Overview

The city of Nairobi is a modern, bustling city, the largest city in Kenya, rich in culture and history it is the gateway to Nairobi National Park. The name Nairobi translates to “place of cool waters” referring to the Nairobi River that flows through the city. “The Safari Capital of Kenya” is the only city in Kenya to contain a national park where visitors can experience some fascinating safari experiences and view wildlife in the wild. Nairobi is the safari capital of the world and offers a unique blend of modernity, and tradition with great nightlife, fantastic restaurants, and excellent experiences.

Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya also referred to as the Green City in the Sun was founded in 1899 by the colonial authorities in British East Africa, as a rail depot on the Uganda Railway. It quickly grew to be the capital of Kenya in 1907. It was the center for teh colony’s coffee, tea, and sisal industry during Kenya’s colonial period. The city sits at an altitude of 5,889 feet above sea level.

Things to see and do

There are some beautiful verdant and spacious parks in Nairobi; the most famous is Uhuru Park a verdant green open space with dense tree coverage. The park borders the CBD and the upscale neighborhood of Upper Hill. Uhuru means “Freedom” in Swahili, this open space is used for outdoor speeches, services, and rallies.

Central Park is adjacent to Uhuru Park, it is home to the memorial for Jomo Kenyatta, Keyna’s first president, and the Moi Monument, which was built in 1988 to commemorate the second president’s first decade in power.

Nairobi National Park is located just outside of the city, on the southern outskirts. The only national park in teh world that sits within a capital city. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife including herds of Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe, Lion, Cheetah, Hippo, Rhino, and even birdlife (over 400 species). Take the Nairobi Safari Walk, an educational center to make people aware of wildlife and habitat conservation. The park is also the Nairobi Animal Orphanage. The park is home to about 50 rhinos and is often referred to as Kifaru Ark (Rhino Ark) due to its successful role in rhino conservation, it is home to the densest concentration of black rhinos in Africa.

The Nairobi National Museum is a short walk from the heart of the city, it was built in 1929 and expanded in 2008. The museum houses dozens of incredible exhibits that include archeological findings, artifacts, and an expansive collection of native bird species in the “Birds of East Africa” collection. There is an exhibition on hominid fossils, that is world class and houses the world’s largest collection of fossils of human ancestors, including an 18-million-year-old skull. The museum also showcases some of the incredible stories of East African and Kenyan history, there is an art gallery on-site, as well as a beautiful vibrant botanical garden that features a beautiful nature trail.

The Giraffe Center is located in Lang’ata right outside the city, and the center breeds the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. They offer a conservation/education program for Kenyan children. Visitors can feed giraffes by hand and even get a kiss (a giraffe’s tongue can reach up to 20” long and is an antiseptic). There is a lot of information to take in at the center and the staff are very attentive, learn information on wildlife, and the conservation efforts, as well as information and personalities of the individual giraffes, you can even feed them.

The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is situated close to Nairobi National Park, they take in elephant calves, and rhinos from all over the country. These babies were orphaned due to poaching. You can catch a glimpse of these adorable animals from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., with the opportunity to interact directly with a baby elephant. Spaces are limited and fill up in advance.

The Karen Blixen Museum is housed in the farmhouse where the Danish author lived from 1914-1931, Blixen was the author of the book “Out of Africa” and her house is now home to the museum. The house was built in 1912, she wrote the book about her experiences in Kenya, and the 1985 film adaptation Out of Africa starred Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. There are guided group tours of teh house/museum including the grounds, the house includes the original furniture, including the famous cuckoo clock. Visit the onsite souvenir shop pick up some of Blixen’s books, and enjoy a cup of coffee at the Tamambo Restaurant.

The Ngong Hills located just outside the city is a great place to get out and explore the beauty of Kenya. “Ngong” translates to “knuckles” in Maasai, these beautiful pointed green hills resemble the back of a fist facing the sky. A popular place to visit and a welcome respite from the hustle, bustle, and heat of the city. These stunning peaks overlook the Great Rift Valley, where many settlers established their farms in the early colonial days. There are half-timbered houses and beautiful flowering gardens that still remain here. There are several walking trails that traverse the hills that offer spectacular views of the rolling valleys below, plenty of wildlife can be spotted in the area including buffalo, gazelles, giraffes, bushbuck, and baboons.

The Kenyatta International Conference Center is located in Nairobi’s central business district and is one of the greatest viewpoints in the city. Go up to the saucer-shaped top of the conference center’s round viewing tower and get a bird's eye view of the bustling metropolis below, and as far as the slums and national parks on a clear day. The 30-storey building provides 360-degree views over Nairobi, with a chance to see the sunset (open until 8 p.m.).

The Nairobi Gallery is a museum that houses special exhibits with ever-changing artwork. The museum/gallery focuses on African art and holds permanent collections, but also focuses on contemporary and temporary exhibits. The building was established in 1913 and has been declared a national monument. Some of the gallery's most significant artifacts in the collection include items that belong to Joseph Murumbi (a former Kenyan politician), traditional African weapons, and jewelry, handmade furniture, a large collection of textiles, and vestments, trade beads, and paintings and sculptures by Kenya artists.

The National Railway Museum is the largest railway museum located in Nairobi, adjacent to the Nairobi railway station. The museum was opened in 1971 by East African Railways and Harbours Corporation, it is operated by Kenyan Railways. The museum is home to over 300 years of history of Kenya’s railroads, and the Kenya/Uganda railway, it also houses some of the engines and rolling stock from the country’s colonial period. It is the largest railway museum in the world, with over 1 million visitors per year. There are three operational steam locomotives stored within the main railway works, they can be viewed upon request by appointment only. These trains have not been used for several years, one of the locomotives, 301 (2301) was used in the 1985 movie, Out of Africa.

Shopping

Nairobi offers travelers a great deal of shopping opportunities in the city, there are shopping malls, markets, supermarkets, and many unique shops. Biashara Street located in downtown Nairobi is the place to shop for textiles, clothing, and more.

Visit the Maasai Market, which is held on Fridays at the Village Market, the Triangle Market is located in Westlands in front of the Sarit Center, and Toi Market is a local market in City Park. The Sarit Center is a shopping mall with a Carrefour supermarket inside, as well as a movie theater, other malls in the city include Yaya Center on Argwings Kodhek Road near Hurlingham, and The Mall in Westlands.

The Junction shopping complex on Ngong Road features some unique boutiques, notably Zebu, a store highlighting local designer Annabell Thom’s leather bags and more. Westgate is a large shopping mall featuring many different stores. Nairobi’s four primary supermarkets are Quick Mart, Naivas, Carrefour, and Chandaranda Foodplus.

The market culture is huge in Kenya, and Nairobi is brimming with some fantastic colorful markets where shoppers can experience the fascinating market culture in the city. There are mitumbas (flea markets) to food and second-hand markets to choose from, Open-air air markets are where the locals go shopping, and a great place for tourists to pick up some unique souvenirs.

The Saturday Maasai market is a great place to buy African fabrics, Maasai-inspired jewelry, and crafts. Karikor Market features over 200 stalls that sell everything from local textiles, and leather products, to handmade baskets. Toi Market is a second-hand market, a large market offering lots of clothes, fresh fruits, and veggies.

The Kazuri Beads factory and store is where authentic ceramic handpainted beads, ornaments, and pottery are made and sold. The factory was established in 1975 as a business to employ local single mothers and has grown into a business that employs some 300 people. Kazuri means “small and beautiful” in Swahili. There are guided tours of the factory for free, visitors can witness the beads and pottery being made, and learn the entire process, from mixing the clay to hand painting the beads to adding teh final touches. Visit the shop and pick up some souvenirs.

The Maasai Market is an open-air market in Nairobi, held in different locations throughout the week. Shop for keepsakes like paintings, beads, jewelry, fabrics, and wood carvings. The best day to visit is the weekends when it is located in the heart of Nairobi (at the high court parking lot).

The Gikomba Market is one of teh biggest markets in the country, there are tons of vendor stalls here selling clothes, accessories, and other items.

Music

Nairobi is the heart of Kenya’s music scene, “Benga” is a Kenya genre that was developed in the city, a fusion of jazz and Luo music. Mugithi is another popular genre originating in the central parts of teh country. There are a number of music videos of leading local musicians that are filmed in the city.

During the 1970s, Nairobi became the prominent center for music in the African Great Lakes region, at this time Nairobi was established as a hub of soukous music. This genre was originally developed in Kinshasa, and Brazzaville when the political climate in the region deteriorated, and many Congolese artists relocated to the city. Virgin Records became aware of the popularity of the genre and signed recording contracts with several soukous artists.

In recent years, Nairobi became the center of the hip-hop scene in Kenya, with Kalamashaka, Gidi Gidi Majimaji, the pioneers of urban music. This genre has become very popular amongst local youth, and domestic musicians that have become the most popular in the region. Some of the most successful artists based in Nairobi include Jua Cali, Nonini, Camp Mulla, Juliani, Eric Wainaina, Suzanna Owinyo, and Nameless. Some of the popular record labels include Ogopa DJs, Grand Pa Records, Main Switch, Red Black, and Green Republik, Calif Records, and Bornblack Music Group.

There are many concerts and music festivals where foreign musicians tour Africa and perform in Nairobi. Bob Marley’s first-ever visit to Africa started in Nairobi, other acts that have performed here include Lost Boyz, Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, Akon, Eve, T.O.K, Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder, Alaine, Konshens, Ja Rule, and Morgan Heritage. The city of Nairobi as well as the coastal towns of Mombasa, and Diani have become the center of EDM in Kenya, producing DJs as well as producers like Jack Rooster, Euggy, DJ Fita, Noise on Demand, DJ Vidza, DJ Coco EM. There are several nightclubs located in teh city that have experienced a growth in popularity of Electronic Dance Music, especially with the younger crowd. Gospel music is very popular in the city, with several gospel artists that have had a great impact in this mostly Christian city with artists such as Esther Wahome, Eunice Njeri, Daddy Owen, Emmy Kosgei, and the late Angela Chibalonza. Concerts are very popular and have influenced great secular artists, the most popular are Groove tours, and TSO (Totally Sold Out) New Year concerts.

Just like many other countries, traditional music is a form of language for Kenyans, the accompanying beats and percussions are therapeutic. Instruments such as the djembe drums, Litungu, and shakers speak about our cultures more than words can, and learning how to make music from these instruments is an art. The Bomas of Kenya is one of the most unique places to go in Nairobi, where you can learn about Kenyan music. Just past the Utamadumi restaurant, there are shops that showcase and sell traditional musical instruments.

Dining

Traditional Kenyan food is described as eclectically mixed, each community has its own native food with staples consisting of corn and other grains such as sorghum and millet, paired with various meats and vegetables. Coastal dishes in Kenya are unique and also recognized as some of the best throughout the country. Fish and seafood dishes are staples along the coast, while rice and stew are also commonly served.

There is a great range of restaurants in the city to choose from, there are American fast-food restaurants such as KFC, Subway, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, and Burger King. Some of the African fast food restaurants include Galitos, Steers, PizzaMojo, and Spur Steak Ranches. These have all been long established in the country.

There is an annual Restaurant Week (NRW) held in Nairobi in January and February. Restaurants in the city offer dining packages at reduced prices, managed by Eatout Kenya, an online platform that lists and reviews restaurants and provides a platform for Kenyan foodies to congregate and share.

Nairobi’s culinary scene blends many different international cuisines such as Indian, Ethiopian, Arabian, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Asian, and European. Foodies will discover gourmet restaurants, roadside food stalls, food courts, five-star dining, and many coffee shops. There are plenty of al fresco restaurant options with rooftop balconies and gardens to enjoy in the beautiful year-round weather in the city.

Nairobi has fast become Kenya’s foodie destination where traditional local foods mix with Indian, Arabian, and Swahili influences. The city offers fantastic restaurants, as well as fascinating markets, and street food stalls which are renowned around the country.

Join a food tour to get the best experience of Nairobi’s culinary scene, with the help of an experienced guide. Discover some of Kenya’s most famous delicacies including ugali (maize flour porridge), mukimo (mashed potatoes and peas), nyama choma (African BBQ), supu (a vegetable soup with ginger, garlic, pumpkin, and potatoes), and madafu (coconut water). Learn to make your own mouthwatering dishes in a typical Kenyan kitchen. There are several cooking classes offered in the city, immerse yourself in the Kenyan way of life and culture to create some delicious Kenyan meals.

Nightlife

Nairobi Nightlife is popular and widespread throughout the city, the central area to go to at night is either the affluent neighborhood of Westland or several locations downtown. The city’s vibrant nightlife is busy with locals and visitors who gather at venues ranging from exclusive champagne bars to swanky nightclubs, upscale rooftop bars, and trendy bars, there is something for everyone to enjoy on a night out in Nairobi. The city is by far one of the best destinations in Kenya, music is key in the city with many options to dance the night away and listen to some great electrifying African beats. Genge is a strain of hip-hop music that originated in Nairobi

The city has some historic drinking establishments such as the Lord Delamere Terrace, located in the Norfolk Hotel in Fairmont. This restaurant/bar dates back to 1904 and little has changed since its establishment, set amongst lush, tropical gardens with a menu focusing on steak and seafood, with an exciting drink list full of imported wines and classic cocktails.

The Exchange Bar, which is located in the Stanley Hotel, was named for the previous incarnation of Nairobi’s first Stock Exchange. The bar features gleaming wood, and supple leather which give it the atmosphere of an English gentlemen’s club. There are single malts and fine cigars available, and a selection of international newspapers to keep up to date on the times. There are a few iconic nightclubs in the city where you can dance till the wee morning hours, K1 Klub House, Simba Saloon, and Black.

Sports

Nairobi is the country’s center for sports with the premier sports facility at the Moi International Sports Center in the suburb of Kasarani. The complex was completed in 1987 and was used to host the 1987 All Africa Games, with a capacity for 60,000 spectators, the second largest in the African Great Lakes. The Nyayo National Stadium is the second largest stadium in Nairobi renowned for its global rugby event under the “Safaricom Sevens” which was completed in 1983 with a capacity of 30,000. Primarily used for football, and located in Nairobi’s CBD, a convenient location for political gatherings.

Nairobi City Stadium is the city’s first stadium which is used for club football, home to the Kenyan cricket team, and the venue for the 2003 Cricket World Cup and other notable events like the Safari Rally, Safari Sevens rugby union tournament, and the Nairobi Marathon.

Football is the most popular sport in Nairobi and is highlighted by the number of football clubs in the city, including Kenyan Premier League sides Gor Mahia, A.F.C. Leopards, Tusker, and Mathare United. Rugby is also a popular sport with 8 of the 12 top-flight clubs based here. Basketball is popular and played in the city, many of the city’s youth are basketball fans and watch the American NBA.

There are several golf courses located within a short distance of the city, the oldest is an 18-hole golf course in the city; the Royal Nairobi Golf Club. Established in 1906 by the British, just seven years after the city was founded. Windsor Country Club, Karen Country Club, and Muthaiga Golf Club are other notable golf clubs. The Kenya Open golf tournament is part of the European Tour and takes place in Nairobi.