Flights from Dubai to Nairobi, Kenya

Named after the river flowing through it, Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and is known as the Green City in the Sun. It is one of the few cities in the world with a national park within its borders, which offers visitors an opportunity to see animals such as lions, giraffes, and black rhinos up close. The city also houses Kenya’s national museum along with many other museums and monuments. There will be no shortage of activities to keep you entertained and no shortage of memories to carry home with you after your visit.

Flying to Nairobi

1. Which airports serve Dubai to Nairobi?

You have several options to consider when planning your route to Nairobi from Dubai. Dubai International Airport is located 4.6 km from the city and is the world’s busiest airport by international passenger traffic – so give yourself extra time when traveling. Al Maktoum International Airport is another option and is located 37 km from Dubai.

Wilson Airport in Nairobi serves domestic and international traffic, but direct flights from Dubai are not available. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is located 15 km from Nairobi and does offer direct flights from Dubai.

2. Which airlines operate flights from Dubai to Nairobi?

There are many carriers to choose from when planning your trip to Nairobi. Some of the major airlines include Kenya, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa and China Southern. Most airlines offer daily departures, making it easy to plan around your schedule.

3. How long is the flight?

A non-stop flight from Dubai to Nairobi will take around five hours and five minutes. With layovers, you can expect total travel time to last upwards of seven hours.

Nairobi is one hour behind Dubai time, so keep this in mind if your travel itinerary is tight.

4. Climate changes between Dubai and Nairobi

Dubai’s climate is very warm year-round, with a range of 75-87ºF between November and March and rising as high as 107ºF in the remaining months. Nairobi is relatively cool, with a range of 71-80ºF across the entire year. The temperatures can dip down, though, so bring layers just in case and keep an eye on the weather forecasts as your trip approaches.

5. Culture differences and need-to-know

The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan shilling. Foreign currencies can be useful to have for tourist activities, but you should have local currency to pay for bar bills, souvenirs, and meals. Major credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, and ATMs are available throughout major travel destinations, including Nairobi.

Tipping is generally expected when being served food, and when dining, you may want to be wary of raw ingredients and stick to bottled water, as the stomachs of locals are more resilient than those of visitors.

Nairobi Information

Compared to Dubai’s 3 million people spread over 4000 km squared, Nairobi’s 4 million people squeezed into 400 km squared may surprise you. Embrace the crowd, though, because Nairobi will not disappoint.

Nairobi’s national park offers the chance to see animals such as lions, giraffes, and black rhinos up close. Signing up for a safari is a must when visiting.

The city also houses many museums, including Kenya’s national museum, allowing a deeper dive into the area’s history. You can also shop, dine and explore the botanical gardens during your museum visit.

If you want to eat like a local, most traditional food will contain meat, and Kenyans are especially fond of nyama choma, or “the roasted meat.” A staple Kenyan dish is ugali, which is a thick porridge served with many different meals and is suitable for vegetarians. If you happen to visit at the beginning of the year, you may be able to participate in Nairobi’s annual restaurant week and experience discounted dining experiences.