Nairobi is the Capital of Kenya and also its Gateway

In Kenya, all roads lead to Nairobi. This isn't surprising because the city is the economic and political capital of Kenya. And since it also hosts the largest of the Kenya airports, the city is likely to feature on every tourist or business traveler's itinerary.

Commercial Hub

Nairobi is the East African region's commercial hub. This is thanks to the fact that the metropolis hosts the headquarters of 2 United Nations agencies namely; United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and UN-Habitat.

Its gleaming skyscrapers, thriving businesses and modern shopping malls symbolize the city's regional dominance and the increasing affluence of its middle class.

Cool Weather

Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by Nairobi's cool weather. Although it is located less then 145 km (90 miles) south of the equator, its high altitude ensures that it is one of the coolest African cities (it is certainly the coolest of the 3 Kenya cities) and you can quick worrying about experiencing sweltering heat while here.

In fact, July and August are pretty chilly and I have to wear my sweatshirts, fleeces and woolen scarves and keep out of unheated swimming pools then.

Owing to its moderate weather, the incidence of malaria has virtually been nil. However, this is now beginning to change because climate change is expanding the habitat range of several disease vectors, including the malaria-carrying anopheles mosquito.

Tourist Destinations

The foremost tourist destination in the Kenyan capital is Nairobi National Park. This has led the city to be christened the "safari capital of the world." And it is a well-earned title...

No where else in the world can you witness countless wild animals in their natural habitat just a stone's throw from the city. In fact, after a 15-minute drive, you have the priceless opportunity to behold the park's giraffes, African lions, leopards, rhinos, cheetahs, buffaloes, zebras and aardvarks against the backdrop of the city's skyscrapers.

You wont be able to see the mighty African elephant here though, although the park's profuse birdlife somewhat compensates for this.

But there are plenty of other opportunities to see Kenya animals outside the Kenya national parks. You can see nearly a dozen giraffes up close at the Giraffe Center and you can stroke some delicate orphaned baby elephants the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust-run nursery.

You'll probably want to steer clear of the crocodiles at Mamba Village in Nairobi but you can still watch them shoving each other for chunks of rotting flesh from a safe distance.

Nairobi Safari Walk provides a great preview into a Kenya safari. The highlight for me is watching lions gobbling up their meat from less than a foot away. A reinforced cage stands between you and them but the grunting and roaring still give me the creeps.

Remember, you can visit most of these destinations as part of our city tour package.

Restaurants

Several Nairobi restaurants receive rave reviews. Some of the consistently well-regarded ones in the capital of Kenya are Haandi, which serves great Indian cuisine, Osteria del Chianti which serves Italian (and fresh, excellent ice-cream), Tamarind which specializes in seafood and Rolf's.

Rolf's is located well off-the-beaten-track in Kitengela on the outskirts of the city but the great food and breathtaking scenery certainly make the bumpy ride worth it.

If you are in a hurry and want to grab some fast food, try Steers, Chicken Inn or Wimpy. This is as close to McDonalds and KFC as it gets over here.

Kenyans love their barbecued meat (called nyama choma in Swahili). If you want to try this with a cold Tusker beer, you'd have to go to the makeshift joints where this is prepared. Sagret Hotel round the corner from State House and Njuguna's along Waiyaki Way, roughly opposite ABC Place, are particularly popular.

Hotels

Nairobi Kenya boasts many hotels that cater for a range of tastes and budgets. From big-brand chain hotels such as Hilton, Intercontinental and Holiday Inn to small intimate boutique hotels such as Giraffe Manor and Palacina, Nairobi, it appears, has it all. And the best part is that you can book these right here on this site

Return to Kenya Travel Packages Homepage