Activities
Nairobi is a very interesting city so there are lots of things to do when you visit Nairobi. The Nairobi National Park is a must-visit when you come to town. Inside the park are elephants, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes and more.
Take your time to visit the Karen Blixen Museum. The farm that the Danish author of the famous Out of Africa lived on from 1917 to 1931 is now a museum. A tour of the house is an intimate experience — in one corner is a lantern that Blixen hung on her veranda to let her ill-fated lover, English hunter Denys Finch Hatton, know she was home, and his monogrammed books still line the shelves.
Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located in the Nairobi National Park is most famously known for its elephant and rhino orphanage. They adopt orphaned baby elephants and rhinos, take good care of them and they have been outstanding in their efforts in conserving Africa's wildlife. Once the baby elephants ‘graduate’ from the nursery, at about two to three years’ old, they are reintegrated into the wild in Tsavo East National Park. A visit to the centre is well worth it.
Climate
At 1, 795 metres (5, 889 ft) above sea level, evenings may be cool, especially in the June/July season, when the temperature can drop to 9 °C (48 °F). From December to March, expect a sunny and warm weather, when temperatures average the mid-twenties during the day. The mean maximum temperature for this period is 24 °C (75 °F).
Getting Around
Getting around Nairobi is quite easy. Taxis are parked around hotels waiting to pick up people. They are not cheap though so you need to negotiate the price before the trip.
You can also use the Matatus for trips to the suburbs and downtown. These are minibuses and they are relatively cheap. Just hold the local currency and leave valuables at home before you board these vehicles.
The city is also accessible by train. The trains only go to the east Mombasa and they have three classes: First, Second and General.
Language
The official language is English and the locals speak Kiswahili.
Money
The currency is the Kenyan Shillings. Bank ATMs are available around town.
Negatives
Beware of bag snatchers, con artists and groups of people following you. Leave valuables at home and avoid the slums.
Night Life
Nairobi has a very bubbling nightlife. With different pubs, clubs, and bars, if you are looking to explore Nairobi's nightlife, visit some funspots and be ready to party the night away. Alcohol and music are readily available so you are in for a great time in Nairobi.
Restaurants
You can explore Kenyan and intercontinental delicacies in any of the restaurants around town. If you are looking to challenge your taste buds, just walk into any restaurant of your choice and enjoy the best of meals.
Some of the restaurants you can visit include the famous Carnivore, Tamarind, Seven Seafood and Gril and many more.
Shopping
Large and standard shopping malls are available in the capital city, just walk in and shop. Credit/Debit cards are acceptable.
Interested in local crafts, you can visit the Maasai market for beautiful beaded jewelery and pottery. Bargaining is acceptable so take advantage of these to get a fair deal.
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