Here is a list of Best Photo Spots in and around Nairobi. Nairobi has a plethora of beautiful and captivating locations that are perfect for a memorable photoshoot. Whether you are a professional photographer, an Instagram influencer, an amateur photographer, a videographer, or a tourist, Nairobi has something for everyone. The city offers awe-inspiring and breathtaking locations that you can capture with your camera or phone.
Here are the top and best of Nairobi’s most Instagram-worthy spots.
Best Photo Spots In Nairobi
Have you ever considered having breakfast with a giraffe and experiencing one of the most gorgeous spots in Kenya? The Giraffe Manor offers a unique and unforgettable safari experience that every traveler should check out. Although this activity is exclusively for those staying overnight at the manor, witnessing these beautiful creatures and capturing photos of them as they roam across the lawns and peer through the windows is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While visitors are not allowed to have direct interaction with the giraffes, visiting this spot is worth it and can even make for a great Instagram story. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness the beauty of Kenya’s wildlife.
The Giraffe Centre is located on Nyumbi Road, off Duma Road in Nairobi’s Lang’ata suburb approximately 15 kilometres from Nairobi city centre. It is a top-rated tourist attraction in Nairobi. The Giraffe Centre was established to conserve the Rothschild species of the Giraffe, which is typically found only in the grasslands of East Africa. With just over 300 left in Kenya, the Rothschild Giraffe is one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies.
The Giraffe Centre was established in 1983 by African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W. Kenya), an NGO that was founded in 1979 by the late Jock Leslie-Melvill. Since then, the centre has seen many different species of giraffes coming up in its precincts. Visitors can partake in the main attraction of the centre and feed the giraffes from a raised observation platform and if you are lucky, even kiss one or a photo bomb.
The Kenyan railways played a significant role in shaping Nairobi into the beautiful city it is today. At this museum, visitors can explore exhibits showcasing trains and photographs documenting the challenges faced during the development of the railway system. Begin by visiting the indoor exhibition before venturing outside to admire the stunning trains against picturesque backdrops. One of these trains even appeared in the famous American film, “Out of Africa.” Visitors are welcome to climb aboard the locomotives and take photos. This historic safari spot offers tourists a truly fascinating experience
4. African Heritage House
Located in Mlolongo, just outside Nairobi, is the home of the most beautiful African art collection. Owned by Alan Donovan, an American architect and designer, this stunning exhibition house not only offers modern amenities and beautifully decorated rooms for overnight stays but also day tours and delicious Kenyan meals. Utilizing a combination of beautiful African architectural styles, this spot should be a must-see for every traveler. It’s also a popular destination for photographers due to its unique pool, gorgeous grounds, and unique artifacts. The structure itself is an architectural masterpiece, and the rooms inside offer insights into the culture and history of various regions across Africa. The house overlooks the Nairobi National Park, where guests can view wildlife from their balcony or enjoy a rooftop meal while taking in the stunning landscape.
Kitengela Glass, a delightful haven for glass art, sculptures, and mosaic pathways, is situated near the renowned Nairobi National Park. Visitors can enjoy swimming, and horse riding, and even attend glass mosaic classes. The location is truly enchanting with its colourful lights, crushed ice furniture, and stunning chandeliers, making it perfect for capturing that ideal Instagram photo.
6. David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is located at KWS Central Workshop Gate, Magadi Road, Nairobi. This Elephant Nursery is situated next to Nairobi National Park and provides a refuge for orphaned baby elephants that have been rescued from various parks and reserves in Kenya. Visiting this orphanage is a fantastic opportunity to witness the rescue and rehabilitation of young elephants that have been injured or abandoned by their mothers, and eventually released back into the wild. The orphanage operates sustainably and ethically and is actively involved in local anti-poaching initiatives. Visitors can observe the babies from a safe distance behind a rope, but there are also opportunities to sponsor an elephant and have one-on-one interaction with your adopted baby, offering you some serious photo potential for the “gram”
7. Nairobi Street Kitchen
Nairobi Street Kitchen along Mpaka Road, Westlands, is the city’s latest entrant in the food business. What makes it stand out is that it’s a collective of 11 restaurants that cater to an array of palates, each with quirky installations that are seemingly right out of the pages of Willy Wonka’s playbook. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by some Ankara seats with a pink backdrop. The rest of the space offers tantalizing images you’ll be eager to post on Instagram. If you’re looking for Instagrammable restaurants, this is it.
8. Ngong Hills
Ngong Hill is a great place to unwind and connect with nature. It has far-reaching views over the Rift Valley, Nairobi National Park, Mount Suswa, and the Nairobi skyline. On a good day, you can see both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya from the Ngong Hills. Nature hikes, hiking, cycling, team building, horseback riding, picnics, camping, archery, and zip-lining are all popular activities here. The Kenya Forest Service is in charge of maintaining the forest, and to enter, you must pay an entrance fee at the gate of Kshs 232 per adult and Kshs 58 per child.
9. Ferris Wheel, Two Rivers Mall
Africa’s largest Ferris Wheel is located at Two Rivers Mall in Ruaka, Nairobi, offering riders spectacular panoramic views of Nairobi City. Dubbed ‘Eye of Kenya, the 60-metre tall amusement park-style attraction is held together by its crisscrossing steel beams. The ‘Eye of Kenya’ consists of 40 fully enclosed cabins each sitting up to six passengers who are taken 60 metres above the ground in the safety and comfort of the full circle ride.
The Ferris Wheel has gifted Ruaka its most eye-catching landmark. By the way, the wheel was designed as a key highlight of the mall’s theme park which includes quad bikes and a waterpark. The Ferris Wheel rotates slowly but constantly, allowing riders to get on and off without stopping and also offering an excellent opportunity to snap some photos for the gram. At Two Rivers Mall, the ride takes about 17 minutes costing Kshs 500 per person.
10. Karura Forest
This is a one-of-a-kind urban upland forest on the northern side of the city. It neighbours premium suburbs including Muthaiga, Gigiri, and Runda. Karura Forest has just about everything you will ever need to make your photos beautiful and memorable. A lush green reserve welcomes you and as you move further into the forest there will be waterfalls, a beautiful lily lake, and a wide variety of local wildlife, plus caves all of which could turn your magnificent photo shoots into another sweet adventure.
The Karen Blixen Museum, located just 10 kilometres from Nairobi’s city centre, used to be a farmhouse that has now been transformed into a museum. Its traditional architecture from the early 19th century gives it a unique personality. The serene environment is complemented by an indigenous forest and tranquil garden, set against the scenic backdrop of the Ngong hills. Visitors may even spot a few giraffes, making for a picturesque experience. The museum nature trail offers sneak peeks at tree hyraxes and is a haven for birdwatchers, with plenty of birds living here. It’s important to mention that this location was featured in Oscar-winning films like ‘Out of Africa’.
12. Toi Market
Located in Nairobi’s Kibra neighbourhood, the Toi Market is a labyrinth of shops and stalls selling everything from foods and plants to new and secondhand clothing and every type of accessory. Shopping at the market allows you to support local businesses and artisans. Leisurely browse the many shops and be sure to snap a photo at one of the many stalls selling beautiful, colourful African fabric.
If you want a uniquely attractive place near Nairobi CBD the Nairobi Safari Walk is your best bet. You probably know it for the nature trails but beyond that is a surrounding complete with all the splendor nature has to offer. The views are amazing complete with wildlife in the background, and here you have a chance to create memories as you do a nature walk on wooden paths.
14. KICC Rooftop
The 28-story building is located along Harambee Avenue in the city centre of Nairobi. The KICC rooftop is one of the coolest tourist spots to visit, along with the famous Giraffe Centre to snap some photos for the gram. This panoramic view has become a favourite among photographers and filmmakers who frequently use this location for shooting documentaries.
The KICC rooftop which also doubles as a helipad provides a 360-degree picturesque panoramic view of the city centre and its horizons. Take the elevator to the KICC rooftop, unless you feel up for the challenge of climbing stairs. You will ascend the elevator to the 26th floor before using the stairs to reach the 28th floor. This is the top floor. The helipad is at the very top, where you will then ascend a short flight of stairs.
15. Chyulu Hills National Park
Found in Makueni County, this park was described as the Green Hills of Africa by Hemingway Ernest, an American author, and travellers can enjoy various adventurous activities here. One can go hiking, view Mt. Kilimanjaro from the park, bird watching, and go horse riding. Its volcanic scenery is captivating, and adventure lovers can enjoy taking photos as they experience the park’s beautiful nature.
Make your Instagram followers green with envy when you take pics at the lush green Nairobi Botanical Gardens. The little-known strip of green space is nestled between the Nairobi National Museum building & Nairobi River and has well-maintained lawns, a memorial garden, wooden figurines, benches, and an orchid house, and best of all, It’s free to access.
