Nairobi may be renowned as Africa’s safari capital, but the city has managed to stay up with modernisation. Nairobi, unlike other towns, is surrounded by the Nairobi National Park, which covers 113km2 (70 mi2) of plains, cliffs, and woodland. There are several things to do both during the day and at night in the city. Safaris (wildlife, cultural, sport, adventure, scenic, and specialty), ecotourism excursions, restaurants, culture, shopping, and entertainment are all available to tourists. Tourists may participate in a variety of sports in Nairobi, including golf, rugby, athletics, polo, horse racing, cricket, and football (soccer).
Nairobi National Park
(just outside Nairobi)
Large herds of Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe, Lion, Cheetah, Hippo, Rhino, and even birds may be seen here (over 400 species). You may also visit the Nairobi Safari Walk, an educational facility dedicated to raising public awareness about wildlife and habitat protection. The Nairobi Animal Orphanage is also located in the park.
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
(close to the Nairobi National Park), +254 736 919321. 11AM.
Orphaned elephants from all around Kenya are taken in and cared for until they are ready to live in the wild. You should come approximately 10 minutes before visiting hours, which are everyday at 11 a.m. You will be entered, and the elephants will be fed for about an hour in two groups. After then, there is a limited window of opportunity to shop and look about until it shuts at 12:30 p.m. You may schedule an appointment to watch your elephant put to bed at approximately 5 p.m. if you are prepared to sponsor an elephant for USD50. The elephants are only allowed to come for short periods of time in order to avoid overexposure to people.
Giraffe Centre
(in Lang’ata right outside of Nairobi).
The Centre raises endangered Rothschild Giraffes and runs conservation and teaching programs for Kenyan kids. There are also a lot of warthogs and leopard tortoises there. The giraffes may be fed and approached near enough to be touched. Per individual, the cost is Ksh 1000.
Kenyatta International Conference Centre (K.I.C.C)
(Central District).
The greatest vantage point for a panoramic perspective of Nairobi’s enormous, crowded city. Depending on the amount of pollution and fog, you may be able to see as far as the slums and the national park from the saucer-shaped top of the conference centre’s spherical observation tower. KES400 / KES200 / KES200 / KES200 / KES200 / KES
US Embassy Memorial Site
(Central District).
The city of Nairobi was devastated by an explosion in 1998. A vehicle had detonated adjacent to the US Embassy building, destroying it and killing 212 people, some of whom were employees and the majority of whom were onlookers. On the same day, a similar terrorist incident occurred against the US embassy in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Osama Bin Laden is among the 21 persons accused with the crime. The location of the old embassy now has a monument that may be viewed. 30 ksh
Nairobi National Museum
Museum Hill, +254 20 3742131. 08:30-17:30.
Visitors may learn about Nairobi’s history and culture at this location. In 2010, the museum celebrated its 100th anniversary.
National Railway Museum
Visitors may learn more about Kenya’s railway history as well as the Kenya/Uganda railway. It also contains some of the country’s colonial-era engines and rolling equipment.
Nairobi Gallery
P.O.Box 40658-00100, +254 20 216566.
Because this is a museum dedicated only to special exhibitions, the exhibited artwork is always changing.
Karen Blixen Museum
P.O Box 40658-00100, +254 20 8002139, e-mail: karenblixen@museums.or.ke.
The Karen Blixen Museum is based on the novel “Out of Africa” by Karen Blixen. The museum is currently housed in her home. To tour the home, you must be escorted by a guide, although you are free to roam about the grounds on your own. If you’re not interested in the movie or the history of the home, it may not be worth your time and money to spend the hour or so it takes. The home retains few original furniture, but some of the items from the film are on display (although the film was not shot here; it was created on a set). The museum is located on the outskirts of Nairobi (in the Karen suburbs), and you may reach there by taxi or bus. The Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre are both nearby, thus these sights may easily be incorporated into an one visit.
Bomas of Kenya
Langata/Forest Edge Road, +254 20 891391.
Kenyan culture is shown. Traditional Kenyan dwellings, antiques, dances, music, and song are on display for visitors.
Uhuru Gardens
Langata Road.
Built to commemorate Kenya’s battle for independence, which it received in 1963. The triumphant column stands 24 meters (79 feet) tall, carrying a pair of joined hands and the peace dove, high above a statue of a freedom warrior waving the flag. Fountains and lushly designed gardens surround the monument.
Westlands by night
Visit Nairobi’s buzzing and fashionable Westlands sector, which has emerged as the city’s new nightlife hotspot. The popular Woodvale Grove and Mpaka Road are lined with restaurants and bars. If you prefer a large club with an expat-dominated audience over the generally packed native-dominated ones, a visit to ‘Tree house’ is a necessity. Even in the early hours of the morning, traffic may be a nightmare. Security is normally tight, and the activity spills out onto the street from crowded clubs.
Jamia Mosque
(Central District).
While the Jamia Mosque is nestled away among other structures, it offers stunning views of its complex construction from a variety of perspectives. The inside of the capital’s most spectacular religious building is off-limits to non-believers.
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
(65km from Nairobi).
Peak woods and meadows surround a 2,146m (7,141 ft) mountain, having a significant population of Buffalo. It’s also home to Colobus monkeys, bushbuck, duiker, leopards, and a wide range of bird species.
Tana River
(An hour’s drive from the city).
Here you may go white water rafting through the cascades that lead to the 14 falls. A complete BBQ lunch is included in the rafting adventure.