Nairobi

Introduction

Nairobi in the Distance

© All Rights Reserved A.D. Lanza

Nairobi is the capital and largest city in Kenya. It has about 3 million inhabitants, 4 million if you add the total metropolitan area, making it the fourth largest city in Africa. It is just over 100 years old and became the capital in 1905, before which Mombasa hold this title. It is located in the southern central parts of the country, roughly between the coast and Uganda, at an elevation of almost 1700 meters. Although it is the political and economical hart of the country, the city hasn't got that much to offer for travellers. Most people stay here before starting their safari to world famous parks like the Masai Mara or fly back home from Nairobi. Just outside the city however is Nairobi National Park and the sight of zebras with high rise buildings in the back is rather unique.

Weather

Because of its elevation, it is never too hot in Nairobi and even during the warmest months of January to March, temperatures are around 25 °C during the day. April and May are the wettest months, with over 200 mm of rain in April. In winter (July to September) it can get chilly at night, but it rarely freezes.

Getting There

By Plane

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located 15 kilometres away from the city centre, is home to Kenya Airways. It's the busiest airport in East Africa and the 6th busiest in Africa.

Some of the national carrier's destinations include Accra, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam, Bangkok, Cairo, Dar Es Salaam, Dakar, Dubai, Entebbe, Guangzhou, Harare, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Lilongwe, London, Mumbai, Seychelles and Zanzibar. Several dozens of other airlines serve Nairobi, mainly from other African and European cities.

Taxis and car hire facilities are conveniently situated at the arrival areas. A scheduled bus service to and from the town center is available as well.

Sleep

Budget

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