In the past one hundred years the capital of Kenya has greatly expanded. It is a modern city and a lively melting pot of cultures. The capital of Kenya was once no more than a train station on the railway line from Mombasa to Lake Victoria. The station was located near a river where the Maasai grazed their livestock, the Enkare Nyrobi. Subsequently, the city name transformed to "Nairobi". What is particularly striking about Nairobi (and actually the whole of Kenya) is that it is unique to see so many different cultures. Besides the Kenyan community (mostly Kikuyu), Somali's, Arabs, Europeans, Indians, Chinese and Pakistani brotherly live side by side. Another very special feature about Nairobi is that it borders the Nairobi National Park, easily visible if you arrive by plane. The capital of Kenya is one of the International centres of Africa, and with more than 3 million inhabitants it has inevitably different appearances. Unfortunately often more attention is paid to the lesser side as the slums (especially during the problems in early 2008), but it should definitely be mentioned that Nairobi is actually an interesting truly African city that cannot be missed during a visit to Kenya.
Distance and location: Nairobi is located in the southern part of Kenya and is an ideal starting point for a safari. Mombasa is an 8 hour drive (on a good highway) or a one hour flight from Nairobi.
Excursion possibilities:
A.Nairobi city tour (city centre, parliament buildings, National Museum)
B.Nairobi National Park (safari, wildlife)
C.Carnivore restaurant (wide variety of unique meat as well as other dishes).
D.Karen Blixen Museum combined with the Giraffe Centre
E.Daphne Sheldrick's elephant orphanage (visiting hours 11:00 - 12:00h)
The following accommodations are recommended by Africa Miracles:
Norfolk Hotel, Nairobi Serena Hotel, The Stanley Hotel, Holiday Inn Nairobi, Giraffe Manor, Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, Panafric Hotel, Ngong House, Jacaranda Hotel and House of Waine.
The following accommodations are recommended by Africa Miracles for your visit to Mombasa city: Tamarind Village
For recommended accommodations at the beautiful beaches of Mombasa please click here BEACHES
The bustling city of Mombasa is located on the coast and is not to be compared with the business city Nairobi. Life here is at the relaxed pace of the Swahili people, and the climate is humid and warm. The ancient city of Mombasa is on a peninsula with a creek on both sides, Tudor and Kilindini. The traditional and interesting waterfront of the old city has been preserved. There is an Arab-Indian atmosphere in a maze of narrow streets and alleys (largely inaccessible to motorised traffic) with overhanging balconies and portals with interesting wooden carvings. At the Old Port you can still see the wonderful dhows (traditional Arabic sailing boat) carrying fruits and other goods from Lamu and Somalia. Fort Jesus, an impregnable historic feature in the old town was built in 1593 by the Portuguese as the ultimate, impenetrable fortress with walls of 25 meters high and 2.5 meters thick. Mombasa makes a great beginning or end to your Magical Kenya safari. Both north and south of Mombasa there are many beautiful beach resorts in all categories (for more information see the button “beaches").
Distance and location: Mombasa is about a 8 hour drive (or a 1 hour flight) from the capital Nairobi and is located at the south-east coast of Kenya.
Excursion possibilities:
A. City Tour
B. Dinner Cruise with traditional Dhow
C. Lunch or dinner at the famous Tamarind restaurant (specialized in fish)
D. Haller Park
Malindi is a pleasant town, which is mainly visited for the many different beaches that the area has to offer. The town itself actually consists of two parts, the first being historic Swahili and the second a modern tourist centre with many luxury resorts, bars, casinos and shops. Before the coast lies the Malindi Marine Park with excellent possibilities for diving and snorkelling. The destination is traditionally very popular with Italians, which is visible through the many pizzerias.
Distance and location: Malindi is about a 1½ - 2 hour drive north of Mombasa on the northern side of the Kenyan coastline.
Excursion possibilities:
A. Diving or snorkelling in Malindi Marine National Park
B. Watersports
The city of Kisumu is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. After Nairobi and Mombasa, Kisumu is the third largest city in Kenya. As the former Port Florence (named after the wife of a railway engineer) this place originally was the final destination of the railroad to Uganda. Since then the city did not only develop into the main administrative centre for the larger part of western Kenya, but also as a port with facilities for the construction and repair of ships. The atmosphere is typical nautical, which is not surprising, given the enormity of Lake Victoria.
Distance and location: Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, with Nairobi being a 5 hour drive and Nakuru being a 3 hour drive.
Excursion possibilities:
A. Lake Victoria (boat trips).
B. Kisumu Bird Sanctuary (best period April - May).
