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Nairobi is not a typical digital nomad hub, but for an experienced traveler willing to step a bit outside their comfort zone it can be a fascinating and rewarding place to stay. It is a dynamic city with incredible access to wildlife, culture, and regional travel. Below are my practical recommendations based on firsthand experience, organized to help you decide if Nairobi is the right fit and how to navigate it effectively if you go.

Where to Stay in Nairobi as a Digital Nomad

Safety is realistically an issue in Nairobi, and where you stay matters. Ideally, you should choose a secure building with controlled access and reliable management. This is not an area where it pays to cut corners. Both power and telecommunications can be spotty, even in otherwise nice apartments. When booking, screen carefully for backup power, reliable internet, and recent reviews that specifically mention connectivity. If possible, confirm details directly with the host rather than relying solely on listings. In terms of neighborhoods, Nairobi is not very walkable in general, so neighborhood choice is more about convenience than charm. I stayed in the Muthangari Drive area and found it worked well. There were a few solid eateries, grocery options, and everyday conveniences nearby that were walkable in the daytime.

Where to Work in Nairobi

I am not usually a coworking fan, but Nairobi was an exception. You may not otherwise run into any other digital nomads because of how spread out the city is. Coworking spaces are also your best option for consistently strong and reliable Wi-Fi. I had a very good experience with Workstyle Africa, which now has multiple locations around the city. The environment was pleasant, connectivity was stable, and the staff were super professional and went above and beyond to be of service.

Getting Around in Nairobi

Uber and Bolt are widely available, inexpensive, and by far the safest way to get around the city. You can use them easily almost everywhere. Boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) are also available through Uber or Bolt, or can be flagged down on the street if you are brave enough to try it. They are fast and cheap, but of course riskier.  The colorful Matatus are a closer to a party bus, and you should definitely check out this scene at least once, even if with a guide. However, this informal rideshare system is not a great bet for regular transport for outsiders as the Matatus are very crowded, do not stick to any schedule, and are not transparent or necessarily consistent about routes.  For trips on the outskirts of the city, for example to the elephant sanctuary, I’d recommend instead negotiating a cash rate for your taxi or rideshare driver to stay and wait for you for the return drive. For day trips, I strongly recommend booking a tour or hiring a car and driver, rather than renting a car. Road conditions can be very poor, signage is inconsistent, and local driving customs are, at best, “interesting.” Having a driver will significantly reduce your stress. If you are on your own it is cost-effective and quite possible to find other travelers with whom to split private transport.

Safety in Nairobi

Petty theft and pickpocketing are very common in tourist areas, including snatch-and-grab incidents. Be vigilant with your phone, bag, and valuables, and avoid wearing ostentatious jewelry, especially in crowded areas and anywhere with drive-by traffic. One safety note that surprises many visitors: do not mess around with the baboons commonly seen along roadsides and near parks. They are aggressive, opportunistic, and not afraid of humans.

Other Nairobi Logistics

Most tourist-oriented places accept credit cards, but you will still need some cash for smaller vendors, tips, and markets. Kenyans generally speak excellent English, but you should expect to be greeted in Swahili first. Even learning a few basic Swahili phrases goes a long way in day-to-day interactions and seems especially appreciated in this culture that was pretty welcoming and friendly to foreigners in my experience. The water is not drinkable. Stick to bottled or properly filtered water at all times. Haggling culture is very prevalent, particularly in markets. A guide is recommended for visiting the massive Maasai Market, particularly if you are interested in shopping but not comfortable haggling. In contrast, Village  Market is more like an outdoor mall and much easier to navigate independently. For day-to-day food and pharmacy delivery, the Glovo app is extremely useful and reliable.

Nairobi requires more planning and situational awareness than many popular digital nomad destinations, but it offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are difficult to match anywhere else. For nomads willing to balance comfort, safety, and bring their curiosity, it can be a memorable and worthwhile base. Stay tuned for a guide to exploring Nairobi and beyond in Kenya!