Nairobi Walking Tour: City History, Jamia Mosque & Rooftop Views

Summary

Walk Nairobi’s streets, markets & mosques with stories and city views

You’ll wander Nairobi’s busy streets with a local guide who knows everyone, hear stories inside Jamia Mosque, browse colorful market stalls, and stand above it all on KICC’s rooftop for sweeping city views. Expect small surprises—a friendly laugh here, a new taste or smell there—that make Nairobi feel real and close.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way people use Jeevanjee Gardens—just sitting under the trees, eating lunch or arguing quietly over a chessboard. Our guide, Daniel, waved at someone he knew (everyone seemed to know him) and explained how this patch of green was donated by Abdulahi Jeevanjee ages ago. I didn’t expect to learn that smoking is only allowed here—he pointed out a group tucked in the corner, laughing over something I couldn’t catch. There was this faint smell of chapati drifting from a nearby stall; made me wish I’d skipped breakfast.

We zigzagged through the Central Business District—Banda Street is louder than it looks on Google Maps—and stopped outside Jamia Mosque. The call to prayer echoed off glassy office buildings. Daniel told us it’s been here since the 1920s, built by Syed Maulana Abdullah Shah (I hope I got that right). He showed us how worshippers wash before entering; I tried copying the motion with my hands and probably looked silly. The mosque’s silver domes glinted in the sun and for a second everything felt very still, even though traffic kept honking somewhere behind us.

After dodging boda bodas and vendors selling bright kitenge fabric, we ducked into a building from the 1930s that smelled like old wood and spices. There were masks and paintings everywhere—one vendor let me touch a carved lion’s head (rougher than it looks). A meat counter nearby had people chatting in Swahili so fast I caught maybe two words. Then up to Kenyatta International Convention Centre—Daniel somehow got us past security with a joke—and suddenly we were on the rooftop looking out at all of Nairobi. The statue of Kenya’s first president looked smaller from up there than I expected. Wind tugged at my shirt; honestly, I still think about that view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Nairobi's culture and landmarks

• Visit Abdulahi Jeevanjee public property
• Pass by Jamia Mosque on Banda Street
• Tour cultural building with souvenirs
• View Nairobi from Kenyatta International Convention Centre rooftop

Top questions

How long does the Nairobi walking tour take?

The tour covers several central sites and typically lasts around half a day.

Is entry to Jamia Mosque included?

The visit includes time outside and inside Jamia Mosque as part of the guided walk.

Are children allowed on this Nairobi city tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are available nearby.

What main attractions are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit Jeevanjee Gardens, Jamia Mosque, local markets, historic buildings from the 1930s, and Kenyatta International Convention Centre rooftop.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through central Nairobi landmarks like Jeevanjee Gardens and Kenyatta International Convention Centre rooftop access (for those city views), plus time exploring markets and Jamia Mosque—all led by a professional art historian who shares stories along every stop.