Tourist Places to Visit in Nairobi, Kenya, Nairobi, Africa
Nairobi is the capital as well as the largest city of Kenya, geographically positioned at 1°17′ S 36°49′ E. It is one of the prominent cities of Africa both in terms of politics and finance, housing the Nairobi Stock Exchange and the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme. The tourism of Nairobi is dominated by the Nairobi National Park, which is especially noted for its position within the city premise. Nairobi sprawls over an area of 696 sq. km and its geographical coordinates are 1°17′ S 36°49′ E.
History of Nairobi:
Nairobi originated as a rail depot, established by the by the British in the year 1899 and after eight years of period, it was promoted as the capital of British East Africa in 1907 and it has been continued to serve the capital of the Republic of Kenya.
Connectivity to Nairobi:
Nairobi hosts the most important airport of the country, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is situated around 15 km southeast of the downtown Nairobi. Including Mumbai, London, Paris and Delhi, the airport covers numerous world cities.
By bus, Nairobi is linked to all the major cities of the country but by train, connection is limited to few cities.
Buses are commonly used for local travel and for rental cars, please find below:
- Cyrus Car Hire
- Central Car Hire
- Nairobi Car Hire
Culture, Shopping and Food in Nairobi:
Nairobi is multicultural city with the mixed population of Christians, Muslims and Hindus and the worship places belong to them like the Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family and Jamia Mosque.
Some standard malls in Nairobi include:
- The Mall
- Yaya Centre
- The Sarit Centre
There is an Indian restaurant, named Open House, situated in the proximity of Westlands area that has a great hand serving mouthwatering Indian dishes.
Things to do in Nairobi:
- Lion Trails Safaris Day tours
- Shopping
- Festival celebrations
What to see in Nairobi?
Nairobi National Park:
The Nairobi National Park is a symbolic site, holding diverse attractions, including the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and Nairobi Safari Walk. It is within the city border, housing around 400 species birds and animals including Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo and Giraffe.
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage:
Lying near the Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is the home of many baby orphan elephants and rhinos carrying from all over Kenya. It is open only from 11am-12pm. The entrance fee is 500Ksh.
Giraffe Centre:
The Giraffe Centre is in the suburb of Lang’ata in Nairobi, functioning in upbringing endangered Rothschild Giraffe and also the centre provides educational programs on elephants for children. Here one can touch or osculate giraffes.
Lake Naivasha:
The Lake Naivasha is situated around 1.5 hrs road drive from the downtown Nairobi. The Crescent Island is the highlight of the lake, offering visitors to interact with zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and many other wild animals.
National Railway Museum:
The National Railway Museum is constructed to showcase the Kenya’s and Kenya/Uganda railway history. Engines and rolling stock dating from the British rule are the prime attractions here.
Other tourist attractions in Nairobi are as follows:
- Jamia Mosque
- Bomas of Kenya
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Nairobi Gallery
- Tana River
- Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
- Mamba Village
- Uhuru Gardens
- Nairobi National Museum
- US Embassy Memorial Site
- Go-Down Arts Centre
- Kenyatta International Conference Center
When to visit Nairobi?
The climate of Nairobi is classified as a subtropical highland climate, which falls under the Koppen climate classification. From January to February and June to September is the best time to visit Nairobi.
Accommodation options in Nairobi:
Nairobi houses dozens of star rated hotels and also houses numerous budget options like backpackers’ campsites, guest houses and lodges, located in the outskirts of the city and around the main bus station. Some top end hotels in Nairobi are provided below:
- The Boma Nairobi
- Fairview Hotel
- Nairobi Serena Hotel
- PrideInn Hotel Raphta Suites
- House of Waine
- Progressive Park Hotel
- Fairmont The Norfolk
- Crowne Plaza Hotel Nairobi
- Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi
- Tribe Hotel
- Sankara Nairobi
- Reata Serviced Apartments
- Palacina Residence & Suites
- Hemingways Nairobi