1. Nairobi National Park – The Park is located just outside of Nairobi and is home to large herds of wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, lion, cheetah, hippo, rhino, zebra and even a lot of different kinds of birds. A must place to visit for animal lovers and adventure seekers where you can also go on the Nairobi Safari Walk. It is also an educational centre that makes people aware of the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.
2. Kenyatta International Conference Center (K.I.C.C) – This is the best place to go if you want to enjoy the far ranging view over the sprawling metropolis of Nairobi. You can also go up the saucer like shaped top viewing tower and you might be able to see as far as the national park depending on the fog.
3. Jamia Mosque – The mosque is tucked away in between other buildings but even though the buildings are blocking the mosque there are still some striking views to be seen of its beautiful structure. The mosque is one of the most impressive religious structures in the Nairobi.
4. Nairobi National Museum – The museum is open from 8:00AM to 5:30PM, a good place to visit if you are interested in learning about Nairobi’s culture and history.
5. Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park – The Park is 65km away from Nairobi and it is a mountain forest and plain lands and has large populations of buffalos. The park also serves as refuge for Colobus monkeys, bushbuck, duiker, leopard, and a large variety of bird species.
6. Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – The place is located close to the Nairobi National Park. They take care of elephant calves and rhinos from all over Kenya which were orphaned by poaching.
7. Giraffe Centre – This center is located in Lang'ata just right outside of the city of Nairobi. The place breeds and nurses the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. This is a good place to visit to learn about conservation of wildlife.
8. Westlands – The hip Westlands district has transformed into the new nightlife spot of Nairobi. The district has a lot of restaurants, cafes and bars that line Woodvale Grove and Mpaka Road. A good place to enjoy and relax with friends. Just keep in mind that traffic can be hectic in the early hours.
9. Uhuru Gardens - Was built to remember the struggle for independence which Kenya was granted in 1963. The monument is 79 ft tall supporting a pair of clasped hands and the dove of peace and over a statue of freedom fighter raising the flag.
10. National Railway Museum – A good place to visit if you want to learn more about the history of Kenya’s railroads and the Kenya/Uganda railway. The museum also houses, some of the engines from the country’s colonial period.
Have you been to Nairobi? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.
Photo Credits: Nairobi National Park by Derek Keats/ KICC by DEMOSH/ Jamia Mosque by Tom Hilton/ Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage by amanderson2/ Giraffe Centre by Kurt Thomas Hunt/ Westlands by sweetpeasue/ Uhuru Gardens by DEMOSH/