3 days in Nairobi: a day-by-day itinerary
Short answer (updated October 2026): Spend day one on a dawn game drive in Nairobi National Park, then the Sheldrick elephant nursery at 11:00 and the Giraffe Centre. Use day two for Karen and the city centre: Karen Blixen Museum, KICC rooftop, City Market. On day three, take a Lake Naivasha day trip or keep a slow Nairobi day.
The plan at a glance
Wildlife first, city second, and a flexible third day. That order puts the national park on your freshest morning and keeps a spare day if rain or traffic pushes anything back.
| Day | Morning | Midday | Afternoon and evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1: wildlife | 05:00 pickup, game drive from 06:00 | Sheldrick elephant nursery, 11:00 to 12:00 | Giraffe Centre, then rest at the hotel |
| Day 2: Karen and the city | Karen Blixen Museum | Lunch in Karen or the CBD | City walk: KICC rooftop, City Market, Jamia Mosque; Westlands for dinner |
| Day 3: your choice | Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate day trip, or Nairobi National Museum | Boat ride or museum gardens | Maasai Market (check the day's venue) and an easy evening |
Day 1: Nairobi National Park, baby elephants and giraffes
Start with a 05:00 pickup so you reach the gate when it opens at 06:00. Spend the morning looking for lion, rhino, buffalo and giraffe with the city skyline behind them, then see the orphaned elephants at 11:00 and feed giraffes after lunch.
On a weekday, the whole day is one booking: the Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick and Giraffe Centre tour from $75 or KSh 6,000 per person, with pickup in Westlands, Kilimani and the CBD. If you prefer your own vehicle and pace, take the private half-day game drive at $300 per group and add the two visits.
- 05:00 Hotel pickup. Bring a warm layer for the open roof.
- 06:00 to about 10:30 Game drive: forest, plains and dams. See what animals you can see.
- 11:00 to 12:00 Sheldrick elephant nursery, booked in advance with the Trust.
- After lunch Giraffe Centre in Lang'ata, open 09:00 to 17:00.
- Evening Early night. The 05:00 start catches up with you.
Day 2: Karen and central Nairobi
Begin in Karen at the Karen Blixen Museum, the farmhouse behind Out of Africa, then head into the CBD for the KICC rooftop view, City Market and the colonial-era streets. Finish with dinner in Westlands or Kilimani.
A guided Nairobi city walking tour takes about three hours and makes sense of the CBD's history, from Parliament to the markets. Bring photo ID for the KICC security check. The full list of city attractions, with times and tips, is on things to do in Nairobi.
Day 3: a Rift Valley day trip or a slow Nairobi day
For more nature, drive about two hours to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride among hippos and a cycle or walk in Hell's Gate. For a gentler day, visit the Nairobi National Museum and Snake Park, then the Maasai Market and a relaxed dinner.
The Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate day trip leaves early to beat the Rift Valley traffic and returns in the evening. Curious about Maasai culture? A Maasai village visit near Nairobi can fill this day instead.
If your three days include a weekend
The weekday 3-in-1 tour runs Monday to Friday only. On a Saturday or Sunday, join the weekend Land Cruiser game drive from KSh 4,500 or $55 per person, and move Sheldrick and the Giraffe Centre to a weekday.
See the weekend game drive, which meets at Kencom in the CBD at 05:00. Landing at JKIA with only a day? The layover tour shows what fits in 6, 8 and 12 hours.
Fees to budget for
Tour prices cover transport, guide and the drive. Entry fees are paid separately: Nairobi National Park $80 for a non-resident adult, Sheldrick $20, Giraffe Centre KSh 1,500. Kenyan citizens pay KSh 1,000, KSh 2,000 and KSh 400.
Use the cost calculator for your group, and pay the park fee on KWSPay before the day.
Tips for three days in Nairobi
- Put the park on your first free morning. If rain closes in, you still have two days to move it.
- Traffic decides Nairobi days. Keep each afternoon in one area: Lang'ata and Karen together, the CBD together.
- Book the Sheldrick visit early. The public hour fills.
- Keep valuables in a front pocket in the CBD and use registered taxis or ride apps after dark.
- Check the best time to visit for seasonal packing.
Want us to book your three days?
Send your dates, hotel and interests. We confirm the game drive and help with the rest.
3 days in Nairobi FAQ
Is 3 days enough for Nairobi?
Yes for the highlights. Three days covers a dawn game drive, the Sheldrick elephants, the Giraffe Centre, Karen, the city centre and either a relaxed third day in town or a day trip to Lake Naivasha.
What should I do first in Nairobi?
The national park, on your first free morning. Mornings are best for wildlife and the plan has a spare slot if weather or traffic gets in the way.
Can I do the park, Sheldrick and Giraffe Centre in one day?
Yes, Monday to Friday, on our weekday 3-in-1 tour. The Sheldrick public hour is 11:00 to 12:00, so it slots in after the game drive.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
Westlands, Kilimani or the CBD keep pickup included on the weekday tour. Karen and Lang'ata are closest to the park. See where to stay in Nairobi.
Related pages
Book this safari
Send the date, the group, and the pickup. We confirm availability on WhatsApp or email, with the tour price and the park fees to budget. See our deposit and cancellation policy.