Attractions in Nairobi City : Nairobi city is one of the most attractive tourist destinations Africa. Each year millions of tourist visit Kenya to enjoy the cool beaches and amazing national parks. All tourists and visitors to Kenya will most likely have to pass through the capital Nairobi while visiting any of the national parks or coastal towns. Nairobi is one of the largest, most modern and fasted growing cities in Africa. Although most tourists go to Kenya with the intention of visiting the coastal towns, islands and national parks, Nairobi is an attraction of its own. It is no perfect city. At first you may be irritated by the congestion and traffic jam that is typical of largest cities in developing countries but after a day or two you will begin to discover why it is so popular with tourists. The city has it calm and tranquil places. The nightlife is active and the people are very friendly. Nairobi is an excellent place to discover the way of life of the Kenyan people and their different cultures. The city is also an excellent place to study the opportunities and challenges that face major cities in Developing countries.
There are countless attractions in Nairobi however below are some of the main tourist attractions scattered within and outside the city. They cover everything from the local cuisines, cultural attractions, a national park, and wildlife sanctuaries, eat outs and so much more. Here are the top attractions and things to do in Nairobi.
Visit the Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi national museum was established in 1920 before it shifted to its current location in 1929. It was revamped in 2008 and given a new and refreshing look. The Museum is the best place to learn about the history and cultural heritage of the people of Kenya. The large building displays exhibits of stuffed birds, mammals and Stone Age archeological discoveries by the famous Leakey family.
You will also get information about the earliest man, the different tribes in Kenya, a collection of traditional art and craft items. The Museum also has modern shopping Centre’s, restaurants and a botanical garden. These gardens should be an attraction of their own. It has the Kaya forest and a nature trail, which passes among impressive sculptures and vegetation.
The Karen Blixen Museum
If the to the Nairobi Museum fulfilling and are wondering if there was any other place to learn more about the history of Kenya and its colonial past, then you might want to check out the Karen Blixen Museum. This e colonial style building is where Karen Blixen, the lead character of the book and Oscar wining movie “Out of Africa” lived together with her husband before they separated. The Museum was established to remember her life but you get to learn a lot about Kenya’s past. While touring the facility, you can visit the bedroom, dining room and see all the furniture she used in the early 1900’s. Time has changed a few things about the house but the vast gardens remain beautiful and the views of the Ngong Hills remain as described in her books. If you are a fun of her movie and books, you can buy “Out of Africa” souvenir or spend part of the day reading her books in a nice environment. A Guide will take you around the facility including the large gardens. There is a small entrance fee of about 20$ includes the services of a resident Guide.
Visit the Elephant Orphanage at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
This Elephant orphanage is located within the Nairobi National Park. The orphanage was built in the 1970’s by Dame Daphne Sheldrick. Later named after Davis Sheldrick who was a very influential anti-poaching activist and his wife has carried on the legacy. Daphne came up with a milk formula that can sustain orphaned elephants until they no longer need milk. On reaching maturity and independence, they are released back into the wild. The orphanage also has a few Rhinos. You will be able to see African elephants up-close as they bathe and feed. The Guides will share information about the conservation projects being undertaken by the Trust. If you are interested in sponsoring one of the elephants, you can register with the orphanage. The orphanage has raised over 150 baby elephants since it was founded.
Nairobi National Park
Did you know that there is national park in Nairobi where you can go and see all of the big five mammals of Africa. Not many cities can claim to have a national park only 7 kilometers away from the city center. At the Nairobi National Park, animals move around the park while marveling at large city buildings. The park is 117 square kilometers long and was established in 1946. The key attraction in the park are Rhinos, cheetahs, lions, buffaloes, hippos, elands, wildebeests, zebras, giraffe, leopards and several antelope species. Over 400 species of birds can be spotted in the park.
The Nairobi national park has a sizeable population of black Rhinos and is hence one of the best places to see Rhinos in the wild. Children, student and budget travelers who cannot afford an expensive safari can go to this particular park and learn a lot about the animals found in their country. When visiting the park, it is important to choose a hotel within or close to the park especially if you are planning to go for the night game drives.
The Giraffe Center and Giraffe Manor
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is the only breeding Centre for the endangered Rothschild giraffe in East Africa. This non-profit centre was founded by Jock Leslie-Melville in the 1970s after he raised a young Rothschild giraffe from his home successfully. If you want to get close and personal with these majestic creatures, then you should visit this Centre. The Centre takes care of the giraffes until they are old enough to be released into the national parks. The Centre also organizes workshops, ecology trips and other wildlife conservation activities. Visiting the Centre and paying the small entrance fee is one way of contributing towards the conservation of the giraffes. You will have opportunities to feed them while touching their chin and tongues.
The Giraffe Manor is an extension of the facility where visitors can sleep in a luxury suit for the night and watch as the giraffes come to share breakfast with them. Giraffe Manor hotel allows giraffes to wander freely around its premises. If you are having the money to spend at the Giraffe Manor, then expect to get even more opportunities to interact with the endangered mammals.
Visit the Railway Museum
The Railway Museum in Kenya was built to celebrate the great importance of the railway system to the people of Kenya. Kenya has always had a more advanced railway system than all her neighbors. The railway system is relatively well managed and has contributed greatly to the economy of the country and her neighbors. Many goods from Mombasa are transported by rail to Uganda and other countries within East Africa. The museum celebrates the rich history of the rail system in Kenya and showcases old train/ship models, photos of the original construction, railway magazines, drawings and maps. You will find some of the oldest steam engines including a famous carriage/Wagon where Captain Charles Ryall was dragged away by a man-eating lion in Tsavo national park, Attractions in Nairobi City
Visit the Masai Market
The Masai are one of the most known indigenous cultural groups in the world. Every tourist comes into the country with an interest in interacting with the Masai. A cultural encounter with the Masai should not be postponed to when visiting the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Nairobi offers many opportunities to interact with this intriguing nomadic herdsmen. The Masai Markets opens every Tuesday in various parts of the city offering a great opportunity to buy souvenirs, local drawings, paintings, necklaces (beads), wood carvings, curios, fabrics and jewelry. Other markets include;
Kenyatta Market: The Kenyatta market is found in Ngumo. The market is a favorite shopping Centre for all classes of people in Nairobi. It is a market where you can get almost anything you need for your household. Kenyatta Market is a collection of jewelry shops, saloons and second hand clothing outlets. You can also find meat, fish, fruits and vegetables in the market.
The Village Market: If you are looking for a more modern market, then you should visit the Village Market. The Village Market is a collection of over 152 shops offering restaurants, cafes, bars, waterslides, bowling alleys, stationary, clothing and everything else you will expect in a shopping Centre. The shops in the village are a mixture of African simplicity/conventions and modern lifestyle. The market has a modern cinema, a bowling alley and a water slide. The Village Market is a favorite shopping Centre for the Kenyan middle class, tourists and expatriates, Attractions in Nairobi City .
The Bomas of Kenya
The Bomas of Kenya is a living museum, which showcases artisan projects from all the cultural groups in Kenya. It is also an excellent place to go to if one is interested in learning more about the lifestyle, history and culture of the people of Kenya. The Centre hosts several cultural functions, traditional dance performances and local musicals. A typical day at the Centre involves a tour of the art and crafts Centre, attending the well-organized dance performances and mingling with other tourists. Don’t forget to take good photos including that of the model villages.
Religious Buildings
The people of Nairobi are deeply religious regardless of which denomination they belong. If you are on a pilgrimage and wish to visit some of the main religious Centre’s, churches, mosques and temples, then you will be spoilt for choice while in Nairobi. Most Kenyans are Christians but the country also has a large population of Muslims especially in the cities and major towns. The Arabs who first settled in the East African coast left a great legacy behind. Apart from converting many of the locals to the Islamic faith, several mosques were also constructed. The Bohra Mosque is one of the oldest in the country. It was built by the first Bohra Community in Nairobi including very influential figures like Jeevanjee – He is actually the founder of the city of Nairobi. Khoja Mosque is also very popular and was built in 1922 by the Shah Ismailia Community. The Jamia Mosque is located is one of the biggest religious buildings in the country. Christians have their own special places of worship with beautiful architectural designs. The Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family in Nairobi is built just next to the city square. It serves as the headquarters of the Nairobi catholic archdiocese.
Visit the Parliament Building
This building is located within the city center, the Parliament building in Nairobi is one of the most impressively built structures. It is an imposing building with an eye-catching architectural design. You can register and get a permit to attend one of the open parliamentary sessions or simply tour the public galleries. Photos are not allowed anywhere within or outside the building. You will need to bring your passport or other identification documents in order to be allowed inside the building, Attractions in Nairobi City .
The Ngong Hills
The Ngong Hills are located in the southwestern part of the city overlooking the East African Rift Valley. The Karen Blixen Museum is built at the foot of these hills. The hills are covered with green vegetation and trees which rewards nature lovers with beautiful scenery. The hills also have walking trails, sightseeing and camping spots. If you are in Nairobi for a week or more, this is one place you should visit. The Hills are excellent for hiking, nature walks and evening jogging. You will meet other tourist who have come to check out the place and city residents holding meetings on the slopes. The Ngong Hills provide some of the best sunsets you will see in Africa.
Mamba Village
Mamba (Crocodile) is a crocodile sanctuary built near the suburbs of Karen. The Village covers an area of about thirty acres of land. Over 75 crocodiles call the Village home. The Mamba Village is an excellent place to visit with family and particularly the kids. As you watch them being fed, you will be amazed by the sheer size and strength of the crocodiles. After spending time watching the crocodiles and touring the facility, you can visit the restaurant to order for local dishes, Attractions in Nairobi City .
Visit the Maasai Ostrich Farm
Visiting this farms offers visitors an opportunity to marvel at one of the largest flightless birds in the world. You can even ride one of them if you wish. Birding can also be arranged within the facility. After enjoying all that the facility has to offer, you can spend a night at the nearby quality resort or go swimming in the giant swimming pool. Fried Ostrich meat is available on request, Attractions in Nairobi City .
