Eight Of The Top Attractions To Visit In Nairobi , Kenya ; Nairobi is frequently just a stopover for tourists traveling to Kenya’s idyllic coastal resorts or its renowned game reserves. However, there are plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained for a day or two of sightseeing, as you would expect from this thriving economic center of East Africa. We examine eight of the city’s top attractions in this article. If you’re concerned about staying safe in the city, you might want to take a Focus East Africa guided tour of Nairobi’s top attractions rather than exploring on your own.
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Since the 1950s, when Dame Daphne Sheldrick resided and worked in Tsavo National Park, she has been caring for orphaned elephants. In Nairobi National Park, she started an elephant and rhino nursery in the late 1970s as a part of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which bears her late husband’s name. More than 150 baby elephants have been successfully raised at the orphanage, and many of them are now being returned to the wild. The project aims to mitigate the devastation caused by habitat loss and poaching. You can ensure the survival of Kenya’s most famous animals by paying a visit. Every day between 11 a.m. and noon, when the infants are enjoying their routine feeding and mud bath, the orphanage is open to the public.
Nairobi National Park
Only Nairobi is the only city in the world where wild zebra, lions, and rhinos can be seen. Nairobi National Park is now just 7 kilometers from the city center, despite having been established in 1946, long before the city was at capacity. The park is remarkably diverse for its small size. The black rhino, all three big cats, various antelope species, and more than 400 bird species all call it home. The park is essential to education because it’s close to the city, making it accessible to schoolchildren who might not otherwise get the chance to go on safari. Visitors can go on game drives and bushwalks. You can even spend the night inside the park if you don’t feel like sleeping in the city proper. An ecological camp with eight opulent ensuite tents also called The Nairobi Tented Camp is the best option if considering sleeping inside the park.
Nairobi National Museum
Founded in 1920, the Nairobi National Museum moved to its current location in 1929. The opportunity to learn about Kenya’s history, culture, paleontology, and art is provided for tourists. The Museum building underwent a complete renovation over the previous ten years, and it reopened in 2008. The Museum houses many of the fascinating anthropological discoveries made by the Leakey family, including a number of artifacts that back East Africa’s claim to be the birthplace of humanity. Also impressive is the sizable collection of stuffed birds. Two restaurants and a botanical garden contribute to the museum’s reputation as a haven away from the busier, more congested city center. The daily hours for the Nairobi National Museum are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Giraffe Center
Only found in East Africa, the rare Rothschild giraffe is successfully bred at The Giraffe Center. Jock Leslie-Melville founded it in the 1970s after successfully raising a baby Rothschild giraffe at what was then his home in Nairobi’s Lang’ata neighborhood. A number of breeding pairs have been reintroduced into the wild as a result of the breeding program’s success. Important work has also been done to increase local awareness of conservation issues through a center for teaching schoolchildren about conservation. Daily tours and visits to the center are available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. additionally, guests have the option of staying overnight at the related Giraffe Manor, where giraffes frequently come to visit guests during breakfast.
Kibera Slum Tour
The largest urban slum in Africa is called Kibera and is situated on the outskirts of the city. More than a million Kenyans of all national tribes reside there. Although opinions on the morality of slum tourism are often divided, tours are typically intended to support social projects that will improve the lives of those who live in Kibera. Visitors who might otherwise only see the side of the country presented by a luxury safari itinerary benefit from it as well. The township-based local guides provide a helpful perspective on daily life. If you decide to visit Kibera, be sure to always get permission before taking pictures and plan on making a small donation to support neighborhood projects. Pick a trustworthy tour company, such as Focus East Africa Tours.
Kazuri Beads Factory and Pottery Center
For those who are interested in regional crafts, the Kazuri Bead Factory and Pottery Center is a good place to go. Handmade by underprivileged women are the leather goods, ceramic beads, and pottery. When she founded the business in 1975 with just two Kenyan employees, the founder chose the name “Kazuri,” which means “small and beautiful” in Swahili. More than 400 women work in the factory right now, the majority of them single mothers. Factory tours last for about an hour and demonstrate the glazing and firing of the beads. Although the factory may be closed on weekends, the shop is open. The factory is a well-liked pit stop on the way to other Karen neighborhood attractions. Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., are the hours of operation.
Karen Blixen Museum
The farmhouse where Danish author Karen Blixen lived during the time period depicted in her classic book Out of Africa is now home to the Karen Blixen Museum. Blixen and her husband, Baron Bror von Blixen Fincke, bought the home in 1917; it was built in 1912. Fans of her books and the movie starring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep will enjoy the museum. The house itself was not used for filming because it was deemed to be too dark; however, a set was constructed there. You can take a tour of the home and see the furnishings that Blixen used in her dining room and bedroom at the time. Out of Africa memorabilia and regional handicrafts can be purchased in the museum store. The Ngong Hills remain visible, and the gardens are still lovely. The daily hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Shopping in Nairobi
Visit the Maasai market, which is held at various locations throughout the city on alternate days, for an authentic souvenir shopping experience. Traditional crafts, wooden carvings, and beaded necklaces are among the items for sale. It’s also worthwhile to browse the City market. Visit Marula Studios in Karen for one-of-a-kind gifts, some of which are made from recycled cans and flip-flops. You can buy a pair of Maasai sandals here, take a tour of the flip-flop recycling process, and relax with a delicious cup of coffee in the café. Visit the design showroom Spinners Web for cutting-edge architecture, jewelry, and distinctive home furnishings. Visit the Utamaduni Craft Center in Karen if you’re looking for more crafts in a less crowded environment than the outdoor markets. More than a dozen shops selling traditional crafts, ceramics, and clothing are housed in the building.
