Where to Stay in Nairobi 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map

Nairobi is East Africa's safari gateway and a bustling capital of 4+ million. Most visitors pass through en route to the Maasai Mara or Amboseli, but the city offers unique wildlife experiences including lions against city skylines. Accommodation splits between safari-style lodges in leafy Karen/Langata and business hotels in Westlands. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood.

Editor's Pick for First-Timers

Karen

Safari lodge atmosphere with wildlife encounters (Giraffe Centre, nearby elephant orphanage), safe and secure environment, beautiful gardens, and reasonable access to both CBD attractions and Nairobi National Park. Perfect gateway for safari-focused visits.

Safari & Luxury

Karen

Business & Modern

Westlands

Budget & Culture

Nairobi CBD

Wildlife Access

Langata

Diplomatic & Secure

Gigiri

Mid-range & Local

Kilimani

Quick Guide: Best Areas

Karen: Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, upscale safari lodges, leafy estates
Westlands: Shopping malls, international restaurants, business hotels, expat hub
Nairobi CBD: National Museum, budget hotels, authentic city experience, transport hub
Kilimani / Hurlingham: Residential calm, local restaurants, mid-range hotels, expat neighborhood
Langata: Nairobi National Park gate, elephant orphanage, safari preparation, wildlife access
Gigiri: UN headquarters, diplomatic zone, upscale hotels, secure environment

Things to Know

  • • Downtown CBD after dark - seriously dangerous for walking
  • • Eastlands areas (Eastleigh, Mathare, Kibera) - no tourist infrastructure
  • • River Road area - known for crime even during day
  • • Public transport (matatus) can be risky - use Uber or hotel transport

Understanding Nairobi Geography

Nairobi sprawls from the CBD outward with wealthy suburbs (Karen, Langata, Gigiri) to the west and south. The CBD is the commercial core but not ideal for tourists. Westlands is the modern expat hub north of CBD. Traffic is notoriously bad - location relative to your activities matters greatly.

Main Districts CBD (commercial), Westlands (modern/expat), Karen (colonial/safari), Langata (wildlife), Gigiri (UN/diplomatic), Kilimani/Hurlingham (residential), South B/C (avoid).

Accommodation Map

Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.

Best Neighborhoods in Nairobi

Karen

Best for: Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, upscale safari lodges, leafy estates

$65+ $162+ $432+
Luxury
Safari Luxury Nature Families

"Colonial-era suburb with expansive gardens and wildlife encounters"

45 min to CBD (traffic dependent)
Nearest Stations
Private transport / Uber
Attractions
Giraffe Centre Karen Blixen Museum Kazuri Beads Elephant orphanage (nearby)
5
Transit
Low noise
Very safe, gated properties with security. Use trusted transport.

Pros

  • Close to attractions
  • Peaceful setting
  • Safari lodge atmosphere

Cons

  • Far from city center
  • Car essential
  • Limited nightlife

Westlands

Best for: Shopping malls, international restaurants, business hotels, expat hub

$54+ $130+ $324+
Mid-range
Business Shopping Dining Modern amenities

"Modern commercial district with international feel and upscale malls"

20 min to CBD
Nearest Stations
Matatu to CBD
Attractions
Sarit Centre Westgate Mall International restaurants UN Complex (nearby)
7
Transit
Moderate noise
Safe commercial area. Stick to malls and hotels at night.

Pros

  • Modern amenities
  • Good restaurants
  • Safe area

Cons

  • No tourist attractions
  • Traffic congestion
  • Generic feel

Nairobi CBD

Best for: National Museum, budget hotels, authentic city experience, transport hub

$27+ $76+ $194+
Budget
Budget Culture Local life Museums

"Bustling African capital with colonial architecture and urban energy"

Central location
Nearest Stations
Central bus station Railway station
Attractions
Nairobi National Museum KICC Tower City Market Kenyatta Avenue
8
Transit
High noise
Safe during business hours. Avoid walking after dark - use Uber.

Pros

  • Central location
  • Museum access
  • Budget options

Cons

  • Safety concerns
  • Congested
  • Not for evening walks

Kilimani / Hurlingham

Best for: Residential calm, local restaurants, mid-range hotels, expat neighborhood

$43+ $108+ $238+
Mid-range
Mid-range Local life Quiet Extended stays

"Pleasant residential area with tree-lined streets and local eateries"

15 min to CBD
Nearest Stations
Matatu routes Uber
Attractions
Junction Mall Local restaurants Near Yaya Centre
6.5
Transit
Low noise
Safe residential area. Standard precautions after dark.

Pros

  • Safe
  • Local feel
  • Good value

Cons

  • No attractions
  • Need transport
  • Quiet

Langata

Best for: Nairobi National Park gate, elephant orphanage, safari preparation, wildlife access

$54+ $140+ $378+
Mid-range
Safari Wildlife Families Nature

"Gateway to wildlife with safari lodges and conservation centers"

40 min to CBD
Nearest Stations
Private transport
Attractions
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Nairobi National Park Bomas of Kenya Carnivore restaurant
4
Transit
Low noise
Safe area but isolated - stay in secure accommodations.

Pros

  • Wildlife access
  • Peaceful
  • Safari lodge options

Cons

  • Far from city
  • Car essential
  • Limited dining

Gigiri

Best for: UN headquarters, diplomatic zone, upscale hotels, secure environment

$86+ $194+ $486+
Luxury
Business Diplomatic Luxury Security

"International diplomatic zone with high security and upscale amenities"

30 min to CBD
Nearest Stations
Private transport
Attractions
UN Complex Village Market Rosslyn Riviera Mall Karura Forest
5.5
Transit
Low noise
Highest security in Nairobi due to diplomatic presence.

Pros

  • Very secure
  • UN proximity
  • Quality hotels

Cons

  • Sterile feel
  • Far from attractions
  • Expensive

Accommodation Budget in Nairobi

Budget

$38 /night
Typical Range: $32 – $43

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$76 /night
Typical Range: $65 – $86

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$194 /night
Typical Range: $167 – $221

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Our Top Hotel Picks

€ Best Budget Hotels

Wildebeest Eco Camp

Langata

★ 8.5

Eco-friendly camp with tents and dorms near Carnivore restaurant. Safari atmosphere on a backpacker budget with helpful trip planning.

Budget travelersSolo travelersSafari planners
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Nairobi Tented Camp

Nairobi National Park

★ 8.9

Unique tented camp inside Nairobi National Park with wildlife literally outside your tent. City skyline meets safari experience.

Wildlife loversUnique experiencesPhotography
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€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels

The Boma Nairobi

Hurlingham

★ 8.6

Modern hotel with African-inspired design, excellent restaurant, and professional service. Good value business-class option.

Business travelersValue seekersModern comfort
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House of Waine

Karen

★ 9

Boutique guesthouse in converted family home with beautiful gardens, personalized service, and Karen attractions steps away.

CouplesGarden loversBoutique experience
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Ole Sereni Hotel

Nairobi National Park border

★ 8.7

Hotel overlooking Nairobi National Park where you can watch zebras and giraffes from your room or pool. Safari views without leaving the city.

Wildlife loversFamiliesUnique views
Check Availability

€€€ Best Luxury Hotels

Giraffe Manor

Langata

★ 9.8

World-famous manor where endangered Rothschild giraffes join you for breakfast through the windows. Bucket-list accommodation booked months ahead.

Once-in-a-lifetimeWildlife loversInstagram dreams
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Hemingways Nairobi

Karen

★ 9.4

Plantation-style luxury with impeccable service, acclaimed restaurant, and Karen Blixen-era atmosphere. Old Africa elegance.

Classic luxurySpecial occasionsHistory lovers
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Fairmont The Norfolk

CBD (Harry Thuku Road)

★ 9.1

Nairobi's historic grande dame since 1904 where safaris began. Colonial grandeur, beautiful gardens, and Lord Delamere Terrace tradition.

History buffsClassic luxuryCentral location
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Tribe Hotel

Gigiri

★ 9

Contemporary African design hotel near UN with art gallery, rooftop pool, and modern sophistication. Best business luxury.

Design loversBusiness travelersModern luxury
Check Availability

Smart Booking Tips for Nairobi

  • 1 Most visitors stay 1-2 nights as safari bookends - don't overplan city time
  • 2 Book elephant orphanage visits (11am only) in advance - limited capacity
  • 3 Safari high season (July-October) sees higher Nairobi prices too
  • 4 Many safari lodges include airport transfers - coordinate timing
  • 5 Uber works well in Nairobi - essential for getting around safely
  • 6 Confirm if hotel includes breakfast - important for early safari departures

Why you can trust this guide

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Jan Krenek

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Nairobi?
Karen. Safari lodge atmosphere with wildlife encounters (Giraffe Centre, nearby elephant orphanage), safe and secure environment, beautiful gardens, and reasonable access to both CBD attractions and Nairobi National Park. Perfect gateway for safari-focused visits.
How much does a hotel cost in Nairobi?
Hotels in Nairobi range from $38 per night for budget accommodation to $76 for mid-range and $194 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Nairobi?
Karen (Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, upscale safari lodges, leafy estates); Westlands (Shopping malls, international restaurants, business hotels, expat hub); Nairobi CBD (National Museum, budget hotels, authentic city experience, transport hub); Kilimani / Hurlingham (Residential calm, local restaurants, mid-range hotels, expat neighborhood)
Are there areas to avoid in Nairobi?
Downtown CBD after dark - seriously dangerous for walking Eastlands areas (Eastleigh, Mathare, Kibera) - no tourist infrastructure
When should I book a hotel in Nairobi?
Most visitors stay 1-2 nights as safari bookends - don't overplan city time

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