If you’ve just landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport then you’re probably too tired from the jet lag to notice the renovations and extensions that are going on there. Or if you do then you’re probably thinking it’s about time they did that. You could take Jogoo Road but I think a better view for you would be on Mombasa Road. I’ll assume you’ll take a taxi from there and head to Mombasa Road where again you’ll get a chance to observe more constructions going on there as well. Okay so let me be forthwith with you Nairobi is currently in a frenzy of constructions. Mombasa road to the Central Business District (CBD) is a smooth sailing all the way except for sometimes hectic traffic from Nyayo National Stadium just a few kilometers to the CBD.
If there’s traffic you could try and catch up on sleep but please remember to roll up your window lest someone “helps” themselves with your valuables and disappears in the traffic although, that is not so common nowadays. Sleeping in a car is not for everyone so you could try and have a conversation with your taxi driver preferably in English but some drivers have learnt other languages as well so it would not ask to try some Mandarin, French, Italian or Arabic. Try and suggest the topic for ease of getting out of the conversation if you need to.
If you’re being driven to a hotel past the CBD then you might miss out on a lot of “Africa”. Chances are you’ll be taken to a fenced off hotel only to see the rest of the city from the confines of your room through a glass window. Now I know you will be taken for a ride in “town” but all you’ll see are more roads under constructions on your way to the Nairobi National Park which few kilometers in the outskirts of the city. I’m told the Big 5 are found in there so if you’re up and early you might get a chance to see 2 or three of them. I bet your next stop will be at Carnivore for a taste of game meat and to get a feel of Kenyan food. Trust me you won’t be disappointed.
On your way back, please feel free to pass by our infamous slum housing project called Kibera to get a glimpse of our NGO community. It’s touted as being on of the biggest slums south of the Sahara. I have always wondered why people willingly travel thousands of miles to see it. It might be the 8th wonder, I know not. A lot of NGO’s have “pitched camp” literally there and are in the process of assisting the inhabitants overcome a problem called “flying toilets” namely feaces thrown as far away as possible by hand from ones shanty house. Hopefully none will land on you; I’d hate to see your clean white shirt defaced.
In the evening Nairobi is also known for its nightlife. Various pubs and restaurants are splattered all over the CBD and its environs as well. Be safe, take a Kenyan matatu and enjoy the company of our friendly people just be sure to have exact change for they despise people with big notes who’ll make them run around looking for loose change. Oh and also get a translator for free directions and to keep prices of items you desire from skyrocketing on your numerous inquiries. Unless of course you’re on a spending spree and after all if you can bargain for it then it isn’t that expensive anyway. Take a short stroll as well through Toi market and get a souvenir for your time here. Various beautiful artifacts are on display so pick your choice.
Before you take your route back to your hotel room you could also pass-by our red light district on Koinange Street, just for the sake. Browsing on eBay is not necessarily buying, right? Same case here.
To nurse that hangover you’ll be having if you took some drinks, you can sleep late and wake up to a sumptuous breakfast meal from our amazing chefs in your hotel. So you’ll not have seen much but this is just your first day and there’s more to follow
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