NAIROBI

'the green city in the sun'

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya

Nairobi’s only been a city since 1954, but it’s been making up for lost time ever since. The capital of Kenya is now a thriving metropolis that continues to grow rapidly. While its name comes from a Maasai phrase meaning “the place of cool waters,” Nairobi is more commonly referred to as the “Green City in the Sun”. It’s a place where residents and wild beasts live in close proximity – and might be the only city with a safari park on its doorstep. Now one of Africa’s most influential cities, Nairobi is a vital commercial and financial regional hub, home to the regional headquarters of various major international companies and organizations. Its people, across the economic brackets, also have beautiful appreciation of its art that warms the heart.

Balloon Safari

Sounds like bucket-list travel at its best, or is it? Floating high above the ground, surrounded by nothing but the , almost-always, blue sky of the cosmopolitan city, up, up, and away, is an incredible feeling.There are several hot air balloon safari companies, but it is still advisable to pre-book this popular activity. The dry season (June to October) is the ideal time for a hot balloon safari. During the rainy months of March, April, and May, some companies will still offer tours, although actual flight will depend on the weather conditions. Thankfully, the dry season is also the perfect time to witness the Great Migration, so floating silently above this wondrous spectacle means you’re in for a treat of a lifetime.

Thrifting

Nairobi is a labyrinth of passages, blocks and stalls, with each nook and cranny containing a different treasure trove of African crafts, art, clothing, homeware and fabrics. With a strong cultural influence, these beautiful wildest assortments of creations are all tailored with beautiful detailing and creative finishes. These are the kind of purchases that if you walk away from, can easily haunt you for years to come as you remember the one-of-a-kind artisan garment, bag, shawl or pair of sandals that you will forever regret not buying when you had the opportunity. Thrifting will offer you the best of all souveniors including necklaces, bracelets and earrings in every vibrant hue imaginable.

Nairobi National Park

The undivided joy of this adventure can get hair-raisingly close to 4 of the Big 5: lions, buffalos, rhinos and leopards. Nairobi National Park is adjacent to motorways, train stations, residential housing and skyscrapers of the city's skyline, yet cross into the park and you're in Kenya’s urban jungle. Until a few years ago elephants were here too, but frequent human-wildlife conflict made it necessary for their safe and continued removal from the park. But Nairobi National Park is so much more than the Big 5. The park boasts at least 80 species of animals that call this park their home. And make no mistake, Nairobi National Park isn’t a zoo, or western style safari park, this is the real thing!

Maasai

Kenya is home to about 42 tribes, each with its own dialect, appearance, and customs. But if a culture was to be defined by its appearance, the Maasai would leave a lasting impression. Their many piercings and extensive work with beads and other textiles paint a colourful picture. While exploring the wondrous capital, you may encounter the Maasai tribes and/or their art. Their deep connection as well as their vast historical heritage with the land is absorbing to witness. The Maasai are renowned for their refusal to modernize under external pressure; have continued for decades to preserve their cultural heritage and traditions. Uncover the enthralling Maasai culture that has deep roots in the Kenyan plains by visiting them or simply having a chat.

Explore CBD

Every city in the world has a story – fun, interesting, or dark – and Nairobi is no exception. One of the mysteries of the city is why it’s referred to as “Nairobery”. Every traveler returns home with their own stories based on experience or speculation. If you’re keen on unlocking the mystery, join a city walking tour and wander along the alleys. You’ll uncover and understand its past and present through the eyes of those who have lived here night and day. Some of the city attractions featured include famous landmarks, museums, monuments, and old architecture. Like any other city, Nairobi is a place of extremes. A city of high-end malls, colonial country clubs juxtaposed with expansive slums and village and extreme poverty.

Matatus

These transit vibrant buses, known as "matatus" in Swahili, serve locals around Nairobi, and they're all just as brightly colored and fun. They fill the streets of Nairobi, Kenya, blaring music as they bounce and weave through traffic. Each matatu is louder than the next, complete with graffiti-style artwork, custom designs, flashy lights and onboard entertainment to pull the crowds. Cheap, convenient and sometimes a tad chaotic, matatus are the choice mode of transport for most Kenyans. Matatus sport diverse designs featuring hip hop artists, international pop stars, athletes, political icons and even religion. Much like rolling local radio stations, these minibuses blast homegrown music promoting up-and-coming Kenyan artists.