Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a unique city and one of the most important in East Africa.
Check out the city’s various markets, offering everything from fruit and vegetables to souvenirs and endless amounts of inexpensive, second-hand clothing.
Nairobi’s modern shopping centres, supermarkets, and malls offer western cuisine and sell everything your heart desires. The streets are sprinkled with many cafés, restaurants, bars, and clubs, so you’ll always have somewhere new to try. Nairobi also has a great music scene where you can check out events all year round – there’s always plenty to do in this city!
For a small entrance fee, visit the KICC (Kenyatta International Conference Centre) and enjoy the breath-taking view over the capital’s business and city centres.
Nairobi’s National Museum is also worth a visit. Besides its regular collection, the museum hosts special exhibitions from time to time and has a lovely garden to stop for a coffee or snack.
Take time to explore some of Nairobi’s city parks. Uhuru Park, adjacent to the city’s business district, is definitely worth a visit, as is Nairobi National Park. Who wouldn’t want to experience a safari tour with a sky-scraper backdrop!?
If you want to take a day trip, the Kitengela Glass workshop, located just outside the city, is a great option and is easily reachable by matatus (minibus). See how glass is melted and shaped into colourful creations, admire the workshop’s various sculptures, and take a break in its cute café.
Stay in the city in a six-bed dorm for just €13 per night.
Naivasha
Take a bus for €3 per person and head to Naivasha.
Located northwest of Nairobi, in Nakuru County, the town offers several large, white greenhouses to explore and see the many herbs and flowers. The main event is definitely the roses which are grown and cut here for export. This green, beautiful, calm, and relaxing town stands in direct contrast to Nairobi, which is more vibrant and (admittedly) rather loud.
Lake Naivasha – an absolute must see – is also nearby. Take a boat tour to meet hippos and pelicans in their natural habitat or grab a bite at a local restaurant on the lakeside to sample some freshly caught fish and enjoy the view.
Naivasha’s two other highlights are Hell’s Gate National Park and Crescent Island. Rent a mountain bike and explore the park yourself to see different animals, such as giraffes and elephants, and enjoy nature in all its glory. The trails aren’t too long, but make sure you have enough food and water with you. There are also various rock formations to check out on foot.
Crescent Island is also home to various animals and is ideal to explore on foot, as it’s not very big. Take some snacks, have a picnic, and, if you’re lucky, a giraffe might pass by while you’re eating!
Stay in Naivasha in a four-bed dorm for €15 a night.
Kisumu
Your backpacking trip is far from over: take a bus (€15) from Naivasha to Kisumu, where even more attractions await you. Kisumu, the provincial capital of Nyanza, is the third largest city in Kenya and is located in the west of the country. Don’t miss this port city’s unique and incredibly beautiful views of Lake Victoria. Dunga Beach, bustling with local fisherman, is also worth checking out.
Kisumu offers several markets, such as the Masai Craft Market, where you can buy locally made handicrafts that make for great souvenirs. There are also loads of supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants featuring delicious dishes from Kenya and abroad – so be sure to come hungry.
Stay in the city centre where a single room could cost just €11 per night.
Nanyuki
Hop on a bus for €14 and head to your next stop: Nanyuki.
Nanyuki is Laikipia County’s capital and has approximately 50,000 inhabitants. Located at an altitude of almost 2,000 meters at the foot of Mount Kenya, this city is a great place to start a hike up the mountain. There’s also a safari park where you can observe various wild animals from your car.
For a great night’s sleep, stay in one of Nanyuki’s hotels where a double room will cost you €40 per night.
Mombasa
Say goodbye to Nanyuki and go to your final destination: Mombasa. The city can be reached by bus or by train for €14.
Mombasa is the country’s second most populated city, as well as Mombasa County’s capital, and is the most important port city, as it lies on the Indian Ocean.
The city’s beautiful beaches are the perfect spot to stop and relax. Have breakfast on the beach, read a book or get moving and go diving or kitesurfing!
Haller Park is on the north side of the city and is a great place to admire various tropical plants and animals, such as crocodiles, hippos, and giraffes. If you want to get a closer look at these impressive reptiles, there’s also a crocodile farm nearby.
Mombasa has a wide variety of restaurants and an exciting nightlife that have something to offer for everyone. This city will definitely be the highlight of your trip, so enjoy it to the fullest.
Spend the night in a hostel offering a six-bed dorm for €13 per night.
From Mombasa, drive back to Nairobi by train for €9. Spend a couple more days there before your flight back home.
Travel to Kenya and experience a vacation filled with amazing sights and breath-taking nature! What are you waiting for?
