Lois Larson
Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a hub for East Africa, with most international flights landing there. The airport is open 24 hours, and offers comfortable lounges, dining options, shops, free mobile charging stations, and free unlimited WiFi. If you have a long layover, you can visit Nairobi's iconic attractions, such as the Giraffe Centre, the city centre, and the National Park, where you can see wild animals like lions, rhinos, and zebras. Nairobi is accessible from the airport by taxi, rideshare services, shuttle bus, Uber, or private transfer. The city offers a unique experience with its blend of wildlife, history, and vibrant city life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | NBO |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Sub-terminals in Terminal 1 | 1A, 1B, 1C, 1E |
| Airport Opening Hours | 24 hours |
| Security Checkpoint Hours | Continuous to support flight schedules |
| Sleeping Areas | No dedicated areas, but a few informal spots with padded benches exist |
| Charging Stations | Free mobile charging stations available on the airside near the gates |
| WiFi | Free and unlimited |
| Safety | Pickpocketing has been reported on the landside |
| Lounges | Pride Lounge, Simba Lounge, Aspire Lounge |
| Attractions Near Airport | Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum, Bomas of Kenya |
| Restaurants | Carnivore Restaurant |
| Hotels | Hemingways Nairobi in the Karen neighborhood |
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What You'll Learn
Explore the city centre and see notable buildings
If you're looking to explore Nairobi's city centre and see its notable buildings, you're in luck, as the proximity of the city's main attractions to the airport makes it easy to explore on a layover. Here are some notable buildings in Nairobi's city centre that you can visit:
Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC)
Perhaps Nairobi's most recognised landmark, KICC stands tall at 105 metres. Built in 1973, this cylindrical structure was designed by Norwegian architect Karl Henrik Nøstvik in collaboration with Kenyan architect David Mutiso. Inspired by traditional African huts, KICC offers a panoramic view of the city from its rooftop.
Times Tower
Completed in 2000, Times Tower rises 140 metres and houses the Kenya Revenue Authority. Showcasing modern architectural design with reinforced concrete, it reflects the strength and growth of Kenya's financial sector. The building is known for its thick walls, strong security protocols, and special reinforcements against earthquakes.
UAP Old Mutual Tower
Completed in 2016, this tower briefly held the title of Kenya's tallest building at 163 metres. Located in the Upper Hill business district, it features a sleek, glass-covered exterior and stunning views over Nairobi National Park.
National Archives Building
Constructed in the early 1900s, the National Archives building in downtown Nairobi holds the Murumbi African Heritage Collection, one of Africa's most significant collections of historical artefacts.
Nyayo House
Located in Nairobi's central business district, Nyayo House is a notable government building with a rich history. It houses several key government offices, including the Department of Immigration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, making it an important hub for processing travel documents.
All Saints Cathedral
All Saints Cathedral is a colonial-era landmark that, together with contemporary buildings, tells the story of a city embracing its past while looking towards the future.
Nairobi's city centre offers a captivating blend of modern architecture and historical landmarks, reflecting the city's vibrant spirit and rich past. Remember to consider the duration of your layover and factor in time for travel to and from the airport when exploring the city.
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Visit the Giraffe Centre
If you're looking for something to do during a layover at Nairobi Airport, a visit to the Giraffe Centre is a great option. The centre is located about 40km or 25 miles from Jomo Kenyatta Airport, and the travel time can vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours due to Nairobi traffic.
The Giraffe Centre is the public side of Giraffe Manor, a hotel where guests can see giraffes from their rooms and dining areas. At the Giraffe Centre, visitors can get up close and personal with the Nubian (Rothschild) giraffes, feeding them and taking photos. The centre provides visitors with giraffe pellets to feed to the giraffes, and there is also a giraffe-level observation tower for great photo opportunities. In addition to the giraffes, there are tame warthogs and a wooded 95-acre nature sanctuary across the road for birdwatching.
The Giraffe Centre is open all year round, and no pre-booking is required. The entrance ticket is 1500 KSH per person, and you will be provided with food to feed the giraffes. The centre also has a small souvenir and gift shop, as well as snacks and drinks available for purchase.
If you're staying at Giraffe Manor, your visit to the platform is included in your stay. If you're staying at another hotel, you can book a driver-guide and private vehicle, or easily reach the centre with an Uber or other ride-sharing app. The centre is about 25 minutes from the city centre.
The Giraffe Centre is a fun and informative experience for all ages, offering the unique opportunity to get up close to these graceful creatures and learn about conservation efforts in Kenya.
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Go on a morning tour of Nairobi National Park
If you're looking for something to do during a layover in Nairobi, a morning tour of Nairobi National Park is a great option. The park is just a short drive from the city centre, and you can spot lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras, all with the city skyline in the background.
The tour starts with a pick-up at 6 am from your hotel, apartment, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After paying the entry fees, you'll be on your way to an adventure-filled morning. The early morning is a good time to spot predators as they hunt for breakfast. While lions, cheetahs, and leopards might be harder to see, an experienced tour guide will know where to look. You'll also see herbivores like zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and gazelles in abundance.
The tour lasts about 5 hours, ending at 11:30 am, giving you plenty of time to explore the park and see the wildlife. You'll follow wildlife tracks and search for lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, ostriches, hippos, white and black rhinos, and other animals. You'll also visit attractions like the Ivory Burning Site Monument and take a guided walk along the hippo pool trails.
The park is unique, as it's one of the few national parks located within a capital city, offering a rare opportunity to see wild animals with the city as a backdrop. Nairobi National Park is Kenya's oldest park, established in 1946, and has acquired the nickname 'Kifaru Ark' due to its success as a rhinoceros sanctuary, with the world's densest concentration of black rhinoceros.
After the tour, you can head to Java House in the city centre for breakfast and enjoy some quality Kenyan coffee.
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Eat at Carnivore Restaurant
If you're looking for a unique dining experience near Nairobi Airport, look no further than Carnivore Restaurant. Carnivore is a legendary, iconic restaurant that has twice made the list of the world's 50 best restaurants by Restaurant Magazine. It offers an all-you-can-eat meat experience, with a variety of grilled meats and African-inspired dishes. The restaurant is owned by Martin Dunford of the Tamarind Group and was opened in 1980, inspired by the Rodízio concept of Brazilian churrascaria steak houses.
The decor at Carnivore is indoor/outdoor, with tropical plants and streams weaving around the tables. A giant roasting pit near the entrance is covered with traditional Maasai swords, laden with various meats, from chicken wings and spare ribs to lamb, and different cuts of pork and beef. For those feeling adventurous, there are options such as camel, crocodile, kidney, and mutura, a local sausage made from cow or goat meat, tripe, and seasoned with onions, salt, pepper, and chilli. The meat is served in rounds, with waiters bringing different cuts and varieties directly to your table.
In addition to the meat feast, Carnivore also offers a vegetarian menu, signature cocktails, gardens, a playground for children, and an African heritage gallery. The atmosphere is lively and casual, making it a great spot to unwind and enjoy a memorable dining experience. The restaurant is located on Langata Road in Nairobi, Kenya, near Wilson Airport.
If you're considering a visit to Carnivore during a layover in Nairobi, it's important to plan your time accordingly. With a short layover of 2-3 hours, you may prefer to stay at the airport and explore the comfortable lounges, dining options, and shops. However, if you have a longer layover of 6-8 hours, you'll have enough time to venture out and enjoy a meal at Carnivore, along with visiting other nearby attractions such as the Giraffe Centre or the city centre. Nairobi is accessible from the airport by taxi or rideshare services, with a travel time of around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
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Relax in a lounge or pay for a spa treatment
Nairobi Airport (NBO) has a range of lounges and spa treatments to help you relax and unwind during your time at the airport. Lounges are a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the main terminal, offering a tranquil environment with comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, and entertainment.
Aspire Lounge
The Aspire Lounge at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is open to all guests departing from the airport, regardless of class or airline. It offers a wide selection of complimentary food and drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. You can enjoy freshly made snacks, local Kenyan salads, and hot drinks. The lounge also has TV screens for entertainment and flight information, as well as free and unlimited WiFi. The lounge has a relaxed dress code, but guests are asked to refrain from wearing sportswear.
Kenya Airways Premium Lounges
The Kenya Airways premium lounges offer an upscale travel experience with a warm African touch. The lounges provide a serene and world-class environment, with an expansive circular layout overlooking the airside. Guests can enjoy interactive live cooking and freshly prepared culinary dishes while taking in the picturesque view of taxing, landing, and pushback activities of various aircraft. The lounge also features a business experience centre with Samsung tabs and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Pride Lounge
The Pride Lounge is located in Terminal 1A, Airside, near gate 17 on the second floor and is open 24 hours. It offers pay-per-use access with showers available.
Simba Lounge
The Simba Lounge is located in Terminal 1A and is open from 5:00 am to 12:00 am. It offers pay-per-use access.
Spa Treatments
If you're looking for a more indulgent experience, Nairobi Airport also has spa treatments available. The Sheri Palm Spa, located in Terminal 1A, offers a range of treatments, including showers at a rate of $20. Nearby hotels and resorts also offer spa services, such as massages, facials, body scrubs, and hot stone treatments, providing relaxation and rejuvenation for travellers. These spa resorts are easily accessible and highly rated by travellers for their modern facilities, professionalism, and reasonable prices.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular ways to get from the airport to the city are by taxi, shared shuttle bus, Uber, or private transfer.
Nairobi Airport has comfortable lounges, dining options, shops, art on display, and spa treatments.
Yes, Nairobi Airport offers free unlimited WiFi. You will need to connect to the “NBO Free WiFi” network and register with your email.
There are free mobile charging stations on the airside near the gates, as well as in public areas.
If you have a long layover, you can visit some of Nairobi's attractions such as the Giraffe Centre, the city centre, or Nairobi National Park. If you have an overnight layover, you can stay in one of the city's hotels and visit nearby wildlife parks.
