New expats to Nairobi will find plenty of things to see and do, from museums, national parks, sporting events, and dining and nightlife. Wildlife enthusiasts definitely shouldn't miss Nairobi National Park, just outside the city and the perfect place to see African wildlife. Below is an overview of things to do in Nairobi.
Culture and history
Nairobi has a rich cultural history, which can be explored in the city's museums. The Bomas of Kenya is an outdoor, living museum, featuring recreated Kenyan villages. It is a great spot to learn about the cultural tribes within the country, and their languages, history, music, and traditions. Other popular museums in the city include the Nairobi National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum (former home to the author of 'Out of Africa'), and the Nairobi Gallery.
Sports
Sport is extremely popular in Kenya, both to participate in and to watch. Kenya is famous for its incredible athletes in the sport of track & field and long distance running, who hold many world records and winning marathon times. Other popular sports include rugby, soccer, basketball, and cricket.
The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) governs professional football (or soccer) in the country, which includes 16 clubs. In Nairobi, fans have several teams to support, including A.F.C. Leopards, Gor Mahia, and the Kariobangi Sharks. Football is also extremely popular as a pick-up sport and social activity, enjoyed by both children and adults.
Wildlife and nature
Africa is famous for its wildlife, with one of the best national parks for wildlife viewing just outside Nairobi. Nairobi National Park is just 7km from the city and was established as the first national park in Kenya. It takes up 117 square kilometres, and guests can go on safari drives to see some of Africa's most famous wildlife, including lions, Cape Buffalo, Masai giraffe, cheetahs, baboons, and impalas. There are also many tour operators who offer days trips to the park.
Further afield from Nairobi, popular national parks to visit elsewhere in Kenya include the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, and Amboseli National Park.
Wildlife enthusiasts can also visit the Nairobi Giraffe Centre, the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and the Nairobi Butterfly Centre. Nairobi also offers a beautiful park in the city centre, known as Nairobi City Park. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, cycling, and a range of plants and bird life.
Kenyan cuisine
Being such a large city, Nairobi offers cuisines and dining experiences from all over the world, and plenty of nightlife and bars. New arrivals to the country should be sure to sample Kenyan cuisine, such as Kenyan stew, roasted and grilled meats, plantain banana stew, with most meals accompanied with chapati (flatbread) or ugali (cornmeal).
A wide range of international cuisines and western fast food favourites can also be found in the city. Nairobi is also known for its nightlife, with many bars, dance clubs, and cocktail bars found throughout the city, many which cater to expats.
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