Is Nairobi expensive to visit?
Nairobi is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Nairobi can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $52 (KES6,737) per day, mid-range travelers spend $68 (KES8,741) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $105 (KES13,493) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Nairobi.
Within Africa, Nairobi is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Durban or Agadir.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Nairobi Expensive?
A Masai Warrior near Masai Mara National Park
How much money do I need for a trip to Nairobi?
The average Nairobi trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Nairobi travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Nairobi cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Nairobi, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $52 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Nairobi has plenty of hostels, including Nairobi Backpackers Hostel, Jabulani Backpackers Hostels, and Mad Vervet Backpackers Hostel Nairobi. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Nairobi often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $68 per person, per day.
In Nairobi, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. The Heron Portico is a great choice for families, and Eka Hotel Nairobi is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Nairobi.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $105. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the destination, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Layover & Stopover in Nairobi Private Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Nairobi
Hotel prices in Nairobi can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $76 up to around $142. From $39 for budget options to $308 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Nairobi for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $23 (KES2,999). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $12 (KES1,499) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Nairobi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Nairobi include:
- The Heron Portico starting at $28
- Wildebeest Eco Camp starting at $31
- Hotel Troy Nairobi starting at $30
- Town Lodge Upperhill starting at $113
- Longview Suites starting at $72
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of , can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Nairobi
Unfortunately, Nairobi does not provide a solid public transit network.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $11 (KES1,384) per person, per day, on local transportation in Nairobi. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Nairobi is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$11
KES1,384
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Safe and Executive Airport transfer in Nairobi for $40 details
- Airport VIP Transfers - Nairobi Hotels for $55 details
- Airport and Hotel Private Transfers. For $59 details
How much does it cost to go to Nairobi? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Nairobi will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Nairobi, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.
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Taxi from Airport
KES1,200
Food Budget in Nairobi
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Nairobi can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Nairobi is $13 (KES1,679) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$13
KES1,679
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Nairobi is around $13 (KES1679) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $17. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Nairobi are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $4
- Lunch: $2 to $5
- Dinner: $4 to $9
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Nairobi has a large number of budget and mid range restaurants that you can choose from. There are plenty of bars, coffee shops, and cafes around town. There are also restaurants that serve Ethiopian, Chinese, Indian, and Italian food, as well as many other international cuisines. If you're looking for cheap international food head to the Village Market Food Court. Fast food restaurants in the city include Steers, Debonairs, Wimpy, and Galito's.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Nairobi, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Nairobi Nightlife and Safari Park Hotel Dinner Experience for $155 details
- Private Kenyan Cooking Class in Nairobi with a Local for $76 details
- Safari Park Dinner with Safari Cats Dance Show for $91 details
Typical prices for food in Nairobi are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Nairobi. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Nairobi
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Nairobi typically cost an average of $46 (KES5,998) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$46
KES5,998
Nairobi is a modern city with many sights and activities for visitors to enjoy. Nairobi National Park is the world's only game reserve that is located in a major city. Within it you will find zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, lions, cheetahs, and much more. You can also visit the nearby Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. This orphanage raises elephant calves and rhinos that come from all over Africa. The Giraffe Centre is located in Lang'ata and breeds endangered Rothschild giraffe. You can feed the giraffe and enjoy a variety of educational programs. Mamba Village has ostriches and crocodiles and is also worth a visit.
Other interesting sights in and near the city include Lake Naivasha, Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, 14 Falls, the US Embassy Memorial Site, Tana River, the Nairobi National Museum, the National Railway Museum, Nairobi Gallery, Karen Blixen Museum, Bomas of Kenya, Uhuru Gardens, and Jamia Mosque.
The main reason people travel to Kenya is to enjoy a safari. The most popular safari destination in Kenya is Masai Mara and most safaris will take you to this park as well as one or two other parks if time allows. While it will give you peace of mind to organize your safari before you arrive in Kenya, you should understand that you will pay a significant markup this way. If you're more flexible and free spirited, you can arrive in Nairobi and book your safari the same day. There are plenty of operators who will eagerly organize your trip for you. The packages are usually standard and range in length from three to five days, but some trips are as long as two weeks. Refer to your guidebook, which can suggest some reputable companies that can arrange your trip. Most safaris have about five to eight people and you travel in a comfortable minivan. Food and transportation are included, but tips are not.
Other activities within the city include enjoying the city's excellent nightlife, ice skating at Panari, going to a Maasai market or visiting Go-Down Arts Center.
A nice way to explore destinations in Nairobi is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Safari Nairobi National Park in 4*4 landcruiser for $200 details
- Day Tour To Kiambethu Tea Farm in Limuru for $115 details
- Nairobi national park half day tour for $70 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Nairobi, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
At the market in Nairobi, Kenya
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.