Kibera Walking Tour: Street Art, Local Food & Culture Exchange

Summary

Meet Kibera’s artists taste home-cooked ugali and share stories

You’ll walk through Kibera with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Taste home-cooked ugali, sip spiced tea, meet artists painting murals right on the street—and share real moments with residents who call this place home. You’ll leave with new friends and a different sense of Nairobi.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the sound—kids laughing somewhere behind corrugated metal, a radio playing something upbeat. We’d just stepped into Kibera with our guide, Peter, who grew up here. He waved at nearly everyone we passed. The air had this mix of charcoal smoke and something sweet I couldn’t place. I kept glancing down so I wouldn’t trip on the uneven ground (should’ve worn sturdier shoes), but Peter just moved like he knew every inch.

We stopped by a mural—bright blues and reds splashed across a wall that looked like it had seen decades of rain. A local artist named Mercy was there, paint still on her hands. She explained how each piece tells a story about the community. I tried to ask a question in Swahili; she grinned and answered in English anyway. There’s this openness here that’s hard to explain—you feel it in the way people greet you or offer directions without being asked.

Lunch was in someone’s home (I didn’t expect that part). We helped stir ugali over an open flame while our host laughed at my technique—apparently you need more wrist action than I thought. The food was simple but filling, and there was strong tea with ginger that cut through the smoky air. Afterward, we wandered past market stalls where women sold vegetables piled in neat little pyramids. Someone handed me roasted maize straight from the fire; it burned my fingers but tasted sweet and earthy.

I still think about how Peter talked about pride—how Kibera isn’t just what you see on TV. It’s families, artists, laughter echoing between tin roofs. The tour felt less like sightseeing and more like being invited into someone’s day for a few hours. Hard to describe exactly why it stuck with me—but if you’re curious about Nairobi beyond the usual spots, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kibera's culture and community

• Visit largest slum in Africa
• Interact with diverse local people
• Learn to prepare and eat local food
• Experience street art in Kibera

Top questions

Is the Kibera walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

Yes, you’ll enjoy local food plus coffee or tea and bottled water during your visit.

Are infants or small children allowed on the Kibera tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are welcome and specialized infant seats are available.

How do we get to Kibera for the tour?

Public transportation options are available nearby for easy access to Kibera.

What will we see during the Kibera walking tour?

You’ll explore street art murals, meet locals from diverse cultures, learn about daily life, and try traditional food.

What’s included

Your day includes walking through Kibera with a local guide who grew up there, sharing bottled water along the way plus fresh coffee or tea at a resident’s home—and plenty of chances to chat with locals before heading back out into Nairobi.