Welcome to Nairobi , the place of cool waters' as described in the Maa language, and also once known as the Green City in the Sun' . Nairobi welcomes you with its many exciting faces- from cosmopolitan to cultural, sporty to relaxing- all presented in world class standards. This is the only capital city in the world with a national park within it, and is Kenya 's administrative, economic and communications center.
Nairobi from above
Population: 4 million
Social: Mixture of the affluent, middle and low class, from different tribes.
Official languages: English is the official language spoken mostly in urban areas while Kiswahili is the national language spoken nationwide. Indigenous languages are also spoken in abundance.
Timezone: Kenya has a single time zone, which is GMT +3 all the year round.
Political System: Kenya is a multiparty democracy.
Climate: Though near the equator, the weather year-round is quite pleasant and cool. The rainy season is April to May and October to November, it's cold in July and August, the rest of the year is summer-like. Daytime temperature range: 18 - 30 degrees centigrade. Nightime 10 - 19 degrees centigrade.
Religion: Christianity is the dominant religion, with large Muslim and Hindu communities. Churches, mosques and temples are indicated on the map.
Tourist attractions
National Parks: Nairobi National Park is the only park in the world situated within a capital city. M arvel at the diverse wildlife while the city skyline looms on the horizon. A mere 20 minutes drive from the city centre it is home to animals including lion, leopard, hippo, giraffe, hartebeest, baboons, black rhino, and many more. Picnic sites allow you to enjoy the wildlife and scenery at leisure.
Next to the park is an animal orphanage and safari walk that represents different ecosystems so as to showcase Kenya 's diverse flora and fauna.
Playful cheetah in the animal orphanage
Historical Sites: The national museum has galleries showcasing tribal artifacts, fascinating collection of birds, aquatic life, prehistoric man and beast, plus a snake park and gigantic statue of the largest elephant ever to live in Kenya Ahmed.
The town centre is dotted with buildings whose history dates back to the early 20 th century, such as Norfolk hotel, including the Railway museum.
Cultural experiences: Kenyans are naturally warm and welcoming. From food to dance, costume to education, get that extra insight to what Kenya 's 42 diverse cultures are all about at Bomas of Kenya, which has all the above including traditional homesteads.
Day excursions: Discover the sights and sounds of Nairobi with day excursions through the city and to its outskirts, right upto the Great Rift Valley viewpoints that are simply- breathtaking. After taking in what the land and people have to offer, sample game meat and other delicacies in restaurants that have won global awards.
Nightspots: Vibrant or relaxing take your pick. Clubs, pubs, bistros and some hotels offer karaoke nights (Hotel Intercontinental), disco with R&B, hip hop, soul, rock and reggae (F2, Pavement, Tamasha), jazz (Pitcher & Butch) and classical live performances, cultural nights with attending food and music (Carnivore, Reminis), and modern Kenyan tunes. Not all have dancefloors, though the trend is to start in one place and sample others through the night.
Art & Theatre: Art galleries exhibit paintings frequently (Ramoma, Goethe Institute), where you can immediately purchase the pieces.
The theatre scene presents a new play weekly from diverse groups of mostly young, energetic thespians, in English, Kiswahili and some vernacular (Alliance Francaise, Phoenix Theatre , Kenya National Theatre). The plays are either originals or adapted from popular foreign works. Musicals are staged less often.
Recreation & Sports
1] Golf Clubs Championship events and daily relaxing rounds of golf can be enjoyed at various clubs (Karen, Royal Nairobi). The Kenya Open Golf Tournament is held annually at the Muthaiga Country Club, and promises plenty of exciting action on the greens courtesy of a fine mix of local and international competition. Around March annually.
2] Rugby - Nairobi hosts the annual Safari Sevens rugby tournament featuring top international teams. This is one of the world's best Rugby competitions, and a major highlight on the Nairobi social calendar. The atmosphere can best be described as electric. May June annually.
3] Horseracing Ngong Racecourse welcomes racing lovers every Sunday for some racing fun and meals at the Jockey Club. 4] GP Karting & Splash Savour this pure adrenalin rush any day Tuesday to Sunday at Nairobi 's hottest entertainment venue, then relive your childhood on the many water slides at the neighbouring Splash waterworld.
5] Paintball great for friends that don't mind getting a little paint on their clothes in the wildness at Kitengela.
6] Ice skating imagine gliding on the ice yet you are so near the equator. It's a thrilling experience to be had at the Panari Centre rink. Open everyday and for all ages, with experienced instructors to gently guide you along.
Shopping: Lovers of traditional artifacts and jewellery will be spoilt for choice at the Maasai Markets- Sundays at Yaya Centre, Tuesdays at Globe Cinema, Fridays at Village Market and Saturdays at Aga Khan Walk in town. Also Utamaduni in Karen and the Zebra open market in Westlands. Some hotels have their own in-house curio shop though the prices are considerably higher than the open markets where you can bargain all you want.
Shopping malls: Lots of variety in both local and imported goods is available in large shopping malls with clothing, jewellery, shoes, furniture, electronics, telecommunication equipment, computer accessories, audio and visual entertainment, bookstores, children's stores- just about anything you need. Payment is by cash (Kshs) or credit card.
These include Village Market, Yaya Centre, Nakumatt Lifestyle, The Mall, The Junction and Sarit Centre.
Supermarkets: Supermarkets are abundant in both city and suburb. Payment is by cash (Kshs) or credit card.
Restaurants: Both traditional and international cuisine is served in numerous spots. All visitors to Kenya simply must try nyama choma (roast meat), with different delicious and very healthy traditional accompaniments. Otherwise there are also Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Thai, Lebanese, Indian, Brazilian and Ethiopian restaurants.
Nairobi Mamba Village - dine by the lake that's shaped like Africa
Drinking water:
Hotels supply clean drinking water, though bottled mineral water is a better choice if you have a sensitive stomach. This is easily available from hotels and stores. Drinking tap water is not encouraged.
Accommodation:
Hotels and apartments range from 1 to 5 star. Taxi drivers know the places to go based on your budget. Homestays are increasingly popular for their privacy and flexibility. Cheap is not always best, so choose well. info...
Safari advice: If you have the time you simply must go on safari through Kenya- it will amaze you! Kenya is one country that has all climatic regions- snow to desert, mountain to savannah, not to mention the beach and its breathtaking landscapes beneath the ocean. info....
Beauty and Health: Pamper yourself in more ways than one at world class beauty salons and parlours that will leave you feeling absolutely exquisite. The health craze is very much here, with juice shops and restaurants serving delicious fruit and vegetable cocktails. To complete the image, work out with intense but patient trainers in your hotel gym or others dotting the city.
Electricity: Power voltage supply is 220 - 240 volts 50Hz with the most commonly used plugs being 3 pined square. For appliances operating on another voltage please bring an adaptor.
Health requirements: A Certificate of inoculation against Yellow fever is compulsory for travellers older than one year and originating from yellow fever endemic areas (consult your doctor). Visitors from the rest of the world are not affected.
It is advisable to take malarial drugs before, during and after the trip to reduce the possibility of infection with malaria. While here, avoid mosquito bites by using repellant and by wearing suitable cover-up clothes in the evening.
Hospitals: Several hospitals have qualified doctors and consultants to treat any ailment. Should you have a recurring condition obtain a letter from your physician.
Useful numbers include:
- Nairobi Hospital 2722166
- Aga Khan 3740 000
- Mater Hospital 556010
- Karen 6613 000
Emergency medical services: Health Management Organizations that deal in air and road evacuation, preventative and curative health measures include AAR , Resolution Health and Avenue Healthcare. It is highly recommended that all visitors carry some form of medical insurance from their own countries to cater for any eventualities.
Travel insurance: Ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. In case of any problem that requires compensation you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. Be sure that your policy covers ambulances and emergency flight home.
If you'd like to purchase a travel poilicy email now Banking hours: Several banks both local and international operate Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm, and on the first and last Saturday of every month 9am to 11am. However, a few banks operate late hours till 8p.m. Those at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport also extend their opening hours.
24 hour ATM machines are widely available especially for VISA cards.
Foreign Exchange Bureaus: There are several Forex bureaus in the city and suburbs where you can purchase/sell major foreign exchange. They open from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. weekdays and 9.00 a.m. to 1.00p.m. on Saturdays. Rates are negotiable depending on the amount of money to be changed. Hotels and banks also transact in foreign currency. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euro.
Do not exchange forex with street vendors as the notes could be fake.
Credit Card payments: VISA, Senator and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted credit cards by hotels, tour operators and restaurants. Most Banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on credit cards.
Currency: The official currency is the Kenya Shilling (Ksh).
It is available in notes of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings, and coins of 1, 5, 10 and 20 shillings.
Travellers Cheques are widely accepted, the most widely used being American Express, Thomas Cook and Citibank.
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya. However before leaving travellers are advised to convert any excess Kenya shillings into foreign currency. Departure taxes can be paid in local or foreign currency. Taking more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.
Defacement of the Kenyan currency is an indictable offence.
Kenya Visa Requirements
As visa requirements may change from time to time we recommended you obtain up-to-date official information from the Kenyan Embassy or Consulate before making any travel plans.
Passports : Must be valid for the entire period of travel.
Certain Commonwealth member countries do not require visas while others do. Furthermore certain countries are required to send the applicants' information beforehand for approval from Nairobi before processing. Confirm which is your country's status from your Kenyan embassy or Consulate. Apply at least three months before your proposed date of travel to Kenya .
Travel within East Africa:
Tours through East Africa (Uganda/Tanzania/Zanzibar) require a " Visitors Pass " upon arrival at the Airport. This allows free re-entry to Kenya. You will however be required to pay the normal visa charges for the other countries.
The Visitors Pass is stamped on the passport free of charge for full visa holders.
Business / Conference Travel: Nairobi is well set up for the Business Traveller. Many hotels offer corporate rates and discounts in addition to modern, efficient business centers complete with wireless internet access, computers, secretaries, stationery and telecommunication services. Depending on the numbers, pick locations within the city centre or the quieter outskirts that are more in tune with nature.
Other world class conference facilities are available separate from the hotels, all with audio visual and multimedia services and telecommunications. Nairobi 's best known conference facility is the world class Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC). You can't miss its striking appearance in the city centre, complete with amphithteatre, plenary hall, executive board room, many meeting rooms and a courtyard.
Tipping / Gratuities: Tipping is not mandatory in Kenya . Service providers can be tipped at your discretion.
Business Hours:
Businesses operate on weekdays from 8:30a.m. to 5p.m. (lunch 1-2 p.m.). A few open on Saturday mornings.
Manufacturing: Industries are in plenty for chemicals, household utensils, light machinery, motor vehicles, paper and paper products, food processing and textiles.
Public Holidays
1st January - New Years Day
February/March - Idd il Fitr *
March/April - Good Friday**
March/April - Easter Monday**
1st May - Labour Day
1st June - Madaraka Day
10th October - Moi Day
20th October - Kenyatta Day
12th December - Jamhuri Day
25th December - Christmas Day
26th December - Boxing Day
*The Muslim Festival of Idd il Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadhan. The date varies each year depending on the sighting of a new moon in Mecca .
** Dates for the Christian festival of Easter vary from year to year.
Communication
Post
Efficient postal services are available for both local and international post, for letter and parcels. Post offices open 8a.m.-6p.m.
Telecommunications
Kenya has a good network of telephone, cellular and satellite connections. Fibre optic cables will soon be introduced. International telephone and fax services exist in hotels and smaller telecommunication centers around town.
Mobile phones:
Safaricom and Zain are the main mobile operators also offering roaming services. To utilize these you must first inquire from your country as to whether they have roaming agreements with these providers. For example MTN, Mobitel, Vodafone and Nextel. On arrival in Kenya switch your phone off and on and set it manually to register immediately. GPRS wireless internet is also available via agreement with some countries, although you may purchase a phone and line at affordable rates while here. New lines are activated as soon as you top up.
Telkom Wireless has competitive rates to the above services but no global roaming services yet.
Calling codes:
- Country dialing code is +254 then area code and number, or +254 then mobile number
- Nairobi code is 020 (then number)
- Calling within Kenya : Area code (listed in phone directory) + number
Internet:
Email and Internet services are easily accessible in hotels, private business centres and cyber cafes. Photocopy, scanning and printing services tend to be offered as well.
Photo studios: With the digital age it's easy to get your photos developed while you wait. For excellent product and service Studio Mona in Hurlingham (020) 2715020 or any shopping mall photo shop.
Emergency numbers
Police, Fire and ambulances: 999
St. John Ambulance (020) 210 000
AMREF Flying Doctors (020) 315454 /5, 600090
Urban Fire Services (020) 520754
Police CID headquarters (020) 2713311, 2728888
Flying squad (020) 760322, 0721 355999
Police Nairobi Area Headquarters (020) 2717777, 0721 233999
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (020) 823888
Contact nearest police station dial 112 from your mobile phone
Tourist Police (020) 2727844, 2724154
Telephone Operator: 900
Nairobi Airport - information: (020) 822 111, 827639
Security: A special Tourist Police unit has been created for the protection of tourists' life and property and to h andle and receive inquiries, claims and complaints. 24hr Helpline is (020) 604767.
Extra security tips:
- Do not leave cash and valuables in your hotel rooms. Make use of hotel safe deposit boxes or safes.
- Do not carry large sums of money on you while walking on the streets.
- Ladies should be careful with handbags and jewellery in crowded places and busy streets. Pickpockets love such settings.
- As in all major cities walking at night alone should be avoided.
- Never leave valuables on show in unattended car or tour bus.
Transportation
Airlines: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is 30 minutes from the city centre and the primary arrival point . Taxi / car hire and hotel reservations may be made there. Wilson Airport is 15 minutes from city centre and for smaller craft and charters. You may check your flight status online for international airlines. It is important that you take heed of flight and safety regulations especially regarding check-in times (usually 2 hours before) and what not carry aboard.
Airlines:
International:
- Kenya Airways
- British Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Emirates
- Qatar
- Egyptair
- South African Airways
- SN Brussels
- KLM Royal Dutch
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Saudia
Domestic:
- Air Kenya
- Fly 540
- East African Safari Air
- Safarilink
- Jetlink
- Aero Kenya
Road:
Road network within the city is predominantly tarmac. Buy a map for details of destinations.
Rail:
The railway station is right in the city centre. Trains operate Nairobi to Mombasa (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and return (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday); sometimes on day trips to the Rift Valley aboard the steam engine.
Petrol/gas stations: Literally around every corner, some with shopping marts and fast food outlets.
Public transport: Buses and matatus (minivans) are the main mode of public transport. Taxis are also very common, some with negotiable rates. Enquire at your hotel.
Car hire: It's easy to hire either a self-drive or chauffeured vehicle, ranging from saloon and 4 wheel drives to larger buses.
Media
Publications: Daily English language and Kiswahili newspapers are readily available. The East African is a weekly newspaper sold throughout Kenya , Tanzania and Uganda . International newspapers are availed in certain upmarket hotels. Local and international magazines are sold on streets and in shopping malls.
Visual: Seven television stations show local and foreign content for free, while you may subscribe to 3 Digital Satellite Television international channels for sports, news, music, nature programmes and movies. The latter is available as part of your accommodation rate in most hotels.
Audio: 23 local radio stations offer a mix of music, news and educational programmes in English, Kiswahili and vernacular languages. There are a few foreign stations.
Departure On departure, an International Airport departure tax is payable for both domestic and international flights but is usually added to the fare when purchasing your air ticket unless otherwise specified. Customs officials may require the inspection of outgoing baggage. All baggage is weighed and subjected to x-ray inspection before loading.
Urban Lifestyles
The west has met the east. Treat yourself to the nightlife that is a vibrating fusion of modern music- from hip hop to ragga, classical to jazz; and traditional tunes from age-old instruments- kililimbi, mugithi, isukuti, taarab.
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