Ah, Kenya. The home of one of the most diverse wildlife scapes in the region. Nature lovers will fawn over Kenya’s largest city, Nairobi; a haven for a menagerie of fauna and flora alike. It is the capital of Kenya, and also happens to be the safari adventure capital of the world.
Of all places, why Nairobi?
It’s the perfect all-rounded location for a group of travellers, or even just a lone traveller. Nairobi has a rich history, just old enough for visitors to feel the heritage of past decades whilst still taking in the modernity of the city.
It’s also got a lovely climate, especially for Malaysians who can’t stand the blistering heat hitting the high thirties. Evenings are typically cool, where temperatures can drop to as low as 9°C. Even the hottest days in the city stand at a balmy average maximum temp of 28°C.
Image Credit: Expedia
Furthermore, as aforementioned, Nairobi is the place to be if you’re a safari fanatic. The city has a long history tied to safaris, due to colonial-era hunting expeditions and luxury safari lodges being popular with early visitors.
This tradition, though modernised and evolved, has been maintained. No, you may longer hunt, eco-tourism has flourished in the past decades. What’s more, Nairobi is also heavily involved in wildlife conservation efforts.
Explore a menagerie of fauna
Nairobi is the only capital city in the world with a national park: Nairobi National Park. This is what most tourists travelling to Nairobi flock to, and for good reason. Despite its relatively smaller size compared to other national parks, it dazzles any seasoned safari-goer.
Image Credit: Nairobi National Park (left), Tripadvisor (right)
Though the park is known for its particularly high concentration of the endangered black rhino species, you can also expect to catch sight of lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and exotic birds by the hundreds.
You’ll be able to hand-feed and interact with the majestic creatures up close, with raised platforms that allow visitors to get up-close-and-personal to snap those unforgettable photos.
Image Credit: Natural World Kenya Safaris
Nairobi National Park has a wide range of unique scenery. From wide grassy plains to acacia forests, or even wetlands and rivers running through the park. The varied landscapes allow for a diverse range of ecosystems too! And you don’t have to be in a vehicle all the time, there are even walking trails and picnic sites for the more walking-enthused.
It’s also conveniently located a mere 7 kilometres away from downtown Nairobi. Not only is it super easily accessible, it’s one of the only national parks with a city skyline backdrop.
Educate yourself on Kenya’s conservation efforts
Their conservation efforts are also nothing to be scoffed at. Take The Giraffe Centre, for instance, focused on the conservation of the Rothschild Giraffe. For these endangered subspecies, the centre works to increase their population in captivity and release them back into their natural habitats in Kenya.
Or perhaps even the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT), which is most well known for its elephant orphanage in Nairobi. Orphaned elephants who are separated from their families due to poaching and other natural or man-made reasons are taken in and rehabilitated.
Image Credit: Adventure Africa Expedition
The orphanage provides the elephants with round-the-clock care, and each young elephant is assigned a keeper who acts as a surrogate mother, providing companionship and nutrition (including specially formulated milk).
SWT also partakes in active anti-poaching conservation, assigning units to patrol Kenya’s national parks and reserves, especially where poaching is prevalent. They also run anti-snaring operations, releasing captured animals and rehabilitating them before releasing them back into the wild.
Experience a hotspot for heritage
Image Credit: Safari254 (left), Tripadvisor (right)
Kenya is home to a rich culture and heritage, and its capital is no exception. Take the Karen Blixen Museums for instance, former home of famous Danish author Karen Blixen, most known for her work ‘Out of Africa’, which can be credited for creating big change in the Western literary perception of Africa.
Visitors can take guided tours through the house where she lived in for 14 years, preserved to maintain the Dutch colonial style it was built in in 1912. You can view a collection of the author’s personal belongings, or even the rooms where she lived and worked, including her writing room.
The museum even provides valuable insight into the history and culture of Kenya during Blixen’s time, highlighting her interactions with the local people, and her glowing perspective of the country.
Image Credit: Overblog (right)
If museums aren’t your thing though, you could opt for the Kazuri Beads Factory, a socially responsible factory dedicated to the production of handmade traditional ceramic beads and pottery whilst supporting local female artisans.
Guided tours showcasing the bead-making process are available, and you even get the opportunity to purchase a few pieces for yourself or as a memorable souvenir after too!
Savour the taste of Kenya
Obviously, the thought on any traveller’s mind is the cuisine. It is often exciting to try and savour the authentic taste of any culture, and Nairobi does not disappoint.
Vibrant markets like Maasai Market and City Market are chock full of local food, and be sure to hunt for deliciously juicy Kenyan nyama choma (grilled meat) or even wholesome and filling ugali (a starchy side made from maize flour).
You can even take part in guided street food tours to really experience a little bit of everything!
Image Credit: nyamachomafestival on Instagram (left), Roamscapes (right)
Immerse yourself in a rich culture
If you’re visiting a completely foreign country and not even immersing yourself in the culture, is it even worth it?
To avoid that misfortune, secure your spot at local events like the Nairobi International Film Festival, which highlights talents in the Kenyan film industry. The festival also serves as a cultural exchange, showcasing films that reflect different cultures, experiences, and perspectives.
Image Credit: nairobi.fashion.week on Instagram
Or pop into Nairobi Fashion Week, where the outfits are sure to be giving. It also places a huge importance on sustainability, encouraging designers to incorporate eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods in their collections. In doing so, they bring awareness to sustainable fashion, something the fashion industry certainly needs.
Turn into a different beast when the sun sets
Nightlife is surely on your mind (should you be of legal drinking age), and the scene in Nairobi is a different beast once night hits.
Alchemist Bar is a popular spot amongst locals and tourists alike, offering an open-air setting with food trucks, an outdoor cinema, a dance floor, and a very lively bar. Known for its diverse crowd, they even feature local performances and DJs as well.
Image Credit: Tripadvisor
But if you’re looking for something higher in the sky, Brew Bistro definitely shines. With a more than impressive city view, the vibrant atmosphere combined with food, music, and cocktails create for an ideal spot for a chill night out for chats and booze.
Whether you want something thrilling, or something laid back, Nairobi’s nightlife scene has it all.
“I need to get there, NOW“
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Booking Period: Now – November 1, 2024
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Feature Image Credit: MyGuide Kenya (left), Enclose Africa Safaris (right)
