Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya. It is huge, with the residents always seeming to be in a rush. There's a saying that goes like "no one waits for you in Nairobi". Years ago, I moved to Nairobi for my first job and it felt a bit chaotic, given that I had spent my whole life in the country side.The city's name is derived from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi, which translates to 'place of cool waters', a reference to the Nairobi River which flows through the city.
I had one day to show my partner the city. After a quick tour of the city centre, we headed to the Giraffe centre. It is located 20km away from the city centre and was created as a conservation centre for the vulnerable Rothschild Giraffe. At the time of the establishment in 1979, there were only 130 of the giraffes, as compared to now where there are over 300, safe and breeding well.
We visited the open air Maasai market to shop handmade stuff like handwoven mats, beaded earrings and necklaces. If you visit, you are sure to find beautifully handmade maasai beaded earrings, necklaces, placement mats, leather belts and more. Ecotante offers handmade jewellery made using the same technique.
Afterwards we went to Kosewe restaurant on time, right before my son got hungry and cranky. We enjoyed the authentic and delicious food, then headed back to the hotel for my sons nap.
Later in the afternoon, we went to village market at Gigiri to visit the malls and kids playground. There is a wide range of stores that suits all ages. I wish we had more time... Have you been to Nairobi? What did you do, and what was your favourite part?