Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The name "Nairobi" comes from the
Maasai phrase Enkare Nyorobi, which translates to "the place of cool waters".
However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun. Founded in 1899, the
city was handed capital status from Mombasa in 1905. Nairobi is also the capital of
the Nairobi Province and of the Nairobi District. The city lies on the Nairobi River, in
the south of the nation, and has an elevation of 1661 m (5450 ft) above sea-level.
The area was an essentially uninhabited swamp until a supply depot of the Uganda
Railway was built in 1899, which soon became the railway's headquarters. The city
was named after a water hole known in Maasai as Ewaso Nyirobi, meaning "cool
waters." It was totally rebuilt in the early 1900s after an outbreak of plague and the
burning of the original town.
The location of the Nairobi railway camp was chosen due to its central position
between Mombasa and Kampala. It was also chosen because its network of rivers
could supply the camp with water, and its elevation would make it cool enough for
residential purposes. Furthermore, at 1661 metres above the sea level the
temperatures are too low for the malaria mosquito to survive.
In 1905, Nairobi replaced Mombasa as capital of the British protectorate,[8] and the
city grew around administration and tourism, initially in the form of big game hunting.
As the British colonialists started to explore the region, they started using Nairobi as
their first port of call. This prompted the colonial government to build several grand
hotels in the city. The main occupants were British game hunters.
Nairobi continued to grow under the British rule, and many Britons settled within the
city's suburbs. The continuous expansion of the city began to anger the Maasai, as
the city was devouring their land to the south. It also angered the Kikuyu people, who
wanted the land returned to them.
PLACE TO VISIT
Nairobi National Park - just outside Nairobi. This is home to large herds of
Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe, Lion, Cheetah, Hippo, Rhino and even birdlife
(over 400 species). Here you can also go on the Nairobi Safari Walk, an educational
centre to make people aware of wildlife and habitat conservation. Also in the park is
the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage - close to the Nairobi National Park. This
Orphanage takes in elephant calves and rhinos from all over Kenya which were
orphaned by poaching.
Giraffe Center - in Langata right outside of Nairobi. The Centre breeds the
endangered Rothschild Giraffe and has conservation/education programmes for
Kenyan children.
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park - is centred around a 2,146 metre
mountain. This is a mountain forest and plain land, with a large population of Buffalo.
It also serves as a refuge for Colobus monkeys, bushbuck, duiker, leopard, and a
large variety of bird species.
Tana River - is an hour's drive from the city. White water rafting throughout
cataracts, which leads to the 14 Falls can be done here. The rafting trip also includes
a full BBQ lunch.
Nairobi National Museum - where visitors can learn about Nairobi, its
history and culture. Currently the museum is closed for major renovations.
National Railway Museum - visitors can learn more about the history of
Kenya’s railroads and the Kenya/Uganda railway. It also houses, some of the
engines and rolling stock from the country’s colonial period.
Karen Blixen Museum - is based on the Karen Blixen’s book "Out of Africa".
Her house is now the home of the museum. It is located on the outskirts of Nairobi
and a taxi or bus can get you to the museum.
Bomas of Kenya - portrays Kenya’s culture. Visitors can see exhibits of
traditional Kenyan homes, artifacts, dances, music, and song.
Uhuru Gardens - built in remembrance of the struggle for independence,
which Kenya was granted in 1963. The monument is a 24 metre high triumphal
column supporting a pair of clasped hands and the dove of peace, high over a statue
of freedom fighter raising the flag. The monument is surround by fountains and lush-
landscaped gardens.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Regular flights are operated by Air Kenya and Kenya Airways. Kenya
Airways offers a broad range of destinations in Africa and the world. Kenya Airways is
the national airline for Kenya, and travels throughout Europe, America, Africa and the
Asia-Pacific region. Nairobi’s main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
(IATA: NBO), which is 15kms from the center of the city. There is also Wilson airport,
11kms from the city’s center, that is for domestic flights throughout Kenya.
By train - The city is also accessible by trains, with daily arrivals and departures at
the Nairobi Railway station.
By car - Visitors can also enter Nairobi by road if they are coming from Tanzania,
Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia. Immigration should be processed at the land
border stations upon entering the country/city.
By bus - Kenya’s bus system is also reliable. There are many bus companies
that have routes going to and from the country’s different cities, including Nairobi,
which is the centre of the bus network.
