Nairobi City

Nairobi City, the loud and pulsating capital city of Kenya offers a blend of colors, sounds, and tastes of the African continent. Nairobi currently has a population of over 4 million people and while on your tour you will be able to compare modern architecture and traditional village interaction.

This Nairobi ultimate guide is going to look at the various places of interest, things to do, and important tips to consider when visiting Nairobi. With insights on where to shop and what to eat in Nairobi plus the best way to experience the wild wildlife parks and reserves within reach, this is your handy guide to Nairobi.

A Brief Overview of Nairobi City

The history of Nairobi can be traced back to around the late nineteenth century when the Europeans, particularly the British set the foundation for the formation of this city. Nairobi is derived from the Maasai language and its literal meaning is ‘cool water in the black-eyed river’. Nairobi today is one of the significant world and regional commercial, political, and social centers hosting international tourists.

Getting Around Nairobi

Driving in particular within Nairobi can be a hustle due to congestion however there are other means of transport that can be utilized in order to get around the city. Taxis are the most convenient means of transport for short distances or after dusk, although they can be picked up from the road or via a mobile application such as Little Cab or Uber.

The longer distance moving within the City is done through matatus or minibus taxis which are comparatively cheaper. But matatus are not well-ordered and can be packed, so it is advisable to keep an eye on your property and bargain for the fare before boarding.

If one is not in a rush to get to a place, then the best means to use is the bus or the rail mate, they are enjoyable. Public transport in Nairobi includes County buses operated by the Nairobi Metropolitan Service, and The newly constructed Standard Gauge Railway offers connection to other towns of interest and attractions such as the Maasai Mara game reserve.

Top Attractions in Nairobi City

1. Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is an interesting park that is within easy reach of both the Nairobi center and the capital’s international airport. The park occupies an area of 117 square kilometers, and it is endowed with so many wild animals as lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and buffalos among others. It also presents one of the best birding grounds since over 400 bird species have been identified here.

Both privately arranged and conducted during the day give you several opportunities to view wildlife within the park in its natural state. The park is also popular among tourists for its wild beast migration, which occurs usually between July and September.

2. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: This is one of the best-known elephant orphanages that aims at rescuing and rehabilitating elephant orphans. Tourists are allowed to come and watch the elephants being fed, taking a bat,h and playing with other elephants during the afternoon Perrings.

3. Giraffe Centre

Similarly, the Giraffe Centre is an organized charitable organization that aims for the protection of the vulnerable species, the Rothschild’s giraffe. Special mention deserves the giraffe viewing, where tourists can feed and pet these lovely animals with some information on giraffe rehabilitation. There is also a well-laid center for self-hosting whereby people visiting the center may also pause and have time to admire the beauty of the scenery.

4. Bomas of Kenya

Bomas of Kenya is a cultural village where visitors get an opportunity to watch different dances, music, and stories from different tribes of Kenya. The dancing is an interesting way of telling the audience about the various cultures found in Kenya. At Bomas visitors can dine, shop for local crafts, and go on guided tours of the village and their large compound.

5. Karen Blixen Museum and Hotel and Giraffe Manor

The Karen Blixen Museum is that of the famous writer and film character, Isak Dinesen one of Kenya’s most famous foreign residents. People can visit the colonial-style farmhouse and the beautiful gardens and listen to or read about the life and works of Karen Blixen who was depicted by the famous Hollywood actress, Meryl Streep in the screen adaptation of the book ‘Out of Africa’.

Giraffe Manor is a small high-end property situated in Nairobi and in fact, the gentleman of the park the Rothschild’s giraffe lives here. Guests eager to have breakfast or any other meal with a by-animal-view can watch these gentle giants moving their huge necks through the windows.

Eating and Drinking in Nairobi

There are many eating places in Nairobi ranging from traditional street meals to traditionally elegant restaurants. You can also try such meals as roasted meat, commonly known as nyama choma, ugali, a cornmeal porridge, or kachumbari which is a tomato and onion salad at roadside meals such as Nyama Mama or at Kengele’s.

If you wish to explore more upmarket restaurants, there is Carnivore which specializes in its famous ‘meat marathon’ or even The Arbor which is situated in a beautiful garden that offers modern African cuisine. It is recommended that you take some Kenya coffee, he was informed, for he is aware that it has a rich and smooth flavor.

Shopping in Nairobi

Nairobi markets are indicative of the Kenya markets and are the best places to go shopping for colorful fabrics, handcrafts, tribal jewelry, fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs. There are local products in the Maasai Market where people go to shop for antiques, Muthaiga Arcade contains boutiques where art galleries have artworks from local artists.

For administrative and systematic shopping, large malls like the Village Market, The Hub, and Two Rivers with international and local brands, and other related facilities such as cinemas and games.

Final Thoughts

Nairobi is one of the largest and busy cities in the region with lots to do and see in the city. Wildlife, cultures, and Foods: This city will give you an opportunity to live your East African experience.

In a bid to get the best out of your trip then ensure that you prepare for your itinerary before visiting the place, utilize the available means of transport, and take advantage of friendly locals, who are always ready to offer you a rich cocktail of knowledge and information. Happy travels!