Introduction
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, a country located in the eastern half of Africa. Established 100 years ago by the British, it is today a bustling commercial centre with a population of around two million people. The most cosmopolitan all the cities in this region, it makes for a perfect travel base for some of the best safaris in the world.

What to do
An ideal day at Nairobi should begin with a visit to some of the parks, which shall freshen you up for the long day ahead. In the day one can visit a number of archeological sites that mark different corners of the city. Evenings can be better spent shopping at the local markets, which are known to sell some exclusive handicraft items. But, more than anything else you can plan a trip to the nearby locations for an adventurous safari ride.

City at a Glance

Latitude 1° 16' S Longitude 30°53’ E Population 2,000,000 Area 144 sq km Language Swahili, English Religion Christianity, Islam Telephone Code 02

History
The history of Nairobi goes back to about 100 years. The city originated when a railway track from Mombassa to Uganda was being established in 1896. The construction of the railway track necessitated the migration of labour, especially of Indian origin, into this region. All these activities had a growth potential which saw its conclusion in the year 1900, when this region was given the status of a town by the British government. In 1907 Nairobi became the capital of East Africa, a position it snatched from Mombassa. The first plan of Nairobi was conceived in 1926, although many of its elements were never realized due to economic depression and the Second World War. When Kenya gained its independence in 1963 Nairobi remained the capital city of the new republic. Since then, the city has witnessed several changes which have turned the city into one of Africa's leading regional centres.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
January-February and June to September, when weather conditions are comparatively moderate, forms the best seasons to visit this city. March to May and October to December are the seasons when most of precipitation takes place, a time best avoided if planning a visit to Nairobi.

HIGHLIGHTS
Nairobi is a commercial and administrative city with not much of sightseeing options available. More often than not travellers use the city as a base to venture out to some of the best safari's in the world.

National Museum near Nairobi University is the most important sightseeing option in the city. The museum houses delightful collections on East Africa's flora and fauna both alive and extinct, archaeological remains, arts and crafts, and many more such things.

Other important sightseeing options available in the city are Snake Museum and National Archives. If you do want to venture out of the city limits, then the best places to go are Nairobi National Park, the nearest place from where you can watch the game and Ostrich Park, an ultimate fun – filled entertainment centre for the children.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Most important celebrations in Nairobi are Kenyatta Day in the month of October and Jamhuri Day or Independence Day on December 12 every year. Most of the festivals here are celebrated according to the lunar calendar.

After Hours
Nairobi has a number of good nightclubs, gambling joints, drive in cinemas, casinos, and pubs and bars where one can spend some good time at night. Only concern seems to be the security, which is certainly not up to the mark. Mugging is a common phenomenon in Nairobi and moving out alone at night can be dangerous.

AFTER HOURS
Nairobi has a number of good nightclubs, gambling joints, drive in cinemas, casinos, and pubs and bars where one can spend some good time at night. Only concern seems to be the security, which is certainly not up to the mark. Mugging is a common phenomenon in Nairobi and moving out alone at night can be dangerous.

SHOPPING
City Market is the best place to shop for vegetables, flowers, and local fruits. This is also the place to look for local handicrafts and jewelry, though the prices are a bit on the upper side. Other important markets in the city are Kariokor Market, Wakiluma Market, and Gikomba Market.

WHERE TO STAY
Nairobi, like most capital cities around the world presents wide options when it comes to looking for a suitable accommodation. There are very few hotels near the airport, but most of the premier hotels have their addresses in the city centre. Some good hotels can also be found on the outskirts of the city or in the suburbs. Apart from regular hotels, there are guest houses, hostels, and camping grounds as alternative options of accommodation.

WHERE TO EAT
The streets of Nairobi house a number of quality restaurants and fast food joints. The menu cards here reflect a strong East Indian influence on the cuisine mainly due to the large number of Asians living in the city. Local specialties include sambusas, ugali, kienyenji, and nyama choma (barbecued meat).

TRAVEL INFORMATION
Air Travel Resources
Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is located at a distance of around 20 km north from the city and is well connected to most of the important capitals of European countries, North America, Africa, and Asia.

Land
the best way to travel out of Nairobi is by the trains. Mombassa and Kisumu are the two major destinations connected to Nairobi by regular trains. Buses, taxis, and minibuses are also available connecting the city with other places in Kenya.

Local Transport
Metered taxis and city buses connect most of the important points in the city. You can also hire a car in the city, but that certainly is a costly affair though it gives you the freedom to move around on your own.

Travel Resources Tourist Information
Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife
Utalii House P. O. Box 30027
Nairobi, KENYA
Tel: 02 331030
Fax: 02 217604

Airline Offices
Air East Africa
Nairobi
Tel: 02 242180, 242320
Fax: 02 331726
Air France
Nairobi
Tel: 02 216954/6
Fax: 02 335867

Air India Nairobi
Tel: 02 334788
Fax: 02 822132

British Airways
Nairobi
Tel: 02 822382, 822144, 822172/5
Fax: 02 822929

Kenya Airways
Nairobi
Tel: 02 823000, 823666
Fax: 02 823488