Taking its name from the Maasai phrase, “Enkare Nyirobi”, which means “the place of cool waters”, Nairobi is Kenya’s largest city, and it is also its capital. Nairobi Kenya is simply one of the most attractive African cities you’ll find. It is the largest city in all of East Africa, and there isn’t a larger metropolis between Egypt’s Cairo and South Africa’s Johannesburg. Visitors to Nairobi Kenya will certainly not want for things to do, as this city is ideally situated for fun Kenya tours and excursions of many different kinds. Also, should they be up for exploring the city’s culinary scene, those on a Nairobi vacation will enjoy some of the best restaurants in all of Kenya . If you’re really up for a unique dining experience in Nairobi, you might drop in on an eatery that serves up roast crocodile, ostrich, and/or zebra. Understandably so, dishes based around these meats might not be for everyone. Nairobi is certainly able to deliver a unique travel experience, even if you are a seasoned traveler, and on clear days, the views of Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro inspire the urge to take in as much of this part of the world as you can.
Located in central south Kenya, Nairobi hasn’t long been the thriving city that it now is today. In fact, little more than 100 years ago, the area where Nairobi is found was little more than swampland that the Maasai tribes used primarily as a watering hole. It wasn’t until 1899 that Nairobi began its path towards becoming the country’s capital, the title of which was previously held by the coastal city of Mombasa. It was the Uganda Railway that led to Nairobi’s birth, if you will, as a major depot for the historic railway was constructed here. In a short period, Nairobi would become the headquarters for the Uganda Railway, although in the early 1900's, an outbreak of the plague led to the burning of the original town. After being rebuilt, Nairobi accepted the role of capital of the then British-ruled protectorate, which occurred in 1905.
Nairobi tourism was a hit right off the bat, as big game hunters took initial interest in the area. Before long, British colonialists began arriving, and splendid Nairobi hotels were quickly erected to serve the growing Nairobi tourism demands. The Maasai, as well as the native Kikuyu people, began to take issue with the “British invasion”, mostly due to infringement on their lands. Between 1952 and 1960, Kenyan rebels led an insurgency against the ruling British faction that is referred to as the Mau Mau Uprising. Also known as the Kenya Emergency, among other appellations, the Mau Mau Uprising eventually helped lead to Kenya’s independence, which occurred in 1963. Nairobi would grow rapidly after that, and there’s plenty to explore in town here. Nairobi is also arguably the best place in all of Africa from which to book safaris, which is almost a must for those enjoying Nairobi travel.
Wildlife safaris,
sport safaris, and scenic safaris are just a few of the
possible Kenya safaris
that can be enjoyed by those engaging in Nairobi travel,
and immediately outside of the city limits is the wonderful
Nairobi National Park.
It’s interesting to consider that just 20 minutes
from downtown Nairobi, lions,
cheetahs, giraffes, and other exceptional creatures roam
wild in Nairobi National Park. You’re definitely
not in Kansas
anymore once you touch down in Kenya’s capital!
Visitors enjoying a Nairobi vacation might consider a
day trip to the “Fourteen Falls” waterfalls,
which are found further from the city, and adventurous
souls can always arrange a white water rafting trip at
the Tana River, which is about an hour’s drive from
Nairobi Kenya. Before or after you’ve experienced
Nairobi National Park and other fun outdoor pursuits during
your Nairobi vacation, you might take interest in some
of the urban attractions found here.
One of the great things about Nairobi Kenya is the amount of green space found within the city. There are numerous parks where one can relax and perhaps people watch, the most renowned of which is known as Uhuru (Freedom) Park. You’ll likely be amazed at the vast amount of trees spread throughout Nairobi, and since it rests at over 5,000 feet above sea level, the weather can be refreshingly cool here, especially at night. Should you be up for touring Nairobi, you might start at the City Square, which is the center of town. Here, you’ll find the Kenya Parliament buildings, Nairobi City Hall, and the Holy Family Cathedral, among other important edifices. Outside of the city center, the Kenya National Museum certainly warrants a visit. You can learn all about Kenya’s history, culture, and geology here. The Railway Museum, which is back towards the center of town, is also very much worth a visit for those interested in history and culture. Literary and movie buffs won’t want to pass on the chance to visit the Karen Blixen Museum, which is found in the district of Karen, Nairobi. Blixen is famous for the memoir, Out of Africa, which inspired the eponymous 1985 film starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.
Oh, how the list of things to do in Nairobi could go
on, but you’ll just have to book your own trip to
really get a feel for just how amazing a Nairobi vacation
can be. For those concerned about the stability of Nairobi
Kenya, it might be best to book a Kenya
vacation package that takes care of all, or most of
the arrangements. As long as you have trustworthy guides
and avoid large demonstrations and such, you should be
just fine though. Getting around Nairobi by taxi or Matatus
(public minibuses) is a good way to go, and the safest
parts of the city are ideal for setting out on foot. Should
you be looking to head out of Nairobi after a few days
or so to further explore Kenya, the city is the hub for
the country’s far-reaching bus network, and you
can always hop on a flight to other major destinations.
It might be hard to leave, however, as Nairobi travel
can be quite intoxicating. Of course, you might compliment
your Nairobi vacation with a few days or more at one of
the Kenya beaches to the east.
That would make for quite a Kenya
vacation alright.
