9 Top Spots in Nairobi to Explore with a Rented Car:
When you rent a car in Kenya, you may also want to know the Top Spots in Nairobi you can visit on a city tour. Here, we listed 9 for you. Nairobi is not only a vibrant business hub, but also remarkable tourist destination in Kenya. It is at Nairobi where most Kenya safaris begin or end from, and what is amazing is that this is the only city with a beautiful national park.
Nairobi capital is found at a close proximity to Nairobi National Park, making it a safari capital of Kenya. There are many options of exploring and experiencing Nairobi and its surrounding provided that you have a reliable rental car. Rental cars are the perfect choice for you venture near or far from the heart of Nairobi. Here are some of the top spots to explore with a car hire in Nairobi.
The Top Spots in Nairobi to Visit with your Rental Car:
Giraffe Center
The Giraffe Centre is found in Lang’ata, about 20km from the heart of Nairobi city, Kenya. It was founded primarily to protect the vulnerable giraffes, and today, it is one spot worth exploring while in Nairobi. This sanctuary was founded by Jock Leslie-Melville, the Kenyan grandson of a Scottish Earl.
It began when Jock and wife captured a baby giraffe to run the programme of breeding giraffe in captivity at their home in Lang’ata where the Giraffe Centre is located presently. Since its establishment, the programme has recorded remarkable success with even introduction of many breeding pairs of Rothschild Giraffes into some of the national parks in Kenya.
Railway Museum
Founded in 1971, the Nairobi Railway Museum preserves and displays the relics and records of the East African railways. The museum is found nearby the Nairobi railway station. The site features collection of locomotives and includes some early diesel locomotives, etc.
Karura Forest
Karura Forest is typical urban forest within the beautiful Nairobi –the capital city of Kenya. This spectacular forest dates back to 1932 and is under the management of the Kenya Forest Service and the Friends of Karura Forest.
Within the forest, there is a scenic waterfall, marshland, bamboo forest, old church and Mau-Mau caves. There are trails worth conquering while at Karura Forest and most important of all is the 4km long trail that links Limuru road with Old Kiambu road –this was opened in 2009.
David Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphan Centre
This elephant centre features as the pioneer in the rescue and hand-raising of orphaned baby elephants and also rhinos in order to be re-introduced into the wild once they have grown. It was founded by Dame Daphne in remembrance of her late husband –David Sheldrick, also the founding warden of the Tsavo National Parks and Kenya’s pioneer conservationist.
National Museum
Established in 1920, the Nairobi National Museum is an incredible place to explore Kenya’s unique history, people, culture and art. At the museum, visitors get the bets interpretation of the country’s rich heritage and is also an ideal ground for leisure and education/study travelers on Kenya safaris.
Ngong Hills
Accessible about 22km Southwest of Nairobi capital, the Ngong Hills are perfect weekend getaway spots. At the Ngong Hills, you can embark on a hike to the top starting from Ngong town around the Northern base area. The hills are at elevation 1961m and takes hikers between 4 and 5 hours to have round hike.
Bomas of Kenya
The Bomas of Kenya officially opened to the public as earlier as 1971. The Bomas of Kenya are found in the Southern side of Nairobi city and is where more than 50 dances from different ethnic communities are displayed by the Bomas Harambee Dancers. The harambee dances are kenya’s national dance group and represent the country’s unique traditional and cultural music and dance since 1973.
Nairobi Arboretum
The Nairobi Arboretum was founded in 1907 mainly to introduce forestry trees for Kenya. The area was established by Mr. Batiscombe –the Deputy Conservator of Forests. It spans over 30 hectares and protects more than 350 species of trees. It is ideal for guided walks, events and picnicking.
Uhuru Gardens
Uhuru Gardens is another one of Top Spots in Nairobi and Kenya’s biggest memorial park. It was at Uhuru where Kenya’s first president –H.E. Jomo Kenyatta held his inaugural ceremony on 12th December 1963. This was when Kenya gained her independence and features a 24m high monument representing the country’s struggle for independence.
