Nairobi Travel Guide
Travel guide to Nairobi, Kenya with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Nairobi sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Nairobi Overview
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya in Africa and, since being founded just over a hundred years ago has grown to become a bustling metropolis with a population of almost 3 million people.
Unlike many parts of Africa, Nairobi has a number of the attributes associated with more western cities, such as fine restaurants, good quality entertainment and strong communications networks. The city also has a well organised commercial sector, with a number of high rise buildings standing like icons over the area. It is this economical growth that both Kenya and Nairobi want so much as it enables the city to grow and develop.
Unfortunately the trappings of wealth are much sought after by many in Africa, so crime is a dangerous and sadly commonplace occurrence, with violent robberies and carjackings a daily routine.
Kenya is well known for its support of wildlife and this is reflected in the Nairobi National Park, a protected game reserve that is unique in being situated within the perimeters of the city. This goes some way to explaining why the city also has the greatest number of bird species of any capital city in the world.
Top Nairobi Attractions
The natural aspects of the city are the major areas of interest in Nairobi. The National Park for example and the Langata Giraffe Centre are wonderful places where nature can be seen in all its glory. The Bomas of Kenya is also worth seeing as it shares the cultures of the Kenyan tribes with visitors - a unique experience.
Shopping in Nairobi
Shopping in Nairobi is predominantly based around the many markets where foods and handcrafted items are for sale. These markets are evocative of the area but visitors should be wary as the attraction of visitors with money can be a strong one for locals who have almost nothing. A more modern shopping experience can be found at the Sarit Centre, a large mall.
Nairobi Sporting Events
For something a little different, the World Rally Championship comes here in July to take part in the Safari Rally, where the worlds best rally drivers come to take on some of the local stars. In this environment local knowledge counts for a lot so there is a lot of pride at stake during this event.