| The Animal Orphanage in Nairobi is meant to be somewhat like a zoo, but it's Africa. Admission is adults/child $10/7.......8:30-5:30... It's a great place to "pet a cheetah!" Yep, pay to get in, and for a bit more (300Ksh as a donation to the handlers) you can go in with adult Cheetah's. Just ask your guide once you enter the park. It's worth it! -tipping is appreciated for your guide also! |
| NAIROBI |
| The Animal Orphanage www.kws.org |
| Things to do, Places to see: |
| The Elephant Orphanage www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org |
| Video of Elephants playing! MUST SEE |
| The Elephant Orphanage is worth the trouble to get to. Public transport will get you close, but it's still a hike up a hill, private vehicle is a better choice. There is a 300Ksh MANDATORY donation due at the gate, but if you pick up some SMA Formula from Nakumat then the fee is generally waived. The gates are only open from 11am until 12pm, so be early to beat the rush! Adopt an elephant for only $50 a year! |
| The Giraffe Center |
| Getting to the giraffe center is again easiest by private car, but you can get a matatu from the Nairobi stage. 40-50Ksh one way, takes about 45 minutes, then another 20 on foot. Admission is adults 500Ksh, but the food to give the giraffes is free. Opposite the giraffe park is a nature walk (which is included in your admission) where you'll see lots of birds and more giraffes roaming around. |
| Bomas of Kenya email: bomas@africaonline.co.ke |
| Basically this is really fun if you want to watch the traditional dancing performed by resident artists. Adults/childnren 600/300Ksh for admission performances held M-F 2:30pm Sat-Sun 3:30pm Again really easy to get to by public transport. 1km walk from National Parks main gates. There is also a great little market here with good prices. |
| *******All the above are in a rather close proximity to Nairobi's main center, and can be all done in one day for a preset price with your taxi. It's advisable to use the taxi so you don't waste all the time and energy getting from one place to another.******* |
| City Market |
| City Market is a blast. BE PREPARED to be hassled! If your looking for a good deal it can be found, but you have to be willing to negotiate for a bit. Smaller, out of the way souvenir shops can be cheaper, but if it's one of a kind and you're not willing to loose the chance, go for it. Things to find? Anything thats traditional African and beyond. |
Godown Arts Center
| A converted warehouse in the industrial area in Nairobi S.E. part of town. Visit Monday through Friday to see all 10 separate art studios, including sculpting, performance art, pottery and paining. Getting there can be a challenge. Matatus do seem to go this route, but finding it can be a bit hard. Private vehicle is recommended. If your into ANY art, be sure to visit. Fun for the kids too. Meet the artists while you shop, prices are a bit high, but worth the look. |
| Kitengela Glass www.kitengela.com |
| WOW!!! This place is so cool. Fun for everyone. Amazing art work by locals and owner. Kitengela so full of imagination that it makes your head hurt! Don't plan to stay for just an hour as there is so many things to see and do. Prices are reasonable for great buys from jewelery beads to life size sculptures(they pack and ship). A 2nds room is a good place to sort out one off items. If you're interested you can also arrange to try glass blowing. Accommodation is available in amazingly different rooms that boast beautiful views including Nairobi NP. There is a pool and sauna. Ever seen Charlie and the Chocolate Factory??? - This is it in real life... Right down to the Umpa Lumpa! There are a few ways for you to get here from Nairobi. Catch a Matatus to Masai Lodge Road, Mbgathi then walk about 1hr on a dirt road to reach a scary high,wire suspension bridge which you will need to get the escarie to unlock for you or stay on the Matatus to Rongai then take a taxi the rest of the way(1000Ksh would be a good deal). Although it may be a bit more expensive catching a taxi direct is definitely easiest. |
| TAXI DRIVERS IN NAIROBI |
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
| David - Great Taxi guy, works for a private company, has outstanding rates and knows his stuff! This guy knows how to take care of you! Mobil Number: 0722164561 (calling in Kenya) otimasor@yahoo.com |
***********************************************************************************************************************************
************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Kibera Slums
| Kibera is the largest slum in all of Africa. The numbers vary, but it takes your breath away. I've slept there, and visited on a number of occasions, but it never seems to sink in. It's horrifying to see people surviving in these conditions. Many visitors often want to walk through Kibera and get a "feel" for it. Please, do not go in on your own. There are a number of different tribes that make Kibera their home, and not all of them are friendly. If you want to go through, call one of the taxi guys listed below, and they can have you escorted for a small fee. It's for your safety, and should be taken seriously. |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |