Nairobi Key Attractions
The best introduction to the country, this museum is currently undergoing extensive regeneration and refurbishment. Collections of Kenya's bird and wildlife species are impressive, whilst the geological information and detail on the Rift Valley is interesting for people visiting there. Historical exhibits relating to the coast give a good overview of Swahili culture and society. Palaeontology displays, cultural exhibits, ethnic portrait paintings and contemporary artwork are also worth seeing, as is the snake park in the grounds.
Museum Road
Tel: (020) 742 878.
Website: www.museums.or.ke
Admission charge.
The National Archives
Housed in the very central, striking old Bank of India building, this little-visited museum and art gallery has a range of paintings and tribal photographs from throughout Africa. There is also an enormous collection of tribal weaponry, instruments, masks and other paraphernalia. Elsewhere are exhibits that provide a fascinating insight into the struggle for independence and the history of Nairobi.
Moi Avenue
Tel: (020) 749 341.
Website: www.kenyarchives.go.ke
Free admission.
The Railway Museum
This privately run museum contains a treasure trove of photographs and memorabilia from the time of the construction of the ‘Lunatic Express,' the Mombasa to Kampala railway line. It was given this name by the British colonialists because of the vast amount of investment it initially required. The shaky wooden bridges, enormous chasms, hostile tribes, a pair of man-eating lions and the hundreds of men killed by disease during its construction, added to its reputation. Models, photographs and other relics bring this chunk of colonial history alive. A collection of old locomotives in various states of disrepair also stands in the grounds.
Station Road
Admission charge.
Jamia Mosque
This large, striking mosque with a typically grand central dome is one of the city's most attractive buildings. The ornate green and white exterior contrasts strongly with the simple interior, although non-Muslims will need special permission to step inside.
Banda Street
Free admission.
Nairobi Attractions
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Travel Deals
-
Finland Activity & adventure holidays Finnish Lapland has enormous areas of untouched wilderness and mile upon mile of wild rolling fells. This vast open countryside, sparkling in the winter sunshine, just begs to be explored by
-
Orlando Adrenaline Whether you’re enjoying the hair-raising delights of the world’s only flying rollercoaster called Manta at SeaWorld or racing through the Everglades on an airboat in search of alligators, one thing’s for
-
Cambodia Luxury holidays Today Cambodia is symbolised by awesome Angkor Wat, the largest man-made religious structure in the world. However, Cambodia is also home to some of the finest boutique hotels in the world
-
Laos Inspire Me When the French colonised Indochina they had a saying: "The Vietnamese grow the rice, the Cambodians watch the rice grow, and the Lao people listen to the rice grow." This is
-
Vietnam Cultural breaks Vietnam is a country with a rich and varied history that is now firmly focused on her bright future. This is why it has become one of the hottest destinations for
-
Dominican Republic Family holidays The Dominican Republic has soared in popularity as a tropical hotspot for families seeking sun, sand and an affordable holiday in the Caribbean. The island's main attraction is magnificent golden sand