Nairobi

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and the largest city in the country.

Understand

Nairobi has a population of between three and four million. The city is the largest and fastest growing city in Kenya and one of the largest in Africa and lies on the Nairobi River.

History:

The word Nairobi (pronounced /naɪˈrəʊbɪ/) derives from a water hole known in Maasai (an Eastern Nilotic language) as Enkare Nyirobi, which means “cool waters“. Nairobi, which was a swamp area, was founded in 1899 and was first a railway camp for the Uganda Railway. The city became Kenya’s capital, which Mombasa was initially, and it also became the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate in 1905. With the spread of plagues in the early 1900s, the town was burnt down and had to be rebuilt. Having a railroad system in the system helped it to have drastic growth, becoming the second largest city in Kenya behind Mombasa . The city of Nairobi also grew due to administration and tourism businesses (mostly big game hunting). The British, who were one of Kenya’s colonizers, set up a port in Nairobi leading to the creation of big hotels primarily for the British hunters. Also, Nairobi has an East Indian community, who are the descendents of original colonial railway labourers and merchants.

Get in

Prior to entering Kenya, citizens of some countries have to have a visa before entry. These countries are Afghanistan, Jordan, Senegal, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Somalia, Armenia, Mali, Syria, Cameroon, North Korea, Tajikistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Stateless Persons. Citizens from most other countries will need a visa which can be obtained on entry at the airport or border crossing (if overlanding). A single Entry Visa costs US $25 (has gone down from US $50) valid for three months and a transit visa will cost US $15 Since mid of 2009 border visa can also be paid in Euro. If you are only traveling through the country via a connecting flight and will not leave the secure area of the airport you will not need a visa.

By plane:

Regular flights are to Nairobi are operated by Air Kenya, Kenya Airways, KLM, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Qater Airways. Kenya Airways is the national airline for Kenya, and travels throughout Europe, America, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. Nairobi’s main airport is JKIA Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA: NBO), which is 15 km southeast from the center of the city. If taking a taxi from JKIA, use a reputable taxi, many are waiting outside for to give you conveyance, and the cost should be very near or on 1,500KSh (or £13) to the city centre; Westlands or such places more west or north will be more. Use www.xe.com for exact & reliable cash currency transfer rate comparisons. When taking a taxi to your accommodation, do not be inveigled into taking their recommendation for accommodation although this is very at your own risk. There is also Wilson Airport, 11 km south from the city's center, that is for domestic flights throughout Kenya [3], more lighter, Cessna-type aircrafts can be seen there. The military/ government airport is in Eastleigh district (pron: "East-Lee"), a very large residential area of housing in the east/north-east of Nairobi, but the government airport is fenced around and does not handle civilian traffic. From the center, you can take Bus #34 for 50 KSH, to the international airport, from in front of the Ambassador Hotel.

By Train:

The city is also accessible by trains, with daily arrivals and departures at the Nairobi Railway station. The Trains go east to Mombasa and West to Kisumu. There are 3 classes: First, Second and General. First and Second are sleepers. First have 2 seats in a cabin, Second have 4. In Second Class genders are separated unless you purchase the entire compartment of 4 seats. First costs around $50 all inclusive: bedding, breakfast, dinner; Second is $35 all inclusive. Both can be purchased without bedding or food. Tickets have to be booked through the office on Station Road in south-central Nairobi, or online[4].

By Car:

By bus:

Kenya’s bus system is also reliable. There are many bus companies that have routes going to and from the country’s different cities, including Nairobi, which is the centre of the bus network.

By Boat:

Entry into Nairobi by boat is of course not possible, however one could certainly arrive in Kenya by boat via Mombasa or Lamu, proceeding by road, air or rail to Nairobi. Immigration should be processed at the port facility.

Get around

Be careful getting around Nairobi. Traffic is very bad like any other major city, but if you use common sense and a local or guide you should be able to get where you want.

By taxi:

Taxis are not very cheap, but will make city life easier, and safer, at least at night. Prices should always be set before the trip, and paid afterwards. They can be found parked around hotels and tourist areas. The taxis tend to be marked with a yellow line on each side. Your best bet is to ask a local or at your hotel. Matatus (public minibuses/ commuter buses) are all right for traveling to the suburbs, but the best choice is probably the City Hoppa bus service and of late the revived Kenya Bus Service. Beware of traffic jams on the large motorways, not only in the rush hours.

On Foot:

Walking around Nairobi is fairly easy since the city is small and places are easy to get to. However, there are some areas within the city where tourists should not go, and walking around at night should be minimised.

By Rail:

By Car:

Hire hire from the airport is possible, fairly painless with prices in line with other African countries. Nairobi in recent past has had a severe car-jacking problem, but because of increased police check-points it is marginally safer these days.

Currency

The Kenya Shilling is the official currency and will be the only accepted currency for most activities. Some tourist centric businesses will accept USD or Euro, however the exchange rate is seldom what one can obtain at a bank.

There are quite a number of networked banking machines in major shopping areas of Nairobi as well as the arrivals area of the airport. Most transactions are cash only, so it is best to have enough cash on hand to pay for purchases and transport. Major banks such as Barclays, Kenya Commercial Bank and Standard Bank give better exchange rates than any of the FOREX bureaus. Independent machines such as Pesa-point have lower cash limits and may have a higher fee. As an example, in 2007 Barclays did not charge any additional fee for a cash withdrawal but gave a lower exchange rate than Kenya Commercial Bank. KCB charged a CDN$5 fee for a withdrawal with a maximum of 40,000/= per day.

Cash is dispensed in units of 1000/=. Note that many smaller businesses will not have much change, so before going shopping for curios be sure to have a good selection of smaller notes.

Forex Bureaus are located in many parts of the city where tourists are common. They will exchange cash of different currencies, and may also accept a personal cheque for Kenyan cash. They will want a photocopy of your passport before they exchange money. Rates are not bad, but will be worse than a banking machine will offer.

Credit Cards Many specialty stores will accept international credit cards, however they will normally tell you up front that they will charge you bank fees, typically 5% of the purchase. The Nakumat and Uchumi supermarket chains would accept credit cards without a surcharge.

Carrying Cash

This may also be a good place to repeat the warning about safety. Pickpockets are rampant in Nairobi and have been known to keep an eye on people getting cash from a machine. It is best to carry cash in a hidden pouch rather than a wallet. Men: do not carry your wallet in your back pocket, and women: do not carry your purse to your side or behind you, particularly in busy locations.

See

Nairobi is known as the safari capital of Africa, however the city has still managed to keep up with modernization. Unlike other cities, Nairobi is surrounded by 113 sq km of plains, cliffs and forest that makes up the city’s Nairobi National Park. The city is filled with many things to do during the day and the night. Tourists can have their pick from numerous safaris (wildlife, cultural, sport, adventure, scenic and specialist), ecotourism tours, restaurants, culture, shopping and entertainment. While in Nairobi, tourists can also engage in numerous sports from golf, rugby, athletics, polo, horse-racing, cricket and football (soccer).

• Nairobi National Park, just outside Nairobi. This is home to large herds of Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe, Lion, Cheetah, Hippo, Rhino and even birdlife (over 400 species). Here you can also go on the Nairobi Safari Walk, an educational centre to make people aware of wildlife and habitat conservation. Also in the park is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
• Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, close to the Nairobi National Park. This Orphanage takes in elephant calves and rhinos from all over Kenya which were orphaned by poaching.
• Giraffe Centre, in Lang'ata right outside of Nairobi. The Centre breeds the endangered Rothschild Giraffe and has conservation/education programmes for Kenyan children. It also has many warthogs.
• Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, is centred around a 2,146 metre mountain. This is a mountain forest and plain land, with a large population of Buffalo. It also serves as a refuge for Colobus monkeys, bushbuck, duiker, leopard, and a large variety of bird species.
• 14 Falls, a waterfall at Thika.
• Tana River, is an hour's drive from the city. White water rafting throughout cataracts, which leads to the 14 falls can be done here. The rafting trip also includes a full BBQ lunch.
• Nairobi National Museum, where visitors can learn about Nairobi, its history and culture. Currently the museum is open again after major renovations.
• National Railway Museum, visitors can learn more about the history of Kenya’s railroads and the Kenya/Uganda railway. It also houses, some of the engines and rolling stock from the country’s colonial period.
• Karen Blixen Museum, is based on the Karen Blixen’s book "Out of Africa". Her house is now the home of the museum. It is on the outskirts of Nairobi and a taxi or bus can get you to the museum.
• Bomas of Kenya, portrays Kenya’s culture. Visitors can see exhibits of traditional Kenyan homes, artifacts, dances, music, and song.
• Uhuru Gardens, built in remembrance of the struggle for independence, which Kenya was granted in 1963. The monument is a 24 metre high triumphal column supporting a pair of clasped hands and the dove of peace, high over a statue of freedom fighter raising the flag. The monument is surround by fountains and lush-landscaped gardens.

Do

• Safari in central Nairobi park.
• Try the many excellent restaurants in Nairobi.
• Go dancing and be apart of Nairobi's excellent nightlife
• Go ice-skating at Panari
• Visit Village Market and Sherlocks with your friends

Learn

New Cultures in Kenya and how the Life style is. How families survive.

Buy

The three primary supermarkets in Nairobi are Tusky's, Uchumi and Nakumatt. For goods beyond supermarket fare, try either the Sarit Centre, YaYa centre or Nakumatt Westlands, which are both located in the Westlands suburb.

The Sarit Centre will be recognizable to any Western traveller as a shopping mall, with an Uchumi supermarket inside. Clothing, shipping and internet are all available here. In addition, there is a small movie theater. Other malls in Nairobi include Yaya Centre near Hurlingham and The Mall in Westlands.

Nakumatt Westgate is a just finished competitor to Sarit Centre. It is a large building with many spaces for stores to move in to (they have yet to move in at the time of this writing, however the building is still unfinished). Currently, the primary occupant is the Nakumatt itself, which has modeled itself to emulate a Super Wal-Mart type experience.

Any taxi driver will know these two shopping centers by name, so getting there is not a problem.

An additional smaller supermarket, catering more to expatriates, is in ABC Plaza, along Waiyaki Way. Chandarana supermarket carries a wide variety of imported goods, Zucchini greengrocer is a highly dependable spot for clean and varied veggies, and Gilani's is a well stocked western style buchery.

For local curios and souvenirs, the most easily accessible and tourist-friendly is the Maasai Market, held on Fridays at the Village Market, an upscale, open concept shopping center near the United Nations and American Embassy complexes. Bargaining is necessary, and one should probably not spend more than $1000KSH ($20) on one item, except in extraordinary circumstances.

For slightly better prices, visit the Tuesday market in town, just down from the Norfolk hotel. This market is less secure, but is larger and offers more variety and opportunity for bargaining.

Another Nakumatt is located at Nakumatt Junction, past Lavington towards the Ngong Racecourse (Horse Flat-Racing takes place 3 Sundays a month, and is a great way to spend an afternoon). The Nakumatt Junction shopping complex features a few more boutiques - one of note being Zebu, a store highlighting local Designer Annabelle Thom's leather bags and more, where you will find higher quality and higher prices for beautiful designs.

Biashara Street, located downtown, is the spot for textiles. Make sure you pick up at least one kikoi (a traditional wrap for Swahili men, predominantly at the coast).

Eat

Budget:

Roast House in the city centre facing the matatu station on Tom Mboya Road. Regular local prices with more selection, excellent food, friendly service. Very busy at lunchtime. Visited on 23 Sept 2009.

Mid-range:

Nairobi has a fantastic array of mid-range eateries.

Java House, with quite a few locations, including The Junction, ABC Place, and close to the United Nations, features a western coffee house menu, from bagels to burritos, with excellent coffees and milkshakes, and a full breakfast menu. Prices average about 500KSH - 750KSH ($10-$15US) for a complete meal. Another popular coffeehouse is Dormans

Trattoria is an Italian restaurant. Do not expect anything decent when it comes to the mains (all around 700KSH). However, there is a fabulous and extensive dessert menu, including crepes, tiramisu, souffle, and a coffee granita with fresh cream (250-500KSH).

Motherland, is an authentic ethiopian restaurant with great and affordable food (typical of ethiopian restaurants in Nairobi!).

Havana Bar, Woodvale Grove, Westlands. Popular bar and restaurant, renowned for their sizzling Fajitas, steaks and seafood dishes. Reasonably priced. Open daily til late.

Village Market Food Court, Has an array of different ethnic cuisines, including Thai, Italian, Chinese and German, as well as a Mongolian Barbeque. Good prices as well, between $10-$20US for complete meals. Venture further into Village Market to find a good Japanese restaurant as well, though with slightly steeper prices. There are also food courts at other malls in the City.

Nairobi has a wide range of Indian restaurants that speaks to the significant South Asian community in Kenya. The city also offers other restaurants specializing in different European and Asian cuisins.

Common fast food restaurants include Steers, Debonairs, Wimpy, local favourite, Kenchic among others.

In addition, there are several local restaurants that cater to local cuisine like sukuma wiki (green spinach-like vegetable, 'Kale' in English), ugali (corn bread, ground maize flour and made to a tasty white bread/porrige form), nyama choma (lit: meat roast), chapati and other specialities.

Splurge:

The Carnivore, located just outside the city, close to the Uhuru Gardens, is a luxury restaurant famous for its meats. In 2006, the restaurant was listed as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. Once seated, different masaai grilled meats will be carried around on sticks and carved to your plate at request. Very expensive by Kenyan standards, beware of additional taxes and catering levys. Reservations might be a good idea, ask at your hotel.

Furusato, located in Westlands, has fantastic Japanese food. For a price. Expect to pay $40 - $50 per person.

The Rusty Nail, in Karen, has been super in the past, but mediocre of late. No reason not to give it another chance. Approx. $20 -$40US per person.

The Lord Errol, past Village Market and into Runda, is said to have very good food, and is popular with the expat crowd.

"Moonflower," on State House hill at the Palacina hotel, is a very upscale bistro / fusion / grill restaurant in a lovely outdoor setting. Fantastic food, about $50 for a meal with wine.

"Pango Brasserie" at the Fairview Hotel features upscale french and continental dishes. Dinner begins in an underground stone winecellar where the chef will send out complimentary tasters while you sip a bottle of wine of your choice. $40 for a three course meal with wine.

"Alan Bobbe's Bistro" is a venerable, legendary restaurant now located on Riverside Drive. Founded in 1962, the restaurant features French haute-cuisine at about a third of what you would pay in Paris! $35-$50 for dinner with wine.

Sleep

Budget:

The area around the main bus station has a ton of budget hotels for around $10, and you can save on a taxi.

• Milimani Backpackers & Safari Centre, P.o Box 21005 - 00500, ☎ +254 722 347616, [1]. A little further out of the city is Milimani Backpackers on Milimani Road. It has internet, cable TV, WI-FI, hot showers, 24hr self-service bar, restaurant, fireplace, and a parking area. They offer dorms, doubles, singles, twins, camping space, permanent tents, and cabins. from 600 KES for dorms.

Mid-range:

• Olive Gardens Hotel, Argwings Kodhek Road, Hurlingham (Opposite Nairobi Womens Hospital), P.O Box 3049 - 00506, Nairobi, Kenya, ☎ +254 20 2737854, 2727777, [2]. Olive Gardens Hotel is located along Argwings Kodhek Road in Hurlingham, Nairobi, Kenya. Across Nairobi Women’s Hospital, the hotel is only a 30-minute drive from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Each of the 62 beautifully decorated rooms is amply furnished with cable TV, Internet access, mini-bar, and refrigerator. A cozy living room recreates the calming ambience of your own home for pure relaxation.

• Country Lodge, [5]. On upper hill, the Country Lodge is aimed at the budget business traveler. Single rooms are about $65 (USD) per night including breakfast. Probably the best deal in town.

• The Heron Hotel:, [6] ,

• Holiday Inn Nairobi. Built in the 1940s as the Mayfair Court Hotel, this historic hotel has retained its charm even as it has joined the Holiday Inn family. Prices around $150 (USD) per night include breakfast.

• InterContinental Hotel. Located only 5 minutes from the city center and 15 minutes from the airport with views of the city. Prices around $150 (USD) per night include breakfast.

• Nairobi Hilton. Part of the Hilton family of hotels and located near the city center. Prices between $100 and $150 (USD) per night include breakfast.

• Nairobi Safari Club. Kenya's only all-suite hotel. Prices around $140 (USD) per night include breakfast.

• Panafric Hotel. Located in the city centre and only 20 minutes from the airport. Prices around $100 and $120 (USD) per night include breakfast.* Karen Blixen Cottages. Located in the suburb of Karen, 20 miles from downtown, the cottages offer a unique change from the normal hotel fare. Prices around $300 (USD) per night include breakfast.

• Nairobi Serena Hotel. Found in the middle of Nairobi's Central Park this hotel offers great convenience as well as a quiet place to stay. Prices around $220 (USD) per night include breakfast.

• Norfolk Hotel. Opened on Christmas Day over 100 years ago, this hotel that has served many special guests is located only 30 minutes from the airport, and a short distance from the shopping district. Prices around $180 (USD) per night include breakfast.

• Safari Park Hotel. Started as a retreat for British Army officers more than 50 years ago, this hotel is only 15 minutes from downtown. Prices around $170 (USD) per night include breakfast.

• The Stanley Hotel. This over 100 year old hotel has recently be renovated back to its days of Victorian perfection. Lcoated in the city's shopping and business district. Prices around $150 (USD) per night include breakfast.

• Windsor Golf and Country Club. Located 15 minutes from the city center, 45 from the airport. Features a 18 hole golf course on site. Prices around $200 (USD) per night include breakfast.

Splurge:

• Giraffe Manor. The converted home of the founders of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, located a few miles from the city center, sitting on 140 acres of land. The giraffes can be fed at the front door or even from the second floor bedroom window! Prices around $600 (USD) per night include meals.

• Ngong House. Located 30 minutes drive from the city center and airport, the Ngong House is on land that was orginally part of a vast coffee estate. Located on the grounds are five traditional looking, yet elegantly decorated tree houses. Prices around $650 (USD) per night include meals.

Night-life

• Nairobian Nightlife: From pizza restaurants by day and night clubs at night, to antique cocktail bars and retro African music, Nairobi’s got it all.
• Gipsy:, Opp,Barclays,Bank Westland, Box 40322, Nairobi, Tel: 020 4440964,4440836, Mob: 0733 730529, Email:[email protected]
• Carnivore:, The Carnivore – Simba Salon, Carnivore Rd, off langata rd, Box 566685 00200 Nairobi, Tel:020 605933-7,602786, Fax:020 602990/3, E mail:[email protected]
• Klub House 1 (K1):, is located along Ojijo Road in Parklands, Box 33003 - 00600 Nairobi, Tel: +254 20 374 9870, Fax: 254 20 374 7099, Mob:+254 733 77 22 33, [email protected] [7]
• Klub House 2 (K2):, Baricho Road, Industrial Area is home to K2 Klubhouse
• Choices:, Majestic House, Moi Avenue, Box 53319, Nairobi, Tel: +254 20 550 629, Mob: +254 722 521, Email: [email protected], Leobag Investment Ltd, Baricho Road

• Chillers:, Anniv Towers
• Havana: Its an expats favorite on Thursdays nights.The live band on Saturdays attracts a good cosmopolitan crowd. Bar snacks available throughout the night. www.havana.co.ke
• Apple Bees: (Strip club)
• annie Oakley's:Next to Milimani Backpackers, has pool tables, a descent menu, and a big screen with cable TV. another expats favorite hangout
• Cockpit: Langata Road opposite Uchumi Langata Hyper
• Barrels: Stripclub. Watch out for police raids
• Red Tape:, Westlands, Mpaka Road, Bishan Plaza, e-mail [email protected]
• Florida 2000 (F2):, Located at Commerce House, Moi Avenue. [8]
• New Florida Clubs (F1):, The New Florida, locally known as Madhouse or Madi, is in the heart of Nairobi on Koinange Street.
• Pango (F3):, Commerce House, 1st Floor, P.O.Box 55381 - 00200 Nairobi, Tel:+254-20-229036/217269, Email:[email protected] The Latest addition to the Florida Group
• Double Inn: Also out in Karen, they show rugby/cricket games and it's always full of expats and white Kenyans. The place to get hammered.

Contact

There are very many internet cafés around Nairobi, but connection speeds and computers are not always super fast, but still you will manage to open your Gmail or YahooMail Beta even probably use a webcam or watch Youtube. Prices are usually at ranges from 0.5ksh/minute to 1ksh/minute, usually with a minimum fee of 5-20ksh. The more expensive internet cafés are rarely better and the best ones charge 1 ksh/minute with discounts for using the internet for longer. Most of the good cafés are found in Norwich Union which has quite a number just opposite Hilton Hotel next to Nandos while the expensive ones are found in malls in Westlands. Although it may be more appropriate for tourists to use the ones in Westlands since they are usually less crowded and are more exclusive but not necessarily faster or better in terms of equipment.

Free wireless internet is available at Java House restaurants in the city. The internet cafe in Sarit Centre also has wireless internet available at a good speed and a reasonable price.

Mobile Phones are ubiquitous in Kenya with coverage for the two main providers, Safaricom and Zain(formerly Celtel) extending to most populated parts of the country. The phone system is GSM 900 (European standard). Phones and SIM cards are available at many locations throughout Nairobi and the country. Phone prices are very competitive and priced for average income Kenyans. A basic phone may be obtained new from an independent dealer for ~2000/=. A vast majority of people use pre-paid phones with scratch-card top-ups available at a huge number of merchants across the country. All phones are sold "unlocked" for use on any network. Much business is conducted via mobile phone, so possession of one for even a relatively short stay in the country can be beneficial. Rates are extremely affordable with in-country calls at around 8/= per minute and SMS at 3/50. Overseas calls cost around 30/= per minute to North America (~USD$0.40/minute) if the VOIP feature is used.

GPRS/EDGE/3G data service is available in most coverage areas on Safaricom or Zain with enabled phones. Newer mobile providers including Orange Kenya and Econet have coverage in urban areas and competitive pricing.

Stay safe

Crime:

Nairobi has a reputation for thievery. Beware of snatch and grab, con artists, or groups of people following you. The best advice for a tourist is to stay in city centre, know where you are at all times, and pretend you know where you're going (even if you don't). Don't carry large quantities of money or passports on the street, and the general rule is that anyone trying to talk to you (there will be many) is up to no good. Scams abound. In recent years, crime has significantly reduced, though one should still be wary. Apart from the inner city centre, Nairobi dies out at night. Streets are mostly empty. Do not walk alone after nightfalls. Always use taxi.The areas north and east of River Road should be avoided, especially if you're not a local!

Health:

It is recommended that before tourists come to Nairobi, that they should be vaccinated well in advance (6 weeks) of their trip. The most common recommended vaccines for people traveling to Africa are Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever, Rabies and Meningitis.

Food and beverages:

Be careful with the food that you eat. Before eating, make sure that the food is freshly and thoroughly cooked and served hot. Do not eat buffet, re-heated or food that has been exposed to flies. Also avoid seafood, and make sure that your fruits and vegetables have been properly sterilized in clean water. The safest fruits to eat are bananas and papayas. Do not drink tap water or brush your teeth with it. Only use bottled or canned drinks (especially popular brands). Also, do not use ice as it may also be contaminated water, and remember that alcohol does not sterilize a drink.

Insects:

In Africa you are going to be exposed to yellow fever, dengue fever, other viral diseases, sleeping sickness, filariasis and malaria. When insects are biting you should cover up and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, socks and pyjamas especially when night falls. It is best to use an insect repellent that contains DEET on your exposed skin and clothing. As for mosquito nets, it is best to use a permethrin-impregnated net along with an insecticide such a pyrethrum coils or an electric mosquito killer during the night. And remember to spray your hotel room every evening.

Heat & Sun:

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids (not coffee, alcohol or strong tea) to avoid dehydration. To know if you well hydrated, you body would always produce plenty of clear urine. For most people it takes them three weeks to become accustomed to the heat. Try to avoid plenty of physical exertion and try to stay in the shade and keep cool as much as possible. Increase the amount of salt intake in your food and water. Also, apply a lot of high factor sunscreen, avoid direct sunlight, and try to wear a hat and shady clothing.

Cope

Smoking is against the law out on the streets in the city center (the downtown grid area with numerous skyscrapers). There are certain smoking zones, and outside of the city center it becomes much easier to find locations where it is acceptable. However, a general rule would be to not smoke along the side of any roads or streets with pedestrians and/or vehicles. Be observant and take your cues from other smokers - if there are no smokers or cigarette butts on the ground, it is likely a non-smoking location.

Get out

Lake Naivasha is worth a day's visit, and lakeshore country clubs are a good place for lunch. You can take a boat ride on the lake to see hippos, or go for a walk among zebra and giraffes on Crescent Island.

Further afield, Nakuru National Park deservedly warrants a 1-night stay for a late-afternoon and early-morning game drive.

This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!