Nairobi is the home to some of the best sightseeing and tourist attractions in the world. Welcoming visitors numbering hundreds of thousands every year, making it a wonderful tourist destination in Africa. This cosmopolitan city is one of the only capitals in the world bordered by a safari park. From Nairobi National Park to Giraffe Centre Nairobi, here are 12 of Nairobi’s top-rated attractions and top things to do throughout the Kenyan capital.
The Maasai Market
Maasai Market, a handicraft fair in Nairobi, Kenya, sees numerous of tourists throughout the year that come to experience this amazing cultural heritage, art scene and outstanding flea market. This is one of city’s well-kept secrets – read all about it here and spend an extraordinary day in this amazing market.
Karen Blixen Museum
This museum is located in a farmhouse once occupied by the Danish author Karen Blixen also known by her pen name Izak Dinesen. The house was purchased by Blixen and her husband Baron Bror von Blixen Fincke, in 1917 and she also ran a coffee plantation there. You can’t take a tour of the well-preserved colonial farmhouse, a kitchen in another structure, a coffee drying plant in the woodland and an agricultural college in the vicinity. Furniture that belonged to Karen Blixen and her husband are on display and also books owned by Karen and her lover, Denys Finch Hatton. The exuberant guides bring life to the story of living in colonial Kenya.
Giraffe Centre Nairobi
Located just 40 minutes from the Kenyan capital, Giraffe Centre is of one Kenya’s most visited destinations, thanks to its protected endangered special giraffe and enjoyable activities. At this center, visitors can have a face to face contact with the endangered Rosthschild’s giraffes, found only in East Africa. Due to its closeness to the city, many tourists visiting the capital city often take in a one-day-trip to the conversation, it’s worth it. The center is open daily from 9am to 5:30pm and visitors can decide to spend the night at the Giraffe Manor, where giraffes visit guests regularly at breakfast. Here’s your ultimate need-to-know guide to the Giraffe Centre Nairobi, Kenya.
Contact: www.giraffecentre.org
Kazuri Beads Factory
If you’re interested in local arts and souvenirs, the Kazuri Beads Factory is a great place to explore and help out disadvantaged local women. Kazuri means small and beautiful in Swahili and was chosen by the founder when she established the company with just two Kenyan employees in 1975. The company now has a workforce of over 400 women of mostly single single mothers. Visitors can go on a tour and are shown the process of firing and glazing the beads and take about an hour in total. The factory is usually closed on weekends but the shops remain open. They are open Mondays to Saturdays from 8:30am – 6pm and Sundays from 9am – 4pm.
Nairobi National Park
The Nairobi National Park is one of the best national parks in Africa, and is arguably the only national park in the world that combines wildlife and metropolis. Situated only 7 kilometres away from the centre of Nairobi, makes it possible for tourists to visit at any time while exploring and shopping in the City. The endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, gazelles, ostriches, warthogs, hyenas, giraffes and an extensive variety of birdlife with over 400 species have made the park their home.
Contact: Visit website
Karen Country Club
One of the best best golf courses around the Kenya’s capital, Karen Country Club has a significant historical meaning and value for the capital Nairobi, and perhaps you will sense it if you stop by for a quick cup of coffee. Highly recommend for families, and also couples, they will enjoy walking the lush green on the premises while gentle breeze caress your skin.
Contact: www.karencountryclub.org
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
This place was founded by Dame Daphne Sheldrick in 1977 in memory of her late husband David Sheldrick, a former warden at Tsavo East National Park. She has been raising and caring for elephant orphans since the 1950’s, initially when she worked with her late husband at the Tsavo East National Park. This project aims to rectify the catastrophic effects of poaching and habitat loss and has successfully raised over 150 elephants, a majority of which are inevitably released back into the wild. The orphanage is open to the public everyday from 11am to noon when the babies enjoy their daily feeding and mudbath.
Contact: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
Nairobi National Museum
Established in 1920 and moved too its present location in 1929, Nairobi National Museum is home to a number of artistic exhibits, from public art to world renowned artifacts. This is one of Kenya’s most popular and well-known art museums. The museum has on its display a diverse variety of cultural and natural history exhibits along with over 900 stuffed birds and mammals, ethnic displays from various Kenyan local tribes, local art exhibits and fossils from Lake Turkana. The presence of a botanical garden and two restaurants help in establishing the museum as a haven from the congested and crowded city center. The Museum is open daily, from 8:30 in the morning to 5:30 in the evening.
Kibera Slum Tour
Kibera is the largest urban slum in Africa. Although slum tourism is a topic of considerable debate, the tours are generally designed to benefit the local community and fund social projects devised to better the lives of the inhabitants of Kibera. This is a mind-boggling experience for visitors who may in different circumstances only see the side of the country presented by a luxury safari guidebook. The Kibera slum is home to over a million Kenyans from diverse national tribes and tour guides from the township offer a great insight into daily slum life. Make sure to ask permission before taking photos and be prepared to donate to community initiatives.
Hell’s Gate National Park
Kenya and its capital are home to many national parks and natural areas where travellers can go safari. A visit to Hell’s Gate National Park will give you first hand views of African buffalo, lions, leopards, cheetahs and many species of birds. The spot is one of the most scenic sightseeing areas in the country, exploring Hell’s Gate National Park can be an unforgettable experience.
Nairobi Safari Walk
Treat yourself to one of the best African safari experiences, the Nairobi Safari Walk is a great option that offers animal lovers in Kenya the opportunity to spot wildlife on foot. One thing is sure – wherever the safari trail takes you; the stunning scenery and wildlife are worth the effort.
Contact: Visit website
Kenyatta International Convention Centre
This center was named after Kenya’s first indigenous president, Jomo Kenyatta, one of the Africa’s greatest leaders. It is an internationally acclaimed venue for conferences, meetings and exhibitions. Although it is not the tallest building I Kenya, it dominates the horizon with a 28 storey tower bordering a large amphitheater. The central plenary hall is designed to resemble the ancient Roman senate and the building’s terracotta facade gives the vibe of traditional African huts. You can reach the rooftop to enjoy a scenic view of Nairobi or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants.
