Book cheap flights to Nairobi

For the best wildlife viewing, visit Nairobi during the dry seasons — June to October and January to mid-March — when animals congregate around water sources and the bush is more open. June to October also coincides with the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration in the nearby Maasai Mara — one of the world’s greatest natural events and easily accessible as a day trip or overnight excursion from Nairobi. The peak tourist season runs from July to October, when the Maasai Mara is at its most dramatic. Book accommodation and safari packages well in advance for this period. The low seasons — mid-March to May and November — bring lush green landscapes, excellent birdwatching, and significantly lower accommodation and flight prices. Some lodges and camps operate at reduced capacity during the heaviest rains, so check ahead. Pack a raincoat if visiting during these months.

South African passport holders may be exempt from visa requirements for short stays in Kenya; however, entry requirements and Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) rules are subject to change. Travellers are strongly advised to check the latest requirements before departure via the official Kenya eTA portal.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Kenya and has sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

We recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance when travelling to Nairobi. Travel insurance can be purchased directly through Travelstart when you book your flight.

South African High Commission in Kenya:

Address: 3rd Floor, Roshanmaer Place, Lenana Road, Nairobi 00100

Phone: 254 709 127 000

Visit your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departing for Nairobi. The following vaccinations are strongly recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Cholera, Rabies, Meningitis, and Yellow Fever (required if travelling from a yellow fever endemic area). Routine vaccinations including MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and influenza should be up to date. Precautions against Zika virus are also advised.

Malaria is a risk in parts of Kenya, particularly outside of Nairobi city itself — if you plan to visit the Maasai Mara, coastal areas, or other rural regions, anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended. Consult your doctor for the correct prescription. Use a high-quality DEET-based insect repellent throughout your trip.

Nairobi has a relatively high urban crime rate, but most visits are trouble-free with sensible precautions. Keep valuables secure and out of sight, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and do not walk alone at night. Be alert to con artists and scammers in tourist areas, and avoid engaging with groups of strangers who approach you uninvited. Use Uber, Bolt, or hotel-arranged taxis rather than hailing unknown vehicles on the street. Travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.

Nairobi offers a wide range of accommodation across several distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character and proximity to key attractions.

Westlands is one of the most popular areas for visitors — a lively, safe neighbourhood packed with restaurants, rooftop bars, shopping malls, and easy access to the city’s business district. Karen — named after Karen Blixen — is a leafy, upscale suburb that feels a world away from the city’s hustle, and is close to the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and Nairobi National Park. Kilimani and Kileleshwa offer excellent mid-range and boutique options. Among the city’s most reputable establishments are the Villa Rosa Kempinski, Hemingways Nairobi, and the Tribe Hotel in Westlands.

Ready to book? Search and book accommodation in Nairobi at Travelstart and find the best deals across all budgets.

Traffic in Nairobi can be heavy, particularly during morning rush hour (07:00–09:00) and evening rush hour (16:30–18:30). Plan journeys accordingly and allow extra time if you have appointments or transfers.

For tourists, Uber and Bolt are by far the most convenient and safe ways to get around Nairobi — both operate extensively across the city, offer transparent pricing, and eliminate the need to negotiate fares. Hotel-arranged taxis are also a reliable option. Avoid hailing unknown taxis on the street.

For a local experience, Nairobi’s matatu (minibus) network is extensive and very affordable — the Double M Commuter Buses, City Hoppa, and Kenya Bus Service are the most reputable operators, with fares ranging from KES 10 to KES 40. Matatus are best suited to confident, independent travellers familiar with the routes.

For day trips to Nairobi National Park, the Maasai Mara, or further afield across Kenya, a reliable vehicle gives you the most freedom. Search, compare, and book a car hire in Nairobi at Travelstart. A 4×4 is strongly recommended for travel to game reserves and rural areas.