Gates in Nairobi

Nairobi is a fast growing and developing African city which is the capital of Kenya. The city originated in 1900 as a railway junction halfway from the sea to Lake Victoria. The first settlers could not be afraid of thirst: "Nairobi" in the Maasai language means "a stream of cold water." Already in 1905, Nairobi became the main center of British East Africa. Natives of India were traditionally engaged in serving the bureaucratic and military fraternity in the British colonies - in Nairobi they preferred to settle in the vicinity of Jivanji. At first glance, there is nothing attractive for tourists in this place. But even in such a noisy and crowded city, you can visit fun shops and local attractions. As for hotels, the most popular 4* are Holiday Inn Mayfair Court, Norfolk, and 5* are Grand Regency, Hilton and Langmark. In Nairobi, it is worth seeing the conference center named after the first president of the country - J. Kenyatta, one building of which is made in  Gates in Nairobi the shape of a lotus, as well as the giraffe farm of the writer Karen Blixen. Another popular place is "Bomas-of-Kenya" - an ethnic village, which often hosts dance events of the local population. The Great Rift Valley, which is located near the capital of Kenya, also deserves attention. It was formed many millions of years ago as a result of the tectonic movement of the earth's plates and is significant for 30 active volcanoes. In addition to all this, a large number of flamingos live here, the number of which reaches four million. While in Nairobi, you should definitely visit the world-famous institution - "Le Carnivore". In this restaurant, you pay only the entrance and the ordered drinks, and the meals are provided free of charge. The main feature of this place is the meat of animals such as antelopes, zebras, giraffes, ostriches. But they are served almost last, so you should not pounce on the first courses with a huge appetite. Outside the city is the National Park, which resembles a real savannah. This is a place where virtually untouched nature is combined with the outlines of a big city visible in the distance. In the park you can meet a lion, a leopard, a zebra, a buffalo, an antelope and even a black rhinoceros. There is also a hospital for sick or injured animals. Many tourists are skeptical about Nairobi, however, without visiting this city, one can hardly understand at least partially such outlandish Kenya. The bustling urban rhythm of life, the ubiquitous trade and surprisingly close wildlife can exist so closely only in this capital. You can get to the capital of Kenya either by plane or by bus. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is located about 15 km from the city center. At about 6.00 from the Hotel Ambassadeur at the building of the National Archives, bus number 34 starts to go to the airport (the first flight from the airport is around 7.00, then every half an hour until 18.00-19.00, 1 hour on the way, 50 sh.). Taxi costs 1000-1500 sh. depending on the time of day, you can order at the counter in the arrivals hall. Bus company offices and stops are located on River Road (River Rd.) and adjacent streets. This is not a very presentable area where you should be careful. In Kenya, night buses are common, including on international lines. Similar flights from Kampala and Arusha in Tanzania should arrive in Nairobi around 4-5 am, but are actually late. Such delays are only beneficial: there is a chance to get into the city at dawn and immediately start exploring it. If you started from the coast, then it is possible to get to Nairobi by train from Mombasa. Night flights depart from Mombasa on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 19.00 (arriving at 10.00 the next day, in reality they are about an hour late). On the way, the train makes stops at Voi, Mtito Andei and Makindu. Travel in the first class Jambo Kenya Deluxe costs 4405 sh. (about $ 60), children 3-12 years old - 2790 sh. Nairobi Station is located in the center of the city, deep in a dirty square at the beginning of Moi Avenue. Of the East African capitals, only Nairobi gives the impression of a large modern city. Before leaving for nature, you will probably have 1-2 days, and this will be enough to walk around the center and get acquainted with several interesting museums. You can start from Jeevanjee Gardens (E5) and continue towards Uhuru Park. If you walk along Moi Av. in a southeast direction, then at a distance of about 150 m from the park, at the corner of River Road (River R https://jiji.co.ke/nairobi/263-gates