The City in the Sun is what Nairobi is called by many, and a visit can be as pleasant as the name sounds. Most people visit the city for two reasons: (1) business and (2) the popular culture that Nairobi is known for.
Not only is the city a short flight from the world renowned Maasai Mara but it has become a magnet for some of the world’s biggest corporations trying to gain a foothold in Africa. The city is beautiful with flowering trees and perfect climate ranging from sunny to low humidity almost every day. It’s a multicultural place, being the epitome and reflecting what is happening in Africa better than any other city on the continent.
These are just a few of the many things one can do while in Nairobi for a weekend.
See the beauty of Kenya from K.I.C.C Helipad
The view from the KICC is worth it. Going up on to the Helipad will give you a grand view of the entire city but if you have a fear of heights you must talk your way into it. From the top you can see the whole of Nairobi and its environs and the view is simply breathtaking.
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
The Elephant Orphanage located in Lang’ata gives one the opportunity to have an uninhibited view of the majestic giants. You experience firsthand how devastating poaching is to the animals that left them orphaned. You also get to understand that they have feelings, like humans.
The orphanage will also give you hope, for within all that anarchy, there is a sanctuary for the baby elephants left behind. You can also support the orphanage by adopting a baby elephant.
View the Kenyan Art Collections
For those who love art and are cultured, a visit to the local art scene is a must. One of the most engaging art galleries in Nairobi is the Banana Hill Art Gallery. This, among many, is one of the most comprehensive art galleries that features East African talent.
The stunning paintings and sculptures will take your breath away. Located near the Village Market, Banana Hill Gallery is a wonderful place to visit and get to learn and appreciate local artistic talents.
Watch local plays at the Kenya National Theatre
The Kenya National Theatre, the oldest national theatre in the country, is riddled with outstanding plays every other night that have stuck by arts and culture.
Alliance Francaise and Phoenix Players are the other most popular theatrical power houses in the country. These places have frequent plays, almost every evening. Most of the plays are very entertaining and are filled with political, tribal and marital satire as the main themes.
Visit the Giraffe Center
The giraffe center is known to be home to endangered giraffes. One can visit the place and get to feed the giraffes. Also, you can stay at the giraffe manor and get to enjoy breakfast with the friendly animals.
Shopping at Maasai Market
The Maasai culture is the most renowned of Kenya’s ethnicity. When travelling within Kenya, buying a Maasai culture-based souvenir must be one of the things you do. There is no place better to find the best Maasai merchandise than the open air Maasai markets held in Nairobi.
In this market you will find everything from local paintings, curios, drawings, wood carvings, jewelry and East African based Fabrics. However, you have to know where and when they will be held because the locations keep changing.
Visit Nairobi Safari Walk
Nairobi Safari Walk is a conservation based recreational facility about 7km from the city center. The setting is exceptionally serene and you will get a chance to see some of the rarest animals in the world, including the white Rhino, the Bongo and even an Albino Zebra.
Nairobi safari walk offers a rare chance to see most of Kenya’s wildlife within a single setting.
If you were a mad scientist, what scientific experiment would you run?