History of
Nairobi
The area was an essentially uninhabited swamp until a supply depot of the
Uganda Railway was built in 1899, which soon became the railway's
headquarters. The city was named after a water hole known in Maasai as Ewaso
Nyirobi, meaning "cool waters." It was totally rebuilt in the early 1900s
after an outbreak of plague and the burning of the original town. The
location of the Nairobi railway camp was chosen due to its central position
between Mombasa and Kampala. It was also chosen because its network of
rivers could supply the camp with water, and its elevation would make it
cool enough for residential purposes.
In 1905, Nairobi replaced Mombasa as capital of the British protectorate,
and the city grew around administration and tourism, initially in the form
of big game hunting. As the British colonialists started to explore the
region, they started using Nairobi as their first port of call. This
prompted the colonial government to build several spectacular grand hotels
in the city. The main occupants were British game hunters.
Nairobi continued to grow under the British rule, and many Britons settled
within the city's suburbs. The continuous expansion of the city began to
anger the Maasai, as the city was devouring their land to the south. It also
angered the Kikuyu people, who wanted the land returned to them.
In 1919, Nairobi was declared to be a municipality. In February 1926, E.A.T.
Dutton passed through Nairobi on his way to Mount Kenya, and said of the
city:
After the end of World War II, this friction developed into the Mau Mau
rebellion. Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's future president, was jailed for his
involvement even though there was no evidence linking him to the rebellion.
Pressure exerted from the locals onto the British resulted in Kenyan
independence in 1963, with Nairobi as the capital of the new republic.
After independence, Nairobi grew rapidly and this growth put pressure on the
city's infrastructure. Power cuts and water shortages were a common
occurrence, though in the past few years better city planning has helped to
put some of these problems in check.
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi was bombed in August 1998 by Al-Qaida, as one of
a series of U.S. embassy bombings. Over two hundred civilians were killed.
It is now the site of a memorial park.
Geography
An aerial of Nairobi, the central business district and Ngong Road
The city is located at [show location on an interactive map] 1°16′S, 36°48′E
and occupies 684 square kilometres (260 sq mi). It is situated 1661 metres
(5450 ft) above sea level.
Nairobi is situated between the cities of Kampala and Mombasa. As Nairobi is
adjacent to the eastern edge of the Rift Valley, minor earthquakes and
tremors occasionally occur. The Ngong hills, located to the west of the
city, are the most prominent geographical feature of the Nairobi Area. Mount
Kenya is situated north of Nairobi and Mount Kilimanjaro is towards the
south-east. Both mountains are visible from Nairobi on a clear day.
The Nairobi River and its tributaries traverse through the Nairobi Province.
Nairobi's western suburbs stretch all the way from the Kenyatta National
Hospital in the south to the UN headquarters and Gigiri in the north, a
distance of about 20 kilometres (12 mi).
The city is centred on the City Square, which is located in the Central
Business District. The Kenyan Parliament buildings, the Holy Family
Cathedral, Nairobi City Hall, Nairobi Law Courts and the Kenyatta Conference
Centre all surround the square.
Climate
At 1,661 metres (5,449 ft) above sea level, Nairobi enjoys a fairly moderate
climate.[14] The altitude makes for some chilly evenings, especially in the
June/July season when the temperature can drop to 10 °C (50 °F). The
sunniest and warmest part of the year are from December to March, when
temperatures average the mid-twenties during the day. The mean maximum
temperature for this period is 24 °C (75 °F).[15]
There are two rainy seasons but rainfall can be moderate. The cloudiest part
of the year is just after the first rainy season, when, until September,
conditions are usually overcast with drizzle. As Nairobi is situated close
the equator, the differences between the seasons are minimal. The seasons
are referred to as the wet season and dry season. The timing of sunrise and
sunset does not vary tremendously throughout the year, due to Nairobi's
close proximity to the equator.
Business
and economy
Nairobi is home to the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE), one of Africa's
largest. The NSE was officially recognised as an overseas stock exchange by
the London Stock Exchange in 1953. The exchange is Africa's 4th largest (in
terms of trading volumes) and 5th (in terms of Market Capitalization as a
percentage of GDP).
Nairobi is the
regional headquarters of several international companies and organizations.
This makes it one of the most influential cities in Africa. The United
Nations has strong presence in Nairobi; the United Nations Office at Nairobi
hosts UNEP and UN-Habitat headquarters.
Goods manufactured in Nairobi include clothing, textiles, building
materials, processed foods, beverages, cigarettes etc. Several foreign
companies have factories based in and around the city. These includes
Goodyear, General Motors, Toyota Motors, Coca Cola and American audit firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Nairobi has a large tourist industry, being both a tourist destination and a
transport hub.
Society and culture
Nairobi is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city. Since its foundation,
Nairobi has maintained a strong British presence, and a lasting legacy from
colonial rule. This is highlighted by the number of English-named suburbs,
including Hurlingham and Parklands.
In the mid twentieth century, many foreigners settled in Nairobi from other
British colonies, primarily India and Pakistan. The majority of these
immigrants were workers who arrived to construct the Kampala - Mombasa
railway, and ended up settling in Nairobi after its completion. Nairobi also
has established communities from Somalia and Sudan.
As Nairobi has a diverse and multicultural composition, there are a number
of churches, mosques, temples and gurdwaras within the city. Prominent
places of worship in Nairobi include the Holy Family Basilica Cathedral, All
Saints Cathedral, Ismaili Jamat Khana and Jamia Mosque.
Nairobi has two informal nicknames. The first is "The Green City in the
Sun", which is derived from the city's foliage and warm climate. The second
is the "Safari Capital of the World", which is used due to Nairobi's
prominence as a hub for safari tourism.
Nairobi - Arusha - Moshi - Kilimanjaro Shuttle Bus
Services
Kenya Tanzania Shuttle Nairobi- Arusha - Moshi from Nairobi airport
Namanga - Arusha -Moshi - marangu - Kilimanjaro airport
Nairobi Arusha Moshi Shuttle Transfer
Nairobi -Arusha Moshi Shuttle Book with us
Shuttle and Safaris Buses Nairobi Namanga Border Arusha Moshi
Nairobi Shuttle Bus Services and Transfers
Nairobi -Arusha- Moshi- Kilimanjaro Shuttle Bus
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Price in (US$)
Days
Nairobi 08.15hrs
Arusha 13.00hrs
25
Daily
Nairobi 08.15hrs
Moshi 17.30hrs
30
Daily
Nairobi 14.00hrs
Arusha 18.30hrs
25
Daily
Arusha 08.15hrs
Nairobi 13.30hrs
25
Daily
Arusha 14.00hrs
Nairobi 18.30hrs
25
Daily
Arusha 13.30hrs
Moshi 15.30hrs
15
Daily
Moshi 11.00hrs
Arusha 13.30hrs
15
Daily
Moshi 11.00hrs
Nairobi 18.30hrs
30
Daily
Private Transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi or
Arusha
On
Transfers Nairobi to Namanga Border and
Namanga Arusha is 20 USD one way per person
You should be about 15 minutes before the departure time. Please
provide us with your flight details as to be paged on arrival.
NB: Pick up and drop off points in Nairobi are within town
hotels and at the airport (please stay at the cafeteria)
Pick up and Drop off points in Arusha are within town hotels and
Saba Saba Hotel.
Pick up and drop off points in Moshi are within Moshi town
hotels like spring lands hotel, Buffalo, Keys hotel, Mountain
view, Zebra Hotel, YMCA
Nairobi to Nakara and Marangu hotel price is 50 USD per person
Nairobi - Arusha - Moshi - Kilimanjaro
Shuttle Bus Services
Kenya Tanzania Shuttle Nairobi-Arusha - Moshi from Nairobi airport
Namanga - Arusha - Moshi- marangu- Kilimanjaro airport
Honeymoons
Vacation - Zanzibar beach holiday | Family tour | Cultural
Safari
Main
Attractions
A Tanzania wildlife safari is the wildlife enthusiasts
ultimate destination. A number of parks throughout
Tanzania offer a host of wildlife highlights. The Big
Five of Serengeti National Park is a must, the stunning
Ngorongoro Crater is breathtaking, the wilds of Lake
Manyara take you back in time and the forested peaks of
Mahale Mountains National Park and Serengeti, Gombe
Reserve offer the perfect backdrop to track chimpanzees
along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Ruaha, Selous...
Tanzania
and Zanzibar Honeymoon Trip
Safari in Tanzania then relax in Zanzibar. This twin centre safari and beach honeymoon
is for those honeymooners that want something more unique.. We
offer a wide range of different types of honeymoons to Africa and the
Indian Oceans. To read more about our honeymoon destinations click Safari & Beach Honeymoon
Holidays
Tanzania
offers some of the best wildlife safaris in Africa.
Whether visiting the Big Five of Serengeti National
Park, the jaw dropping Ngorongoro Crater, the wilderness
of the Selous Game Reserve or the amiable chimpanzees of
Mahale and Gombe you will not be disappointed. Tanzania
offers the best parks to see big cats and the big five
and can be combined with some pristine beaches off the
coastline where you can relax at the end of your
safari...
Accommodation
A range of safari accommodation is available in
Tanzania. Western style luxury lodges and luxury tented
camps are available for the wildlife enthusiast. Some of
the best lodges include Migration Camp, Ngorongoro
Crater Lodge, Migration Camp, Klein's Camp, Nomad's
Greytoke, Nomad's Serengeti Safari Camp and Tarangire
Treetops..
Safaris
Please find below a selection of sample itineraries with
approximate costs for wildlife and migration safaris to
Tanzania. Some of these itineraries may also be combined
with gorilla safaris to both Rwanda and/or Uganda. These
are by no means all of the itineraries that we offer
however they will give you a taster of what is
available...For further itineraries or enquiries please
do not hesitate to fill in our contact form and we will
get back to you with a detailed quote and itinerary at
the earliest possible convenience.
Tanzania Safaris
A Tanzania Safari with Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing
provides you with the ultimate Tanzanian holiday.
Experience Tanzania's rich diversity of culture and
wildlife. Whether you decide upon: a luxury lodge safari
to Ngorongoro Crater, a camping adventure safari in
Serengeti, Lake Manyara walking tour, Tarangire Selous,
Mikumi, Ruaha, Arusha, climbing Tanzania's Mount
Kilimanjaro, relaxing on superb Zanzibar Beaches,
Wedding honeymoon holiday in Africa, Family Holiday
vacation Tanzania or a hot air balloon Serengeti Safari,
you will have an unforgettable experience. Safari Trips
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We Safaris specializes in:
* Private, Tailor-made Tanzania Safaris, designed to
suit your budget
* Breathtaking Natural History including the Wildebeest
Serengeti Migration
* Safaris to the Selous Game Reserve and off the beaten
track safaris.
* Trekking, mountain climbs and wilderness budget
camping adventure
* Tanzania Bird watching Safaris
* Tanzania Photographic Safari
* Tanzania Cultural Safaris
For more adventurous travel, leave the tourist trail and
select a private Tanzania safari in the unspoilt
Southern Circuit (including the vast wilderness of the
Selous Game Reserve). Alternatively, Wild Things
Tanzania Safaris provides the challenge of trekking
safari in the Udzungwa Mountains, Ngorongoro Highlands
or Kilombero Valley. Thrill seekers may prefer to climb
Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania's only active volcano or take
a sunrise balloon safari across the Serengeti.
Kenya Safaris in the best National Park / Game Reserve
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Safaris is one of Kenya's
finest tours, safaris and travel companies, specializing
in short excursions, extended safaris, specialist and
tailor-made travel and safaris, car hire, hotel and
safari lodge bookings and much much more...
Nairobi - Arusha - Moshi - Kilimanjaro Shuttle Bus
Services
Kenya Tanzania Shuttle Nairobi-Arusha-Moshi from Nairobi
airport Namanga-Arusha-Moshi-marangu- Kilimanjaro
airport Nairobi - Arusha - Moshi - Kilimanjaro Shuttle,
Nairobi -Namanga- Arusha - Moshi -Marangu Kilimanjaro
Shuttle. We book and reserve a seat/s on your behalf to
Shuttle Buses-
We cover the whole of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda
with our centrally based headquarters in Nairobi -
Kenya.
African Safari Holiday
An African or Kenya safari is an amazing travel
experience. The diverse wildlife and stunning scenery
make Kenya and East Africa the perfect safari locations.
As local, African safari operators, we offer you the
best holidays with quality,
value for money and personal service.
We also customize our safaris and offer options, such as
adventure travel, luxury tours and beach holidays. See
our Kenyan and East Africa safari list below, as well as
our Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holidays.
African Safari Selection
See below full Kenya Safari list
Kenya wildlife safaris
Masai Mara Safari
A 3 day safari lodge to Masai Mara, one of the most
famous national parks in the world, with an abundance of
wildlife. Accommodation in luxury lodges which have
facilites such as swimming pools. The Kenya Safaris:
can be combined with an African beach vacation if you
will be interested to see the beautiful white sand
beaches in Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi, Watamu or the
Tanzania Island - Zanzibar
Africa Offers
Africa is an immensely rewarding place to travel to,
thanks to unspoilt natural surroundings, such as the
wildlife and vegetation, and the spectacular landscapes
When on safari, you may see everything from snow capped
mountains to forests and
white tropical beaches, all in a day's travel- it's that
diverse. Finally the local cultures add to your holiday
like no where else in the world.
Safari in Africa
Safaris began in Kenya and Tanzania and these are the
best destinations for a safari. A Kenya safari offers
amazing diversity and superb wildlife viewing. Rift
Valley, is a good location too, known as for the scenery
and rich wildlife in natural surroundings.
A safari in Africa is in some ways like an expedition -
exciting and adventurous, but requiring careful thought
and planning , which is what we, as locally based tour
operators, are there for.. however you must plan for a
leisurely pace of travel to truly enjoy your tour - so
whether you have 3 days or 30, make sure you do not plan
for too much in your travel.
Most of your safari will be in the " bush ", but this
does not mean your travel will involve "roughing it" -
you can have all the luxury you want ! Africa is home to
many internationally reputed hotels and lodges luxury
tented camps, with well appointed rooms, excellent
cuisine and deluxe facilities such as bars and swimming
pools. You can also fly between most places during your
luxury safari.
Africa Safari Planner : See our safari planning guide,
to help with the basics of designing your trip, be it
Kenya travel ,a Tanzania safari , beach vacation in
Mombasa or Zanzibar or an Uganda Gorilla Trek adventure
holiday.
3 Days Masai Mara Lodge/ Camping Safari
Masai Mara, Kenya
This famous wildlife park is a top safari location, and
one of the natural wonders
of the world, being the site of the annual wildebeest
migration..
3 Days Amboseli Lodge/ Camping Safari or Tsavo
Safari to Mombasa
Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya's oldest park, is
located near the Kenya and
Tanzania border, "in the shadow" of Africa's highest
mountain, the snow capped Kilimanjaro.
The park is known for its wildlife, especially it's
prolific elephant population. Amboseli also hosts the
big cats, herbivores and numerous bird species including
flamingo and a variety of plains game.
Samburu Reserve, established in 1985, is an
arid, hilly region with riverine forests, doum
palms, acacia woodland and scrubland, offering a
dramatic and rugged landscape in a rather remote
location of Kenya - which is precisely the
attraction of this reserve - fewer tourists in a
wildlife rich, desert like setting amidst a
colourful local tribe.
African Safari offers you a chance to experience a
natural world unchanged by the
passage of time. The Kenya Safari wilderness is home
to an endless array of
ecosystems, the staging ground for natural cycles of
life, death and regeneration
as old as the planet itself.
This great range of natural habitats means that
there is plenty to explore, and
plenty of species to encounter during your Africa
vacation. This is a land of
endless potential for the wildlife African Safari
Tour enthusiast.
On a Serengeti Safari, Tanzania Safari, Kenya
Holiday, African Adventure, Kenya
Vacation, Kenya Tour you will enjoy a variety of
amazing African landscapes and
some of the best game viewing possible.
Our seasoned African safari professionals will help
you plan the perfect Africa
Safari, Kenya Safari, Tanzania Safari, African
Adventure, Africa Vacation, Kenya
Holiday and African Classic Safari.
Call us today to help make your Africa Safari dream
escape happen.
Guides
At Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking / Climbing Safaris we use
local guides whenever possible. We believe that local
guides have that extra bit of knowledge which can make a
good safari into a great safari. Through using local
guides / porters we also adhere to our responsible
travel policy in contributing to the local economy
through tourism.
Nairobi - Arusha - Moshi - Kilimanjaro Shuttle,
Nairobi -Namanga- Arusha - Moshi -Marangu Kilimanjaro
Shuttle. We book and reserve a seat/s on your behalf to
Shuttle Buses-
Tourism
A giraffe at Nairobi National Park, with Nairobi's skyline in background. A
giraffe at Nairobi National Park, with Nairobi's skyline in background.
Nairobi is not a prime tourist destination, but it does have several tourist
attractions. The most famous is the Nairobi National Park. The national park
is unique, in being the only game-reserve of this nature to border a capital
city, or city of this size. The park contains many animals including lions
and giraffes. The park is home to over 400 species of bird.
Nairobi is home to several museums. The National Museum of Kenya is the
largest in the city. It houses a large collection of artefacts, including
the full remains of a homo erectus boy. Other prominent museums include the
Nairobi Railway Museum and the Karen Blixen Museum.
Nairobi is nicknamed the Safari Capital of the World, and has many
spectacular hotels to cater for safari-bound tourists. Five star hotels in
Nairobi include the Nairobi Serena, Grand Regency, Windsor (Karen), Holiday
Inn, East African Safari Club (Lilian Towers), The Stanley Hotel, Safari
Park & Casino, InterContinental, Panari Hotel, Hilton, and the Norfolk
Hotel.
Nairobi is also home to the largest ice rink in Africa: the Solar Ice Rink
at the Panari Sky Centre. The rink, opened in 2005, covers 15,000 square
feet (1,400 m²) and can accommodate 200 people.
Other notable sites include Jomo Kenyatta's mausoleum, Kenya National
Theatre and the Kenya National Archives. Art galleries in Nairobi include
the Rahimtulla Museum of Modern Art (Ramoma) and the Mzizi Arts Centre.
Places of interest
* Nairobi National Park
* Karen Blixen Museum
* National Archives
* Bomas of Kenya
* Giraffe Centre
* Safari park
Nairobi - Arusha - Moshi - Kilimanjaro Shuttle,
Nairobi -Namanga- Arusha - Moshi -Marangu Kilimanjaro
Shuttle. We book and reserve a seat/s on your behalf to
Shuttle Buses-
Accommodation
afaris
For more adventurous travel, leave the tourist trail and
select a private Tanzania safari in the unspoilt
Southern Circuit (including the vast wilderness of the
Selous Game Reserve). Alternatively, Wild Things
Tanzania Safaris provides the challenge of trekking
safari in the Udzungwa Mountains, Ngorongoro Highlands
or Kilombero Valley. Thrill seekers may prefer to climb
Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania's only active volcano or take
a sunrise balloon safari across the Serengeti.
