The skyscrapers of the Kenyan nation’s capital tower over what 100 years ago was just a remote, uninhabited watering hole in the highlands. Nairobi is a Maasai name meaning “place of cold water” and that was good enough for the British to choose it as a camp for their railway from Mombasa to Lake Victoria. Today it is a bustling modern capital at the crossroads of East Africa with a population of 4 million.

The generally pleasant and temperate climate of the cities of Nairobi makes it an ideal base for exploring Kenya’s hinterland game parks or a good place to relax after a safari. African lions roar just 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the city center in Nairobi National Park. While tea plantations cling to the foothills of the highlands.

The carefully planned city of Nairobi from the start, Nairobi has maintained its orderly and purposeful appearance.

nairobi city center

Bounded by the Uhuru Highway to the west. Haile Selassie Avenue to the south, Moi Avenue to the east, and university way to the north. The city center is the beating heart of Nairobi. all the shops, offices, restaurants and most of the large hotels are grouped in this area.

The imposing centerpiece and a good place to start your Nairobi sightseeing tour is the massive Kenyatta Conference Center overlooking the town square. its cylindrical honeycomb effects owe little to its African roots. But the amphitheater next door is shaped like a rondavel (African hut) and balances out its neighbor very well. From the 28th floor (admission is free, but gratuity is expected), the view of Nairobi stretches west to the Ngong Hills, the stronghold of the British in Kenya.

The center forms a strange contrast to the quintessential English neoclassical law courts built during colonial times. Across the street are the parliament buildings, if you want to see African democracy at work you can get permission to sit in on one of their sessions. Beyond extend the common gardens of the city. You can also visit the national archives in front of the Hilton on Moi Avenue. There is an interesting ethnographic collection and even an art gallery.

Visit to the national museum of Nairobi

Take a taxi to visit the splendid national museum one mile from the city center. Its anthropological and paleontological departments provide an exciting visual account of Africa’s prehistory with fossilized remains and fossilized human bones that identified Kenya (specifically the Rift Valley) as the cradle of humanity. The pride of place goes to the famous Cranium 1470 at the time the oldest known homo habilis skull was discovered.

There is a large ornithological collection and some impressive current stuffed animals. Other exhibits include collections of local and tribal handicrafts along with an attractive illustration of Swahili culture.

Opposite the museum is the snake park, where you can see all kinds of snakes, crocodiles and lizards. Once a week (usually on Wednesdays) it is possible to observe how the venom is milked from the snakes. On your way back to the city center, you can stop for a cup of tea or coffee at the famous Norfolk Hotel, a relic of colonial times.

Nairobi National Park Tour

Conveniently located almost at the gates of the capital, close to the airport, Nairobi National Park is ideal for getting acquainted with Kenya and a good preparation for a safari. Satisfactory number of Africa’s best-known animals: gazelles, zebras, giraffes and buffalo, lions, leopards and cheetahs that may prove friendlier to the camera than those of the bush.

The park is one of the best places in Kenya to watch rhinos. In the southeast of the park you can walk through an acacia forest to try to spot hippos and crocodiles basking in the Athi River.

bomas of kenya

Beyond Nairobi National Park, towards Langata, Kenya’s Bomas is a cultural hub, a collection of traditional houses showcasing the different cultures of Kenya. You can see traditional Kenyan songs and dances from 16 Kenyan tribes. the most interesting are the Samburu, the Masai, the Wakamba and the Mjikenda. There is a tribal craft demonstration and shop. The shows take place at 2:30 p.m. during the week and at 3:00 p.m. on weekends.

Nairobi Giraffe Center

This is a kind of open museum where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about the giraffe. You can also feed the Rothschild’s giraffe that roams the giraffe mansion grounds freely.

Karen Blixen Museum

In the museum Karen has settled in a farm of the Danish writer who became famous for the movie Out of Africa. His house is the archetypal colonial residence of the early 20th century.
Nearby you can visit the Karen racecourse.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *