Nairobi Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
capital city of Kenya
About Nairobi
The word Nairobi is derived from a water hole known in Maasai as Enkare Nyorobi, which means "cool waters". Nairobi, which had been a swamp area, was founded in 1899 as a railway camp for the Uganda Railway. By 1905, the city had become the capital of Kenya (then the British East Africa Protectorate), supplantingMombasaandMachakos, the previous capitals. With the spread of plagues in the early 1900s, the town was burnt down and had to be rebuilt. Having a railway helped it to grow rapidly, becoming the second largest city in Kenya behind Mombasa. Nairobi also grew due to administration and tourism businesses (mostly big game hunting). The British presence led to the creation of big hotels primarily for the British hunters. After independence, some descendants of the British settlers remain
Top Attractions in Nairobi
Explore the best things to see and do in Nairobi:
- ★14 Falls at Thika
- ★All Saints' Cathedral
- ★Arboretum Park
- ★Bomas of Kenya
- ★Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family
- ★City Park
- ★Giraffe Centre
- ★Go-Down Arts Centre
Where to Eat in Nairobi
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Abyssinia Exotic Ethiopian Restaurant
- 🍴Alan Bobbe's Bistro
- 🍴Furusato
- 🍴Habesha
- 🍴Havana Bar
- 🍴Hot dishes
Where to Stay in Nairobi
- 🏨Destiny Hotel
- 🏨DusitD2
- 🏨Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel
- 🏨Fairview Inn
- 🏨Giraffe Manor
- 🏨Hilton Nairobi
Nairobi Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 14 sections including: