8 Best Local Experiences in Nairobi

What Nairobi is known for? Kenya’s main city, Nairobi, is a thriving city with a diverse population, a wealth of tourist attractions, and a rich cultural legacy. Nairobi provides attractions for all kinds of tourists, including vast national parks and lively street markets. Nairobi has much to offer, no matter your interests—wildlife, history, or just taking in the local way of life.

A specific set of tourists desires for more genuine experiences in Nairobi. They don’t want to join the crowds who visit tourist attractions every day and return to their hotels in the evening. They wish to get a true local’s experience in Nairobi. What would we suggest? Here is a wonderful starting point for those who seek a more local experience and are bored of the usual touristy things.

Interesting Kenya Statistics

1. Kenya, with around 53.8 million people, is one of the ten most populous countries in Africa.
2. This number is expected to almost double by 2050, bringing the total population of the nation to 92.6 million.
3. Kenya’s population is made up of more than 40 unique native tribes.
4. In Kenya, there are over 1.1 million foreign migrants, and there are about 490 thousand refugees or asylum seekers.
5. Kenya had a GDP of ca. US$109.4 billion in 2021.

Top Local Experiences in Nairobi You Must Explore

Now let’s get started and discover some of the best local experiences in Nairobi.

1. Get on a Matatu

Nairobi’s Matatus are small buses that serve the city’s many locations as public transport. Some feature large TV screens, loud music, and noisy touts. If you are someone who has never utilised this type of public transport before, it will be a truly novel experience.

However, use caution if you ride a matatu in Nairobi. Certain matatu drivers have a reputation for driving wildly and ignoring other drivers. Before you ride, find out which routes are safe for visitors.

2. Try Grilled Maize

Are you planning Nairobi trips? If you haven’t had grilled maize mixed with salt and chilli, you can’t say you’ve experienced Nairobi like a local. One of the most popular snacks that local vendors in Nairobi sell is this one. To give the maize a flavour that the people adore, it is roasted over fire and seasoned with a little lemon.

3. Enjoy Kenyan Street Food

Kenyan cuisine is served in a wide range of hotels and restaurants and is unique to anything else in the world. You’ll be craving for more after dishes like Ugali, Githeri, Sukuma Wiki, or African Chapatis made by the Swahili. You must not be surprised to know how most of the Kenyan food is starch oriented.

4. Savor Nyama Choma

If you haven’t had some delicious Nyama Choma, you can’t claim to have explored Nairobi like a local. This is just sliced grilled meat on a cutting board with kachumbari, a blend of tomatoes, onions, and other veggies. Ask a local to tag along; Nairobi has a lot of restaurants that are renowned for serving the best Nyama Choma.

5. Visit the Maasai Market

Visit the Maasai Market for plenty of locally made items if you truly want to bring home souvenirs for your family and friends. You’ll get to see various shops where you can get wood carvings, antiques, and even African apparel to look like a local. It is one of the best places to explore in Nairobi.

6. Enjoy a Football or Rugby Match

What to do in Nairobi for 3 days? Rugby and football are two sports that Kenyans love. Try to get to one of the well-liked stadiums for a local football game. In addition, you can enjoy a global match in Nairobi by watching it on TV in a pub or restaurant. Get to know the locals and enjoy yourself.

[Suggested Read: Top 8 Cultural Things to do in Nairobi & Where to Stay]

7. Shop at Gikomba Market

One of Nairobi’s largest local markets for used apparel is the Gikomba Market. Many people are digging through huge bundles of clothes and negotiating with sellers here. For residents looking for cheap used clothes, this is one of their primary shopping spots.

However, exercise extra caution and travel with someone who is familiar with the Gikomba market region. The chaos makes it simple to get lost, and some areas may be quite exhausting.

8. Discover Nairobi’s Vibrant Nightlife

What to do in Nairobi for a day? When the weather is nice, Nairobi’s nightlife can be highly entertaining. For advice on the newest hotspots, you can ask a local, depending on the type of crowd you like. Nairobi has clubs with a wide variety of music. Nairobi offers a wide variety of options, whether you’re seeking for a quiet place to listen to jazz music or a louder population that prefers rap music.

Where to Stay for Local Experiences in Nairobi

Emara Ole-Sereni is among the top Nairobi five star hotels. Being one of the best hotels near JKIA and Wilson Airport, our hotel offers unmatched services and amazing views of the Nairobi National Park. It offers a great base for exploring the city and local experiences in Nairobi. Our best Concierge services in Nairobi will help you plan all kinds of local adventures you must see.

[Suggested Read: Ultimate Guide to the Best Concierge Services in Kenya]

Rooms & Suites: Our hotel offers 148 rooms and suites, all designed with comfort and elegance in mind. Each accommodation features modern amenities like Wi-Fi access, Smart TVs and more.
Dining: Emara Ole Sereni features multiple dining options, including Acacia Restaurant for best buffets, and Oasis Bar for unmatched cocktails, Karibu Café for French delicacies – all of which overlook Nairobi National Park, providing a unique dining experience. The In-room dining offers special choices for your culinary enjoyment 24/7.
Relaxation: Our hotel has a beautiful outdoor pool and Duma Spa & Salon, where you can unwind and rejuvenate after a day of exploring Nairobi. You can also take in the stunning views of the city and the park from various vantage points within the hotel.
Meetings & Events: Emara Ole Sereni provides high-tech facilities like audio-visual equipment, fast Wi-Fi and more for business travellers. Host a business meeting, wedding, conference etc. with the best décor, unmatched service and amazing catering. You can also host a party at Sky Lounge Nairobi with signature cocktails and Insta-worthy views of the city and Nairobi National Park.

Safety and Security: Our hotel prioritizes the safety and security of its guests, with security personnel and surveillance systems in place.

Local Experiences: Looking for unique excursions in Nairobi? Take a tour of Kazuri Beads Factory, visit the Maasai Market, and other lesser known places like a local. Our expert knowledge comes from real experiences that we have built over the years with the feedback of our guests and local guides.

Contact us for more information on local experiences in Nairobi and unique Nairobi activities, close to Emara Ole-Sereni hotel.

8 Best Local Experiences in Nairobi