Nairobi guide
🇰🇪 Packing List
What to pack for Nairobi
In August, Nairobi is typically mild, light rain possible (11°C - 22°C). Pick the month you travel and the list changes with it.
Nairobi essentials
- Smart-casual outfits (skip gym wear for dinners)
Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Return / onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance policy
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Passport-size photographs (2-4)
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- Casual day outfits
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light jacket for evenings
- Compact umbrella
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
- Thermal base layers
- Warm mid-layers (fleece or wool)
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Eat at established restaurants. Avoid street food unless busy and freshly cooked.
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- Power adaptor: Type G plugs (UK style), 240V.
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Local currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES) / USD sometimes accepted
Local know-how
- Local SIM: Safaricom (M-Pesa!), Airtel. Buy at airport.
- Pocket tissues: some island toilets are squat-style or limited
- Overcharging tourists
- Peak season in August: keep bags zipped and don't flash jewellery
- August highlights: Great Migration peak; Peak safari season
Trip gear
- Binoculars