Nairobi on a Budget: Eat, Move and Explore for Less

Nairobi can be expensive for visitors who rely on taxis and hotel restaurants, but it is easy to spend less if you travel and eat like a local.

Getting around

• Matatus cost roughly KES 50 to 150 depending on the route and time of day.
• Ride-hailing is cheaper than a street taxi and shows the fare in advance.
• Walk the CBD in the daytime, where sights are close together.

Eating

• Chai and mandazi make a cheap, filling breakfast.
• Local eateries serve a plate of nyama choma, ugali and kachumbari for much less than tourist restaurants.
• Lunch specials are common on weekdays.

Free or nearly free

Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park is generally free, and Uhuru Park in the centre costs nothing to enter. The Maasai Market runs on set days, and browsing costs nothing.