Nairobi is the vibrant capital city of Kenya and the largest city in East Africa, making it a vibrant cultural and commercial hub of the region. From its magnificent skyline to its colorful markets and historic sites, Nairobi offers something for every traveler. Discover why this dynamic city is one of the continent’s most exciting destinations. In this piece, we’ll explore some of the fabulous things to see, do and experience in Nairobi. From bustling nightlife to its culinary offerings to its impressive conservation initiatives, read on to find out all the must-see attractions in Nairobi.
Getting to Know Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya, located in the capital region of the country. The population of Nairobi as of 2019 is 4,397,073, making it the largest urban area in the country. Nairobi lies on the eastern edge of the African continent and is in the Eastern Africa Time Zone, 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). Nairobi has two official languages: English and Kiswahili. English is used in official and commercial circles while Kiswahili is widely used in daily life. The currency of Nairobi is the Kenyan Shilling (KES).
Climate and Weather
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya and one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. It has a warm, sub-tropical climate. The city does have a short rainy season, but for most of the year is hot and dry.
Summers (October to March) can be very dry and hot with temperatures reaching up to 29ºC (84.2°F). Brief showers occur during this season but only rarely.
Winters are much cooler with temperatures rarely reaching above 24°C (75°F). The months of June, July and August are the wettest months when the city experiences thunderstorms and precipitation.
Overall, the climate in Nairobi is quite pleasant with reasonable temperatures throughout the year. However, the city is prone to frequent dust storms and power outages, so you should be prepared to tackle these if you plan on visiting.
Touring Nairobi: Airport and Transportation
There are two airports in Nairobi: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport.
The best way to get from JKIA to downtown Nairobi is by taxi. Depending on traffic, the fare should cost you around 1000 to 1500 Kenyan Shillings (KES), which is approximately $10 to $15 USD.
Yes, you can change money at Nairobi Airport. you can find foreign currency exchange kiosks managed by the companies Goldex Forex and Global Exchange inside the arrivals hall.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Nairobi
- Nairobi is the largest city and capital of Kenya, showcasing a unique blend of African, European, and Asian influences. It is a vibrant metropolis with various cultural attractions, offering a growing reputation as a top tourist destination
- The colonial roots of Nairobi are evident throughout the city, with several landmarks including the Nairobi Railway Museum, Parliament Buildings, and the iconic Ngong Hills
- Apart from its cultural attractions, Nairobi is an excellent staging point for safari adventures and African game viewing, with several nature reserves and national parks in the surrounding areas, such as the Nairobi National Park, Kenya's first national park
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