Short guide to the magical City for the active traveller 1
48hrs in Nairobi
SHORT GUIDE TO THE MAGICAL CITY FOR THE ACTIVE TRAVELLER Sightseeing, shopping, eating out and more. Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 2 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 3 The Safari capital of the world. A world in tune with nature.
Nairobi is the only capital city there are a number of churches, Memo This bite pocket-size booklet in the world with a national mosques, temples, and Whether you are visiting Nairobi is filled with fun and interesting park on its boundaries, making gurdwaras within the city. Nairobi for business or pleasure there are activities for anyone to enjoy, from it a prime tourist destination, is home to several museums, many activities and experiences the breath-taking scenery and as well as several other tourist sites, and monuments, plus that would suit any traveler. beautiful abundance of natural attractions. Nairobi has a diverse spectacular five star hotels to attractions to the glamour and and multicultural composition; cater for safari-bound tourists. glitz of the modern city lifestyle. Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 4 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 5
1) National Park of Nairobi leopards, wild cats, and wild • Location: Langata dogs. But watch out for the • Distance: 10km from the CBD group of monkeys and baboons • Duration of visit: Half day roaming freely around. Welcome depending on interest points. www.kws.org
Established in 1948 and 3) Nairobi Safari walk to the covering an area of 117sq, • Location: Langata km, it is the only park in close • Distance: 10Km from CBD proximity to the city centre. It • Duration: Half day depending has diverse environments with on points of interest magic that characteristics of flora and fauna and deep rocky valleys. This is Kenya's new conservation based recreation facility. The The animals that can be found combination of skilled and is Nairobi in this park are black and creative landscape design, white rhinoceroses, diverse unique wildlife species and birdlife, Lions, Leopards, hyena, detailed interpretation, renders Cheetah, Buffalo, Zebra the facility supreme in tourism and hippos. and conservation education. www.kws.org It offers an opportunity to 2) Animal Orphanage experience what you expect • Location: Langata to see across the country. • Distance:10Km from CBD Introductory talks on Kenya's • Duration of visit: 2-3 hrs parks and reserves can depending on interest points be arranged for you by the naturalists. You will have a taste It was established in 1964 as of Kenya's rich Animal collection a refuge and rehabilitation including the rare bongo, white centre for wild animals, found rhino, albino zebra, and a abandoned or injured in Kenya. collection of cats, antelopes and primates. In a setting for visitors to walk www.kws.org around and have close up views to a variety of animals such as, Lions, crocodiles, cheetah, Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 6 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 7
4) Nairobi National Museum 5) Mamba Village Information about the Giraffe 8) Nairobi Arboretum • Location: Museum Hill • Location: Karen is provided and an elevated • Location: Kileleshwa • Distance: 3Km from CBD • Distance: 13Km from CBD feeding platform was installed to • Distance: 3Km from CBD • Duration: 1hr depending on • Duration: Half day depending give visitors the opportunity to • Duration: Half day depending points of interest on points of interest hand feed the giraffes. on points of difference Giraffecenter.org The Museum aims to interpret Mamba Village is famous for The arboretum occupies 30 Kenya's rich heritage and offers its Crocodile Farm. The pens 7) Daphne Sheldrake hectors and holds over 350 a one stop shop for visitors are home to an estimated 70 Elephant Orphanage different species of trees. It is to sample the country's rich Nile crocodiles. Four Maasai • Location: Karen home to over 100 migrant and heritage both for education Ostriches can also be found • Distance: 10Km from CBD resident birds. The arboretum is and leisure. strutting around their pen • Duration: 1 – 2 hours one of Nairobi’s few remaining with grace. depending on points green spaces, with jogging Visitors are treated to a variety of interest trails, walking paths and of shopping and dining facilities, Visitors often come into direct picnic lawns. as well as botanical gardens that personal contact with them Elephant calves orphaned by www.naturekenya.org offer a serene environment. when given the opportunity to poachers or natural occurrences feed these gallant birds. The are brought here from all over 9) Bomas of Kenya There is a wide variety of experience is always satisfying the country. They receive • Location: Langata attraction on display at the and exciting especially extremely specialized treatment • Distance: 10Km from CBD museum ranging from cultural for children. and personalized care from • Duration: 3 - 4 hours and natural exhibits, stuffed highly dedicated staff. depending on points birds and mammals, fossils Within the Village there is also of interest from lake Turkana, exhibits of a tented camp available for The orphanage is open to local arts, impressive collection accommodation. the public during the calves It was established by the of rocks and minerals and a www.Nairobimamba.com feeding times where they can government in 1971 as a collection of pre-historic bones interact with calves and watch subsidiary company of Kenya and fossils including one of 6) Giraffe Centre them being fed while they are Tourist Development Corporation an elephant. • Location: Karen informed about how the calves as a tourist attraction. • Distance: 15Km from CBD came to be at the orphanage. One can purchase a • Duration: Half day depending Bomas of Kenya is a living combination ticket for the on points of interest There is also an option for museum celebrating the colorful adjacent snake park with live visitors to choose to adopt an tribes of Kenya. Visitors here specimens of Kenya’s most The centre has been ostensibly elephant where they will be in can learn about the lifestyle, art, common reptiles. established as a breeding charge of the elephants care at music, crafts, and their culture. www.museums.or.ke ground for the endangered the orphanage. Rothschild Giraffe. www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 8 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 9
The complex encompasses Kazuri creates hand shaped and Murumbi’s collection has been Monday – No market recreated traditional homesteads painted ceramic jewelry which described as “Africa’s best or Bomas built in the traditional is made in Kenya by over 300 known collection of priceless Tuesday – Off Kijabe Street near style, each one reflecting local women and sold all over heritage and artifacts”. He Text book centre the culture of a major ethnic the world. left behind 50,000 books group. Every afternoon, a team www.kazuri.com and sheaves of official Wednesday – Capital Center, performs traditional dances and correspondence. Mombasa Road songs in the large theater. 12) Karen Blixen Museum: www.bomasofkenya.co.ke • Location: Karen The national archives Thursday – The Junction Mall, • Distance: 10Km from CBD department has set up a library Ngong Road, 3rd Floor parking 10) Kitengela Glass • Duration: 1 – 2 hours containing some of the 8,000 • Location: Kitengela depending on points of “rare books” (those published Friday – Village Market, Upper • Distance: 7Km from CBD interest before 1900) entrusted to them car park • Duration: 3 - 4 hours upon the death of Murumbi. depending on points This is the home of farmer www.archives.go.ke Saturday – Low court parking of interest Danish author Karen Blixen CBD, Adams Arcade, Ngong made famous by her book and 14) Maasai Market Road This is a glass blowing factory. the movie based on the book • Location: varies throughout The workers create handmade “out of Africa” which chronicles the week Sunday – Yaya shopping glass bottles from renewed and her life at the estate. • Duration: Within the CBD Centre, Car park Adams Arcade, recycled raw materials, such as www.museums.or.ke • Duration: 1 - 2 hours Ngong Road Safari Park Hotel, scrap windows, glass bottles depending on points Thika Road and other glassy material. 13) Kenya National Archives of interest. • Location: Along Moi Avenue www.jambonairobi.co.ke/culture/ The finished products are in the city center Here visitors can buy and view crafts-markets/maasai-market stylish products, made • Duration: 1 -2 hours different art designs by Kenya’s. through functional art and depending on points The designs are mainly to do inspired design. of interest. with Kenya. www.kitengela.com It houses the Murumbi gallery, The market also moves around 11) Kazuri beads dedicated to the late Joseph the city visiting different malls • Location: Karen Murumbi, Kenya’s second and locations selling • Distance: 10Km from CBD vice-president from May 1965 – their products. • Duration: 1 - 2 hours August 31, 1966. He and his wife depending on points Sheila were avid collectors of of interest African art. Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 10 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 11
1) Tom Mboya Monument 4) Jomo Kenyatta statue It is located in the city centre The Jomo Kenyatta statue is an on Moi Avenue. It was erected 80-year-old British sculptor’s in 2011 in honor of Tom Mboya, masterpiece by the name a charismatic pan-Africanist James Butler. The intricately and freedom fighter known for double life-size, 12-foot, seated his African airlift projects and statue of President Jomo helped in the formation of the Kenyatta in 1969 with every oldest party in Kenya (KANU) detailed aspect to a birthmark Galleries & and the labor movement, he was on the president’s face and his assassinated in 1969 while still trademark peep toe sandals sits serving as a minister. at the center of KICC. monuments The monument stands twenty 5) War Memorial Statues meters from where he was It is a statue of three African murdered. Nyayo Monument soldiers standing next to each Built in 1988 on Uhuru Highway other who fought and died in to commemorate 25years of both World War One and independence, the marble World War Two. monument shows the lowering of the British colonial flag and the raising of the Kenyan flag. 6) Bizarre Monument It’s a statue of the white man who devised the road system in 2) National Monument It stands in Uhuru gardens on Kenya. It is located on Kenyatta Langata road and it is where Avenue just next to the main post office (GPO). Kenya’s first flag was raised on 12th December 1963. www.museums.or.ke
3) Dedan Kimathi Statue GALLERIES Located on Kimathi Street opposite the Hilton Hotel. Dedan 7) Banana Hill Art Gallery was a leader of the Mau Mau It is located in the town of which led an armed military Banana Hill, just north of the struggle known as the Mau famous Village Market in Mau uprising against the British Nairobi. They exhibit some of colonial government in Kenya East Africa’s most stunning in the 1950s. Kimathi, clad in paintings and sculptures with military regalia, holds a rifle on an emphasis on contemporary the right hand and a dagger on African art from painters and the other, symbolizing the last sculptors in East Africa. weapons he held in his struggle. bananahillartgallery.com Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 12 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 13
8) Nairobi Gallery 10) The GoDown Arts Centre Located at the intersection The Centre provides the first Recreational of Kenyatta Avenue/ Uhuru Kenyan multi-disciplinary space Highway in the heart of Nairobi for arts and host organizations City is the Nairobi Gallery. Built representing a variety of art-form in 1913, this was the Old PC's and also residence programs. parks and office building fondly referred to as 'Hatches, Matches and The GoDown also has an Dispatches' because of the exhibition gallery where picnic sites births, marriages and deaths exhibitions can be shown, and that were recorded here. meetings or performances held. www.thegodownartscentre.com Today, the building is a National Monument and serves as a 11) Nairobi Railway Museum museum holding temporary Home to the acclaimed art exhibitions. “Lunatic Line” is located in an old railway building along The Murumbi Gallery which is Uhuru Highway. It provides dedicated to the late Joseph answers to many unanswered Murumbi, a former Kenyan questions concerning the early vice-president and a collector of history of the rail and Kenya’s African art is housed in development. Nairobi Gallery. The museum consists of the His collection has been Main Gallery, the Resource described as “Africa’s best Center, the auditorium and known collection of priceless an outdoor collection of heritage and artifacts” locomotives, wagons www.magicalkenya.com and coaches.
9) Paa ya Paa Arts Centre The Museum is opened daily Located on Ridgeways Road from 8am to 5pm. (Off) Kiambu Road. It is a place www.krc.co.ke for inspiration and development for indigenous artists and art lovers. The arts centre programs include; visual arts, music, dance, theater and photography. Opened everyday from 9am to 5pm. paayapaa.kbo.co.ke Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 14 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 15
1) Jeevanje Gardens 3) Karura Forest Activities include: Jog Murumbi Memorial Park, The park features beautiful The Karura Forest Reserve is ging, picnic, camping, short jogging, picnic sites and gardens and trees providing a an urban upland forest on the hikes, guided tours in the forest, nature trails. welcome shade from the tropical outskirts of Nairobi, the capital visiting the caves, swamps and Friendsofcitypark.org sun. It is dotted with artistic of Kenya. This remarkable waterfall. benches, and sculptures that geographical location and www.magicalkenya.com 9) Uhuru Park add to its appeal. Its location natural resource is one of the It is the most popular makes it an ideal picnic site for largest gazetted forests in the 6) Central Park recreational park in Nairobi and the city residents. On a typical world fully within a city limits. It occupies an area bounded is used mainly as an assembly weekday, you will find many Attractions include: Mau Mau by Kenyatta Avenue, Nyerere point for celebrating national people relaxing on the benches caves, Nature trails, wildlife, Avenue and Uhuru Highway, holidays, for political rallies or lawns, or just walking around scenic waterfalls and behind Nairobi Serena Hotel. during election periods, and the park. bamboo forest. Activities include: picnic and for prayer meetings by various www.friendsofkarura.org children’s playground. religious organizations. One of the few designated www.jambonairobi.co.ke smoking zones in the city is also 4) Nairobi Arboretum Attractions include: Boat riding situated here. The 30hectare forest reserve 7) Uhuru Gardens on the artificial lake, picnic sites is situated 3km from the city It is where Kenya’s first flag and monuments. The Jeevanjee Gardens is centre. Its close proximity to was raised on 12th December www.uhurupark.com bounded by Moi Avenue, the city centre makes it easily 1963. The national monument on Monrovia Street, Muindi Mbingu accessible on foot. It holds over Langata Road is Kenya’s largest 10) Paradise lost Street and Moktar Daddah 350 species of indigenous and memorial park. The park offers It is a beautiful oasis in the Street towards the northern end exotic plants, most of which are a tranquil picnic site, a popular middle of a coffee farm close to of the city centre. The Park is labeled. It’s also home to over family outing destination and a Kiambu Town, about 10km from open for free to the public. 100 species of birds, and a venue for corporate events. The Nairobi. www.jambonairobi.co.ke significant population of Sykes Uhuru monument stands in it. and Vervet monkeys. www.museums.or.ke Activities include: boat riding, 2) Ngong Hills www.naturekenya.org fishing, bird watching, feeding Located just 22km southwest 8) Nairobi City Park Ostriches, horse and camel of Nairobi city, Ngong hills 5) Oloolua Nature Trail Nairobi City Park stands above riding, visiting the caves, make a very popular weekend Hidden away in the up market most in its rich biodiversity. waterfall, camping and walk on destination for visitors from suburb of Karen is 250 hectares The forest is indigenous, with a the nature trail. all over the country. Activities of the indigenous tropical dry number of tree species that are www.jambonairobi.co.ke include: Hiking, Picnics Oloolua forest that is home to endemic to Kenya. and jogging. the Institute of Primate Research www.jambonairobi.co.ke (IPR) that is run by the National It is located in the parklands Museums of Kenya. area of Nairobi. Attractions include: sculpture garden, Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 16 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 17
11) Rowallan Camp It’s situated along Kibera Drive adjacent to the Ngong Road Forest Reserve about 9km from the city centre. Golf
Activities include: camping, taking walks on the nature courses trails, Short hike to some caves located in the Ngong Road forest reserve. www.kenyascouts.org
12) Bomb Blast Memorial Park It is located along Haile Selassie Avenue, at the scene where the 1998 terrorist bomb attack took place at the then United States Embassy.
It contains a board with names of the people who were reported dead due to the incident. The park also has a Visitors Centre that features a Museum displaying images and exhibits that aim to sensitize the public on the need for peace and tolerance, and an Auditorium that plays a documentary of the disaster. www.nairobicity.com 1) Muthaiga Golf & Country Club Founded in 1933 by the Karen It is located in Upper Kabete, Although challenging and fun to The golf club enjoys the Estates Company Ltd, and an at the North Western edge play, the front nine holes have influential position of having initial nine-hole and pins layout, of Nairobi, on Veterinary a different look to them than been one of the Kenya's pioneer the country club has become Laboratory Department, about the back nine. This has a lot to golf courses and it serves as a Kenya's top eighteen-hole major 15 kilometers from the do with the difference in the lay home to the Kenya Golf Union championship courses. City center. of the terrain on which the two it also plays host to the most www.karencountryclub.org sides were constructed. prestigious golfing event in the The Golf Club hosts two of the country, The Kenya Open. 4) Railways Golf Club biggest events: the Kabete The finishing eighteenth hole is It has 18 holes within a It was established in 1922 as a Foursomes Men's Invitational the only watering hole on the distance of 4.7km. private club for the Railway staff and the Kenya Breweries course. Located in Nairobi's www.muthaigagolfclub.com by the Kenya Railway Manager's Festival of Golf. Ngong Road, with a panoramic wife, Mrs. Couper, as the Kenya www.vetlabsc.com view of the Ngong Hills as one 2) Windsor Golf & Country club Uganda Railway Golf Club (K. drives up to the club's entrance. The superbly built 200 acre U. R. G.C.). 6) Airforce Golf Club www.royalnairobigc.com Hotel and Golf club is definitely A new exquisite yet modest one of its kinds in East Africa. brownies course at the Eastleigh The club opened its 9) Sigona Golf Club Situated 17 kilometers from membership to non-railways Airbase. This is the only military Sigona Club is located in Nairobi, a visit to the Windsor staff in 1924. golf course in the country and Kikuyu, 18 kilometers, just Golf Hotel and Country Club is has 9 holes and 72 par outside Nairobi. It was founded www.worldgolf.com a must, not only for golfers, but Kenya Railway Golf Club is by the Kenya Estates Limited anyone seeking luxury. situated in the Central Business around 1938. District of Nairobi, between 7) Jockey Club On your way up the drive It is 15 minutes from the Nairobi Uhuru Highway and Lower The toughest hole is the seventh leading to the hotel, you get a city center on Ngong road. The Hill Road, with its entrance off and measures 458 yards for view of the Aberdare Mountain course is located inside the Haile Selassie Avenue. It is a men and 485 for women. ranges. Once on the course Jockey Club racetrack. you see a lovely view of Mt remarkable nine hole www.sigonagolf.com Kenya. You also get a glimpse par 72 course. Generally a public course that of Ol’Doinyo Sabuk and The krgc.co.ke has a Loyalty Card membership 10) Kiambu Club Ngong hills. that gives discounts, you just It is one of the oldest golf clubs www.windsorgolfresort.com 5) Vet Lab Golf Club Pay and play. in the country; it started off in It is the friendliest Club in the www.jockeyclubofkenya.com 1916 with a total of three holes. 3) Karen Golf & Country club Country and has a pleasant and In 1959, it was extended to 9 Situated at one of Kenya's a challenging eighteen-hole 8) The Royal Nairobi Golf Club holes, the Club was modernized suburb about 16 kilometers from golf course. The Royal Golf Club ("Royal" & the browns converted Nairobi, lies The Karen Country adapted by King George V) into greens. Club is famous for its beautiful which was the first golf course www.golf.co.ke course and lawn terrace. in Kenya. 11) Limuru Country Club Just 30 minutes from Nairobi city centre, Limuru's eighteen hole course is widely regarded as the Shopping most scenic in Kenya with one of the best club house veranda views in all of Africa.
At seven thousand feet altitude and set amidst the famous local tea plantations and rolling farmlands, Limuru provides a unique hole-by-hole challenge for all members, visitors and guests. www.limurucountryclub.co.ke Nairobi is becoming more of There are over 35 shops 4. Yaya Centre - Kilimani 6. The Junction – Nairobi a shopping destination. New selling local and designer • This is a modern • The Junction provides you with electronics, household items wear, fashion, accessories multifunctional mall, it is lifestyle experience with its furniture, branded gear enter and footwear. Nakumatt frequented by various distinctive features in terms of the market every day. Being a supermarket which stocks customers within Nairobi. comfort, luxury and modernity. cosmopolitan city, international household products, electronic Opened in the late 80s it It is the place with everything brands are really thriving in equipments and furniture has grown to the most iconic you could need, from the Nairobi. The shopping variety among other products. The and well known malls in realistic to the positively available is vast to suit any mall is also home to a Diplomat Nairobi housing over 100 distinctive, all under one roof. preference. Access to these exclusive supermarket whose shops, offices, cafes and a • Anchored by Nakumatt, commodities is widespread. For commodities are exempt from supermarket. the mall is home to leading more local items it’s advised to visit duties and the VAT tax brands of clothings, fashion the town shopping stalls, whereas • The Village Market has an 5. The crossroads mall - Karen accessories, sportswear for more high end products the outdoor Food Court and (Nakumatt Karen) and accessories, jewelleries, malls are a better option. other restaurants offering • Karen Shopping Centre is computer and mobile local African recipes as well located in Karen, Nairobi and accessories and according to 1. Sarit Centre - Westlands as international recipes. The is made up of two adjoining 2011 Taste Awards, one of the • Opened in 1983, it is Kenya's shopping mall offer beauty shopping centers that are best Food Courts in Kenya. first ever shopping mall, whose and relaxation products and separated by a road. "City within a City" concept of services and a health and • One side is called Crossroads 7. Capital Centre - Mombasa providing everything under fitness center which also has and is a more modern Road, Nairobi • This is a shopping and one roof. yoga and dance classes. shopping centre with a large entertainment destination • Effectively, the Sarit Centre grocery store, Nakumatt located close to the CBD and is an interactive shopping supermarket, restaurants, 3. Diamond Plaza (parklands) the national Airport. With over mall offering a one-stop • Located in parklands. This clothing stores, shoe stores 60 stores offering services access to a complete range is a shopping complex like and boutiques as well as salon like a supermarket, pharmacy, of supermarkets, stores, a small India within Nairobi. and other services. cinemas, casinos and banking service outlets, a food court, With over 70 stalls, an outside • There are also several cafes halls. entertainment, an expo centre food court and a brand new at the shopping centre that and professional and medical mall extension added to it, it serve coffee, pastries, pizza, 8. Prestige Plaza - Ngong road facilities. is a place one can find almost burgers, and Mexican food. • A shopping mall that is home everything they are looking • The other side of Karen to both local and international 2. The Village Market - Gigiri for. Plus delicious Indian and Shopping Centre in Nairobi is outlets that offer their • Is a large shopping, recreation traditional Swahili cuisine an older shopping centre, but customers a wide range of and entertainment complex. also has a grocery store and services at an ultimate value The Village Market has outlets restaurants. shopping destination. It is offering products and services approximately 30 minutes from of different categories. the City Centre • The mall offers a variety Also inclusive is Nakumatt 4) Moo Cow 7) Sarakaray of outlets ranging from supermarket and a kid’s Moo Cow is a fashion Brand, Sarakaray is a Kenyan based entertainment centres, entertainment zone. and sells out of its own luxury clothing/fashion brand boutiques, food court, medical boutique in Silver Springs hotel that is bold, exquisite, out of the services, banking services and LOCAL DESIGNERS Hurlingham, Nairobi, Kenya. box and high end. Sarakaray is also the anchor to Nakumatt 1) Kiko Romeo Garments designed are linens, blends bold, extravagant prints Supermarkets. The company specializes suede's, African themed with subtle hues; and transforms in making ethically sound accessories and belts. them into sexy, feminine and 9. Galleria Mall - Shopping Mall products, cut to international Contact: +25402519676 chic attire. The Sarakaray Karen-Langata Road, Nairobi fashion trends using African collections are based off the • This is a shopping destination, made fabrics, often with 5) Shenu Hooda elements: EARTH, AIR, FIRE & offering shopping, and handcrafted details. Kiko Romeo Shenu Hooda is a well known WATER. dining and entertainment shop is on 1st Floor of the Yaya name in the Kenyan Fashion www.sarakaray.com experiences. Centre, Kilimani and Nairobi. It’s Industry. A great blend of • Choose from a variety open Mon-Sat 9.30am – 7pm, Kenyan and Pakistani fashion of leading brand stores. Sun 10.30am-6pm makes Shenu's collection unique Enjoy great food at various kikoromeo.com and sets her apart from all restaurants and cafes, offering eastern designers in Kenya. cuisines from various places 2) Wambui Mukenyi www.shenudesigns.com on the globe. Her collection reflects her love for luxurious fabric while at the 6) POISA 10. T-Mall -Nairobi West same time instilling her African POISA deals with Fashion • There are various outlets at the heritage to produce timeless and Ethnic Jewellery Design. mall. These offer a wide range feminine and effortlessly stylish Their products ranges from of goods and services ranging pieces. Menswear, Women's Wear, from the Tuskys Supermarket, Ethnic Jewellery, Uniquely a food court, pay TV services Wambui Mukenyi’s collection African Ties and Afro centric as well as a pub at the rooftop. can be found in Diamond Plaza Clutch Purses. There is banking services shopping mall in Parklands. www.poisastyle.com available at the Mall. wambuimukenyi.com
11. Thika Road Mall 3) John Kaveke (T.R.M.) - Kasarani He designs both male and • There are various local and female clothes. He uses African international brand stores inspired themes in his designs, and food courts, experience always adding that extra touch the first 7D cinema in Kenya. of cosmopolitan flair. www.kaveke.com Accommodation in Nairobi is an 3) The Sarova Stanley Hotels & experience of lavishness and • Sarova Stanley is the oldest comfort, with an extensive variety hotel in Nairobi established in available, plus great dining 1902, with a rich and proud destinations taking your taste buds history. restaurants on a trip round the globe. Nairobi It has undergone an intensive being a modern multicultural programme of renovation. It city, the choices available for is centrally located in the CBD consumers are endless. and is 18km from JKIA. www.sarovahotels.com Several five star hotels offering luxury and serene accommodation 4) Intercontinental Hotel and endless choices of great • This Nairobi hotel is ideally restaurants available to quench located for business, close to any appetite. the Parliament buildings and next to Kenyatta International 1) Villa Rosa – Kempinski Convention Centre. • The Villa Rosa Kempinski hotel www.intercontinental.co.ke is located on Chiromo Road, within the commercial centre of 5) Fairmont Norfolk hotel Nairobi, 20kms from the Jomo Playing a dominant role in the Kenyatta International Airport. development of the city since www.kempinski.com its earliest days is Fairmont The Norfolk. Built in 1904, the 2) Nairobi Serena Hotel hotel continues to be one of • Nairobi Serena Hotel in Kenya the most beloved landmarks is located in central Nairobi in the city, and the launch overlooking Central Park and point for safari tours. It has five minute's walk from the been refurbished over the Central Business District. years to give it a modern touch • The hotel is30 minute drive while preserving its traditional away from Jomo Kenyatta charm. Its conveniently located International airport and a 20km from JKIA and 3km from five minute walk from the the CBD. city center. www.fairmont.com www.serenahotels.com 6) Nairobi Safari Park Hotel star, luxurious and comfortable 12) Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens 5) Amaica Restaurant • Located 30 minutes drive from space to relax, unwind It was the original hunting Ralph Bunche Road, JKIA, the Safari Park Hotel and rejuvenate in an ideal lodge/farm house which was Kilimani, Nairobi is a fusion of international location that is conveniently built around 1906 to 1908. It is Cuisine: African sophistication, safari style, 10 minutes away from Jomo located approximately a half www.amaica.com theme-park fun and Kenyatta International Airport. mile from the Karen Blixen cultural creativity. www.panarihotels.com (Bogani House) museum, 6) Bridges Organic www.safaripark-hotel.com and is 15 minutes from Trust Mansion Bldg, Tubman 10) Windsor Golf Hotel & downtown Nairobi. Rd, CBD, Nairobi 7) Ole Sereni Hotel Country Club www.blixencoffeegardens.co.ke Cuisine: African, Kenyan Strategically positioned 12 Victorian-designed buildings Tel: +254202230578 km from the airport and set within a colorful RESTAURANTS approximately 15 minutes landscaped gardens 7) Fogo Gaucho drive, Ole-Sereni combines the overlooking a fusion of 1) Misono Japanese Restaurant Viking Hse, Waiyaki Way, best features of a modern city indigenous forest and a Ground Floor, The Green Westlands, Nairobi hotel and a traditional wildlife 18-hole championship golf House, Ngong Rd, Nairobi Cuisine: Brazilian lodge to present guests with course, this five-star luxury Cuisine: Japanese Telephone: +254 20 3544037 a cocktail of breathtaking hotel is located 15 minutes Tel: +254203868959 fundamentals of nature’s from the city center of Nairobi. 8) Pampa Churrascaria tranquility from a very www.windsorgolfresort.com 2) Chopstix Chinese Mombasa road and lavington. close range. Hurlingham Shopping Center, Cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse www.ole-sereni.com 11) Carnivore Restaurant Hurlingham, Nairobi wwwpampagrillkenya.com • Set in attractive tropical Cuisine: Chinese 8) Tribe Hotel gardens, the Carnivore is the Tel: 0711 222 222 NOTE: • Tribe is a luxury boutique hotel ultimate 'Beast of a Feast' Westlands which is just a few in Nairobi. Set in a leafy suburb a variety of meat including 3) Tin Tin minutes from the CBD boasts within Nairobi's Diplomatic ostrich, crocodile and camel, KICC, Harambee Ave, of having a wide selection of District and attached to The is roasted over charcoal and CBD, Nairobi restaurants and night life. Village Market. The hotel is carved at your table. Cuisine: Chinese ideally located 25km Tel: +254 20 340855 For more information, visit the from JKIA. The Carnivore is also home www.tintin.co.ke PERAK website on www.tribe-hotel.com of the Simba Saloon, a www.perakkenya.co.ke delicious a la carte restaurant 4) Haandi Indian Cuisine and KAHC on 9) Panari Hotel by day and Nairobi's most The Mall Shopping Centre | www.kahc.co.ke • The hotel is a central point for popular nightclub. Situated 4 Ring Rd Westlands, Westlands, any tourist, business traveler, kilometers from the city centre. Cuisine: Indian diplomat and dignitary or www.tamarind.co.ke/carnivore Tel: 4448294 airline crew and it offers five www.haandi-restaurants.com FASHION
1) Nairobi Fashion Market The event provides a platform for the smaller retailers, designers and entrepreneurs in the product, accessory, lifestyle, Festivals art and fashion industries to promote, market, test and position their products and brands. The events enable & events interaction with several thousand potential buyers over a weekend of sales, promotion and product education and the opportunity to establish long term business relationships with the market. The day provides for casual shopping for a wide range of items. Kids enjoy the play areas and visitors relaxed in outdoor chill-out zones, bars and concession areas. During the day visitors are entertained by glittering fashion shows from Kenya’s top and upcoming designers, and live music entertainment from the best of Kenyan talent. nfm.co.ke
2) Nairobi Fashion Week The Nairobi Fashion Week is a fashion industry event that allows fashion designers, brand or ''houses'' to display their latest collections in runway shows and enables buyers to take a look at the latest trends. www.facebook.com/ TheNairobiFashionWeek Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 32 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 33
3) Strut It Afrika Fashion Week 2) Safari Sevens (Rugby) The course covers some The event is a two day fashion It’s an international rugby 700 km / 435 miles. FOOD 1) Cake Festival extravaganza and art exhibition tournament with seven players www.eastafricansafarirally.com The event prides in the fact that that is poised to receive on each side, held at the it’s the only Cake Festival in the unprecedented press exposure Impala club on Ngong Road 7) Concur d’Elegance world, where bakers congregate or Safaricom stadium on and bring notoriety to African The event brings together to serve as much cake as Thika Road. designers and African visual owners of classic cars and guests can possibly eat for a 7s.safaricom.co.ke artists. It will also promote motorcycles in September at the cause. The Cake Festival is the networking among the leading Ngong race course. first event of its kind in Kenya fashion industry professionals 3) Stanchart Nairobi Marathon that aims to display a wide It’s held annually towards including buyers/sellers, fashion Whilst vintage vehicles are the variety of cakes and desserts journalists, trendsetters, the end of October, includes main attraction, there is a lot of 42km full marathon, 21km half that are available in the Kenyan and consumers. sideshow entertainment. market. It is a convergence of strutitafrika.com marathon, and 10km road races www.concourskenya.com through the city streets. bakers, exhibitors and sponsors www.nairobimarathon.com who are passionate about all 4) Samantha Bridal Wedding Fair things to do with baking! Guests The Samantha’s Bridal Wedding 8) Horse Racing from diverse backgrounds are Fair is an exciting 4-day event 4) Parklands Sports Club Run Races are held at The Ngong The Parklands Sports Club brought together by their love for filled with fashion, beauty and Race Course and Golf Park is cakes and are able to contribute style. It is Kenya’s most dynamic (PSC) organizes a monthly 15km the only horse racing course in timed road race held on the first to a charitable cause while and effective place to meet East Africa Sunday of every month through indulging themselves. leading industry players in the the leafy Parklands, Westlands, www.cake-festival.com wedding, beauty, honeymoon, Ngong Racecourse is situated Kitisuru and Kabete suburbs fashion, affluent women and on Ngong Road towards Karen of Nairobi. PSC is a private 2) Oktoberfest Kenya their families and has beautiful grounds, members club situated in the The event lasts for 3 days and www.samanthasbridal.co.ke offering a tranquil setting away Parklands suburb on Ojijo Road. includes: international food from the hustle and bustle www.parklandssportsclub.org court, three day beer festival, SPORTS of Nairobi. beer sampling tent, Music www.ngongracing-kenya.com 1) Barclays Kenya Open 5) National Motor Cross festival, eating competitions and It’s a 3 day golf event that is Championship challenges, beer games, and held at the Karen Country Club It’s held at Jamhuri Park on 9) Polo party zone. and has been an event on the Ngong Road. Games are hosted by Nairobi European based Challenge Tour www.motorsportkenya.com Polo club and played at Ngong This event helps raise funds schedule since 1991. It was Race Course. to educate under privileged founded in 1967 in Nairobi. 6) Safari Rally www.polokenya.com children from various slums www.facebook.com/ A chance to see a world-class in Kenya. KenyaOpenGolf motor sports event as it gets oktoberfest.co.ke flagged off in Nairobi. Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 34 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 35
3) The African Food & “matoke, githeri, ugali wimbi, 3) Kenya International 7) East African Arts Festival Cultural Festival different varieties of green Film Festival The event is hosted annually in The African Food and Cultural vegetables such as Osuga, The festival brings together films Nairobi at the Kenya National Festival is the place for people mrenda, terere, kunde, Masale, and filmmaker from the East and Museum in March. It’s the from different countries in Africa pilau, mchele wa nazi, fried Central African region. biggest of its kind in the region to meet. The festival showcases beef, chicken, fish, all types of www.kenyafilmcommission and attracts competitors and the food, music, culture and roasted meat, fruit deserts spectators from around fashion of Africa. www.tourism.go.ke 4) Theater & Performances the world. www.facebook.com/ These are local productions TheAfricaFoodFestival MUSIC & DRAMA that are written and directed by The three-day event showcases 1) Blankets & Wine Kenyan directors showed daily art, music, theater, music, 4) Art & Beer Fest Blankets & Wine is the premier at the Alliance Française fashion, literature, architecture, Art & Beer Fest is a 48-hour afro-based picnic styled in Nairobi. sculpture and traditional crafts. spectacle that features--among music festival in East Africa nairobinow.wordpress.com www.nairobi.com others--art exhibitions, food and designed to showcase genres of drink, auto and motorcycle art, afrocentric music. 5) Kenya Drama Festivals 8) Sigana International fashion and even a midnight An annual event takes place in Storytelling Festival lingerie show. It gives upcoming Every first Sunday of the Kenya every year. The Kenya The event is held in July in and established artists a month, audiences are actively schools and colleges Nairobi and it brings together platform to showcase their work encouraged to drive down to drama festivals. professional storytellers from all and facilitates the promotion the venue with a Maasai shuka, over the world to participate. of local culture. blanket or kikoys; a picnic chair; It has produced hundreds of www.facebook.com/Sigana- travel.kenya.co.ke/festivals/art- some wine; a picnic basket and thousands of young people who International-Storytelling-Festival beer-festiva their preferred company and are talented in theater, arts, proceed to share in this music music and drama. 5) Utalii Annual Food Festival and lifestyle experience. www.facebook.com/pages/ OTHERS The festival was started 24 years blanketsandwine.com Kenya-Drama-festivals 1) Kenya Tourism Week ago with an aim of recognizing The Kenya Tourism Week is held growing importance of tourism 2) Kenya Music Festival 6) Kids Festival in the third week of September. industry in Kenya and most of all It is an annual event takes place It’s the greatest Kids Events During the celebrations, to explore talents and potential in Kenya and it showcases It’s the greatest Kids Events participants explore various of the students in preparation schools and colleges music organized by Churchill and attraction sites. of African cuisines. performances. It has produced Laugh Industry. It aims at hundreds of thousands of young developing Children to be all The main events are an art The menu depicts the cultures people who are talented in rounded and develop their out- exhibition, cuisine, music, of the people of East Africa such theater, arts, music and drama. of-class talents and skills, and culture and a golf tournament. as: www.facebook.com/Kenya- more so, have fun while at it! www.tourism.go.ke Music-Festival www.facebook.com/kidsfestival Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 36 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 37
2) Shaggy Dog Show Over the years, Kenya homes The event is organized by the expo has been able to generate Kenya Society for the Protection not only high quality audiences and Care of Animals (KSPCA) and sales leads for exhibitors Tips & and targets pet lovers. The but also GREAT bargains purpose of the show is to seek for attendees. the shaggiest dog that graces kenyahomesexpo.com the event. Orphaned dogs are guide also paraded and participants 5) The International Flower Trade asked to adopt. Exhibition (IFTEX) www.kspca-kenya.org/event/ The expo is a unique exhibition shaggy-dog-show dedicated to the flower sector. It is biennial event held at the 3) Christmas Craft Fair Oshwal centre in Nairobi and The Christmas Fair is an annual welcomes flower growers and event that takes place on the equipment suppliers for flower first weekend in December at growers to present before an the Nairobi Race Course on the international clientele of flower Ngong Road. purchasers. nairobinow.wordpress.com www.hppexhibitions.com
6) The Nairobi International 4) Homes Expo Trade Fair The Kenya Homes Expo is the The Nairobi International Trade most interactive solution-based show is an annual event that is homes show in Eastern and held in the month of September. Central Africa. The expo is held twice a year, in April This event takes 5 days and and October. is located at the Nairobi Show Grounds. Here various It is unique one-stop shop for companies display their real estate stakeholders, interior products and services to the designers, mortgages and Kenyan people and business bank institution and companies investors alike. presenting new products, www.ask.co.ke innovative services and technology. Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 38 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 39
Dress Code Visa FAMOUS PEOPLE OF KENYA BOOKS WRITTEN The dress code in Nairobi is A visa is required prior to The first African woman Nobel • Born Free (Adamson) multi cultural and relatively entry into Kenya and is readily peace prize winner – • Out of Africa (Karen Blixen) relaxed. In rural areas For ladies obtained at the Airport upon The late Prof. Wangari Mathai • I Dreamed of Africa however, avoid transparent or arrival. You may also obtain one who had a commitment to the (Kuki Gallman) overly revealing clothing as from the Kenyan embassies environment was Kenyan. She Conservative hemlines in ladies and high commissions offices was also the first African woman INTERNATIONAL FILMS fashions are appreciated. abroad before departure. in East and Central Africa to SHOT IN KENYA A single entry visa as always is earn a doctorate degree Over 80 international films Greetings valid for three months from date have been shot entirely in Most social interactions begin of issue. David Rudisha is the current Kenya many of which turned with a greeting. It is considered Olympic and world record into Hollywood box office hits rude and disrespectful not to HEALTH holder in the 800 meters, as and won several international greet someone with a shake It’s advisable to travel with a well as the current Olympic awards. Among them being: of the hand. small first Aid kit that includes Champion at the distance. • Constant gardener Band-Aids, thermometer, sun Rudisha was the first person • African cats Telephone conversations will block, oral re-hydration sachets, to run under 1:41.00 for • The White Maasai often start with a polite greeting anti-diarrhea medication, the Olympic. • Tomb Raider II Series and an inquiry into one's health. antiseptics, water purification • The ghost and the darkness tablets and more. Tegla Loroupe was also the first • The Snows of Kilimanjaro Photography woman from Africa to win the • King Solomon’s Mines Photography of the State House Some of the hospitals include: New York City Marathon, which • Mogambo government institutions & The Nairobi Hospital, The Aga she has won twice. • Mountains of the Moon military installations is prohibited Khan Hospital, Mater Hospital, • Nowhere in Africa in some cases. It is polite M.P Shah Hospital, Gertrude’s Paul Tergat -one of the most • Big Cat Diary to always ask before taking Hospital, Karen Hospital and accomplished long-distance • Survivor Africa III Series pictures of local people. Kenyatta National Hospital. runners of all time is from Kenya. • Gorillas in the Mist • To walk with Lions Safety Wildlife The first African black Oscar Personal safety begins with Nairobi boasts of being the only winner -Lupita Nyong’o has you, and like any other big city city in the world with a national roots in Kenya; His father is in the world, it is encouraged Park. The park has a variety of Kenyan. you avoid walking alone in dark wildlife including the Big Cats, alleys especially in the night. Giraffe, Buffalos, Zebras and America’s first black president Keep to well lit areas and avoid others apart from the elephants. – Barrack Obama has roots in crowded places. Kenya. His father was Kenyan Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 40 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 41
Cabs & tour 4) Karibu Safaris In Kenya Cabs P. O. Box 9494 00300 Nairobi Kenya 1) KENATCO Taxi 12th Floor, Uchumi House, +254 724 404 435(24hrs) operators [email protected] Aga Khan Walk P.O. Box 52684-00200 www.safarisinkenya.net Nairobi, Kenya +254 721830061/ 5) Market Car Hire Ltd +254 788502237 Ground Floor, Chester House, JKIA: +254 703 115076 Koinange St. Nairobi (20 [email protected] mins from Jomo Kenyatta www.kenatco.co.ke International Airport) (245 020) 225797 / 253948 / 342264, 2) Focus Cab Mayfair Maisonette, [email protected] Mpaka Road, www.marketcarhire.com Opposite Fedha Plaza, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. 6) Delight Cabs Ltd +254 208006620 3rd Ngong Avenue, Upper Hill +254713555888 Gardens A-39, Opposite Kenya [email protected] Bankers Sacco Centre www.focuscabs.co.ke P.O Box 46021-00100 Nairobi +254 0722 10 42 42 +254 (20) 230 56 97 3) Jimcab Services Ground Floor, Warwick Centre [email protected] United Nations Avenue, Gigiri delightcabs.co.ke P.o. Box 759-00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya 7) Universal Cabs +254 20 7121205 P.O Box 63622 Nairobi +254 722 711001/ +254 722 (020) 444 09 50 714246/ +254 733 735499 +254 735 27 88 56 [email protected] www.jimcab.co.ke Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 42 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 43
8) Virgin Tours Kenya Tourism Federation Nairobi County Office Useful Contacts P. O. Box 63346 - 00200, Kenya Tourism Board +254 (0)20 6004 767 020-344194 Nairobi +254 (0)20 8001000 0725-624489 Head Office ACK Parking Silo 9th floor, Kenya-Re Towers, Ragati Road +254 (0)722 745 645 [email protected] Bishop’s Rd, Community P.O. BOX 30630 - 00100 +254 (0)738 617 499 Nairobi, Kenya Nairobi, Kenya There are foreign missions in the +254 20 2720952, +254 20 +254 20 2711 262 Kenya Police country. For more information visit 2720972, +254 20 2734932 +254 20 2749 000 999 the website of Ministry of Foreign (Pilot No) +254 20 2734 487 +254 720 601 262 0800 720002 Affairs and International Trade +254 727 264 600 +254 735 287 030 736350100 www.mfa.go.ke [email protected] [email protected], 712 179 524 www.virgintours.co.ke www.magicalkenya.com
9) Wonderview Taxis Ltd Kenya Association of Travel Agents 0733-678953, 0722787001 +254 248 65 63/ [email protected] +254 374 97 45/6 www.wonderviewtaxis.co.ke [email protected] DID YOU KNOW??? Kenya holds the world www.katakenya.org Nairobi is the only city record for paragliding 10) Prestige Taxis in the world to boast a Prestige Plaza, Kenya Association of 12,000-hectare park (Nairobi 80% of cut rose flowers in Ngong Road, Tour Operators National Park) with a variety of Europe are from Kenya Nairobi Kenya, KATO Place, (Opposite Shelter animals and birds close to a +254 (0)20 214 0457 Afrique Centre) Upper Hill capital city. The park is 11% of world bird +254 (0)705 600 095 2713348 / 2713386 / located only 10 km from population is in Kenya 2722401 / 2726517 Nairobi city centre. 020 2106353 (Wireless) Mpesa was invented in 0722 434845 / 0733 226932 A newly born wildebeest Kenya [email protected] and giraffe can run within www.katokenya.org minutes of birth. The Kenyan first lady Margaret Kenyatta is the first Kenya Association of Hotel Kenya has the highest African first lady to compete Keepers and Caterers concentration of Olympic in and finish the 42 km +254 600 44 19/ +254 600 25 48 gold medal winners in the London marathon [email protected] marathon event. www.kahc.co.ke Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 44 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 45
The tour goes through Racecourse HERITAGE WALKING TOURS TOUR 4: HARRY THUKU Walking Tours are available daily from the Nairobi Gallery by a Rd., Uyoma Street, Ronald Ngala RD TOUR professional guide .We recommend advance booking. Street, Tom Mboya and Walk begins from the Nairobi Moi Avenue. National Museum with a tour of the TOUR DURATION COST IN KES museum, walk down museum Hill The cost mentioned above does through Harry Thuku Road. Kenyatta Avenue 90 Minutes C:150.00 R:300.00 NR:500.00 not include the entry fees to the walking Tour memorial park and the entry to the Attractions include: River Road Walking 90 Minutes C:150.00 R:300.00 NR:500.00 visitor’s Centre where a movie of •Nairobi National Museum, Snake Tour the occurrences on the August Park, Botanical Gardens 7th1998 is beamed. City Square Walking 90 Minutes C:150.00 R:300.00 NR:500.00* • Kenya Broadcasting Corporation Tour* TOUR 3: CITY SQUARE Harry Thuku Rd 2hours C:150.00 R:300.00 NR:500.00* WALKING TOUR • Norfolk Hotel Walking Tour * The walking tour starts from the Nairobi Gallery through Posta Rd, • Kenya Cultural Centre *-Additional charges for Nairobi National Museum, KICC Helipad and Norfolk Hotel apply Kaunda Street, Standard Street, Key: C - Citizen; R -Resident; NR - Non-resident Kimathi Street, Mama Ngina Street, • Jewish Synagogue Moi Avenue, City Hall way, Taifa TOUR 1: KENYATTA AVENUE WALKING TOUR Rd, Harambee Avenue culminating • French Cultural Centre/ The tour begins from The Nairobi Gallery at any time of the day. The tour on top of KICC. NB: Fee payable to MaendeleoyaWanawake/Utalii takes ninety minutes walking through Kenyatta Avenue/Kimathi Street/ access the helipad. House/Central Park Biashara Street/ Mundi Mbingu Street/ Banda Street.
This tour showcases the input of the British/Europeans to the development of the city and an introduction to the Asian influence.
TOUR 2: RIVER ROAD WALKING TOUR The walking tour commences at the August 7th Memorial Park via Haile Selassie Avenue Tracing the origin of Nairobi City and the immense contribution of the Asian community to its development. Short guide to the magical Short guide to the magical 46 City for the active traveller City for the active traveller 47 Short guide to the magical 48 City for the active traveller Calendar of events
P.O Box 30630 00100 Nairobi Ragati road, Upper Hill [email protected]
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