Tourism and Tourists Attractions in Nairobi County
Nairobi the capital city of Kenya is situated in the southern part of the country at an altitude of 1,660 meters above sea level. It is considered one of the most prominent cities in Africa, housing many multinational companies and organizations, including many UN bodies. Today, Nairobi is a cosmopolitan city attracting different ethnicities and nationalities and has a population currently estimated at 3 million.
The construction of the Mombasa to Kisumu railway played an important part in the development of Nairobi and is an indispensable element of its life and economy. It is widely considered to be the beginning of the development of Nairobi as it is known today. The railway line reached the site where Nairobi now stands on 30th May 1899, when the city was just bare open plain roamed by grazing wild game. It was decided to construct a base for the railway workers before proceeding to the next phase of construction. The railway headquarters was transferred from Mombasa to the site two months later, and a railway town sprung up. There were no inhabitants, except the nomadic Maasai community. The Masai called this place Enkare Nyirobi, meaning the place of cool waters; the name has since changed to Nairobi.
From 1899 to 1905, it served as the British provincial capital. In the year 1905, Nairobi became the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate and in the year 1963, it became the capital of independent Kenya.
Today, Nairobi is a fine mixture of concrete and bush and lives up to its billing as the CITY IN THE SUN. The tall building structures in the city center are surrounded by vegetation that adds to the beauty of this city. The surrounding areas are even greener, with the beautiful architecture of buildings hidden within lush semi forest vegetation, adding to the freshness of the environment.
Kenyatta International Conference Centre
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
For a modest fee, the general public can travel up the interior of the conference center tower in the high-speed lifts to the 27th floor and walk the final three floors of stairs up to the roof for a bird’s eye view of 360 degrees of Nairobi City. For safety, there is a handrail around the perimeter. It has a helipad, the only one in the city on the top tier of the tower.
For more information visit: Kenyatta International Conference Centre
Dedan Kimathi Monument
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
The life-size bronze statue of the Mau-Mau freedom fighter on Kimathi Street, opposite the Hilton Hotel was unveiled in Nairobi on the anniversary he was executed – February 18, 1957. Kimathi, clad in military regalia, holds a rifle in the right hand and a dagger in the other, symbolizing the last weapons he held in his struggle for the Nation’s freedom.
Tom Mboya Monument
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
Standing twenty meters from where the late Hon. Tom Mboya was murdered, the Tom Mboya Monument is along Moi Avenue by the National Archives. It was erected in 2011 in honor of the Kenyan Minister who was assassinated in 1969. The monument by the artist Oshottoe Ondula, cost the Government Sh15 million while the whole project took about Sh20 million. It was taken to China where it was cast in bronze.
Ngong Hills
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
This iconic range has been immortalized as ‘immovable waves against the sky’ in her novel turned Hollywood blockbuster” Out of Africa‘ by Karen Blixen who had a farm on its foothills in the early 1900s. One can climb the five peaks of the mountain which the Maasai believe is the clasped fist of the giant who fell to his death here.
For more information visit: Ngong Hills
Nairobi National Park
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
The first national park established in Kenya in 1946, the 117km2 is the only wildlife park in the world where free-ranging lions and rhinos share a city with humans. It is the only protected wildlife area in the world bordering a capital city and dubbed “The World’s only wildlife capital’.’
For more information visit: Nairobi National Park
Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
Established in 1964, it is the oldest animal orphanage in Kenya and set in Nairobi National Park. It is a refuge and rehabilitation centre for wild animals found abandoned or injured in Kenya. Animals at the facility undergo a thorough medical examination, followed by treatment if needed, before entering into an appropriate feeding and rehabilitation program.
For more information visit: Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Uhuru Park
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
A green park amidst the high-rise buildings in the heart of Nairobi, it has an artificial lake and is a popular place for Nairobi residents to relax and for occasional political and religious gatherings.
For more information visit: Uhuru Park
Central Park
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
Central Park is across the road from Uhuru Park whereas Uhuru Park is busy and exciting; Central Park is more relaxed and serene.
For more information visit: Central Park
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
The orphanage is located within the Nairobi National Park, with the entrance on Nairobi to Kiserian Road, opposite the Kenya School of Communication Studies. lt is a center for the rehabilitation and rearing of orphaned baby elephants. It was founded by Daphne Sheldrick in 1977 in honor of her late husband and famous naturalist, David Leslie William Sheldrick.
For more information visit: Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
National Archives
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
The archives are located at the heart of CBD along Moi Avenue. It houses the Murumbi Gallery, dedicated to the late Joseph Murumbi, Kenya’s second vice-president from May 1965-August 31, 1966. He and his wife Sheila were avid collectors of African art.
For more information visit: National Archives
Giraffe Centre
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
The Giraffe Centre started life as a refuge for the endangered Rothschild giraffe translocated from western Kenya. lt is the perfect location to see giraffes eye-to-eye and feed them with specially made hay-pellets, which they take from your hand using their sticky 25-inch long blue-grey tongues. Today there are about 1,500 Rothschild in Kenya with the biggest herd at Soysambu Conservancy on the shores of Lake Elementeita.
For more information visit: Giraffe Centre
Nairobi Arboretum
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
The Arboretum, a 30-hectare green paradise in the city was established in 1907 by Mr. Batiscombe, then Deputy Conservator of Forests, to try out introduced forestry trees for Kenya.
For more information visit: Nairobi Arboretum
Ostrich Farm
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
Located in Langata, you can feed ostriches and watch them guard their gigantic eggs.
For more information visit: Ostrich Farm
Uhuru Gardens
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
It is where Kenya’s first flag was raised on 12 December 1963. The national monument on Langata Road is Kenya’s largest memorial park. The park offers a tranquil picnic site, a popular family outing destination and a venue for corporate events. The Uhuru monument stands in it.
For more information visit: Uhuru Gardens
Nyayo Monument
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
Built-in 1988 on Uhuru Highway to commemorate 25 years of independence, the marble monument shows the lowering of the British colonial flag and the raising of the Kenyan flag. It cost nearly a million dollars to construct.
For more information visit: Nyayo Monument
Jomo Kenyatta Mausoleum
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
The mausoleum on the grounds of the Parliament in Nairobi’s CBD is the final resting place of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s first president who took up office as Prime Minister of the self—governing Kenya in 1963. A year later, Kenya became a Republic with Kenyatta as its first president.
Bomas of Kenya
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
The Bomas of Kenya is located just 10 km from Nairobi and about one kilometer up from the main entrance to the Nairobi National Park. This is an attractive and interesting exhibit of traditional homesteads of several Kenyan communities, complete with their inhabitants.
For more information visit: Bomas of Kenya
Museums in Nairobi County
Nairobi National Museum
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
The Nairobi National Museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions of its peoples, cultures, wildlife, prehistory, and restaurants. A specific designated art gallery exhibits works by contemporary Kenyan and international artists.
For more information visit: Nairobi National Museum
Snake Park
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
The adjoining Snake Park has a large collection of reptiles and mammals.
For more information visit: Snake Park
Botanical Gardens
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
The Botanic Gardens and Nature Trail has the Kaya forest, grasses of Kenya and sculptures including medicinal plants. Located on the grounds of Nairobi National Museum is the office for Nature Kenya. Membership includes a Wednesday weekly bird walks around Nairobi, a day out within a 100-km radius of Nairobi and occasional safaris. Log on to www.naturekenya.org. It is an affiliate of other nature groups in the country
For more information visit: Botanical Gardens
Nairobi Gallery
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
Located right in the heart of Nairobi City next to the towering Nyayo House is the Nairobi Gallery. Built-in 1913, this Old Provincial Commissioner’s office was fondly referred to as ‘Hatches, Matches and Dispatches’ because births, marriages, and deaths were recorded here. The museum holds temporary exhibitions.
For more information visit: Nairobi Gallery
Karen Blixen Museum
Category: Tourist Attractions in Nairobi County
The museum is located in Karen area, near the Karen Country Club. The museum was set up in 1985 on the Blixen’s coffee farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills and still retains much of its original features. The colonial farmhouse is indeed well preserved. Much of the original furniture is still preserved in their original state, including kitchen utensils, photographs and original oil portraits painted by Ms. Blixen. Within the compound is a coffee-drying plant and small carriages that were used to ferry the coffee to the market.
For more information visit: Karen Blixen
Institute Of Primate Research Nature Trail
Tucked Within the Oloolua Forest a few minutes from Karen Blixen Museum is the institute of Primate Research’s nature trail. The indigenous forest has a spectacular waterfall, picnic site, caves, campsite, and a viewing tower. The National Museums of Kenya helps to conserve and protect this valuable natural heritage for future generations. Enjoy a walk in the forest or a picnic. Entrance is strictly by prior arrangements with IPR or the National Museums of Kenya.
Shopping in Nairobi County
Shopping Malls
- Lifestyle – Location: Within CBD along Monrovia/Moktar Daddah Street
- Galleria – Location: Along Langata rd, opposite Bomas of Kenya
- The Junction — Location: Along Ngong rd
- Prestige Plaza — Location: Along Ngong rd
- Yaya Centre – Location: Along Argwing Kodhek rd
- The Mall – Location: ln Westlands, along Waiyaki way
- Sarit Centre – Location: In Westlands, Westlands/Parklands rd
- Westgate — Location: ln Westlands, along Mwanzi rd
- Village Market – Location: In Gigiri, along Limuru rd
- Diamond Plaza – Location: In Parklands, along 4th Parklands Avenue
Africa Heritage is a gallery and retail shop at the entrance to the Carnivore selling artifacts inspired by the designs of Africa. Also available are textiles, sculptures, and arts of Africa as well as a clothing boutique and craft shop. Another feature of the shopping area is the GALLERY selling wrought iron sculptures by the internationally acclaimed local artist Kioko Mwitiki.
Maasai Market is an open-air market ideal for African handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs like beaded jewelry, batiks, baskets, sculptures, and paintings. It features designated areas during the week.
Below are some places where the market is held:
- Tuesday – Westgate shopping mall
- Wednesday — Capital center, along Mombasa rd
- Thursday – The Junction shopping mall
- Friday – Village Market, Gigiri
- Friday – Uchumi by Wilson airport
- Saturday — Nairobi Law court grounds, CBD and Uchumi by Wilson airport
- Sunday – Nairobi Law court grounds, CBD and Yaya Centre, Hurlingham
Where To Eat
Meat
The Carnivore-Nairobi – Nairobi’s old-time favorite and internationally acclaimed, The Carnivore is a meat specialty restaurant and the ultimate ’Beast of a Feast’. Whole joints of meat – legs of lamb and pork, haunches of exotic meat, rumps of beef, sirloins, racks of lamb, spare ribs, sausages, chicken wings, skewered kidneys, even crocodile, and other tasty morsels — are roasted on traditional Maasai swords over a huge, spectacular charcoal pit that dominates the entrance of the restaurant.
The Simba Saloon at The Carnivore is for those who do not want to indulge in a large meal. lt serves pizzas (from a traditional, domed, brick oven), an extremely popular salad bar at lunchtime, steaks, hamburgers, scampi, trout, chicken, and other light snacks. It includes a nightclub from Wednesday to Sunday and has themed nights to cater to fans of contemporary African music, rock, soul, jazz and the latest hits.
Chinese and Japanese Restaurants
- August Moon; situated at the food court, Westgate Mall.
- Bamboo; situated at Zen gardens, Lower Kabete Rd.
- Taste of China; situated inside the stylish Prime Apartments at the very end of Rhapta Road, Westlands.
Continental Restaurants
- Alabaster Lounge
- Half Past One Café
- Jade Coffee and Tea House
French Cuisine Restaurants
- Le Rustique
- Ambiance Restaurant
- Piano Bar at Captains Club Casino
Italian Restaurants
- La Prudna D’oro.
- La Grigla Restaurant.
- La Dolce Vita.
Indian Restaurants
- Haandi Udupi.
- Open House Karen &Westlands.
- Anghiti Westlands & Muthaiga.
Arabian Restaurants
- Café Habibi and Sheesha lounge.
Banks and Forex Bureaus
- Barclays Bank
- Equity Bank
- Kenya Commercial Bank
- Commercial Bank of Africa
- Standard Chartered Bank
- CFC Stanbic Bank
- Co-operative Bank of Kenya
- Family Bank
- Consolidated Bank
- Fina Bank
- Gulf Bank
- First Community Bank
- National Bank of Kenya
Top Best Accommodation and Hotels in Nairobi County
Villa Rosa Kempinski
Category: Hotels in Nairobi County
The Villa Rosa Kempinski hotel is located on Chiromo Road, within the commercial center of Nairobi, 20kms from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
For more information visit: Villa Rosa Kempinski
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Nairobi Serena Hotel in Kenya is located in central Nairobi overlooking Central Park and five minute’s walk from the Central Business District.
The hotel is a 30-minute drive away from Jomo Kenyatta International airport and a five-minute walk from the city center.
For more information visit: Nairobi Serena Hotel
The Sarova Stanley
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Sarova Stanley is the oldest hotel in Nairobi established in 1902, with a rich and proud history. It has undergone an intensive program of renovation. It is centrally located in the CBD and is 18km from JKIA.
For more information visit: The Sarova Stanley
Sankara Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Established in September 2010, Sankara is a sleek, contemporary hotel in the heart of Westlands, Nairobi’s commercial and entertainment center.
For more information visit: Sankara Hotel
Intercontinental Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
This Nairobi hotel is ideally located for business, close to the Parliament buildings and next to Kenyatta International Convention Center.
For more information visit: Intercontinental Hotel
Fairmont Norfolk hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Playing a dominant role in the development of the city since its earliest days is Fairmont The Norfolk. Built-in 1904, the hotel continues to be one of the most beloved landmarks in the city and the launch point for safari tours. It has been refurbished over the years to give it a modern touch while preserving its traditional charm. Its conveniently located 20km from JKIA and 3km from the CBOR
For more information visit: Fairmont Norfolk hotel
Nairobi Safari Park Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Located 30 minutes’ drive from JKIA, the Safari Park Hotel is a fusion of international sophistication, safari style, theme-park fun, and cultural creativity.
For more information visit: Nairobi Safari Park Hotel
Ole Sereni Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Strategically positioned 12 km from the airport and approximately 15 minutes drive, Ole-Sereni combines the best features of a modern city hotel and a traditional wildlife lodge to present guests with a cocktail of breathtaking fundamentals of nature’s tranquility from a very close range.
For more information visit: Ole Sereni Hotel
House of Waine
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
was originally built in the 1970s as a private home. It was acquired by its present owners, a local family, and carefully refurbished over two and a half years resulting in the unique boutique property that exists today.
For more information visit: House of Waine
Weston Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
luxurious hotel tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Nairobi Central Business District. Designed to be a comfortable home away from home for discerning business and holiday guests, we are the ideal choice of hotels for exploring Nairobi’s iconic attractions and an abundance of renowned shopping destinations, including the popular Galleria Mall and The Hub, which is one of East Africa’s largest malls.
For more information visit: Weston Hotel
Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Built-in 1945 as the Mayfair Court Hotel, the hotel is set in 12 acres of lush landscaped gardens and retains the charming architecture of the colonial days. The hotel became Southern Sun Mayfair in 2010 and has a selection of conferencing and recreational facilities.
For more information visit: Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi
The Boma Nairobi
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Boma Club Nairobi is Located on the 1st floor of Galana Plaza, Galana Road, Kilimani, Boma Club is the latest entertainment joint in the capital. Boma Club Nairobi’s aim is to ensure that all the partner restaurants provide the best possible service to the clients.
For more information visit: The Boma Nairobi
Fairview Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Fairview Hotel is a country hotel near the center of the city. The hotel combines comfort with modern facilities and i state of the art security system.
For more information visit: Fairview Hotel
Tribe Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Tribe is a luxury boutique hotel in Nairobi. Set in a leafy suburb within Nairobi’s Diplomatic District and attached to The Village Market. The hotel is ideally located 25km from JKIA.
For more information visit: Tribe Hotel
Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Victorian-designed buildings set within a colorful landscaped gardens overlooking a fusion of indigenous forest and a 18-hole championship golf course, this five-star luxury hotel is located 15 minutes from the city center of Nairobi.
For more information visit: Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club
Sarova Panafric Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Named in honor of the Pan African movement, Sarova Panafric was inaugurated by the first president of Kenya H.E. Mzee Jomo Kenyatta on the 5th of January 1965 and truly represents Neo Africa.
For more information visit: Sarova Panafric Hotel
Other Hotels in Nairobi County
Carnivore Restaurant
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Set in attractive tropical gardens, the Carnivore is the ultimate ‘Beast of a Feast’ a variety of meat including ostrich, crocodile and camel, is roasted over charcoal and carved at your table. The Carnivore is also home of the Simba Saloon, a delicious a la carte restaurant by day and Nairobi’s most popular nightclub. Situated 4 kilometers from the city center.
For more information visit: Carnivore Restaurant
The Clarion Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
The Clarion Hotel, Nairobi, an oasis of tranquility and serenity where we blend Hospitality with creativity to ensure consistent delivery of high quality service. The Clarion Hotel is located in the heart of Nairobi, overlooking the central business district and close to major landmarks. It is in Kenya’s most exciting, commercial and entertainment district
For more information visit: The Clarion Hotel
Ngong Hills Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
The Ngong Hills Hotel was established in 1978 and has remained in the hands of the same family since then.
For more information visit: Ngong Hills Hotel
The Heron Portico
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
The Heron Portico is Nairobi’s finest and best-known business hotel located at a distance of 3 kilometers from the city center and about 18 kilometers from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
For more information visit: The Heron Portico
Panari Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
The hotel is a central point for any tourist, business traveler, diplomat, and dignitary or airline crew and it offers five stars, luxurious and comfortable space to relax, unwind and rejuvenate in an ideal location that is conveniently 10 minutes away from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
For more information visit: Panari Hotel
Marble Arch Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Marble Arch Hotel is located in the center of Nairobi, next to Akamba Bus Services. Affiliated to Kibubuti Coffee Farm, the hotel’s coffee shop serves its own Kent mere coffee with homemade cakes and pastries.
For more information visit: Marble Arch Hotel
Central Park Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
The Central Park Hotel is a 3-star hotel located in bustling downtown Nairobi, along Sheikh Karume Road between Ronald Ngala Street and Luthuli Avenue.
For more information visit: Central Park Hotel
Fahari Gardens Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Fahari Gardens Hotel in Nairobi features a 24-hour front desk, a lush garden, a fitness center and an outdoor pool.
For more information visit: Fahari Gardens Hotel
Jacaranda Hotel Nairobi
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
Surrounded by the Jacaranda trees that give it its name, the Jacaranda Hotel is in Westlands, the commercial center of Nairobi.
For more information visit: Jacaranda Hotel Nairobi
West Breeze Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
West Breeze Hotel has the ability to provide you with quality, personalized services to match your individual needs.
For more information visit: West Breeze Hotel
After 40 Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nairobi Kenya
After 40 Hotel is located in Nairobi,s bustling city center.Intimate and original, in the heart of Nairobi, After 40 Hotel has a total of 63 rooms, 6 meeting rooms, and 3 dining areas. The hotel offers the perfect solution for both business travelers and leisure vacations.
For more information visit: after 40 hotel