Nairobi, Kenya
Founded by the British in 1899 as a simple rail depot on the railway linking Mombasa to Uganda, Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The city and its surrounding area also form the Nairobi County.
The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyrobi, which translates to "cold water". The phrase is also the Maasai name of the Nairobi river, which in turn lent its name to the city. However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun" and is surrounded by several expanding villa suburbs. |
The city has not lost its sense of the past, with an excellent museum and the historical home of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa open to visitors. This is not a modern capital separated from the great wilderness that surrounds it. Just outside the city is Nairobi National Park, 113 sq Kms of plains, cliffs and forest.
The city is situated at 1°17′S 36°49′E and occupies 696 square kilometers (270 sq mi). Nairobi is situated between the cities of Kampala and Mombasa. The city lies 300 miles (480 km) northwest of Mombasa, Kenya’s major port on the Indian Ocean.
The city is situated at 1°17′S 36°49′E and occupies 696 square kilometers (270 sq mi). Nairobi is situated between the cities of Kampala and Mombasa. The city lies 300 miles (480 km) northwest of Mombasa, Kenya’s major port on the Indian Ocean.
Getting Around
Air
The main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International, located 15kms out of the center of town. JKIA handles both International and domestic carriers. Wilson airport, located 11 kms outside of the city centre, is the domestic hub for both scheduled and chartered domestic air traffic. There are countless Matatu stands throughout Nairobi, with continuous arrivals and departures throughout the day.
Road
Nairobi is the centre of Kenya's extensive bus network, with many bus companies operating to and from destinations throughout the country. Taxis are often parked in the street around hotels and tourist areas of the city. Hotels and restaurants can order taxis if necessary. Nairobi Taxis are usually marked with a yellow line along each side.
Buses operate on set routes throughout the city. The large Kenya Buses run on routes throughout the city on regular schedules. Buses can be boarded at any stop and tickets purchased on board. Matatus (Public Minibuses) also operate on city routes throughout the day, and are the most popular form of local public transport.
The main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International, located 15kms out of the center of town. JKIA handles both International and domestic carriers. Wilson airport, located 11 kms outside of the city centre, is the domestic hub for both scheduled and chartered domestic air traffic. There are countless Matatu stands throughout Nairobi, with continuous arrivals and departures throughout the day.
Road
Nairobi is the centre of Kenya's extensive bus network, with many bus companies operating to and from destinations throughout the country. Taxis are often parked in the street around hotels and tourist areas of the city. Hotels and restaurants can order taxis if necessary. Nairobi Taxis are usually marked with a yellow line along each side.
Buses operate on set routes throughout the city. The large Kenya Buses run on routes throughout the city on regular schedules. Buses can be boarded at any stop and tickets purchased on board. Matatus (Public Minibuses) also operate on city routes throughout the day, and are the most popular form of local public transport.
Places to Visit in Nairobi
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