The capital of Kenya, Nairobi is one of Africa’s largest cities, and the starting point for many Kenya and Tanzania safaris. It has the unique tourist feature of a national park bordering a capital city. The park is home to a variety of animals including, lions, black rhinos, zebras, giraffes and 100s of species of birds.

Nairobi, originally a watering hole for Masai tribes, became a substantial town by 1900 due to the building of the Mombasa to Uganda railway. In 1905 it succeeded Mombasa as the capital of the British protectorate. Today it is the largest city between Cairo and Johannesburg.

There is plenty of sightseeing for those with some free time in Nairobi. Karen Blixen’s house, now a museum is on the outskirts of Nairobi. The Dalphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, home to rescued baby elephants, and elephant conservation is within easy reach. The Giraffe Centre, where you may feed the giraffes by hand, is just outside Nairobi and is a breeding centre for the endangered Rothschild giraffes as well as a nature education centre. Other attractions include the National Museum, Snake Museum and National Archives. Just outside the metropolis is the country’s most accessible natural wonder – Nairobi National Park.