If there exists a self-contained city, then Nairobi would be the outright pick. Before you wonder and infer what ‘self-contained’ is, I’ll try to simplify things. Nairobi (the Kenya’s Capital) is not just an economic powerhouse of East and Central Africa but probable the only city (in the world) with a National Game Park.
Yes, The Nairobi National Game Park is less than 7 Kilometres from the CBD thus making it part of the city and contributes greatly to the overall beauty. On the other hand, Nairobi has a conducive climate irrespective of its location (this is why it is nicknamed The Green City in the Sun)
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Nairobi City Hall - Free Image via Wikipedia
Even Mombasa, Lamu and Masaai Mara (which apparently receive more tourists) cannot boast of such uniqueness. They all lack in one area or the other. For instance, Lamu has some of the best beaches and favourable weather but lacks most amenities. Consequently, it is important look into things setting the city apart. More importantly is the focus on how the various amenities and features are beneficial to the locals and or visitors.
1. Unparalleled financial might in the region
Nairobi is the indomitable economic powerhouse of East and Central Africa. While this may sound farfetched, Nairobi Stock Exchange ranks higher than the other capital markets in the region. A fact that financial pundits will agree indicates large investments are done in Nairobi.
In fact, the City is headquartering a number of multinational firms, a show of faith in the financial stability of the market. The robust real estate industry, existence of a number of 5-Star hotels and numerous other Michelin-Stared hotels guarantee comfortable accommodation to visitors.
Below is a list (and physical address) of the popular 5-Star hotels in Nairobi:
Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel – Along Harry Thuku Road ( Nairobi CBD)
Laico Regency Hotel – Along Uhuru Highway (Nairobi CBD)
Safari Park Hotel and Casino – Along Thika Super Highway (A 2)
Hotel Intercontinental – Along Posta Street (Nairobi CBD)
Nairobi Serena Hotel – Professional Way (Nairobi CBD around Uhuru Park)
Sankara Nairobi – Woodvale Grove (Nairobi, Westlands)
The Sarova Stanley – Kenyatta Avenue (Nairobi CBD)
The Hilton Nairobi – Mama Ngina Street (Nairobi CBD)
It is important to note that most of the above-mentioned hotels have:
Fine Dining on Site
Spa, Outdoor pool(s) and fitness centre
Morden business centres, meeting space and high-speed internet
Sporting activities such as biking, touring, horseback riding, golfing, jogging, running and shopping are also available through arrangement .
2. Best infrastructure in the region
As mentioned earlier, this is where East Africa does her business and so you would expect it to have roads, Airports, modern buildings and conferencing facilities. Whether you are a tourist/business person, Nairobi has the best conferencing facilities and attractions. Maybe you did not know, the City is home to the UN Habitat and UNEP (two powerful UN bodies). Actually, the organizations are headquartered here and regularly host world leaders.
When it comes to transport, Nairobi is ably served by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which also doubles as the busiest airport in the region. All the international flights are handled by the JKIA while the local air transport is supported by Wilson Airport. With a vast network of highways and a super highway, Nairobi is well connected to other cities in Kenya. Admittedly, there is no much to write about when it comes to rail network or metro in the city though it is not a common thing in Africa.
3. The lively night life
Writing about Nairobi without mentioning its vibrant Nightlife and security is never a complete.
Despite the security scare in one of Nairobi’s, many shopping malls, the nightlife remains unique and security is tighter than it was before.
If you are looking for where to spend a night, The Carnivore (a restaurant and nightclub situated about 4 kilometers from the city center) is the place to be. Others include Kengeles, Jazz (both in the CBD), Crooked Q’s, and Galileo’s among others in the Westlands.
4. The rare attractions
Now that you have the idea about what this city is capable of in terms of infrastructure and amenities, let us focus on the places to visit:
Nairobi National Park – Kenya’s first National Park is so close to the City Centre. In fact, it is only 7 kilometres from the Central Business District. Not only will you see Ostriches, Zebras, Giraffes here but also the endangered Black Rhinos. In addition, the park has provisions and facilities to support Team Building, Cooperate Bush Dinner and Film Productions among other things.Apart from this amazing game park, you can also visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for elephant viewing. Others include, The Giraffe Centre and Nairobi Mamba Village (arguably the largest crocodile farm in East Africa).
Nairobi National Museum - Started in 1910, the remodelled National Museum is your best choice for Contemporary Art, Culture, History and Nature. You might also want to add that the attraction is located just 10 minutes drive from the Nairobi CBD (at the Museum Hill to be precise). Other similar places to visit include the Nairobi Snake Park, Nairobi Gallery and Karen Blixen. The Kenya National archive (Located in the CBD – along Moi Avenue) can also give you a better understanding of Kenya’s history. You can also visit the Railway Museum for speciality viewing.
Nairobi Arboretum – Are you in love with trees, or just looking for a quite place to relax and reflect? Well, Kenya’s oldest arboretum is the place to be. This quiet, well-manned park is located in the Kilimani area of Nairobi and thus not far from the City Centre. The other places you could visit for a similar experience include Ngong Hill forest, Karura Forest Reserve among other well-manned forest. One thing is assured here; you never run short of picnic or camping sites when you are in Nairobi.
Uhuru Park – One of the biggest parks in Nairobi covering about 13 hectare. Since its opening in 1960s, the park has served as the busiest recreational centre in town. From artificial lake to playgrounds for the children, this is the cheapest way to spend your weekend. Interestingly, its over 100000-capacity assembly ground has turned into the main ground for political rallies. If Uhuru Park isn’t fascinating enough for you then you can visit Kenya’s largest memorial park i.e. Uhuru Gardens along Lang’ata Road.
African Heritage House – This building can only be described as fabulous with artefacts, old textiles, photographs and whatever cultural things you could associate with Africa. Its architecture makes it an attraction to both locals and visitors. Apart from the house, you could also Times Tower, KICC, Social Security House, I&M Bank Tower, Sarit Centre, Village Market, and Anniversary Towers among other skyscrapers to see unique architectural designs.
Contrasting Neighbourhoods – Nairobi has some of the leafiest suburbs and arguably the largest informal settlement in Africa. You can actually visit Kibera (one of the largest slums you can imagine of) or the leafy suburbs like of Karen.
Visiting some of the above attractions will vindicate the title. You will be amazed and find lots of things that could not be exhaustively covered within the contents of this post. Leave us your experience and observations..