NAIROBI CITY

Nairobi is Kenya’s Capital, and the City is only 30 mi/45 km south of the equator. With a population of more than 2,000,000, Nairobi which lies at an altitude of 5,500 ft above sea level has much to offer to travelers like the City Market, the National Museum, the Arboretum and the superb Kenya Railway Museum. Exhibits about the period leading to independence can be seen at the Kenya National Archives.

HISTORY OF THE CITY:

Nairobi a busy city with different cultures including Indians, Expats and Refugees from around Africa was made the Protectorate after the colonialists moved from Mombasa, and the City developed to accommodate Hotels and Offices. Grand Hotels were built in the city in order to accommodate Kenya’s first tourists, the Big game hunters.

The city is the largest between Cairo and Johannesburg, and offers several attractions to tourists as ell as visitors to Kenya.

CLIMATE:

Nairobi and has no real variations in the climate. Average temperatures range from 21°C in January to 16°C in July.

SIGHTS IN NAIROBI:

The National Museum; is a grand building which exhibits cultural and Natural History, with displays of Art, cultures of the Kenya people, wildlife, minerals and fossil displays. The Museum also has a snake park with different wildlife, and the Kuona Trust with Kenyan art done by Kenyan artistes. (Tel: 749341 Fax: Moi Avenue. Website: www.museums.or.ke)

Railway Museum; This is found in a railway building and consists of Relics of the East African Railway. This includes Colonial history with models like the Engine seat, a steam train at the back of the compound, photographs and dozens of locos from colonial History. (Station Road)

National Archives (National Theatre): This is a grand building with a collection of Photographs and paintings of the former presidents of Kenya, as well as displays of Handicrafts. (Tel: 749341; Moi Avenue)

Kenyatta Conference center; exhibits architectural designs of the Kenyan independence. The roof offers beautiful views of Nairobi.

Mzizi Arts Center, exhibits contemporary art, literature, dance, performance Art, craft, lectures by prominent Kenyans and performances of Traditional African Dances are carried out at the center. (Tel: 785086; fifth floor, Buru Buru center, mumias south Road)

Parliament House is another attraction in Nairobi. The place can be toured incase parliament is out of session, and a seat in the public gallery can be obtained. (Tel: 221291; parliament Road)

ART GALLERIES:

There are several Art galleries in Kenya and shops sell local art.

Ramoma Rahimtula Museum of modern Art
Tel: 729181;
Rahimtula Tower, upper hill road

Gallery Watatu
Tel: 228737
Lornho House, Standard Street.
Other places of interest include the Nairobi National park, Kenyatta International Conference Centre, the Phoenix Theatre, McMillan Memorial Library, The city market, Nairobi Races (horse racing), National International Show, Bomas of Kenya (for traditional dancing and tribal villages), and modern cinemas.