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Guide to Nairobi, Kenya
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NairobiThe capital of Kenya is everything youd expect it to be. Its lively, its busy, its dusty, and its exciting; youll be hard pressed to find another African city so liberal. Most of the business district is sequestered in one small, dusty area, and the majority of rest of the city is urban development. Nairobi has its downsides, but it makes up for them in its spirit and cultural diversity. People from all over the world come here, some to visit, some to stay, but more and more continue to return. Its an attraction in an unconventional sense, and there is little doubt that it will continue to prosper and hold its spot as the premier Kenyan destination.
When to go:
If you fly to Nairobi between January and February, or June and October, youll experience the best the city has to offer in terms of weather. Festivals and events do happen throughout the year, rain or shine, but if you dont feel like perspiring too much or breathing in loads of dust, then plan for one of the two afore-mentioned periods.
Getting there and around:
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is located at a further distance than its little brother, Wilson Airport, but receives the majority of flights for the city. A balance of international and domestic flights arrives at Jomo Kenyatta, whereas Wilson receives solely domestic flights a few charters as well. At 15km, the distance for travel to Nairobi isnt extreme, but a bus or taxi will take at least 20 minutes; 30 or more to a downtown hotel, depending on traffic volume.
Many of the citys attractions are located in close proximity of each other, so travel on foot is commonplace. If youre interested in branching out to the city limits (where reserve parks exist) then a bus or taxi will take you there. Hold onto your belongings tightly on a bus, and if youre traveling during the evening, your only safe option is to obtain a taxi ride.
Attractions:
Nairobi isnt the epicenter of the arts and/or entertainment in Africa, but youll be pleased with the places that do put the city on the map. The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Giraffe Centre is a place that may not sound like it attracts many visitors, but interestingly enough, the Giraffe Centre sees thousands of visitors a year. The highlights of the Centre are the Rothschild giraffes, and you can even come in contact with the creatures in ways you never could on safaris and such. A nature walk also exists on the Centres premises.
Nairobi National Park may remind some of European and North American city parks, but the difference is that its location is not in the centre of the hubbub. It is part of the city, but you wont see bumper-to-bumper traffic at its border. The park is unfenced, which allows many of the animals to reminisce in a semi-natural environment.
The National Museum is a must-see, though crowded much of the time. Its good to come here to introduce yourself to the nations history, but dont be surprised if youre not alone inside many pedestrians flock to the museum for peace and quiet from the noisy, dirty street, and it ends up not being so quiet inside the museum. The best time to visit the museum is in the morning or evening. The National Archives can be found nearby, where many of the citys preserved photographs are on display.
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