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Nairobi
Nairobi

Come and discover this sprawling capital where life is good.

Nairobi in short

In a nutshell

Kenya rhymes with safari! Of course, the country is home to around fifty national parks and nature reserves, each more sumptuous than the last. The Masai Mara, Amboseli and Samburu are an explosion of beauty, with hundreds of spectacular and remarkable animal species living together in near-perfect harmony. This rich natural environment welcomes adventure-seekers and thrill-seekers to discover the majestic fauna. You're sure to find what you're looking for in this country rich in culture and wildlife. However, many people sweep through its capital without taking the time to linger. Long the victim of a noisy and unsafe reputation, Nairobi nonetheless offers some great experiences to start or end your trip. Letting yourself linger here is a great way to learn more about this East African country that is too often summed up by its safaris.

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From bars and restaurants to shopping, Nairobi has a lively, bustling city centre. You'll find numerous Maasai markets all over the city to immerse yourself a little further. You'll also be sure to find out more about its history when you visit the city's various museums. But if you had to choose just one, think of the National Museum of Kenya. A real showcase for the country, it deciphers its history through some fine permanent art collections. But this museum is a bit of a one-stop shop. There's a natural history section, a botanical garden and a snake park. In short, it's enough to keep you busy for a good part of the day discovering the jewels of this East African country. The city also boasts a magnificent urban forest: Karura. Here, you can take a leisurely stroll with the family or your loved ones. There are some great walks on offer, and you can hike up to 14 kilometres into the heart of the forest. All in the middle of the city - amazing!

© Vivek Patel Photography / Shutterstock

You could do with a bit of height! There's nothing very historic here, although the architecture of the buildings bears witness to the country's meteoric rise. The Kenyatta International Convention Centre was inaugurated in 1974 with the aim of hosting all kinds of events: galas, weddings, conventions, international and political meetings, and the building even houses the Senate. Nothing very interesting from a tourist point of view. But think again! The 32nd and top floor is where it all happens. Enjoy a 360° view of the helipad from this 105-metre skyscraper. You'll have a bird's eye view of this metropolis nestled high up in the mountains. In the distance, the lucky ones will be able to see Kilimanjaro on a clear day!

© Fresnel / Shutterstock

Did you know that Nairobi was home to a national park? A veritable urban jungle, Nairobi National Park is just 7 kilometres from the city. This 117 km2 area is home to a host of animal species. Rhinoceroses, lions, giraffes, leopards, the most beautiful species walk the arid earth of this beautiful park in the heart of the city. Discover this amazing reserve against a backdrop of skyscrapers. Combine your visit with the elephant orphanage, where the carers are doing a remarkable job of saving these orphaned victims of poaching. Dependent on their mother's milk for almost 2 years, they are doomed to the same fate if they are not cared for. At the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, you can watch these youngsters being bottle-fed. The centre is open for 1 hour a day.

© Hemanshu Contractor / Shutterstock

Taking the time to discover the giraffe centre is first and foremost a way of helping to preserve this species, but it's also a way of learning more about these beauties of the savannah. In 1979, a passionate couple alarmed by the fate of the endangered Rothschild giraffe decided to create a centre to protect and preserve these majestic grand dames.

© Anita Martingano / Shutterstock

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How to get there?

From Paris, allow around 12 hours' flying time to reach the Kenyan capital. There are also direct flights from Nairobi. In this case, the flight time is just 8.5 hours. Once in the city, you can take other domestic flights to the various national parks you wish to visit.

Nairobi

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Where to stay?

Nairobi has a large number of hotels. With both modern and authentic architecture, there is something to suit every taste and budget. However, Kenya is increasingly welcoming honeymooners. So check out our top 10 of the city's most romantic accommodations.

Top 5 most romantic hotels in Nairobi
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Practical information

As one of Africa's largest cities, Nairobi can be frightening, but taking the time to visit it is the best way to immerse yourself in this majestic African country.

Nairobi has been Kenya's capital since 1905. Situated at an altitude of 1,660 m, it enjoys a pleasant climate all year round. There's nothing particularly remarkable about its architecture, but its recent construction has given it plenty of space, parks and gardens, making it an airy city. It has a friendly atmosphere. You can visit the Kenyatta Conference Centre, the jamia mosque, the Karen Blixen museum, etc. As a gastronomic and commercial capital, Nairobi offers enough cultural and nightlife activities to make your day. But Nairobi is above all a starting point for trips into the bush. The closest game reserve to the city is Nairobi National Park. It is only seven kilometres away.

In ethnic terms, Kenya is historically a unique country, with peoples from all parts of the continent. Contrary to popular belief, these many ethnic groups coexisted peacefully until colonisation, choosing to be complementary rather than adversaries. Traditions specific to each ethnic group still survive in the countryside (bartering is widespread). We might be delighted if it weren't for certain practices concerning the status of women. Excision, for example, is still practised by the Kikuyu and certain northern tribes.

In the city, women are also advised to cover their arms and shoulders with a shawl. Particularly in Nairobi, smokers are not welcome. So avoid lighting up, even on the pavement, to avoid the wrath of some. If anyone stares at you, you'll know why!

Kenya is safari country. Needless to say, many tour operators share the French 'adventurers' who set off for Kenya every year. The competition is therefore fierce, but be careful about the quality of the service and the safety of the means of transport used on site, whether jeep, train or plane... It is strongly recommended that you contact a tour operator with experience of the destination. Travel in the reserves and on the roads is generally by minibus or 4x4 vehicle. If you hire a car, it is advisable to drive in short sections, as the roads are not always in the best condition. In town, prefer individual taxis to "matatu", crowded and unsafe minibuses that act as public transport. To see animals, there are certain times of year that are best. If you are going to Kenya to observe animals, avoid departures around and during the wet season. Instead, opt for the dry season, when many animals gather around waterholes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains to tourists that: "Security has improved in recent months in Nairobi and the coastal towns (Mombasa, Malindi), but these towns cannot be considered safe from terrorism. Increased vigilance is therefore required".

French nationals must have a visa to enter Kenya. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry into the country.

Compulsory vaccination: vaccination against yellow fever is only required on arrival for travellers who have recently stayed (or transited for more than 12 hours) in one of the 42 countries in sub-Saharan Africa or South America where the disease may be present.

Recommended vaccines: Diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A and B, whooping cough (measles for children). For long trips: typhoid and rabies, especially for children.

Beware: malaria is present throughout the country at altitudes below 1,500m. What's more, Nairobi is perched at an altitude of 1,795 m, so preventive treatment is not essential, but protect yourself against mosquitoes (long clothing, insect repellents, etc.).

lightbulb_outline Editor's tip

Nairobi is all too often overlooked by travellers, who only make a short stopover here before heading off on safari. Take the time to discover this beautiful capital and you're sure to be surprised!

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