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Your Nairobi Visitor Guide

Everything you need to plan your trip — from visas and accommodation to the best of Nairobi.

Visa & Entry Best Hotels Explore Nairobi
Travel Essentials

Visa & Entry Requirements

Kenya operates an e-Visa system for most nationalities. Apply online before you travel — no embassy visit required for most visitors.

Important Notice

Kenya introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in January 2024, replacing the previous e-Visa for most nationalities. All visitors (except EAC citizens) must obtain an ETA before arrival. Always verify requirements with the official Kenya ETA portal or your nearest Kenyan embassy.

EAC Citizens
Visa Free Entry

Citizens of East African Community member states — Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC, and Somalia — may enter Kenya without a visa.

  • No ETA required
  • National ID accepted at border
  • Up to 6 months stay
ETA (E-Visa)
Most Nationalities

The Electronic Travel Authorisation is Kenya's single-entry online system for most international visitors. Apply at least 3 business days before travel.

  • Cost: USD 34.27 per person
  • Valid: 90 days single entry
  • Processing: 3–5 business days
  • Apply at etakenya.go.ke
Apply for ETA
Documents Needed
Prepare in Advance

Gather these documents before starting your ETA application to ensure a smooth process:

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Return or onward travel ticket
  • Hotel booking confirmation
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate
  • Proof of sufficient funds
Health Requirements
Vaccinations & Health

Kenya has specific health entry requirements that travellers must be aware of before departure:

  • Yellow fever cert required (if arriving from endemic country)
  • Malaria prophylaxis recommended
  • COVID-19: no current restrictions
  • Travel insurance strongly advised

How to Apply for Your ETA

1
Visit the Official Portal

Go to etakenya.go.ke — the Government of Kenya's official Electronic Travel Authorisation website. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees.

2
Create an Account & Fill the Form

Register with your email address, then complete the online application form with your personal details, travel information, and passport data.

3
Upload Required Documents

Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio-data page, passport photo, return ticket, and hotel booking. Ensure all documents are clear and legible.

4
Pay the ETA Fee

Pay USD 34.27 via credit/debit card or mobile money. Keep your payment receipt — you will need it at the border if asked.

5
Receive & Print Your ETA

You will receive your approved ETA by email within 3–5 business days. Print a copy and carry it alongside your passport when travelling.

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Flying into Nairobi?

Most international delegates will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), approximately 18 km from The Edge Convention Centre. The airport is served by major airlines including Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and many more.

  • JKIA to The Edge Hotel & Convention Center: approx. 25–40 min drive
  • Uber, Bolt & Taxify available at airport
  • Currency exchange & ATMs at arrivals
  • Local SIM cards available at airport (Safaricom, Airtel,Telkom)
JKIA Airport Info
Where to Stay

Best Hotels Near The Edge Hotel & Convention Center

Carefully selected hotels within easy reach of the venue, ranging from budget-friendly to five-star luxury.

Mombasa Road   ~3 km from venue
Eka Hotel Nairobi
★★★★
4.5 · 6,570+ reviews

A modern 4-star hotel on Mombasa Road with spacious rooms, excellent dining, and reliable event facilities. Consistently praised for friendly staff and great value.

🍽 Restaurant 🏊 Pool 💪 Gym 🅿 Parking 📶 Free Wi-Fi
Map Book Now
Bellevue, Off Mombasa Road   ~4 km
The Boma Nairobi
★★★★
4.5 · 5,481+ reviews

A stylish boutique-style hotel popular with business travellers. Known for outstanding dining at Johari Restaurant and consistently warm service.

🍽 Restaurant 🏊 Pool 🅿 Parking 📶 Free Wi-Fi
Map Book Now
Mombasa Road   ~4 km
The Panari Hotel
★★★★
4.4 · 7,605+ reviews

A large, full-service hotel near JKIA with multiple restaurants, an ice skating rink, and extensive conference facilities. Ideal for delegates arriving by air.

🍽 Restaurant 🛍 Shopping 🅿 Parking 📶 Free Wi-Fi
Map Book Now
Ole Sereni Hotel Nairobi
Mombasa Road, Nairobi   ~3 km
Ole Sereni Hotel
★★★★★
4.5 · 4,000+ reviews

A luxurious 5-star hotel overlooking Nairobi National Park, offering a unique blend of urban sophistication and wildlife views. Ideal for business and leisure travelers seeking elegance, comfort, and exceptional service.

🦁 Park Views 🍽 Fine Dining 🏊 Infinity Pool 💆 Spa 📶 Free Wi-Fi
Map Book Now
South C   ~1 km from venue
La Maison Royale – South C
★★★
4.4 · 338+ reviews

The closest hotel to The Edge Hotel & Convention Center, making it the most convenient option for delegates. Comfortable, clean rooms at an accessible price point.

🍽 Restaurant ♿ Accessible 🏋 Gym 🅿 Parking 📶 Free Wi-Fi
Map Book Now
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Booking Tips
  • Book early — June is peak conference season in Nairobi
  • Mention KSEC 2026 for possible group/conference rates
  • Check Booking.com, Agoda, or the hotel website for best rates
  • Uber & Bolt are reliable for transport from any Nairobi hotel
Search All Hotels
Beyond the Conference

Top Attractions in Nairobi

Make time to experience "The Green City in the Sun" — from wildlife safaris to cultural landmarks and vibrant food scenes.

Nairobi National Park 🦁 Wildlife 4.5
Nairobi National Park

The world's only national park within a capital city. Just 10 km from the CBD, spot lions, rhinos, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species against a dramatic city skyline backdrop.

6:00 AM – 6:30 PM 10 km from CBD Fees apply
Get Directions
Giraffe Centre Nairobi 🦒 Nature 4.6
Giraffe Centre

Get nose-to-nose with the endangered Rothschild giraffe at this beloved conservation centre. Feeding giraffes by hand from a raised platform is an unforgettable experience for all ages.

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Lang'ata, Nairobi Entry fee applies
Get Directions
Safari Walk 🦓 Safari 4.4
Nairobi Safari Walk

A guided boardwalk safari through three distinct ecosystems — savannah, forest, and wetland. See lions, cheetahs, rhinos, and hippos up close at the KWS-managed facility.

8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Lang'ata Road KWS fees apply
Get Directions
National Museum Kenya 🏛 Culture 4.5
National Museum of Kenya

Trace Kenya's rich history from prehistoric hominid fossils to contemporary art. Home to stunning exhibits on East African culture, wildlife, and the independence movement told from a Kenyan perspective.

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Kipande Road, CBD KES 1,500
Get Directions
Karura Forest 🌳 Nature 4.6
Karura Forest

Escape into one of Nairobi’s largest urban forests, offering scenic walking and cycling trails, tranquil waterfalls, caves, and diverse birdlife. A peaceful green sanctuary ideal for outdoor recreation, photography, and relaxation.

6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Limuru Road, Nairobi Entry fee applies
Get Directions
Nairobi Food Scene 🍖 Food & Nightlife 4.7
Nairobi Food & Nightlife

From the legendary Carnivore Restaurant with its nyama choma feasts, to rooftop bars in Westlands, Nairobi's food and nightlife scene is vibrant and world-class.

Varies by venue Westlands / Karen Various price ranges
Carnivore Restaurant
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Getting Around

Uber and Bolt are the safest and most convenient way to move around Nairobi. Matatus (minibuses) are adventurous but navigating them requires local knowledge.

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Money & Payments

M-Pesa mobile money is widely accepted. Major hotels and malls accept credit cards. Keep some KES cash for local markets and smaller establishments.

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June Weather

June is part of Kenya's cool dry season — expect 18°C–24°C with little rain. Pack a light jacket for evenings. Nairobi's climate is pleasantly mild year-round at 1,795 m altitude.

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Safety Tips

Nairobi is a major city — stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuables in public, and use reputable transport apps. Conference hotels are in safe areas.

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