Museum

If you’ve read the books or seen the movies “Out of Africa” or “Babette’s Feast,” you’ll know who Karen Blixen is. A Danish author and a Kenyan settler from 1914 to 1931, she is celebrated for her literary work, which taught the world more about Africa’s incredible wildlife, landscapes, and people.

The Karen Blixen Museum is on her former coffee farm and serves as a tribute to her life and her love for the country.

Hot Tip:

You can book any of these experiences with Viator. Viator utilizes local travel providers and does not charge cancellation fees.

9. It’s a Carnivore’s Dream

If you enjoy eating meat, Nairobi will be paradise. Here are a few options.

Carnivore restaurant is a popular spot for an endless array of grilled meats, including ostrich, crocodile, beef, pork, lamb, organ meats, and more. The meat is delivered to your table on a skewer, and you can eat as much as you like. Roadhouse Grill is another choice for meat lovers.

The Urban Eatery offers a more balanced, bistro-style menu suitable for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.

10. Ecofriendly Shopping

Nairobi is the perfect place to secure one-of-a-kind handcrafted items. Nairobi artists are also experts at recycling everyday items into works of art.

Items to look for include hand-carved Kenyan masks, textiles, soapstone and wood carvings, paintings, handmade beads and jewelry, and pottery.

Check out the Maasai Market near the Supreme Court for incredible handmade textiles, jewelry, and more. For other handcrafted goods, visit the Kizuri Bead Factory & Pottery Centre and local flea markets.

Final Thoughts

Nairobi may not be at the top of your bucket list, but it is certainly a destination worth visiting. It’s rare to find a city that offers such a wealth of unique experiences that you can enjoy in a short amount of time.

The city can also be a good family destination where kids can learn about wildlife preservation, nature, and other cultures.

Because Nairobi offers numerous ways to use miles and points to save on flights and lodging, the city can also be an affordable destination.