Nairobi photo by Murad Swaleh on Unsplash
Nairobi was established in 1899 by the British authorities in East Africa. The city would act as a rail depot on the Uganda railway. Nairobi as a city rose to prominence quickly. Replacing Mombasa as the capital of Kenya in 1907. Even when Kenya gained independence in 1963, Nairobi remained its capital.
The Capital of Kenya
With a population of of 47.6 million, Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya. The city’s name came from the Masai phrase Enkare Nairobi, which means to “cool water”. A reference to the Nairobi River, which flows through the city. The city also has the nickname Green City in the Sun.
Kenya e-Visa
The majority of visitors need to obtain a visa before arriving in Kenya. The Kenyan government introduced the possibility to get an e-Visa recently. This online equivalent of a regular visa is called the Kenya e-Visa. Apt for most nationalities, simply fill out the online application form. Tedious embassy visits are now the thing of the past. e-Visa is valid for leisure, business, or transit purposes.
You can buy a Kenya visa at evisa-kenya.com in just a few minutes from home. Then the approved document is delivered straight to your inbox as a PDF file. So the cost of the Kenya e-Visa is 99 euro or 149 euro if you want to travel around the East Africa region. 72 hours is all it takes to get your electronic visa by email. Choose the e-Visa type that suits your travel purpose. You must apply for your Kenya e-Visa 3 business days or more before your trip.
Attractions to see in Nairobi
Nairobi is considered the industrial hub of Kenya, with its railways being the largest single employer. Other light manufacturing industries produce beverages, cigarettes, and processed food. Tourism is also essential. The city is located near eastern Africa’s agricultural heartland, and as such, several primary products are routed through Nairobi before being exported via Mombasa.
If you are going to visit Nairobi, highlights include safaris close to the heart of the city, giraffes to feed, elephants to adopt, fantastic hotels, fascinating culture, local music and forest on the edge of the city. Nairobi also boasts of plenty of attractions as Kenya´s capital city.
Photo by Wanyoike Mbugua on Unsplash
Best attractions in Nairobi:
Nairobi National Park
Located in Langata Road, the Nairobi National Park is the first national park in Kenya. Packed with wildlife. you will see rhinos, lions, gazelles, buffaloes, warthogs, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs and ostriches. Over 400 species of birds populate the wetlands. The Nairobi Safari Walk is a popular attraction, offering animal lovers the chance to spot wildlife on foot, and walking trails weave around the area known as Hippo Pools.
Photo by Dennis Groom on Unsplash
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a program aiming at rescuing and rehabilitating orphan elephants. Launched in 1977 by Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her husband, David. The center cares for young elephants and rhinos that were abandoned. The centres goal is to release the animals back into the wild while offering a fantastic adventurous site for animal lovers.
They take care of Rhinos and Elephants but also look after the welfare of the natural spaces too. Looking to ensure that there is enough water for local wildlife in the region.
Photo by John McArthur on Unsplash
Bomas of Kenya
The Bomas of Kenya is located about 10 kilometres from Nairobi. It is a living museum that celebrates the colourful tribes of Kenya. The museum offers immigrants and visitors the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle, art, music, crafts, and culture of each tribe. The Bomas of Kenya — as the name implies — is designed as a prototype of a village that is replete with bomas or homesteads, and each boma reflects a major ethnic group. Every afternoon, a team performs traditional dances and songs in the large theatre to an audience who comes to enjoy themselves.
Ngong Hills
Situated in the Great Rift Valley, Mageso Chamber, Nairobi, the Ngong Hills is a popular attraction in Nairobi. It features several walking trails and offers beautiful views of the valleys below. Wildlife is also visible in the area. Buffalo, gazelles, giraffes, klipspringer antelopes and troupes of baboons graze along the roadside.
The word “Ngong” means “knuckles” in Masai. Named Ngong because of the beautiful pointy green hills that resemble the back of a fist facing the sky. They are a popular place to visit Nairobi and provide a welcome respite from the city heat.
Photo by Paulstern Madegwa on Unsplash
Kazuri Beads Factory Tour
The Kazuri beads factory is ideal for everyone looking for unique souvenirs and gifts for family and friends. It is located in Mbagathi Ridge, Karen, Nairobi. The Kazuri Beads Factory is a great place to shop. It is also a positive way to support disadvantaged local women. After the tour, you can purchase some to take with you, knowing you are buying from a World Fair Trade Organization member. Prices are relatively reasonable.
With all the unique features Nairobi has to offer. The city is one of the best destinations for African wildlife. It guarantees a lot of unforgettable adventures. You will never forget your Nairobi experience! To make it all happen, don’t hesitate to apply for your e-Visa!
