FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN NAIROBI

With one change of arrival

There are no direct flights from Finland to Nairobi. Several European airlines operate to Nairobi via major cities such as Amsterdam and Paris. The machine usually only needs to be changed once. The travel time will be a minimum of about 12 hours. A return trip from Helsinki to Nairobi costs about 650-1000 euros.

Accommodation in Nairobi

Accommodation in Nairobi is plentiful and there is a suitable option for every budget. You can spend the night in a cheap hostel as well as in an affordable hotel. Most accommodations also include breakfast. The choice and location of the hotel is worth investing in, especially if you are traveling with valuable goods.

There is also a selection for those looking for luxury options. In addition to sleeping, the city’s five-star hotels allow the traveler to enjoy their holiday by the pool, gym and several restaurants.

Getting around in Nairobi

Traffic in Nairobi is wild for the unaccustomed, as traffic rules are hardly followed. Renting your own car is not recommended unless you hire a driver at the same time. The safest and easiest way to get around is by taxi. In taxis, the price must be negotiated with the driver in advance.

A more affordable form of moving is the local minibus matatu. There are many routes to be found, but the mats are often crowded. They run roughly the same routes as the larger local buses. When traveling by public transport, you should take special care of your valuables.

ATTRACTIONS OF NAIROB

Discover the history in museums

If you want to better understand the culture of the country and learn about the colonial history, you should visit the National Museum of Kenya. The museum in Nairobi is one of the best in the country. There is a comprehensive collection of the country’s cultural and historical treasures as well as natural history. Voluntary guides offer tours in English, Dutch and French.

The museum also houses an extensive collection of East African contemporary art. Some of the works are on sale and the exhibition changes frequently.

Another interesting historical site is the Karen Blixen Museum. The success of the work Out of Africa author Karen Blixen lived in the house from 1914 to 1931. The farm, converted into a museum, tells a different story about the history of Kenya. There is also a restaurant attached to the museum. The museum is open every day.

The city also has a railway museum that tells the history of Kenyan railways. The museum has a collection of old steam locomotives, some of which are functional. The museum also has an extensive collection of photographs.

Admire the wildlife in Nairobi National Park

A favorite destination for travelers to Nairobi is the city’s national park. The park is located just 7 km from the city center. The national park is home to about a hundred different mammals, the most famous of which are elephants, rhinos, lions and giraffes. More than 400 different bird species are also found in the park. The vegetation of the park varies from savannah to more wooded.

You can explore the park by taking part in a guided day safari. Another option is to rent a car and explore the park on your own. It is recommended to move in the park with an all-wheel drive SUV, especially during the rainy season.

You cannot stay overnight in the park area. It is good to keep the city of Nairobi as a base and make even more day trips. There are several picnic areas in the national park where you can enjoy snacks while watching the animals. There is also a restaurant in the park. Specialties include the opportunity to get married in the park area.

Discover giraffes and elephants

At Langata Giraffe Conservation Center, you can get to know the lives of these long-legged animals. In the conservation area you can observe, photograph and feed giraffes. In addition to protecting giraffes, the center also conducts research and shares environmental information.

Orphan elephants can be seen at the Daphne Sheldrick´s Conservation Center. The center is also working on the protection of rhinos.

Golf in Nairobi

There are several golf courses around Nairobi where you can hone your swing. The oldest of these is the Royal Nairobi Golf Club, founded in 1906. The club has a 9-hole golf course where you can watch the hills of Ngong Hills while playing.

If you want to play on the 18-hole course, you can choose a full-service golf resort. A popular destination is the Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club, where you will find all the services a golfer needs. Golfing is available all year round in Nairobi.

THE BEST OF NAIROBIN

Experience these in Nairobi

1. Day safari in Nairobi National Park
2. Admire the scenery of My Africa at the Karen Blixen Museum
3. Enter the giraffes at the Giraffe Center
4. Shop at the Maasai Market

Disadvantages of Nairobi

1. Pocket thefts are common
2. No direct flights from Finland
3. Located in the malaria risk area