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5 unexpected things you have to do in and around Nairobi

By Ian Goodwillie

NAIROBI, KENYA - MARCH 13: Giraffe are seen by the city skyline prior to the start of the Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa at the Karen Golf Club on March 13, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
NAIROBI, KENYA - MARCH 13: Giraffe are seen by the city skyline prior to the start of the Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa at the Karen Golf Club on March 13, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) /
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Nairobi is not only Kenya’s capital city, it is the country’s largest city to boot. The overall metropolitan area clocks in with a population of almost 10 million people. As such, there is a lot to do when visiting.

A modern hub of business and culture, Nairobi was established by the British in 1899. Tourists often have safety concerns when traveling to Africa. But Kenya is actually quite safe, as long as you’re smart. And Nairobi can be an incredibly rewarding place to visit.

Nairobi Arboretum Park

Nairobi
NAIROBI, KENYA – DECEMBER 3: Stranded commuters are forced to walk for hours to make their public transport connection on opposite sides of the city after the Kenyan government put an unwanted ban on the buses on December 3 in Nairobi, Kenya. The ban prohibits matatus – private minibuses – from entering the city’s central business district, forcing them to drop off passengers outside its boundaries. (Photo by Heath Holden/Getty Images) /

Near the heart of the city rests the Nairobi Arboretum Park. It was established in 1907 as a means of experimenting with trees being introduced to the country. Without question, the park has grown far beyond that.

It’s home to more than 350 species of plants, some indigenous and others not so much. On top of that, it’s also a great place to go bird and monkey spotting. Tourists and residents both find this park to be a place of tranquility in a busy city.

Bomas of Kenya

The history of Kenya runs as deep and rich as anywhere else in the world. Bomas of Kenya exists to preserve that heritage, highlighting each of the various ethnic groups that make Kenya the marvelous and unique place that it is.

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In addition to an unbelievable collection of cultural artefacts and a well stocked library, Bomas also has cultural homesteads. But the highlight of any visit are the regular performances by the Bomas Harambee Dancers.

Nairobi National Museum

Nairobi
NAIROBI, KENYA – SEPTEMBER 17: A Cinnamon-Chested Bee-Eater hangs in a mist net at a bird ringing station in the National Museum of Kenya, on September 17, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. The bird ringing at the National Museum of Kenya started around 20 years ago to monitor bird population trends of urban birds in Nairobi. Bird ringing generates information on the survival, productivity and movements of species, helping scientists understand why populations are changing, and identify areas that need protecting on migration routes. (Photo by Luke Dray/Getty Images) /

If you want to learn more about the history of Kenya, the National Museum is another great stop. It is an amazing exhibition of the natural and cultural heritage of the country as well as the city itself.

The amazing part of about the Nairobi National Museum is the fact that it is constantly evolving, much like Kenya itself. It also features a wide array of dining options, so visitors can truly make a day of going there.

Karura Forest Reserve

Just on the edge of the city, visitors will find the Karura Forest Reserve, though it is still fully within the city limits. Nairobi can be a little overwhelming at times so Karura offers an excellent green break from the city.

Karura has several attractions like a picturesque waterfall and several archaeological sites. It’s also home to marshlands that are home to a variety of birds, including migratory birds from both Europe and Asia.

Nairobi Giraffe Centre

Kenya is home to several amazing, endangered species, including the Rothschild Giraffe. And the Nairobi Giraffe Centre is a non-profit agency plays a key role in conservation efforts directed towards them.

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It has a variety of experiences to enjoy. But there’s also the nearby Giraffe Manor. It’s pricey, but you can wake up with giraffes nearby. If this gets you in the mood to meet animals, the Elephant Orphanage in the Nairobi National Park is a great idea.

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