The first thing that comes to most minds when thinking of Nairobi is the jungle safari and the chance to meet wild animals in their natural environment. After all, it is called the world’s safari capital, with a national park within its city limits. But Nairobi is not just about this. The city has a rich history and culture, where modern structures and life blend with beautiful natural landscapes and wildlife. Nairobi is also known for its exceptional architecture, delicious food, and a happening nightlife. You can visit numerous museums, explore beautiful natural parks and trails, and enjoy exceptional Nairobi dining experiences during your holiday. Apart from the popular attractions, the city has several hidden gems that you should not miss when in the country. Here we will talk about the top attractions and hidden gems of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
Nairobi National Park
If there is one attraction that you should not miss in this city, it has to be the Nairobi National Park. Located 7 km away from Nairobi city central, the Nairobi National Park was opened in 1949. It is spread around an area of 117 square miles and is home to more than 100 wild mammal species and 500 bird species. A safari at the Nairobi National Park will give you the chance to meet four of the Big 5 (lion, rhino, buffalo, and leopard), zebra, antelope, giraffe, black rhinoceros, wildebeest, and more. A large population of birds is also present here, some of which also include seasonal migratory birds from Europe. Some other things to do in Nairobi National Park are exploring the Rhinoceros Sanctuary (the biggest in the world), Ivory Burning Site Monument (to stop poaching of wildlife and ivory trade), and Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Although a part of Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust needs a special mention. Started in 1977, this conservation organization was the first in the world to rescue and rehabilitate orphan elephants and rhinos. The organization continues to promote several projects that aim to protect wildlife and conserve their habitats in East Africa. A visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi would give you the chance to see the antics of playful baby elephants being fed and taking a mud bath. The keepers of the place will also give you the personal story of some of the elephants. Here you also get the chance to adopt a baby elephant.
Nairobi Mamba Village Park
The Mamba Village Park, one of the top sights in Nairobi, is known for several attractions and activities. But the highlight of the place is the Crocodile Farm. Spread around an area of thirty acres, this farm is home to almost 70 Nile crocodiles. When you visit the farm, you will not only get to see these crocodiles but also learn about their life and habitat. If you visit the farm on a Sunday at 4 PM, you will also get to see a fascinating crocodile feeding session. Apart from the crocodiles, the farm is also home to a few ostriches as well as several fishponds where you will see an array of fish species, including tilapia, catfish, etc. The village also has a lake where you can go boating on paddle boats. You can also enjoy horseback riding and camel riding here. Mamba Village has plenty of restaurants and a lounge for the comfort of the guests.
Nairobi Railway Museum
Image Creditt :Ninara
The Nairobi Railway Museum is one of the interesting historical sites in Nairobi. Started in 1971, it is run by the Kenya Railways Corporation although it was opened by the East African Railways. The museum takes you the journey and growth of the Kenya Uganda Railways through the different exhibits. The museum has four rooms that display a whole lot of interesting exhibits, including track inspector bicycle, water transport, ships, phones, bells, torches, early typewriting machine, and more. But the highlight of the National Railway Museum is the parking lot at the end which displays vintage locomotives of a huge variety. Here, you will get to see the different locomotives of Nairobi, including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, and push trains as well.
Karen Blixen Museum
Image Creditt : Lars Plougmann
Karen Blixen Museum is one of the most popular Nairobi museums. Located at the foot of the Ngong Hills, the museum is located inside a farmhouse surrounded by 6000 acres of farm, which was owned by Karen Blixen (author of the book “Out of Africa) and her husband. The couple indulged in coffee farming in the same area. Karen returned to her homeland, Denmark, in 1931, and the Danish government gifted the farmhouse to the Kenyan Government after her death. Today, the museum preserves the serenity and elegance of the times gone by. You will find farm tools like ploughs, wagons, and even the coffee processing factory equipment during the tour. Also, there is the view of the hills and the verdant forest that Karen had fondly described in her book.
Bomas of Kenya
Image Credit :Ninara
Kenya has a rich and diverse culture, and it is important to know about them to understand the country better. If you are interested in knowing about the country, the Bomas of Kenya is one of the Nairobi attractions you must visit. Here you will the exact replicas of villages of many of the Kenyan tribes. You will also find artefacts of different tribes of the country, including beverage containers, stools, food containers, ritual masks, special knives, and more. If you go on a guided tour, you will get to know how each of the tribes lived, their specific rituals, habits, and more. The place also has a large auditorium, where you can watch traditional dances of these tribes. Almost 50 dances are performed every day here. The Bomas of Kenya is an honest effort to keep the tradition and culture of the country alive.
Hidden Gems of Nairobi
The above-mentioned attractions are the most popular places one must visit when in Nairobi. Apart from these, there are several underrated places that not many know about. If you want to understand the essence of the city, a visit to these places is also a must.
The Oloolua Nature Trail: If you want to spend a day amidst the beauty of nature, the Oloolua Nature Trail is one of the Nairobi hidden gems you must visit. There is no dearth of such trails in Kenya, but what makes this stand apart is it is very less crowded. This trail is a part of the Kenya’s Oloolua forest and gives you an amazing safari experience. As you walk on this trail, you will get to see a natural cave, a gorgeous waterfall, and a papyrus swamp.
Nairobi Snake Park: The Nairobi Snake Park is located right next to the city’s national park. Here, you will get to see a variety of snake species belonging to East Africa. You will get to see African rock python, Egyptian cobra, Puff Adder, Gaboon viper, and Black Mamba. The snake park is also a research facility that conducts studies on breeding of snakes and reptiles.
Nairobi Arboretum: Nairobi Arboretum is another natural haven in Nairobi that not many know about. It is a forest reserve spread around an area of 30-hectares. The place is most popular for its indigenous plants. You will find around 350 species of exotic plants here. As you walk around the place, you will find several park benches where you can sit and enjoy nature as well as indulge in the sighting of unique bird species.
Nairobi is waiting for you with a plethora of famous and unknown attractions that will give you a culturally rich society of Kenya. Apart from sightseeing in the day, do take the time for exploring Nairobi’s nightlife too. So, what are you waiting for? Choose a good Nairobi holiday package for the experience of a lifetime.
