First Time in Nairobi: 12 Things to Know Before You Land

Nairobi is Kenya's capital and East Africa's business hub, sitting at 1,795 metres above sea level. Days are warm, nights are cool, and the city runs on Africa/Nairobi time (EAT, UTC+3, no daylight saving).

Visas, money and SIM cards

• Most visitors need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) applied for online before arrival.
• The currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Cards work in malls and hotels; carry cash for markets and matatus.
• M-Pesa is the main mobile-money service. Safaricom SIM cards are sold at the airport with your passport.

Where to start

Featured placeNairobi National ParkThe world's only wild safari park inside a capital city, with lions, rhinos and giraffes against the skyline.

Featured placeKaren Blixen MuseumThe farmhouse of the author of Out of Africa, set among coffee gardens in the Ngong foothills.

Say "Jambo" (hello) and "Asante" (thank you). Locals appreciate every Swahili word you try.