Nairobi's most established backpacker hostel in the Milimani area, offering dormitory and private rooms, a lively common room with a pool table, a garden bar and excellent safari booking assistance.
Nairobi Backpackers is one of the city's most established budget accommodation options, located on Milimani Road in the Milimani area, a tree-lined residential neighbourhood approximately 3 kilometres south-west of the Central Business District. The hostel has a long history of welcoming independent travellers and backpackers to Kenya and serves as a dependable launchpad for overland journeys across East Africa.
The property offers a mix of dormitory beds and private rooms, with dormitories typically configured as 4 to 8-bed mixed or female-only options. Private rooms provide simple but adequate space with basic bedding and towel service included. All accommodation is maintained to a clean standard.
The social heart of Nairobi Backpackers is its garden bar and common room, which features a pool table and serves cold beers and basic food throughout the day and evening. The garden is particularly lively during evenings and is a natural meeting place for travellers comparing notes on safari experiences, transport options and regional destinations from Ethiopia to Tanzania. A shared kitchen allows self-catering between meals.
The hostel's safari desk is a particularly valued resource: staff assist guests in comparing and booking budget safari packages from a range of operators serving the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo and other Kenyan national parks. The experience and local knowledge available at the desk is invaluable for first-time visitors to Kenya planning independent wildlife travel without the resources of a full-service travel agency.
The Milimani area is quiet and residential, providing a calmer experience than staying directly in the CBD. The location is served by matatus and taxi routes, and the hostel is straightforward to reach from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport using ride-hailing apps. The hostel's long-standing reputation attracts a steady mix of solo travellers, couples on tight budgets and overlanders based in Nairobi for multiple nights.
Amenities
- wifi
- bar
- garden
- shared kitchen
- safari desk
- lockers
Location
Milimani Road, Nairobi
-1.2944, 36.8027 View on map
Highlights
- Established Nairobi hostel with experienced safari desk for planning Kenya national park trips
- Garden bar and common room with pool table — social hub for independent and backpacker travellers
- Mix of dormitory and private rooms in quiet Milimani neighbourhood near the CBD
- Shared kitchen for self-catering and budget-friendly stay management in Nairobi
Tips for visiting
- Use the hostel's safari desk to compare multiple operators before booking a Masai Mara trip — prices and inclusions vary significantly.
- Book private rooms well in advance during peak season (July–October for Masai Mara wildebeest migration) as these fill first.
- The Milimani neighbourhood is safe and residential — standard night-time precautions still apply when walking to or from the hostel.
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt) are the safest and most transparent way to travel between the hostel and the CBD or airports.
- Ask staff about walking tour options sometimes coordinated for guests arriving in Nairobi for the first time.
Accessibility
Nairobi Backpackers is a budget hostel with limited dedicated accessibility features. The property is not well suited for guests with significant mobility impairments, as dormitory and bathroom facilities are not configured for wheelchair access.
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Frequently asked questions
What type of accommodation does Nairobi Backpackers offer?
The hostel offers dormitory beds in 4 to 8-bed rooms (mixed and female-only options) and private rooms with shared bathrooms. Bedding and basic towels are included.
Can the hostel help with booking a safari from Nairobi?
Yes, the on-site safari desk is one of the hostel's most valued services, helping guests compare and book budget safari packages to the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo and other Kenyan parks from vetted local operators.
Is Nairobi Backpackers suitable for solo female travellers?
The hostel has female-only dormitory options and is generally considered safe and well-managed. As with any budget accommodation, normal precautions apply, and the hostel staff are available to advise on safe areas and transport.
How do I get from JKIA airport to Nairobi Backpackers?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is approximately 18 kilometres from Milimani. Uber and Bolt are available at the airport and the journey costs approximately KES 700–1,200 and takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.