Nairobi

Nairobi is the capital and the largest city in Kenya. The name comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi, which translates to "cool water", a reference to the Nairobi River which flows through the city. The city proper has a population of 9,354,580. The city is popularly referred to as the Green City in the Sun. Nairobi was founded in 1899 by the colonial authorities in British East Africa, as a rail depot on the Uganda Railway. The city lies in the south-central part of Kenya, and is home to thousands of Kenyan businesses and over 100 major international companies and organizations

The city also has the Nairobi National Park , which was established in 1946. It is fenced on three sides, whereas the open southern boundary allows migrating wildlife to move between the park and the adjacent Kitengela plains. Herbivores gather in the park during the dry season. Nairobi National Park is negatively affected by increasing human and livestock populations, changing land use, and poaching of wildlife. Despite its proximity to the city and its relatively small size, it boasts a large and varied wildlife population and is one of Kenya's most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries

Nairobi is a popular tourist destination with many activities. You can visit the Hell's Gate National Park, the inspiration for animators of Disney's Lion King. Named for a gap in the red-tinged cliffs carved by the flowing waters of a prehistoric lake, it’s the only park in East Africa in which you can get out of your safari vehicle and hike freely.

You cannot miss the Bomas of Kenya, a cultural centre situated around 10 kilometers from Nairobi city and which features replicas of traditional village built according to the same principles and techniques used by local tribes. The site is also home to one of the largest auditoriums in Africa, seating 3500 people. It is here that you can watch a selection of more than 30 traditional dances from the different ethnic groups in Kenya, including impressive performances from the Samburu and Masai warriors. Visitors can also sample a range of traditional African foods at the on-site Utamaduni restaurant.

Nairobi also offers a sightseeing day tour of the city and its surrounds, including the famous Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Center, and the Karen Blixen Museum. 

For an injection of culture & history visit the Nairobi National Museum, home to massive permanent collections that combines history, culture, and artwork. The Nairobi National Museum is a must for travellers interested in Kenya’s rich heritage. Artefacts are displayed across two floors, and a nature trail winds through the surrounding grounds, a botanical garden, and collections of outdoor sculptures.