Nairobi, Kenya

• Nairobi sits at 5,500 feet elevation, which keeps temperatures mild year-round (60-75°F). The city mixes modern downtown skyscrapers with sprawling suburbs, and yes, there's actually a national park at the edge of the city where you can see lions and giraffes. Most people use it as a base for organizing safaris to Maasai Mara and other parks rather than as a destination itself.
• Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. The northern and western suburbs (Westlands, Karen, Kilimani, Gigiri) have decent infrastructure and security. Downtown and eastern areas are considerably riskier. Street crime is common enough that you need to be alert - don't walk around with your phone out, don't wear jewelry, and definitely don't walk anywhere after dark, even in the safer areas.
• Forget about public transport. Matatus (local minibuses) are cheap but crowded, chaotic, and have issues with harassment. Just use Uber, Bolt, or Little Cab for everything - they're affordable ($3-10 for most rides) and you can share trip details with someone. The ride-hailing apps are the standard way visitors get around.
• English is widely spoken in upscale areas and tourist spots. There's a good café scene, with decent coffee shops where eating alone is normal. Restaurants in the safer neighborhoods cater to internationals and locals alike, though expect to pay premium prices in areas like Westlands and Karen.

English and Swahili are official. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, and upscale neighborhoods. Learning basic Swahili helps - 'Jambo' (hello), 'Asante' (thank you), 'Hakuna matata' (no problem). The 1195 gender violence hotline has Swahili, English, and local language speakers.

• Dress modestly outside tourist areas. Long pants or skirts below the knee, tops that cover shoulders. Revealing clothing gets more attention than you want.
• Greetings matter here. Say 'Jambo' (hello) or 'Habari' (how are you) before asking for anything. People are generally friendly and helpful.
• Ask before photographing people, especially in markets. Some will want a small tip for photos.
• Keep valuables hidden. Don't walk around with your phone out or wear expensive jewelry. Carry minimal cash - M-Pesa (mobile money) is widely used if you can set it up.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services: 999. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Use Uber, Bolt, or Little Cab for all transportation. They're affordable ($3-10 for most rides), the drivers are tracked, and you can share trip details with someone. This is what visitors and expats use.
• Don't use matatus (shared minibuses). They're cheap but packed, drive erratically, and harassment is common. More than half of women surveyed have witnessed harassment on public transport.
• Walking during daylight is okay in upscale areas like Westlands, Karen, and Kilimani - stick to main streets and keep your phone hidden. After sunset, take a car everywhere, no exceptions. Night walking isn't safe even in the better neighborhoods.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Nairobi with local guides and curated experiences.