Nairobi is Kenya's vibrant capital city and a major hub for East Africa, blending modern skyscrapers with abundant wildlife right at the city's edge. It is the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, where lions and giraffes roam against a backdrop of the urban skyline. Known as the 'Green City in the Sun,' Nairobi offers world-class dining, diverse culture, and serves as the gateway to Kenya's legendary safari destinations.
Nairobi requires a higher level of vigilance than most capital cities due to crime and terrorism risks. However, millions of tourists visit safely each year by following basic precautions, staying in safe neighbourhoods and using reputable transport.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise increased caution in Nairobi. Violent crime including mugging, carjacking and opportunistic theft is common in the CBD and certain suburbs. Terrorist attacks targeting public places have occurred. Stay alert in public and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime and terrorism. Nairobi requires increased vigilance due to violent crime and the ongoing threat of terrorism.
Do Not Travel
Some parts of Kenya near the Somali border are on a 'do not travel' advisory. Nairobi itself requires general caution with specific high-risk areas in certain suburbs.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Always use Uber, Bolt or Little Cab instead of hailing taxis on the street — app-based rides are GPS-tracked and much safer
Avoid walking in downtown Nairobi CBD after dark; stick to major hotels and restaurants accessible by car
Do not display expensive jewellery, watches, cameras or phones in public, especially in crowded areas
Stay in safe neighbourhoods — Westlands, Karen, Gigiri, Kilimani and Muthaiga are the most secure areas
Keep your car windows up and doors locked when driving through the city, especially at traffic lights
Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash and valuables; carry only what you need for the day
Be vigilant in busy markets, bus terminals and the CBD where pickpocketing is common
Avoid walking after dark in any area without adequate street lighting — even in Westlands
Keep a photocopy of your passport and travel insurance documents separately from the originals
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels unsafe, leave immediately and don't hesitate to raise the alarm
Register with your country's embassy on arrival for emergency notifications
Be aware of the ongoing risk of terrorism in Nairobi — avoid large gatherings if there is a security alert
Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks unless you are certain of the water source
Don't accept food or drinks from strangers as spiking incidents have been reported in Nairobi nightclubs
When visiting Nairobi National Park, always remain in your vehicle unless at designated walking areas
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxis at the airport and tourist sites quote inflated rates to unsuspecting travellers
How to avoid: Always use Uber, Bolt or Little Cab apps; if using a taxi, negotiate and agree the fare before entering the vehicle
Fake Maasai guides
Men dressed as Maasai warriors in tourist areas offer 'free' guided tours then demand large payment
How to avoid: Only use guides booked through reputable tour companies or your hotel concierge
Money changing scams
Unofficial money changers on the street offer good rates then shortchange or provide counterfeit notes
How to avoid: Only exchange currency at licensed forex bureaus, banks or use ATMs
'Gem' investment scams
Friendly strangers befriend tourists and eventually try to sell 'rare gems' or involve them in fake investment schemes
How to avoid: Be wary of overly friendly strangers who quickly try to establish a business relationship
Bogus charity workers
People claiming to collect for local charities approach tourists for donations then pocket the money
How to avoid: Donate only to registered NGOs or established charities, not street collectors
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Recommended vaccines: Yellow Fever (required from some countries), Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, Malaria prophylaxis strongly advised for most parts of Kenya
- Water
- Tap water not safe to drink; use bottled water or a reliable filter; avoid ice in drinks at local establishments
- Food
- Eat at reputable restaurants; avoid raw salads at street stalls; peel all fruit before eating
- Facilities
- Nairobi has good private hospitals including Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi Hospital and MP Shah Hospital; medical care for serious conditions is good at private facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Nairobi can be safe for solo travellers with proper precautions. Stay in recognised safe areas, use reputable transport, join group tours rather than going alone to unfamiliar areas, and always inform someone of your plans. Solo female travellers should take extra precautions at night.
Female travellers
Female solo travellers can visit Nairobi safely with normal precautions. Dress modestly in more conservative areas, avoid walking alone at night, and use trusted transport apps. Harassment can occur in crowded areas and clubs — be assertive and leave if uncomfortable. Stick to safe neighbourhoods and trust your instincts.
Families
Nairobi is a popular family destination with good facilities at the major hotels and attractions. Children are very welcome in restaurants and at tourist sites. The main concern is traffic safety — always use child-safe transport. Avoid the CBD for family activities and focus on Karen, Westlands and Gigiri areas.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relations are illegal in Kenya and can result in imprisonment. LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise extreme discretion as public displays of affection are not advisable. Violence against LGBTQ+ individuals occurs and hate crimes are underreported. There is a small discreet LGBTQ+ community in Nairobi but public visibility is very low.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 999 or 112
- Medical
- 999 (general) or +254 20 366 2000 (Aga Khan Hospital)
- Embassy
- Check your country's embassy website for Nairobi contact details; most major embassies are in Gigiri
- Tourist Police
- +254 20 604 767 (Tourist Police Unit)