Top Things to See
 Kenya’s capital is one of the most modern, thriving and diverse cities in Africa. As it is home to some of the continent’s most interesting tribes, there are several very good museums worth checking out. Colourful outdoor markets, amazing live music and plenty of good food complement any excursion into the city, but be careful because Nairobi has a major crime problem and any venture onto the streets can turn into a misadventure. Perhaps the greatest attraction of Nairobi is its role as the hub for Kenyan safaris, which are some of the finest in Africa. Visitors can get a taste for the wild life just outside the city, or plan a trip to travel deep into the bush.
 Art Galleries
Kenya, and Nairobi in particular, boasts some of the most creative and innovative contemporary artists in Africa. While you’re in the capital you may want to take the opportunity to see what all the hype is about. The Rahimtulla Museum of Modern Art and the Mzizi Arts Centre are two of the best places to start.
 Karen Blixen’s House and Museum
Perhaps the most famous colonist to live in Nairobi was the Danish author Karen Blixen, who lived in a quaint farmhouse from 1914 to 1931. Most notable for her famous novel Out of Africa, her home has been lovingly restored and turned into a living museum which shows colonist life during the early years in Nairobi. Located just on the edge of Nairobi, the quiet, shady gardens of her house are a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. The on-site restaurant will keep you fed and watered.
 National Archives
Surprisingly, the Archives is more like a history museum, featuring displays of native handicrafts, artwork, old photos and other interesting artifacts. The collection of traditional weapons, domestic items and music instruments is one of the best in the city, but perhaps most engaging is President Moi’s collection of photographs from the early days and the dark days of Nairobi. Easily accessible in the city centre, this is one site worth visiting.
 National Museum of Kenya
By far the most comprehensive and interesting cultural site in Nairobi is this massive museum devoted to everything Kenyan. The variety of exhibits is staggering, making this a one-stop educational trip if you want to learn about Kenya’s past and present. From the earliest human remains found in the Rift Valley to displays of modern Kenyan art, you can easily spend a day wandering the grounds. The Botanical Gardens offer a great place to stretch out, while the Snake Park and Aquarium present a live version of Kenya’s wildlife. If you see only one museum in Nairobi, make it this one.
 Railway Museum
The railway was an integral component in the creation of Nairobi. In fact, the capital city would not exist were it not for the Ugandan Railway, which rolled right through the area and was the sole reason for establishing a town. This interesting and informative museum sheds some light on the early development of the city. There are 10 classic steam engines which visitors can climb into and explore. Old photos, documents and relics from those first days show Nairobi as a dusty outpost, which is hard to believe when you see the bustling modern version we know today.
 Uhuru Monument
Built in 1973 to mark to the occasion of Kenya’s independence from the British, this landmark monument is the spot where Kenya’s national flag was first raised in 1963. A beautiful Ihara tree marks the exact spot where it happened and a map displays all the provinces of the country.
Top Things to Do
 Be amazed by Nairobi National Park. Just a short bus ride from central Nairobi is this easily accessible and well-stocked safari park. If you don’t have time to travel the countryside to one of the larger game parks, this is the best opportunity to get a taste for safaris. Visitors can be virtually assured of seeing most of the big names in the wildlife world such as lions, rhinos, hippos and zebras. There are also more than 400 species of bird living here. Besides looking for animals, there are a few nature trails and the impressive Impala Observation Point, where you can see all the way to Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day.
 Enjoy a tribal dance at Bomas of Kenya. This very popular cultural centre in Langata, a suburb of Nairobi, is the place to go if you have an interest in the traditional dances, songs and ceremonies of the native people who have lived in Kenya for thousands of years. In addition to the interesting shows, there’s a healthy dose of handicraft shops and food stalls on site.
 Get close to nature at the Arboretum. By far the best greenspace in Nairobi, the Arboretum is an 80 acre forest reserve right in the heart of the capital. More than 300 species of native trees cover the entire park, which is interlaced with walking trails.
 Get lost in the Outdoor Markets. Nairobi’s open-air markets are important components of the city’s daily life. Many of them provide the produce, meat and basic goods that feed much of the local population, and it is great fun to watch them haggle over bananas. Most of these outdoor markets also sell trinkets, handicrafts and lots of other interesting things, so you can shop while you people-watch. The massive City Market is the largest one in the capital. Kariakor Market is another excellent choice. There are also three special weekly markets which tend to focus more on crafts, art and other goods rather than food.
 Go wild at AFEW Giraffe Centre. This well-run centre is part of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife organisation, specialising exclusively in the rare Rothschilds giraffe. Located just a few minutes from Nairobi, this centre is the most convenient place to get up close and personal with a giraffe. Although the concept is simple, being able to hand-feed a giraffe from a raised platform is a very unique activity. There is also a pleasant 1km self-guided nature trail through the forest.
 Take a trip to Kamba Village. One of the highlights of a trip to Nairobi is a visit to the beautiful lush countryside where there are lots of activities to choose from. One of the more popular day excursions is to go to a Kamba village and see how they still live their traditional life. On the way you can check out the famous Thika 14 Waterfalls and the Donyo Sabuku National Park.
 Visit Uhuru Park and enjoy a cultural taste of modern Nairobi. The small lake with its rental boats and the huge view from the park’s hilltop provide a touch of nature, but it’s really the people make this park so engaging. Locals come to Uhuru to meet up, relax and just hang around. If there’s any kind of political rally, then the park becomes a real hotbed of passion and energy.
| 
