Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and a vibrant city with both urban life and natural attractions. Nairobi National Park, located near the city, is a large game reserve where endangered black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and lions can be found. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust operates a popular elephant orphanage nearby. Nairobi is also a common starting point for safaris across Kenya. In the city center, landmarks like the KICC tower and the Nairobi National Museum, which showcases Kenyan art and history, can be found. For a unique experience, visitors can visit the Giraffe Centre in Langata or explore the Karen Blixen Museum, set in the former home of the “Out of Africa” author. The Bomas of Kenya cultural center offers insight into Kenya’s tribal traditions, and visitors can shop for local crafts at the Maasai Market.
Places to visit in Nairobi
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is located in Kenya and is fenced on three sides, with an open southern boundary that allows wildlife to migrate to and from the nearby Kitengela plain. The park is home to many animals, including lions, leopards, black rhinos, giraffes, hippos, zebras, cheetahs, gazelles, and several bird species like ostriches and Nile crocodiles.
Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is situated south of Lake Naivasha, northwest of Nairobi. The park is named after a narrow gap in the cliffs, which was once a tributary of an ancient lake. Known for its beautiful scenery, the park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Giraffe Center
Located in Lang’ata, about 20 km from Nairobi, the Giraffe Center was created to protect the endangered giraffes of East Africa. Visitors can feed the giraffes from an observation platform. The center also has warthogs roaming freely alongside the giraffes.
Karen Blixen Museum
The Karen Blixen Museum is located near the Ngong Hills, about 10 km from Nairobi. It was the home of Danish author Karen Blixen, best known for her book Out of Africa. Visitors can take guided tours of the house, which showcases both the original decor and props from the 1985 film, as well as explore the coffee farm equipment on the grounds.
Ngong Hills
Ngong Hills is a series of peaks along the Great Rift Valley, located southwest of Nairobi. The name “Ngong” comes from a Maasai phrase meaning “rhinoceros spring.” The hills offer a walking trail and scenic views of Nairobi National Park and the city of Nairobi.
Nairobi Safari Walk
The Nairobi Safari Walk is an elevated wooden boardwalk that lets visitors observe animals in the park. The walk showcases a variety of wildlife, including rare species like the bongo, white rhino, and albino zebra, as well as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and other animals.
Karura Forest
Karura Forest is an urban forest located in Nairobi. It is home to over 200 bird species and a variety of animals, such as bushbucks, monkeys, civets, and fruit bats. The forest offers a peaceful environment for visitors to explore nature.
Ngong Forest
Ngong Forest, located in Nairobi, is one of the city’s few natural forests. It is home to indigenous trees and various wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, bushbucks, and several bird species like crowned eagles and owls.
Uhuru Gardens
Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park is a park in Nairobi that commemorates Kenya’s independence from British rule on December 12, 1963. The park features a statue of soldiers raising the Kenyan flag and is a symbol of freedom for the country.
Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya, located in Lang’ata, Nairobi, is a cultural center that displays traditional villages representing various Kenyan tribes. It also features one of Africa’s largest auditoriums and is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Kenya’s tribes.
Best time to visit Nairobi
The best time to visit Nairobi is during the dry seasons, from July to October and January to February. These months offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities and safaris. The temperatures are mild, and there’s little to no rainfall. Wildlife sightings are also more frequent during these periods. Overall, it’s the perfect time for exploring Nairobi’s attractions.
