Basic Facts about Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya and East Africa's most populous city (3.5 million). Nairobi was founded in 1899 as a railway stop en route to Mombasa. Within a decade it grew to become the capital of British East Africa and became Kenya's capital after independence in 1963. Nairobi is a major business hub and many Aid agencies headquarter here as well. Nairobi has a modern city center, some beautiful suburbs, as well as Africa's largest slum. The city is built on a plateau and it stays pleasantly cool year round. Both English and (ki)Swahili are widely spoken.Claim to Fame
Nairobi's nickname is "Nairobbery" and unfortunately its reputation is deserved. The crime rate is high and the US Government warns travelers to visit with care. On a lighter note, Nairobi is unique in having a very good wildlife park situated just 5 miles from the city center.
Travel to Nairobi
Nairobi is a major travel hub and most people stay for a night or two in transit. Getting around the city is easy by taxi, matatu or tuk-tuk.Nairobi has lots of interesting sights including:
- Nairobi National Park is one of Kenya's most successful black rhino sanctuaries, it also has its own wildebeest migration as well as over 400 species of bird.
- Good museums include the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum (of Out of Africa fame) and the Kenya Railway Museum.
- Carnivore Restaurant offers wildly interesting dishes.
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust houses elephant and rhino orphans.
- Nairobi Slum Tours -- for those interested in seeing how most of the city's inhabitants live.
- The Butterfly Center is home to 1000's of butterflies.
Nairobi Travel Resources
- Recommended hotels include the luxurious Fairmont/Norfolk Hotel; the Fairview Hotel as a mid-range option and Milimani Backpackers for budget travelers. The Panari Hotel is close to the airport. Click here for a list of hotels in Nairobi.
- Nairobi has many restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines. For people-watching grab a snack at the Thorn Tree Cafe. Fresh seafood can be had at Tamarind, and French cuisine at Alan Bobbe's Bistro. Of course the Carnivore Restaurant is perfect for meat lovers.
- Nairobi city tours are a good option for those worried about their personal safety.
Sources and More Info
- Nairobi -- Professional Travel Guide
- Nairobi, Kenya -- Wikipedia
- Nairobi Guide -- African Mecca
- Nairobi Travel Blogs
- Nairobi Street Map
- Kenya Travel Guide