Kenya is not just about safari. At Wildlife Safari we recommend a short stay in Nairobi and take this time to get over the long flight/s from Australia, acclimatise to the altitude and see the sights before heading out on safari. Visit Nairobi with an open mind, be prepared for intense traffic and you will find a vibrant, lively and green city. You can make it all about the wildlife and visit cute baby elephants, kiss a giraffe, watch a warthog and go on a city safari or spend the day out and about scouring shops in search of antiques, art, artifacts, textiles and hand crafted items for unique mementos and souvenirs. There are so many reasons to spend time in the capital. Explore our list below of recommended activities and places to visit. Naturally, if you have a specific interest, we will design a day out and out just for you with one of our specialist guides.
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi, the cosmopolitan capital of Kenya is a Masai word translates as ‘place of cool waters’ and is the only city in Africa to have a national park on the edge of the city centre. Open daily the Nairobi National Park will offer a first glimpse of Kenya’s remarkable wildlife and is home to lion, buffalo, giraffe, rhino and plains game. And after a fabulous game viewing drive stroll along the Nairobi Safari Walk on the elevated boardwalk weaving your way through various sections of the park.
The Karen Blixen Museum
Keen to revisit the romance of colonial Kenya, or a big fan of the book and film Out of Africa? You must visit the Karen Blixen Museum the former home of distinguished Danish author and coffee farmer. Situated in the leafy suburb of Karen, at the foot of the Ngong Hills, the museum offers a glimpse to the author’s life with personal belongings and displays of a unique collection of props and furniture from the original movie.
Grab A Coffee
Kenya grows exceptional arabica coffee beans in rich volcanic soils in the high altitude regions of the country. Enjoy an “Australian standard” coffee and a light meal at Java House at one of the many outlets dotted around the city. Java sources its coffee beans directly from coffee estates and cooperatives and the inhouse roast master takes exceptional care in blending and roasting the beans. You could pick up a pack or two of their delightfully packaged blends as a souvenir.
Barbeque
Nyama choma means grilled meats in Swahili and is considered the unofficial signature meal of Kenya. The aptly named Carnivore is one of many popular places to experience a Kenya barbeque. In addition to a feast of barbequed meats, expect some more unique offerings of farmed game meats including crocodile and ostrich. The famous Dawa (medicine in Swahili) a refreshing mix of vodka, lime, ice and honey was first concocted at the Carnivore … beware a Dawa is not at all most medicine as they go down so very easily!! Rest assured there are plenty of options for vegetarians too.
Masai Markets
The Masai Markets were originally set up by Masai women as a venue to sell their intricately beaded pieces. The market moves to a different location every day for local vendors to sell their hand crafted pieces of bead work, jewellery, wood carvings, carved soapstone and textiles. Bargaining is expected so be prepared to haggle hard. As the Masai market changes location daily Wildlife Safari take you to the correct spot on the day you will be in Nairobi.
David Sheldrick’s Wildlife Trust
Established in 1977 by the late Daphne Sheldrick, in memory of David Sheldrick, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a sanctuary for rescued orphaned elephants and rhinos from all over Kenya. The gates to the orphanage open to the public for only one hour every day where you can learn about the remarkable work of the facility and meet the baby elephants at feeding time. Bookings are essential so Wildlife Safari will make your reservation to avoid missing out.
Kazuri Beads
The Kazuri Bead and Pottery Centre was established in 1975 as a centre to support single mothers to learn a skill and achieve self sufficiency. Kazuri means small and beautiful in Swahili and the shiny, brightly coloured pottery beads are both. Starting with two women, Kazuri has grown to employ over three hundred and has retail stores across Nairobi as well as an export market. Visit the workshop in Karen and take a tour and shop the range in the boutique next door.
Utamaduni
A collection of unique stalls under one roof offering everything Africa from jewellery, kiondos, textiles, carvings, shuka’s and displays of furniture. Originally a family house it is so much more than a curio shop and you can wander the numerous display rooms without any pressure to make a purchase. If you are not a keen shopper there is lovely al fresco spot to enjoy a light lunch, snack or beverage in the delightful garden café.
Nairobi National Museum
Close to the centre of the city on Museum Hill, is the National Museum where you can easily spend hours of discovery learning about Kenya’s history and rich heritage. Open every day the permanent collections interpret Kenya’s history, natural environment and ethnography and there are temporary exhibitions, outdoor sculptures and botanic gardens.
Time For A Drink
At the end of a day out and about seeing the sights make a stop for a well earned beverage. Kenya produces a vast range of excellent beers, and I suggest you ask for a baridi Tusker Premium or White Cap Lager. Or sample the iconic G&T with Procera juniper gin distilled in Kenya mixed with a Kenyan Originals speciality tonic made with African quinine and locally sourced ingredients or try a Kenyan Originals Cider made with real fruits. There is a fabulous variety of beverages to satisfy any thirst.
Rothschild Giraffe Centre
Founded in 1979 to protect the endangered Rothschild giraffe, the centre is a special place for visitors to learn more about these amazing creatures found only in the savannah grasslands of East Africa. Open every day of the week you stand on the raised timber platform to get up remarkably close to interact, observe and hand feed and if you are willing…. kiss a giraffe.
Ocean Sole
Ocean Sole is a Kenyan social enterprise venture recycling thongs that have washed up on the beaches of the Kenya coast. Turning them into amazing works of art, Ocean Sole makes life-sized zebras to a fridge-magnet turtle with each piece made by hand. Incredibly thongs cause massive environmental damage, spoiling the Kenyan beaches and threatening marine life as the rubber can be swallowed by fish and other animals eventually suffocating them. Ask your Wildlife Safari to include a stop at Ocean Sole in Karen to pick up a unique souvenir and support the projects of cleaning of the ocean.
