Vacation Time: Nairobi!

Green city in the sun

KNOWN AS THE “GREEN CITY in the sun” and “place of cool waters,” the Kenyan capital sprawls some 700 square-kilometres along the banks of Nairobi River, at the foot of the Ngong Hills. A frenetic and bustling concrete jungle, it’s surprisingly temperate with dense treecover, and plenty of parks and open spaces to explore.

STEP INTO THE PAGES OF HISTORY at the Karen Blixen Museum, which is located in the farmhouse where the renowned Danish author lived between 1914 and 1931. The museum offers a captivating glimpse into Blixen’s world, and is a mustsee for fans of her famous memoir, Out of Africa.

KENYA’S GLORIOUS COUNTRYSIDE opens up on a visit to the Maasai Ostrich Farm located in savannah grasslands on the outskirts of town. Take a walking tour to learn about ostrich farming practices and feed the adult breeder stock. You may or may not want to end your trip by sampling some ostrich meat at the on-site restaurant.

INDULGE YOUR TASTE BUDS on the streets of Nairobi, sampling an array of mouthwatering dishes from local food vendors, including sizzling nyama choma (grilled meat), flavourful samosas and aromatic chai. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden gems and bustling markets, gaining insight into Kenya’s diverse culinary traditions and vibrant street culture.

ESCAPE THE HOT AFRICAN SUN in Karua Forest, a 1,000-hectare urban-forest reserve dotted with caves, waterfalls and scenic picnic spots. Myriad activities are on offer from leisurely nature walks along well-shaded trails to adrenaline-pumping mountain biking adventures. There’s a café, children’s obstacle course, bike rental and yoga platform at the entrance.

HOME TO THE WORLD’S DENSEST CONCENTRATION of black rhinos, Nairobi National Park is uniquely positioned right on the city’s southern edge. Here you can view an array of wildlife – including The Big Five – roaming freely across a 117 square-kilometre wilderness with skyscrapers and planes coming into land in the distance.

HOME TO THE WORLD’S DENSEST CONCENTRATION of black rhinos, Nairobi National Park is uniquely positioned right on the city’s southern edge. Here you can view an array of wildlife – including The Big Five – roaming freely across a 117 square-kilometre wilderness with skyscrapers and planes coming into land in the distance.