By Aswathy KumarJust have a day in Nairobi? Stop complaining and get out of that hotel room. There is a lot you can see and do in the city in less than 12 hours… Many of you on a holiday simply stop over at Nairobi for just a day before heading out to the grasslands of Mara or the picturesque plains of Amboseli. Many of you, who stop by, simply do so because you don’t have a choice…after all it’s the city that has the international airport. So what do you do when you have an entire day to wile away in a new city? Do you idle away in the hotel room surfing through all the television channels or do you gear up to delve into the mysteries of this strange city lying in front of you?
Keira Knightley at the Elephant Orphanage
The streets of Nairobi may obviously not compare to spending a day with the Mara lions or watching a herd of elephants grazing in the backdrop of the Kilimanjaro. But for all those who are curious to know what the capital city is all about, Nairobi indeed has plenty to offer. So all those locked up in your hotel suite, quit being lazy and head out to the city streets that will surely not disappoint.Now when I mean heading out to the streets…I definitely don’t mean grabbing your backpack and getting all adventurous. After all safety is an issue here. There are two things you keep in mind while out in the city. Firstly take a cab, Nairobi is not a place to see on foot. Not only will you feel like the center of attention but the streets definitely are not pedestrian friendly with almost zero pavements. And secondly leave the credit cards at home and carry enough cash…because the city is definitely not cheap. Two things in check, you are all set for a fun filled day. Nairobi is indeed a dream destination if you are an animal lover. One of the most must-visit destinations in the city is the Elephant Orphanage located at Mbagathi Road. And since the orphanage is open only between 11 and 12, it’s better to make sure that it’s one of the first places you visit. Run by the David Sheldrick Wildlife trust, the orphanage is home to over 80 elephant calves orphaned due to drought, poaching or medical ailments. Here you can see the elephants being bottle-fed and taken care of by the qualified elephant keepers before they become eligible to be let out in the wild. The best part about this orphanage that also takes care and provide shelter to the endangered rhino is that here you can also sponsor an elephant. Once you have officially adopted an elephant, you will be given constant updates on the elephants well being, growth and will also get a special alone time to spend with your fostered animal.
With Veda at the Safari Walk
Right next to the elephant orphanage is the Nairobi National Park, one of the few parks where you can spot the endangered black rhino. But it you are anyway on your way to the Masai Mara or Amboseli, this national park is better avoided. Instead go for a quick stroll at Safari Walk. More or less like a zoo and home to a number of animals like the white rhino, crocs, zebras, ostriches, cheetah and lions, the best part of this brilliantly landscaped spot is the hour long walk over the magnificently laid wooden bridge that provides a breathtaking view of the National Park.
At the Giraffe Centre
Once you are done with the safari walk and done grabbing a quick bite at ‘Rangers’ where you can sit out at the balcony and enjoy a burger while watching the gazelles grazing right outside (the restaurant overlooks the Nairobi National Park), you can head out to one of the most widely visited places in Nairobi, the Giraffe Centre. One of my personal favorites here you can get up, close and personal with the wild giraffes and even feed them. I must advice though, they are a bit sloppy.For all the shopaholics, the numerous Masai markets are a great option to pick up some exquisite African artifacts hand-made by the Masai tribe. From African masks, paintings, clothes to drums, beaded jewelry and numerous handicrafts in wood, the markets are set up in a different location depending on which day of the week it is. Only tip: Make sure you take your bargaining skills with you…
