Nairobi is the capital of Kenya. Great Rift Valley
For a tour of Hindu temples, head to the Indian Quarter. There are also beautiful mosques, a Sikh temple and a Coptic Orthodox St. Mark's Church.
A special attraction is considered National park Nairobi. It is unique nature Park located within the city limits. It is home to many animals including black rhinos, lions and giraffes.
Several important museums have been built in the city. The main thing is National Museum ... It contains a huge anthropological exposition, a collection of artifacts that showcase a rich historical, cultural and natural heritage Kenya. The museum has a complete Homo erectus skeleton.
Among other museums that are the main custodians of the history and culture of the country and the city - Nairobi Gallery, Railway Museum, National Archives, Nairobi Museum.
Near Wilson Airport there is Uhuru garden- the largest memorial park in the country, where the flag of Kenya's independence was first raised.
Be sure to check out the writer's museum Karen Blixen as well as to the farm Bomas of Kenya(this is the venue for concerts and exhibitions) and visit City Center Clock Tower, Jomo Kenyat's Residence, Langata Giraffe Center and Snake Park where you will be treated to the national dishes of the country.
Art lovers will be able to visit Museum of Contemporary Art "Ramoma", Center for the Arts "Mizizi" and National Theater Kenya.
Nutrition
In Nairobi you will find an equal number of local and international establishments. A distinctive feature of the capital's culinary traditions is a huge amount of seasonings and hot spices. Most of the dishes are prepared from animal meat, including such as giraffe, ostrich, crocodile, zebra. Seafood and fruits are widely used.
The restaurants will serve you for breakfast burned- corn porridge, and at lunchtime they will offer tortoiseshell stew.
In Nairobi, you will find restaurants and cafes for every taste and pocket. The most reasonable prices for dishes from well-known catering establishments Carnivore and restaurant chains Tamarind.
Especially famous in the capital and not only Carnivor Restaurant. Its distinctive feature is the presence of very exotic dishes, such as buffalo meat with fried termites or locusts with sauce.
A chain of cafes and restaurants is popular among tourists and the local population. Java House... The best coffee shops - Dormans Coffee House chain where you will be treated to local and imported coffee, and Savannah- a network of establishments owned by a first-class coffee and tea company Sasini Tea.
An alternative to national dishes is Indian, Portuguese, English, Arabic, Ethiopian cuisine. There are fast food restaurants.
All the main cafes and bars are concentrated in the central part of the city, in the Langata and Westland areas.
Accommodation
Classic tourist accommodation in Nairobi is primarily three-star hotels. Only here you can stay at the hotel of the chain Nairobi Serena, Holiday Inn, The Stanley Hotel, Safari Park & Casino, Hilton, InterContinental, Nairobi Safari Club.
Hotels Crowne Plaza Hotel, Tribe Hotel-Village Market, Eastland Hotel, Ole Sereni, The Boma.
Nairobi is a very contrasting city. There are not only expensive first-class hotels, but also poor areas where the standard of living is very low. Budget hotels are located on the outskirts of the city. It can be dangerous to be in these areas even during the day.
Also, tourists are offered for rent villas, apartments, apartments and ordinary traditional houses. On safari, it will be campgrounds, eco-hotels and lodges.
Entertainment and recreation
Nairobi is a dynamic city with all kinds of entertainment for tourists. You will be offered many excursions, trips to museums and parks, an arboretum. There are casinos, modern nightclubs, two theaters and many cinemas as entertainment facilities. Live music is played at nightfall in most restaurants and bars.
For horse racing lovers every Sunday, they organize races in Kenya Center Ngong Racecourse.
You can have a great time in the capital in June, when an SUV rally is held in Nairobi "Reno - Charge"... In July, the World Championship is held in the vicinity of the city. Sahari Rally... In August, all music lovers gather for the Kenyan Music Festival.
Safari is undoubtedly the main reason for Kenya's popularity, and Nairobi is the world's safari capital. The city can offer you a combination of convenience and bustling life big city with untouched repositories of Africa's natural wealth. You can take a short-term expedition or even live in Nairobi National Park, where all the beauty of Kenya's flora and fauna is gathered in one place.
Nairobi is called the center of sports life in East Africa. The largest sports facility in Kenya is located in the suburbs of the capital - Moi International Sports Center.
Perhaps the most popular sport among Kenyans is football, and Nairobi is home to the main football stadium.
There are also six golf courses in the city and the surrounding area. Rugby and volleyball are very popular with tourists and local people.
The best day of rest in the capital is Friday. Friends and colleagues get together for fun after the work week. Friday is called Furahiday, which translates as "happy day". On Friday evenings, concerts, various events, theme nights are held. The best nightclubs and restaurants are gathered in the Westland area, on a street called Electric Avenue, in the suburbs of Karen and Langata.
Purchases
The capital of Kenya has both the most modern shopping and entertainment centers and the usual flea markets. The main shopping centers are West Gate, T-Mall, Village Market, Prestige Plaza, Westgate Center, The Yaya Center, Westgate Shopping Mall, and The Junction. There you will find many shops, entertainment facilities, cafes and restaurants, cinemas and bookstores.
The main grocery stores are supermarkets Tuskys, Nakumatt and Uchumi.
The oriental bazaar is traditionally known. There is one in Nairobi - the so-called "village bazaar". This is not a stationary place of trade - tents with goods can be placed in different parts of the city. There you will find numerous sellers of traditional clothing and footwear, ceramics, decorative items, all kinds of fabrics and other interesting, purely African goods.
A crowd of multicolored merchants and numerous shoppers fill Nairobi's largest market, Masai. The market is full of wood products, tableware, various masks, traditional jewelry and stones. Here you will surely choose something as a gift for your family and friends.
The main souvenirs from Nairobi are leather and clay jewelry, figurines in the form of animals and people, and Kenyan batik.
If you want to feel the flavor of the city, go to the area Westlands where a small souvenir market is open Westlands triangle.
For the purchase of expensive jewelry, it is better to go to special jewelry stores. There you can buy a blue diamond, tanzanite, malachite, blue agate and other beautiful stones at a very favorable price.
As a rule, the opening hours of shops and markets are the same - from 8:30 to 17:00. Supermarkets are open late.
Transport
Most of the air flights are carried out from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is the largest in the country and region. You can fly to another East African country or within Kenya itself from Wilson Airport.
Since there is no subway in Nairobi and tram lines, passenger trains running by rail from Mombasa to Nairobi and Kampala are in demand. Passenger flights are mainly carried out at night. The most expensive ticket will cost you no more than $ 25, children under 15 pay only 50% of the cost of an adult ticket.
The most convenient means of getting around the city are matatu and buses. Matatu is a private minibus for up to 20 people. They are equipped with seat belts, audio systems and televisions. The fare is $ 1-3. Buses are less modern and not always pleasant to travel. You can buy a ticket for one trip from the conductor, and a travel pass for a month - in the offices of "Kenya-Bas".
Taxis in Nairobi have an average level of demand, since the prices for travel in them are very high. Taxi parking lots are located in the city center, near hotels and major retail outlets.
Connection
Coverage in Nairobi mobile communications, the Internet is developed, public telephones provide communication on the streets.
The greatest demand is for the services of mobile operators Safaricom, Orange and Airtel. You can connect to local telecom operators at their offices and at connection points in large shopping centers. Calls to one network are approximately $ 0.30, while calls to other networks are $ 0.45.
You can connect to the Internet in the offices of the provider companies. One-time access is provided by Internet cafes and hotels. Broadband Internet access is provided by the mobile operator Safaricom. The most advantageous in terms of price / quality ratio is the mobile Internet from the Orange operator. Airtel will provide you with internet for $ 10.38 per week.
Yu mobile is also a low-cost internet service provider. You will be given access to the network for $ 0.50 per day. Unlimited Internet for a month will cost $ 6.50, but the speed is unlikely to please you.
In Nairobi there is Central Call Center, from where you can directly call abroad. The cost of a call from a hotel room will be twice as high.
To make a call using a street phone booth, you need to purchase a telephone card at a telephone booth or at the post office.
Security
Nairobi, as mentioned above, is a contrasting, unpredictable city. For example, the Kibera slum area is adjacent to a civilized urban area, built up with large business centers. In total, 66 regions in the capital are recognized as slums. This ensures a high crime rate in the city. Car thefts, armed attacks and petty thefts are common here. Many people hire security guards. Tourists are advised not to show valuable things and not appear alone on the streets of the capital at nightfall.
The movement of cars in the capital is very chaotic. At the moment, work is underway to improve the road surface and tighten traffic rules. Today there is a speed limit of 55 km / h on city streets and 25 km / h in nature reserves.
Business climate
The business climate in Nairobi is determined by being there Nairobin Stock Exchange, which has the 4th largest trading volume in Africa.
In addition, the capital is home to the headquarters and representative offices of companies such as Coca Cola, General Electric, Google, Cisco Systems, Young & Rubicam, Zain.
A private entrepreneur in this city can successfully develop a textile business, production and sale of food and drinks, clothing, cigarettes. At the moment, these are popular business sectors. Business is also promising in the field of communications and communications, in the field of high technologies. Great success can be achieved in the tourism and service industries.
For the best conditions for business development, the first business park in East Africa was built in Nairobi.
Real estate
As Nairobi is a developing city with international Airport, wonderful sights and excellent climate, real estate is in great demand here. In addition, modern new buildings are being built in the capital that meet the best standards. And if you consider that the tourist season in the city lasts almost all year round, it is easy to guess that buying real estate in Nairobi is a very profitable investment.
The price of an apartment in a residential area of the city will be based on the calculation of $ 700-900 per 1 m 2, in the center of the capital you will be offered 1 m 2 for $ 1000-1500. Houses with adjoining land are also in demand.
Renting a home is quite expensive. For one month of stay in a one-room apartment in a sleeping area, you will have to pay $ 200-300, 300-400 will cost the same apartment in the center. A three-room apartment is rented for at least $ 500 per month in a residential area and for $ 800 in the city center.
Nairobi has many complex ethnic customs, which, if not followed, can lead to conflicts with the locals. Be careful, watch your actions.
In Nairobi, it is forbidden to photograph and film border posts and military installations, as well as representatives of the police and guards. Local residents agree to pose for a photo only for money. Taking pictures without their consent can be dangerous.
It is better to avoid contacts with the local population unless absolutely necessary, as they can end in extortion of money, robbery or offers of dubious services.
When going on a safari, be sure to wear tight trousers, high shoes, and a hat.
For feeding animals you can be fined up to $ 100, as well as for any harm caused to the animal (even without malice).
On a safari vacation, it is customary to leave a tip of $ 3-5 to drivers and gamekeepers.
TOURISTS ANSWERS:
The capital of Kenya is the city of Nairobi, beautiful and cozy. It is the largest and most populated city in East Africa, located almost at the equator. Therefore, tourists have something to see here.
Nairobi National Park.
This is an amazing wildlife home in Kenya, which was created with the sole purpose of protecting animals from poachers and hunters. After all, it was in the twentieth century that people just went crazy, and flocks more and more often come to the country to kill large animals, just to create their collections. Thus, they killed elephants, rhinos, just for fun, and the population of the animals themselves became endangered. Surprisingly, the Prince of Wales and President Roosevelt were also hunters.
Today, this large park, on the territory of which animals feel free and protected. Tourists with joy and interest watch the life of such large animal representatives as rhinos, lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, zebras, antelopes and others. Crocodiles are found in the southern part of the park. In addition, it is here that you can find black rhinos, which are very few on earth. And many of them were brought to the Nairobi park to protect them from poachers.
By the way, I advise you to come to the park very early, while the animals are looking for water, then you will be able to see quite a few species. Otherwise, you will only see antelopes and zebras.
The park's Wildlife Conservation Center is located in Nairobi and provides educational lectures. You can also go for a Safari walk.
The entrance ticket to the park costs about $ 50, plus it is worth considering the costs of the trip itself through the park. Here the price already depends on how you can negotiate and what kind of transport you will use. I negotiated with a taxi driver in the city of Nairobi, and the price for a ride through the park was about $ 50, which is about 4 hours away.
Langatta Giraffe Center. Address: P.O.Box 15124-00509 Nairobi, Kenya.
Here you can observe different types of giraffes, mainly Masai and Rothschilds, which are very few in the wild. In 1979, the first small giraffe appeared in the center, which was what their subsequent breeding and maintenance went about. The African Fund for the Protection of Wild Animals has become the creator of the idea of such an amazing center in which giraffes could feel great and have offspring, thereby increasing their number. Here, giraffes even allow themselves to be stroked and are not at all afraid of people. some weasels even drop into the house to ask for something tasty. The employees in the cafe already leave the windows open on purpose, knowing that giraffes will soon be coming in.
The area of residence is about ninety acres of land, on which there are special routes along the fences. On the territory of the park there is an opportunity to feed these spotted beauties, which children really like. In addition, the park area is home to leopards, hyenas, warthogs and many monkeys. I also liked the park because it is very beautiful and picturesque, because the Gogo River passes through the territory, and tropical trees become an excellent addition to the entire landscape.
There is also an excellent souvenir shop in the park, where you can buy all sorts of things along the way.
Karen Blixen Museum. Address: Karen Road, Nairobi, Kenya.
As you might have guessed, this is a house-museum dedicated to the Danish writer Karen Blixen, a unique and talented woman who gave her love to Africa. At thirty, Karen comes to Kenya with her husband to work on a coffee plantation. Here the spouses remained until Karen's serious illness, after which she and her husband divorce, and the writer remains here in Kenya.
After that, Karen strikes up a relationship with a local hunter, and when he dies in a car accident, she returns to Europe and is writing her book. The book, titled "Out of Africa", becomes a bestseller, and forms the basis for the film with the participation of famous actors - Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.
In 1931, after the death of the writer, her house passed to the government of Kenya, as well as the land around it. And in 1986, the authorities opened a house-museum for those who love and appreciate the work of the writer, or simply for those who are interested in how this talented woman lived.
Parliament building the first President of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta. Address: Parliament Buildings P.O Box 41842 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
For a just society and honest rulers - this is exactly the sign that hangs at the entrance to the parliament. And it is very easy to find the building itself, because there is a high clock tower nearby, along which you can safely navigate. Tourists can witness a meeting of parliament, because they are all public and open. In addition, excursions are held here, with visits to the local gallery.
It is very interesting that the building used to be wooden, and the building was created in the 19th century. And already in 1913, the authorities decided to build a stronger structure. But that's not all, because thirty years later, the building was demolished and a completely new one was built, already in the colonial style.
Clock tower. Address: Haile Selassie Avenue.
It is very beautiful, and one of the tallest African structures, about one hundred and forty meters high. There is a sign that if you stand near the tower, you can stock up on strength and recharge with solar energy. Although, the tower somewhat reminded me of Big Ben in London. Inside there are various offices, as well as eleven floors given for parking. The original design is designed in such a way that the tower is practically not afraid of earthquakes. And getting into the building without documents is almost impossible.
Jami Mosque. Address: Kigali Rd, Nairobi.
The mosque is one of the most beautiful architectural landmarks of the city. erected in 1902-1906. It is centrally located on Banda Street.
The typical Arab-Muslim style, dominated by marble, is simply beautiful. But the main beauty of the temple is the silver domes, of which there are three. A gilded arch adorns the entrance to the hall, and the complex itself consists of a library and an educational institution.
Is the answer helpful?
Jomo Kenyatta's mausoleum. Address: Parliament Buildings (Parliament Rd), Nairobi, Kenya.
In the very center of the capital, there is the tomb of the first Kenyan president, Jomo Kenyatta, who took his honorary post in 1964. This happened after the country acquired the status of independent, and before that, Jomo was the local vice president. Many locals still call him the Father of the Nation because he worked for the good of his people and was elected for three consecutive terms. A great speaker who knew how to attract the attention of viewers and make them listen to himself, a journalist who has always fought for the well-being of his people, and also an excellent leader who is remembered to this day.
Today, tourists can visit the president's mausoleum, but photography is strictly prohibited here, and even tourists should be very respectful of the mausoleum itself.
Railway Museum. Address: Off Haile Sellasie Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya.
The museum was opened in honor of the African railway in 1971. Queen Victoria came here in honor of the launch of the first steam locomotive, which did a great honor not only to the builders of the road itself, but also to many local residents of the city.
The road was supposed to become a connecting element between Uganda and Kenya, therefore, many exhibits are dedicated to this beautiful historical, now, legend. Today, the railway is still in working order, and surprisingly old and rare steam locomotives ride tourists, although this happens quite rarely. You will be able to see old passenger cars, as well as a mini-replica of the railway with some photos.
The museum is open for visits from eight in the morning to five in the evening.
Snake park. Address: Museum Hill, Nairobi, Kenya.
The snake park was created for the purpose of acquaintance local residents with snakes and reptiles of the African continent. Subsequently, this place gained great popularity among the tourist flows of the population, because the park was opened back in 1961, when there were not so many such places. For example, in 2010, it was visited by about one hundred and twenty thousand tourists.
In the serpentarium there are both harmless types of snakes and deadly ones, such as the black mamba, the African viper and others. In total, about a hundred copies have been collected here. In addition, tourists will be interested to look at the Nile crocodiles that live in the park. There are also different types of birds, octopuses. With safe species of reptiles, the park staff conduct interactive classes.
There is also a reptile guardianship system in which park workers take care of injured and rescued reptiles.
Visiting hours are from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.
National Museum of Kenya. Address: Museum Hill Road, Nairobi, Kenya.
It is in Nairobi that the National Kenyan Museum is located, which has priceless collections of artifacts found in the country by anthropologists. The museum was originally called the Korendon Museum, in honor of the governor of Kenya, but after the proclamation of independence, the name was changed to the present one.
The skeleton of the boy Turkana, or homo erectus, is kept here, which is considered the most popular among the collections, and has become the cause of many scandalous disagreements among believers. And also a stuffed animal of an extinct fish - a cross-finned fish caught by local fishermen.
By the way, the Museum's neighbors are the Railway Museum and the Serpentarium, so visiting all three sites is much more convenient and takes less time.
A visit to the museum will be interesting for children as well, since the richest collection of flora and fauna of the entire East African territory is collected here.
Mount Kenya National Park. Address: Kenya, Eastern and Central provinces.
Founded in 1949, the authorities not only created a wonderful place for tourist visits, but also protected the mountain itself and its surrounding area, which is home to amazing animals and rare species of vegetation. There are also preserved water sources that feed the surrounding areas and settlements.
Over time, tourists began to come here more and more often, because the territory of the park is about seven hundred square kilometers, and more than half is at an altitude of three thousand kilometers above sea level.
Some of the park's borders are separated from farmland by an electric fence to protect plantations from the frequent raids of elephants. I was struck by the landscape diversity, because on the territory you can find both plains and glaciers and forests, which is very beautiful and unusual at the same time.
No wonder, since 1997, the national park has been included in the list World heritage UNESCO.
Mount Longonot. Address: Kenya, 60 kilometers northwest of Nairobi.
The ascent to Mount Longonot is just an incredible adventure that brought me a lot of pleasure and impressions. And, although the height of 2777 meters, by mountaineering standards, is not very high, but it is very beautiful and exciting. Well, it's worth clarifying that the walk is not recommended for people with heart disease.
It is very beautiful here, because the mountain is a crater extinct volcano, which over the years has overgrown with greenery of trees and shrubs. The last eruption here was in 1860, so today every tourist can conquer the top of the mountain. From here you can clearly see the rift valley with its beautiful lakes, as well as the surroundings of the country of Kenya. In addition, a national park was created around the mountain, the nature of which is under state Kenyan protection.
Church of St. Mark.
On the territory of Nairobi, this is the only Orthodox church, of which there are very few in the entire African continent. It was erected by Egyptian Christians - Copts, and the Holy Apostle Mark is considered the first preacher of Christianity in Africa, therefore the church itself was named in his honor.
In 2009, the territory of the church in Nairobi was visited by the Patriarch of Alexandria and Theodore II. And all thanks to the fact that all the communities of the Eastern African territories have united into the Irinopol metropolis, thanks to which the status of the church has slightly increased. Many Christians live in Nairobi, so they come to church services here.
Nairobi is the largest city in East Africa. Today it is the economic center of Kenya and a vacation spot for hundreds of thousands of tourists. This place is called the capital of the safari, since only seven kilometers from the center begins the territory of the national park, where lions, giraffes, hippos, hyenas and other animals live. It is to the airports in the vicinity of Nairobi that most flights from Europe, America and Russia arrive in Kenya.
The capital of Kenya, Nairobi, is located at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. Thanks to this, there are almost no malaria mosquitoes in the city, and even the temperature does not rise to maximum levels. Both in winter and summer, the climate is temperate, suitable for human habitation. The optimal time to travel to this corner of the planet is January-March, this is the warmest period, when the average daytime temperature is about 25 ° C with average humidity.
City `s history
The city of Nairobi emerged on a site where a large number of lakes were previously located. In the language of the local peoples, "nairobi" is cold water. In this oasis, travelers often stopped, crossing the savannah. But in 1980, construction began on the railroad, and the British took over the area to house workers. The city is located between Mombasa and Kampala. Gradually, the management elite moved from Mombasa to Nairobi, a milder climate contributed to this. Already in 1905, Nairobi was named the capital of the region, and in 1963, when Kenya gained independence, Nairobi became the capital of the state.
Over the hundred years of its existence, many difficult events have taken place on the territory of Nairobi. The old town was completely destroyed in 1900 due to the bubonic plague. To save the inhabitants, all buildings were completely burned down, and new ones were built in their place.
In 1998, a major terrorist attack took place in the capital of Kenya: the US Embassy was attacked. As a result, more than four thousand people were injured, 200 died. This caused enormous damage to the country's economy, as tourists were afraid for a long time to come to Kenya on vacation.
In September 2013, there was another attack. Terrorists have seized the large shopping center Nakumatt Westgate. The people were held hostage for two days. More than 150 people were injured and 67 died. The well-coordinated actions of the police have saved hundreds of people.
Population
Today, official sources claim Nairobi has a population of four million and is the largest city in East Africa. But it was never possible to count the number of residents for sure, there are slums on the outskirts, locals call this place "Cyber", hundreds of thousands of people who do not have decent housing live there.
The city center is home to large shopping centers, luxury hotels, government buildings and cultural institutions. But it is recommended to walk along the streets only during daylight hours. Crime is very active, tourists very often become victims of the local population.
It is difficult to make a living in the savannah, so many representatives of the traditional tribes of Kenya tend to the city, but it can be difficult to find food there. This is what causes the increase in crime. Tourists are advised not to carry valuables with them, do not walk alone to local attractions, and after dark do not leave the hotel.
There are many foreigners living in Nairobi. Hundreds of major global companies have offices in the capital of Kenya. They work with all of Africa, but they prefer to do business from this city. Huge skyscrapers, comfortable offices and residential buildings make this place attractive for business. A huge flow of tourists allows you to maintain a large number of shops, restaurants, clubs and other establishments on the territory.
How to get to Nairobi
There are two airports in the vicinity of Nairobi. The largest is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, through which most tourists from Europe and America arrive. It transports over 5 million passengers a year. The airport was built using the latest technologies.
In August 2013, a large fire broke out on the territory, which destroyed almost all buildings. In a short time, it was completely restored and now provides support for a huge number of flights.
Wilson Airport is located south of Nairobi. It serves local flights, from which you can get to other cities in Kenya or go on a trip to Africa.
In the near future, it is planned to expand the number of flights, as many tourists prefer to get to Nairobi by direct plane, and then get to other cities by air.
Transportation in Nairobi
It is better to travel around Nairobi by taxi, it is safe and not very expensive. Taxis are always available at hotels, shopping centers, restaurants. Usually you don't have to call a car, you just need to go outside. But it is not worth braking the car just on the road, it is prohibited and can cause a lot of problems. Go to the museum, restaurant to take your place.
Most residents travel by bus or matatu, which are brightly colored minibuses. For a small fee, you will be taken anywhere in the city. But it is important not to forget to buckle up, as accidents often occur on the roads.
Nairobi is a city of traffic jams. They cannot even be compared with those in Moscow, everything is much worse. Most of the day there are central streets, so sometimes it is much more convenient to get around on foot than by any transport.
Nairobi was built as railroad station and it is still functioning today. You can get, for example, to Mombai. But more often cargoes are transported along this line. At night, there is a small train that looks like an electric train. On it, residents of the surrounding area come to Nairobi to work, and after dark they return back.
sights
The main attraction of Nairobi is the national park. It starts 7 km from the city center and is home to about 400 species of animals and birds. You can go on a safari to the park to admire the life of the animals in a traditional setting. Most excursions begin early in the morning, while in the afternoon the animals hide from the scorching sun, and the number of encounters with them is greatly reduced.
You can drive through the park by special transport or on foot. Movement is possible only along specific routes; violation threatens to be attacked by predators. It is better to take a guide with you who will familiarize you with the safety rules, tell you about the park and the local fauna.
There is an animal shelter at the entrance to the park, where you can always see little lions, elephants or giraffes. The animals left without parents arrange performances here, grow up and prepare to be released. For a small fee, in this place you can even feed an elephant or ride a large animal.
The largest museum in Nairobi is National Museum of Kenya. It contains the remains of a primitive man found in the state, bones of ancient animals, as well as interesting compositions concerning the local population, their customs and culture. The visit will be interesting for both adults and children, in 1-2 hours it will be possible to learn a huge amount of facts about Africa.
The central square of Nairobi houses Jomo Kenyatta's mausoleum, this is the first president of Kenya. Taking pictures at the monument is prohibited by law, but it is worth looking at the composition.
Arriving in Nairobi, it is worth going to Mount Longonot. It is a magnificently beautiful volcano, which was last active in 1890. It is not too tall, so any person with average physical fitness can conquer such a peak. From above, a magnificent view of the savannah and the mountain itself opens up. Such beauty is a must-see.
When visiting Nairobi, it is worth going to jewelry stores. In Kenya, you can buy precious stones not expensively, for example, very affordable prices for malachite, blue agates, diamonds.
Exotic meats can be tasted in Nairobi's restaurants. Quite often, guests are offered an alligator, ostrich, antelope.
Nairobi is a place where modernity meets tradition, skyscrapers coexist with slums, and expensive hotels and shops compete with the small shops of the local population. It is worth visiting this city to admire the views of Mount Kilimanjaro, visit the safari and enjoy the features of the savannah. A variety of prices and conditions will allow you to find a vacation option for everyone.
In addition to being the Kenyan capital, Nairobi is also one of the tallest cities in the world. This is not about high-rise buildings, but about the fact that the city is located at an altitude of more than 1600 meters above sea level. Nairobi contains all the best that this country has, with the exception of its countless natural beauties.
It concentrates the most important institutions, both administrative and educational, commercial, as well as enterprises, hotels, restaurants, etc. The central place in Nairobi is occupied by representative offices of large companies, including world famous ones.
In general, the city can be characterized as modern, rapidly developing and has nothing to do with what is considered to be Africa with its crises, poverty and other "delights". Kenya is generally one of the most prosperous countries in Africa, and in Nairobi it is felt especially strongly.
A trip to this city is perfect not only for single tourists, but also for a romantic and family vacation... It will be no less good for the elderly. Only fans of extreme tourism will get bored here, because, as already mentioned, Kenya is a country by African standards, calm and safe.
The city of Nairobi is inhabited by a little more than 3 million people, so the city can rightfully be considered a metropolis. It was founded in 1899, although people settled in this fertile place before.
Origin of the city name
The city found the roots of its name in the water, and specifically in the name of the river flowing through it. That, in turn, has very cold water by local standards, for which it was called "Nairobi" - "cold water". In addition, the capital of Kenya has other metaphorical names:
Green city under the sun;
Safari capital of the world.
He earned such nicknames quite reasonably, since in terms of landscaping Nairobi really deserves the highest praise, and the second is explained by the proximity of the city to the National Natural Park.
Natural position
As already mentioned, the city is located on a hill, next to the Great Rift Valley. As a result, seismic activity in the city is quite high, although it does not come to serious earthquakes. Meanwhile, the mentioned valley is one of the most unusual places on Earth, where you can see not only giant hordes of flamingos, but also alkaline lakes and a fair amount of volcanoes. In the city itself, a tourist can walk along the banks of the Nairobi River and its tributaries.
If you head west from the city, you can reach the Ngong Hills, which are the most elevated place in the region adjacent to the city. A more impressive peak can be seen north of the capital, Mount Kenya. In the same direction is the magnificent Karura Forest.
Moving to the southeast, you can see the majestic Kilimanjaro with your own eyes. Both she and Mount Kenya can be seen almost always when the air is clear enough.
Weather conditions in Nairobi
Although most tourists associate one mention of Africa with unthinkable heat, in fact, the air temperature here almost never rises above + 30 ° C. Since the climate here is temperate, it can be really quite cool during the cold season. In any case, in July, which is the "crown" of the Kenyan winter, the thermometer may drop to + 8 ° С.
Daily temperature fluctuations are quite significant, in any case, in the evenings, even in summer, the temperature can drop to about ten degrees Celsius, so warm clothes will not be superfluous. The most comfortable time of the year in Nairobi is the period from December to March, when the average temperature is kept at + 23 ... + 25 ° С. Therefore, it is most reasonable to timed a trip to Nairobi during these months.
At the end of the mentioned velvet season, in Nairobi, the rainy period begins, which, starting in April, ends only in June. True, there is no talk of tropical showers - the rains are usually light. However, at the end of the rainy season, the wet season begins, when dampness prevails in the atmosphere. It runs from July to September. After it, the second rainy season begins, which lasts for the last two autumn months.
What is worth seeing in Nairobi?
Aside from the stunning Kenyan landscapes, you have to admit that everything else is concentrated in Nairobi. The central place in the city is occupied by the main square of the country - City Square. It is surrounded by the following structures:
Parliament;
City Council;
Cathedral of the Holy Family;
Kenyat Convention Center;
City Court.
By the way, the parliament building is also interesting because the mausoleum of the first president of the country, Jomo Kenyat, is located right on its territory.
What you don't expect to see in Nairobi is the temple of Shiva, Vishnu or another Indian god. Meanwhile, Hindu temples are nothing special here, since there is an entire Indian quarter in the city. In general, Nairobi is a rather multinational city and there are more than one indigenous people living in it (also belonging to more than one nationality, although visitors tend to think that all black inhabitants are representatives of some kind of homogeneous community).
Here you can meet Hindus, Chinese, Egyptians and Pakistanis. The result is religious diversity. In Nairobi, there are not only Muslim mosques, but also a Coptic Orthodox church, and even a Sikh temple.
The most important object to visit is the National Museum, which is deservedly proud of its anthropological collection, which can be used to trace almost the entire evolution of the human race. The museum contains the complete skeleton of Homo erectus, which was the first of our ancestors to acquire a fully erect appearance, for which it was named erectus. In addition, in the museum you can see a lot of exhibits related to nature, history, culture and everyday life of the country.
Nairobi would not be the Kenyan capital if it was completely isolated from nature. Within its boundaries there is the Nairobi National Park, where you can personally see giraffes, lions and even black rhinos (white, unfortunately, ceased to exist as a species several years ago).
After admiring the natural beauty, it makes sense to return to the city and visit:
National Theater of Kenya;
Mizizi Art Center;
Karen Blixen Museum;
Clock Tower;
Snake Park;
Langata Giraffe Center;
Nairobi Museum;
Railway Museum;
The Nairobi Gallery;
National Archives;
Museum of Contemporary Art "Ramoma".
Those who are not indifferent to local traditions should also visit Bomas of Kenya, a farm that hosts various exhibitions and concerts. By the way, in the mentioned Snake Park, a tourist can join the culinary traditions of Kenya, which are worth talking about in more detail.
Cooking in Nairobi
In addition to the fact that in the capital you can find many establishments of national cuisine, here tourists can also enjoy the culinary traditions of other countries. At the same time, Nairobi has its own style of cooking, which applies to almost all dishes, regardless of which cuisine they belong to. These features include the abundance of spices and seasonings in general.
The main ingredient in most dishes is meat and not only beef and pork, but also the meat of exotic animals. Another common ingredient is seafood. The local corn porridge is very tasty, which is turned into a real work of art here. The tortoise stew also deserves high praise.
As for the establishments, there are a lot of them in the capital, and they belong to the most different price categories. Wherein low price does not mean poor quality at all. The most popular budget destination, both among tourists and locals, is the Carnivor restaurant, which specializes in exotic dishes ranging from fried buffalo meat to baked insects with sauce.
Another popular place is the Java House restaurants and cafes: there is no special exoticism there, but the dishes are very tasty and inexpensive. By the way, most of these establishments are concentrated in the center of Nairobi. Those who have managed to get acquainted with local traditions should go through the establishments that specialize in foreign cuisine, among which the following are especially popular:
Ethiopian;
Portuguese
Arabic;
Indian;
English cuisine.
A tourist should definitely try the local coffee and tea. The latter, I must say, is in no way inferior to the real Ceylon, and in terms of its fortress, it is probably the world leader. They know how to prepare both tea and coffee here, so it is simply a sin to miss a visit to coffee houses and tea houses.
Shopping in Nairobi
In this regard, the tourist has enough wide choose as there are numerous markets of various sizes and large shopping and entertainment centers. The latter are good because in them you can not only buy good-quality goods, but also relax, have fun, taste local dishes, watch a movie and more.
It is especially worth noting the so-called "Village Bazaar", which wanders from one place to another. It is a multitude of tents selling everything imaginable and inconceivable, from local African exoticism to quite high-quality European products.
Markets generally play an important role in the life of the capital. A significant part of the population to this day prefers to buy everything they need there, believing that the ratio of price and quality in bazaars is higher than in stores. The largest market in the capital is Masai. Here you can see an incredible number of different souvenirs made in ethnic style.
The most popular are Kenyan batik, various carvings and ornaments made of wood, clay and leather, which the local residents are great masters of. You can replenish your collection of souvenirs by going to the Westlands area, where there is a small bazaar that specializes in just such products.
Those who are not indifferent to jewelry should make a choice in favor of specialized outlets, where you can find such rarities as blue agates and diamonds of the same color, malachite, tanzanite and more. At the same time, prices are usually very attractive. As for food, it is best to buy them in supermarkets.
How to have fun in Nairobi?
Nairobi is one of those African cities where almost everything possible has been done for tourists and their leisure. In addition to the fact that live musicians play in most bars and restaurants, in Nairobi you can enjoy visiting the following places:
hippodrome.
cinema and simply theaters;
night clubs of various directions;
It is worth planning a vacation in the capital from Friday, which is called a happy day here. It is on this day that the peak of fun is observed among the locals, who, like our compatriots, are great lovers of celebration and not too big fans of work.
On this day, a lot of concerts, shows and themed parties are held throughout the city. Lovers of nightlife should go to the Westlands area, where you can find a place that suits your needs, even if they are very spicy.
Lovers active rest can visit local football fields, since Kenyans are obsessed with this sport no less than the British or Italians. In the vicinity of the city there are half a dozen golf courses, good conditions for volleyball and rugby. Overall, Nairobi enjoys a reputation as the most athletic city in the entire East African region.
But the main entertainment that people come to this country for is, of course, safari. The unique location of the city allows you to enjoy both city rest and contemplation of natural beauty in equal measure. By the way, contrary to popular belief, safari does not mean killing animals, because translated from Swahili into Russian, it means travel, not hunting.
Moreover, for those who would like to enjoy the latter to the fullest, there is an opportunity even to live for some time right on the territory of the National Park, surrounded by wild animals that are so used to tourists that they no longer even try to hide from them.
In conclusion, it should be said about the following:
The best way to get around the city is by private minibuses, which are called "matatu" here.
Mobile communications are ubiquitous in Nairobi, and you can go online from almost anywhere.
Despite the relatively high level of security, there are many areas in Nairobi that are recognized as slums, in which the crime rate is significantly higher. It is better to refrain from visiting them, especially since there is nothing to look at.
Traffic rules here exist only formally.
You can take pictures of local residents only with their permission and for a fee.
On safari, animals should never be fed. You also need tight clothing and high boots or boots.
Nairobi is the largest city in East Africa, located near the equator, the capital of Kenya. It is a relatively young city, just over 100 years old. The population of the city is constantly growing. It is a cosmopolitan, vibrant and picturesque metropolis. Today its population is estimated at 4 million, although this is an approximate figure without taking into account the inhabitants of the huge slums. Geographically, it is located in the southern part of the country at an altitude of 1600-1700 meters. Nearby are the cities of Mombasa and Kampala.
Like most African cities, Nairobi is distinguished by its ethnic flavor, a crowded atmosphere and the presence of picturesque natural attractions. The main stream of tourists comes to visit the national park of the same name. Nairobi Park is located just 7 km from the city. This small protected area is home to the animals typical of the Kenyan savannahs. The park covers 117 km² and is famous for its shelter for orphaned elephants and rhinos.
The name of the city appeared before the English colonization and in the language of the Maasai tribe meant “a place cold water". In ancient times, on the site of what is now Nairobi, there was a small oasis where slave caravans stopped to rest. The city received the status of the capital in 1905, thanks to the construction of the railway. Before that, the capital was Mombasa. With the advent of the railway, civilization also came here. The first car appeared, the first post office, etc.
Today it is a rapidly developing metropolis with high-rise buildings made of glass and concrete right in the center of the city. But a few decades ago, the clock tower on the central square was considered the tallest building in the city. The tomb of the legendary Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of the country, is located on the same square. Because of this, photography and filming in front of the parliament building is prohibited. The Kenyans treated this man and continue to treat him with special trepidation.
Founded: 1899 year
Square: 696 km 2
Population: 4 million people (2017)
Currency: kenyan shilling
Language: English, Swahili
Of.site: http://www.nairobi.go.ke/
Current time in Nairobi:
(UTC +3)
Modern Nairobi has a rectangular layout and is built up with European-style buildings. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa and its largest transport hub. Of course, first of all, this is a fantastic safari city. However, in addition to this, tourists will find authentic shops, a crowded market, outskirts, beautiful mansions deep in the gardens, the old center, theaters, museums and universities.
How to get there
Transport infrastructure Nairobi is considered the most developed in Kenya. It is here that one of the largest and busiest airports on the continent is located. Jomo Kenyatta Airport's annual passenger traffic reaches 4-5 million people. This airport is often used as a connecting hub for travelers heading to other smaller cities in eastern and central Africa. Geographically, it is located approximately 20 km from the central part of Nairobi.
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Climate and weather in Nairobi
Weather forecast
|
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Nairobi Monthly Weather
| Temperature day, ° C |
Temperature at night, ° C |
Quantity precipitation, mm |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 12 | 38 | |
| 26 | 13 | 64 | |
| 25 | 14 | 125 | |
| 24 | 14 | 211 | |
| 22 | 13 | 158 | |
| 21 | 12 | 46 | |
| 21 | 11 | 15 | |
| 21 | 11 | 23 | |
| 24 | 11 | 31 | |
| 24 | 13 | 53 | |
| 23 | 13 | 109 | |
| 23 | 13 | 86 |
Reviews by month
| January 1 February 1 March 1 | May 4 | August 3 September 3 | October 2 November 5 December 2 |
Nairobi landmarks
Several decades ago, the clock tower on the central square was considered the tallest building in the city. The tomb of the legendary Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of the country, is located on the same square. Because of this, photography and filming in front of the parliament building is prohibited. The Kenyans treated this man and continue to treat him with special trepidation.
Other attractions in the city include the National Document Archives, the Snake Museum, the Langata Giraffe Park, the Karen Blixen Museum and of course the Sagrada Familia. The Indian quarter with Hindu temples, River Road and Uhuru (Freedom) Park are great for walking. In a place called Bomas there is a theater for 3,500 people, where amateur groups perform daily. From Nairobi, you can easily go on organized safari tours to the country's national parks and reserves.
Not far from the city is one of the most impressive places on the planet - Velikaya Rift Valley... It contains more than 30 active and semi-active volcanoes formed as a result of tectonic movement of the earth's plates millions of years ago. More than 4 million flamingos fly to the alkaline lakes of the valley every year. Today, the excursion to the Rift Valley area is one of the most popular with visitors to Nairobi.
Where to go in Nairobi
sights
Museums and galleries
Parks and recreation areas
Transport
Private guides in Nairobi
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Purchases
In cities and settlements Kenya has a large number of souvenir shops and shops, as well as markets with handicrafts. Among the authentic souvenirs, tourists especially appreciate clay animal figurines, paintings by local artists, ornamental materials from ebony and teak wood, leather goods, ethnic masks, handmade carpets, braids, and drums. Kenyan tea and coffee are equally popular and are sold in all supermarkets in Nairobi. Decorations and details of the Maasai national dress are extraordinarily beautiful. However, prices in local markets are often unreasonably high, so tourists can and should bargain. Sometimes, by bargaining, you can drop the price of a product by as much as 50%. The export of ivory products from the country is prohibited, and the skins of wild animals can be exported only with a special permit.
The range of souvenirs in all shops is almost the same. V big cities there are shopping centers and shops with well-known brands. Some of the largest and most famous shopping malls in Nairobi are Westgate Mall and The Junction. And the largest supermarket chain is Nakumatt. Almost all retail outlets are open Monday through Friday from 8.30 am to 5 pm with lunch breaks, and on Saturdays from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm. In places where tourists congregate, shops can work until 20.00 without a lunch break. Supermarkets are open until almost midnight. There is no tax free system and credit cards are only accepted in major stores. Many Kenyan shops sell safari clothing made from special materials and covering the entire body. Also in Kenya, you can buy precious and semi-precious stones, for example, tanzanite, tzavorite, malachite, tiger's eye. However, the export of gold and diamonds from the country is prohibited.
Communication in Nairobi
Internet
The Internet has become widespread in Kenya due to the large number of service providers. Today, in almost all cities in the country, tourists can find Internet cafes, and most hotels, lodges and restaurants offer their own Wi-Fi. You can also use international travel SIM cards to access the Internet. Connection rules and tariffs should be checked with the operators.
cellular
Used in Kenya international standard GSM-900. In cities, communication is consistently good, and in some remote areas, communication may be lost. Local SIM cards are sold at the offices of Safaricom and KenCell operators. Such cards can be purchased immediately upon arrival at the Nairobi airport, or in communication salons, which are found in almost all more or less large settlements.
Telephone communications
Telephone communications are not well developed in Kenya. For example, pay phones are found only in large cities of the country. Some of them work on coins, and some on special cards. These cards can be purchased at post offices. The central point of international negotiations is located in Nairobi. From this point you can call directly abroad. It is also possible to make a call from the hotel, but at a double rate. To call local numbers, you need to dial the international Kenya code - 254.
Security
When visiting Nairobi, tourists should adhere to basic safety rules, as it is one of the most dangerous cities on the continent. There is a high crime rate in poor areas and slums. For this reason, tourists are not advised to walk alone at night and display valuable items. If necessary, it is best to use a reliable taxi service.
Compared to other African countries, Kenya has a relatively favorable situation in terms of epidemiology, but one should not forget about the risk of contracting malaria, various forms of hepatitis, HIV infection, and yellow fever. For this reason, increased precautions are recommended. In particular, tourists may be required to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entering the country. To prevent malaria, you should take a course of certain medications prescribed by your doctor. Vaccinations against tetanus, polio, hepatitis, A and B are also recommended. Timely insurance will allow you to reimburse costs in case of force majeure.
In Kenya, it is not safe to drink tap water or eat food purchased from street vendors. Fruits and vegetables must be washed with boiled water. Smoking in public places is strictly prohibited, but there are specially designated areas for this. The fines for violating this prohibition can be quite high. Kenyans are not very fond of being photographed by outsiders without permission, but for a special fee they may agree. It is forbidden to photograph border posts, people in uniforms, military objects, the central square of Nairobi and the area near the Jomo Kenyatta mausoleum.
When traveling on safari, you should not get too close to wild animals, and in many national parks it is even forbidden to move independently. The best way to explore the protected areas is by jeep and accompanied by a professional guide. Feeding animals in national parks is also prohibited and is fraught with a large fine. In lodges and campsites, it is recommended to monitor the condition of the mosquito nets. For a trip to nature reserves, it is better to choose clothes that cover all parts of the body as much as possible. Wide-brimmed hats, tall but comfortable shoes, sunscreen, repellents and plenty of drinking water are highly recommended.
