Listly by Joanna James
Steeped in rich culture and history, Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and the largest city. If you’re planning a visit to this city full of life, here are some of the must-have cultural experiences.
Located just seven kilometres from the city centre, Nairobi National Park is the first of its kind in the country. It’s a place where a large array of animals live. Rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and zebras always steal the spotlight. The park also attracts over 400 species of birds. At the main entrance is the Nairobi Safari Walk, which is a wooden walkway. The Elephant Nursery is also another highlight. It’s a rehabilitation centre for elephants and rhinos, where you can have the pleasure of seeing them feed and bathe in the mud! Wildlife is a key part of Nairobi’s culture and heritage, so a visit to this park is a must.
As you’ll discover, Nairobi has many attractions, but Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park stands out from the rest. It’s the largest memorial park in the country and a peaceful place for reflection. Here, you’ll find two memorials dedicated to Kenya’s independence. The park also hosts various public venues. Over the years, Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park has become a popular tourist attraction. In the vicinity, you’ll find several accommodation options. For example, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi, known for offering serviced apartments in Nairobi, is about fifteen minutes from the park.
If you’re looking for the next cultural experience in Nairobi, Karen Blixen Museum is a definite must-visit. Located just six miles from the city centre, the museum was once home to the Danish author of the famous Out of Africa book and movie. It’s a 19th-century farmhouse surrounded by stunning gardens and displays antiques from the movie. For a more insightful tour of the museum, join one of the guided tours, offered both on weekdays and weekends.
A lover of natural history? Then a visit to the Nairobi National Museum is a must. You can easily spend a few hours there. The museum has a collection of 900 stuffed birds and mammals. There are also displays of various ethnic tribes. Don’t forget to explore the Geology Gallery while you’re here, where you can learn about the volcanic life cycle and see a collection of rocks and minerals. The museum offers an amazing educational and fun experience, so be sure to visit, especially if you’re in Nairobi with kids.
Founded by Alan Donovan, a former U.S. State Department officer, in the early 1970s, the African Heritage House offers a gorgeous view of Nairobi National Park. There’s a collection that amounts to 6,000 pieces of artwork from all over Africa. The museum highlights the role art plays in Kenya’s history.
To get a glimpse of Kenya’s railway history, visit Nairobi Railway Museum. It was opened in 1971, so the museum itself has quite a bit of history too. There’s a large collection of items. Train and ship models are the most eye-catching, but there are also railway magazines, maps, and pictures of Uganda Railway designs. The German MV Liemba, still in use in Lake Tanganyika, is one of the main highlights.