- Destinations
- Africa
- Kenya
- Nairobi
Nairobi
Nairobi is best characterised by its variety of locally-given
descriptive names, representative of the city's contrasting images
- of wealthy spacious suburbs, charming flower-lined streets and a
refreshing climate, alongside crime, corruption, filth and poverty.
Names like 'Green City in the Sun', 'City of Flowers' and the Masai
name 'Place of Cool Waters' attempt to overshadow the all too real
version of 'Nairobbery' that stands as a well-found warning to
newly arrived tourists.
Nairobi is one of Africa's largest and most interesting cities.
It is a place of enormous energy, a tireless and thriving bustle of
people, and a city of differences. Assorted races, tribes and
origins are all a part of its make-up. Rural immigrants and
refugees are drawn by the hope of wealth and opportunity,
international businessmen are attracted by profitable business
prospects, and tourists are promised the makings of the perfect
safari. The city centre buzzes with the energy, aspirations and
opportunism of moneychangers, safari touts, would-be thieves, food
vendors and trinket sellers, prostitutes, shoppers, security
guards, and sharp-eyed shoe shiners assessing the footwear of the
hurried throngs. Among them are the disillusioned faces of the
unemployed, the beggars and the destitute.
Kenyatta Avenue is the city's favourite tourist image, a broad
avenue fringed by trees and flowers that was originally designed to
allow a twelve-oxen team to make a full turn. There are several
museums and places of interest in the centre, including the
National Museum and Snake Park. There are numerous markets selling
traditional crafts, especially the appealing Masai market. Just
outside of the centre is the Nairobi National Park, and the nearby
Bomas of Kenya host performances of traditional dancing and
singing. The Langata Giraffe Centre offers visitors the chance to
hand-feed the Rothschild giraffes that inhabit the area.
Nairobi is also the safari capital of Africa and a good base for
travel in Kenya. From here excursions and safaris can be arranged
to any of the national parks or reserves in the country.
Information & Facts
Climate
Situated at a high altitude, Nairobi has a moderate climate. The
summer months are sunny and warm without blistering temperatures,
while winters are mild to cool, with very chilly evenings. Rainfall
is also moderate, the wettest part of the year being late summer to
autumn, when cloudy, drizzly days are common.
Getting Around
The most popular form of public transport in Nairobi is the
matatu, usually a Nissan minibus, which operate on set routes
collecting as many passengers as possible en route, with people
boarding and disembarking wherever and whenever they choose. Loud
music goes along with the ride in these cheap but unregulated and
usually overcrowded vehicles that have become part of Kenyan
culture. No less risky, but not as colourful, are the local bus
services which operate on set routes and schedules through the city
streets, renowned for overcrowding and speeding. Taxis are widely
available and convenient, usually congregated in the street around
hotels and areas frequented by tourists. Taxis are not metered and
the fare should be agreed upon before departure. Nairobi taxis are
marked with a yellow line along the side of the vehicle, or they
are, surprisingly, large black London taxis. The better taxi
companies have more modern vehicles, which can be booked by
telephone. Three-wheel auto-rickshaws, or 'tuk-tuks' are also used
as taxis in Nairobi.
Language
English is the official language but Swahili is the
national language, with 42 ethnic languages spoken.
Money
The unit of currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), divided into
100 cents. It is not advisable to take Kenyan Shillings out of the
country, as they are difficult to exchange elsewhere. Travellers
cheques in Sterling or US Dollars are recommended for your trip to
Kenya. US Dollars in particular have become commonly used in many
of the country's main hotels and safari lodges. Foreign currency
can be changed at banks, bureaux de change and hotels; easiest to
exchange are US dollars, pounds sterling or Euros. Street exchange
merchants should be avoided as they are operating illegally. Banks
open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm and on the first and last
Saturday of the month. Banks and bureaux de change at the
international airport stay open 24 hours. Credit Cards (American
Express, Visa and MasterCard) are accepted in the larger hotels and
stores, and some camps and lodges. ATMs are widely available in
Nairobi and the major towns.
Shopping
Nairobi is a probably the best place in Africa to stock up on
crafts and curios. The quality and prices of good are not matched
elsewhere so make the most of a stay here to stock up. The local
vendors will test your bargaining skills so be prepared to haggle.
Typical souvenirs include Kamba woodcarvings, African masks, Kisii
soapstone carvings, Masai beadwork colourful fabrics, handmade rugs
and the distinctive square cloth known as kangas or kikhois. Do not
attempt to buy precious stones or jewellery from freelance
vendors.
The best place to go on a shopping excursion is the fascinating
and always lively City Market on Muindi Mbingu Street. For a more
local experience visit Kariokor Market where everything from
vegetables to clothes is on sale. More local crafts can be found at
the Maasai Markets (every Tuesday, Friday on the intersection of
Moi Avenue and Monrovia Street; on Thursdays near the National
Theatre; and Fridays near Limuru Road). Biashara (Business) Street
in central Nairobi is lined with interesting stores and boutiques,
with plenty of cafes in which to recuperate from the rigors of
shopping.
Note that taxi drivers and local touts will pressure you to go
to certain stores; they earn large commissions for doing so and
therefore the prices you pay will be much higher.
Sightseeing
Many visitors to Kenya spend as little time as possible in
Nairobi, partially because of the city's reputation for danger and
congestion. This is a shame because Nairobi is a welcoming and
fascinating place with a range of worthwhile things to see and do.
Before departing for the parks, reserves and islands in the rest of
the country it is well worth spending a day or two exploring
Nairobi. It is a good idea to hire a taxi driver, based on a
recommendation at your hotel, and to allow him to navigate you
between the sights.