After months of restrictions and lockdowns, travel lovers can once again plan to explore the world and its beauty (with precautions, of course!) A great tourist destination is the lively and bustling Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and the country’s largest city. As the safari capital of Africa, it acts as a gateway to a number of destinations, but a trip to Kenya is incomplete without exploring this city. Here are the top 10 tourist attractions in Nairobi that should be on every travel lover’s wish list!
1. Spot wildlife at Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is close to the busy city center, but is a natural paradise. The park is excellent for wildlife viewing as tourists can spot lions, gazelles, warthogs, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes! Being home to over 50 rhinos, a critically endangered species, the park acts as a rhinoceros sanctuary. There are 400 species of birds in the park, including ostriches, black headed herons, long tailed fiscals, moorhens, and lapwings, so it is ideal for birdwatching as well!
Rhino at Nairobi National Park Kenya, Image Source: Alex Strachan via Pixabay
2. Adopt an elephant at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
At David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where visitors can also find baby elephants, as well as rhinos! These young elephants are orphans, so the rehabilitation center cares for them till they are fit to return to their natural habitat. The trust has been able to nurture and protect around 150 infant elephants. Tourists can care for them, feed them, and even pay to adopt them and fund their rehabilitation process.
Elephant Baby Feeding, Image Source: Maike Bieber via Pixabay
3. Meet giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Nature lovers can also visit the unique Giraffe Centre, where tourists can observe or feed giraffes. The centre acts as a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild giraffes. Guests can also stay at Giraffe Manor and learn about conservation.
Giraffe Centre Nairobi Kenya, Image Source: rhodes8043 via Pixabay
4. Learn about history at Nairobi National Museum
A trip to another region is incomplete without learning about its heritage. At the National Museum, one can find extraordinary artefacts such as fossils from Lake Turkana, ethnic displays from tribal groups from all across Kenya, over 900 stuffed birds and mammals, collections of rocks and minerals, a mosaic map of the country made from Kenyan butterflies, prehistoric bones and fossils, including the preserved fossil of an elephant, and the Kalenjin cloak which has been made from the skins of Sykes Monkeys. Tourists can also find an extraordinary collection of Hominid skulls!.
5. Tour the Kazuri Beads Factory
The Kazuri Factory employs disadvantaged local women who create beads and are excellent at pottery. A tour can be enjoyable, help the local economy, and allow the tourists to buy beautiful and unique souvenirs and keepsakes.
6. Plant Trees at Karura Forest
Taking part in tree planting at Karura Forest can be an enriching experience. One can enjoy the scenic view of the lush vegetation, spot stunning birdlife and animals such as bushbabies, duikers, porcupines, syke’s monkeys, pythons, hares, bats, crowned eagles, owls, cranes, green snakes, genet cats, weavers, vultures, hornbills, and bushbucks, explore the ancient Mau Mau caves, or enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls. One can relax next to Lily Lake, or go for an enjoyable bike ride!
7. Visit the Karen Blixen Museum
The Danish author of Out of Africa left behind her colonial home, which is now the Karen Blixen Museum. Here, tourists can learn about Kenya’s history of colonialism. The farmhouse is well-preserved, and tourists can find an agricultural college on the grounds which she used as a coffee plantation. The old furniture is displayed along with her books and photographs, which provide a glimpse into Kenya’s colonial past.
8. Celebrate Culture at Bomas of Kenya
Built to educate people about the different ethnic groups of Kenya, and celebrate its cultures, the Bomas of Kenya is an excellent spot to learn about the ethnic and cultural diversity of the region, and watch music and dance performances, and displays of art. There are exhibits of bomas, which is what many groups live in.
9. Shop at the Maasai Market
Buying from local vendors and shopkeepers allows an enriching insight into the local life and culture of a region, and helps tourists support the economy. The markets are home to any and every product that one might seek. Tourists can find brass earrings, local paintings, wood carvings, handmade jewelry, East African fabrics, Maasai spears, beaded masks, and hand-made crafts! Bargaining with the sellers can be a very interesting and memorable experience!
10. Visit the Nairobi Snake Park
For those who like reptiles, the Snake Park is a must-see! Tourists can observe dangerous snakes such as the deadly Black Mamba, the puff adder, Egyptian cobra, African rock python, and Gaboon vipers, as well as other reptiles, amphibians, and animals such as giant snails, lizards, baboon spiders, turtles, and crocodiles. The park is a rescue centre and has audio-visual exhibits so visitors can learn from their trip. Guests can see the octopus exhibit, take part in crocodile feeding sessions, and enjoy interactive sessions with harmless animals!
