Nairobi despite being the centre of Kenyan politics is also one of the most interesting cities in Africa with places both local and foreign tourists can visit.
He is a look at Nairobi’s top 10 beautiful attraction sites.
- Giraffe Centre
It is located in Karen, approximately 5 kilometres from the city centre of Nairobi.
The Giraffe Centre was started by Jock Leslie-Melville, the Kenyan grandson of a Scottish Earl, when he and his wife Betty captured a baby giraffe to start a program of breeding giraffes in captivity at their home in Langata – home of the present centre in the early 1900s.
Since then the program has had huge success, resulting in the introduction of several breeding pairs of Rothschild Giraffe into Kenyan national parks.
The centre is open on a daily and has an entrance fee where Non-Resident Adults are charged Sh1,500, Non-Resident Children -Sh750, Resident Adults –Sh400 and Resident Children-Sh200.
- Karura Forest
Karura forest was gazetted in 1932 and is managed by the Kenya Forest Service in conjunction with the Friends of Karura Forest.
Features in the forest include a waterfall, bamboo forest, marshland, Mau Mau caves and an old church.
The first trail, which is four kilometres long and connects Limuru Road with Old Kiambu Road was opened in May 2009.
It’s a popular site for joggings and people who enjoy nature walks
- Railway Museum
The Nairobi Railway Museum was established in 1971 to preserve and display the relics and records of the railways of East Africa and is located adjacent to the Nairobi railway station.
The museum’s collection of locomotives is increasing with the addition of some early diesel locomotives and, examples of passenger coaches
- Mamba Village
Located 12 km south of the city centre, Mamba Village is a sanctuary for crocodiles.
The farm also houses Ostrich and is a popular destination for tourists and students.
The best time to visit is during crocodile feeding time when people get thrilled at how high giant crocs can jump to grab thrown pieces of meat oblivious of the other gaping giant crocodiles.
The entry fee is Sh200 for Kenyan citizens and Sh1,000 for foreigners.
One can choose to walk the grounds by yourself, as a group, or even with a guide.
- Nairobi National Park
The Park is a unique ecosystem by being the only protected area in the world close to a capital city.
Major wildlife attractions seen at the Nairobi National park are the Black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, buffaloes, Giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, elands and a diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded.
The park is located only 7 km from Nairobi city centre.
It also houses other attractions, including the Ivory burning site Monument, Nairobi Safari Walk, the Orphanage and the walking trails at hippo pools.
• Nairobi National Museum
The Museum was founded in 1920 and established at its present location in 1929.
It aims to interpret Kenya’s rich heritage and offers a one-stop for visitors to sample the country’s rich heritage both for education and leisure.
The National Museums of Kenya holds more than 350,000 fossils in its collection, about 700 of which belong to ancient humans. Proconsul africanus lived about 25 million years ago.
It is open on all 356 days throughout the year from 8:30 am -5:30 pm.
- Bomas of Kenya
It offers one a chance to get an insight into the cultures of some of Kenya’s tribes with tribal villages and interactions with some of those versed in the same.
Bomas of Kenya is located in Langata, Nairobi.
It's exact location is approximately 10 kilometers from the Central Business District
The troupe's repertoire consists of over 50 dances from different ethnic communities. With live percussion, string and wind instruments, and diverse, authentic and energetic dancing, Bomas Harambee Dancers will take you on an enchanting journey through Kenya.