Attraction
Nairobi National Park
Kenya's first national park, created in 1946, where lions, black rhinos and giraffes roam open grassland within sight of the Nairobi skyline.
Nairobi National Museum
Kenya's flagship museum on Museum Hill, covering human origins, wildlife, birds and the country's history, with botanic gardens and a snake park in the grounds.
At a glance
- Type
- National museum of natural history and culture
- Area
- Museum Hill, Nairobi, Kenya
- Opening
- Open daily · 08:30–17:30
- Official site
- museums.or.ke
Good to know
- Botanic garden
- Nature trail
- Snake park and aquarium
- Shop
- Café
- Group night tours
Why we recommend it
The Nairobi National Museum is the headquarters of the National Museums of Kenya and the best single introduction to the country. Its roots go back to the East Africa Natural History Society, which set up a museum and library in 1911. The present museum opened on Museum Hill in September 1930 as the Coryndon Museum, took its current name after independence and reopened in 2008 after a major renovation that modernised the galleries.
The permanent galleries move from deep time to the present. Cradle of Humankind covers early human ancestors and Stone Age tools, reflecting Kenya's importance in the study of human origins. Story of Mammals and the bird gallery give a good overview of East African wildlife before or after a safari. History of Kenya follows the country through the colonial period to independence, while Cycles of Life, a numismatic exhibition on currency and banking, and the Asian African Heritage exhibition add social history. The museum also holds paintings by Joy Adamson of Kenyan communities in traditional dress.
The grounds are worth time of their own. A botanic garden with a nature trail offers a quiet walk, and the Nairobi Snake Park, opened in 1961, sits beside the museum with venomous and non-venomous snakes, crocodiles, tortoises and an American alligator that arrived in 1967. Its aquarium shows freshwater fish from Kenyan lakes and rivers, fish from Lakes Malawi and Tanganyika, and marine life from the Indian Ocean. There are also places to eat and shop on site.
The museum opens every day from 08:30 to 17:30, including weekends and public holidays. Allow two to three hours to see the main galleries properly, and more if you add the Snake Park. Organised groups of ten or more can book evening tours between 18:00 and 22:00. It works well for families, school-age children and anyone who wants context before heading out on safari.
Museum Hill is just north of the city centre, around 20 minutes from the central business district depending on traffic, and most visitors arrive by taxi or ride-hailing app. The Nairobi Arboretum and the Westlands restaurant district are both a short drive away, making it easy to fill the rest of the day.
Nairobi National Museum FAQs
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Sunday, 08:30 to 17:30, all year including public holidays.
How long should I allow?
Two to three hours for the main galleries, plus extra time for the Snake Park and botanic garden.
What are the main galleries?
Cradle of Humankind, Story of Mammals, the bird gallery, History of Kenya, Cycles of Life, a numismatic exhibition and the Asian African Heritage exhibition.
Is the Snake Park part of the museum?
Yes. The Nairobi Snake Park and aquarium are in the museum grounds and are run by the National Museums of Kenya.
Can I visit in the evening?
Night tours from 18:00 to 22:00 are available to booked groups of at least ten people.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The wildlife galleries, Snake Park and aquarium are popular with families and school groups.
How do I get there?
Museum Hill is just north of the city centre, around 20 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing app from the CBD.
Is there anywhere to eat?
Yes. The museum has dining and shopping facilities on site.