Nairobi is best characterised by the variety of locally-given descriptive names, representative of the city's contrasting images - of wealthy spacious suburbs, charming flower-lined streets and a refreshing climate, alongside crime, corruption, filth and poverty. Names like 'Green City in the Sun', 'City of Flowers' and the Masai name 'Place of Cool Waters' describes the city.
Nairobi is one of Africa's largest and most interesting cities. It is a place of enormous energy, a tireless and thriving bustle of people, and a city of differences. Assorted races, tribes and origins are all a part of its make-up. Rural immigrants and refugees are drawn by the hope of wealth and opportunity, international businessmen are attracted by profitable business prospects, and tourists are promised the makings of the perfect safari. The city centre buzzes with the energy, aspirations and opportunism of moneychangers, safari touts, food vendors and trinket sellers,, shoppers, security guards, and sharp-eyed shoe shiners assessing the footwear of the hurried throngs.
Kenyatta Avenue is the city's favourite tourist image, a broad avenue fringed by trees and flowers that was originally designed to allow a twelve-oxen team to make a full turn. There are several museums and places of interest in the centre, including the National Museum and Snake Park. There are numerous markets selling traditional crafts, especially the appealing Masai market. Just outside of the centre is the Nairobi National Park, and the nearby Bomas of Kenya host performances of traditional dancing and singing. The Langata Giraffe Centre offers visitors the chance to hand-feed the Rothschild giraffes that inhabit the area.
Nairobi is also the safari capital of Africa and a good base for travel in Kenya. From here excursions and safaris can be arranged to any of the national parks or reserves in the country.

SHOPPING

Shopping is generally a pleasure in Nairobi City. However, just like any other metropolitan city crime is common and visitors are advised to be vigilant at all times and keep all valuables in a secure place especially cash, travelers cheques and photographic equipment. Generally the city centre is best avoided unless you do so with a local quide or person you know.
Some of the best shopping spots in the city are located in Westland, Parklands and Gigiri. The popular shopping malls include The Village Market Gigiri and the Sarit Centre Westlands. Both malls contain a wide selection of shops, western style food courts and cinemas. In addition Village Market offers two mini golf courses, Friday Maasai market where local crafts and curios can be obtained and bowling allies.
Groceries and general shopping can be obtained from either Nakumatt or Uchumi chain of supermarkets, which offer a wide selection of items at reasonable prices.

EATING OUT & PUBS

Nairobi is the place to eat out, with a wide selection of cuisines from all over the world. The chefs of Nairobi take a great pride in their cooking skills and some of the best grub of the world is available in Nairobi. Also a must is the local Kenyan beer TUSKER which has won numerous gold medals in the world beer contests.

1. Haandi Restaurant – located in Westlands it offers some of the best Indian curries and Muglai dishes. Rating: 5
2. The Carnivore – Located in Langata. The ideal place to try Game meat. Rating: 5
3. Tamambo – Located in the Mall Westlands and is part of the Carnivore group. Has more or less the same stuff as Carnivore. Rating: 5
4. Tamarind – Located in Mombasa and owned by Carnivore, in addition Tamarind is the place for sea food enthusiasts Rating: 5
5. Slush – Chain of restaurants offering budget Indian and South Indian cuisines. Try the Bhajia here. Rating: 3
6. Siam Thai – Located in the heart of Westlands in Unga House. It is one of the leading Thai food restaurants in Nairobi. Rating: 5
7. Exotica – Located in Westlands Waomini offering budget food. House. A must to try the Masala chips. Rating: 4
8. Burger Hut – Located Westlands in Apic Centre offering some of the best burgers and fish. Rating: 4
9. Open House – Located in Westlands in Bishan Plaza. Very good Indian food. Rating: 4
10. Liza Apartments – Located on Raphta road and has some amazing Chinese dishes. Rating: 5
11. Chinese corner – Located in the food court in Sarit and Westlands. Rating: 5
12. Also try some of the local African dishes such as githeri, ugali & sukuma wiki and irio which can be obtained from the Sarit Centre food court.

PUBS & CLUBS

1. Carnivore Night Club – Located in Langata. Most popular nights – Wednesday Rock Night & Saturday nights. Dress code: casual.
2. Pavement Night Club – Located Westalnds. Dress Casual/smart.
3. K2 Clubhouse- nice chill out place to have a drink or two and shoot pool.
4. Cosmic – Located Sound Plaza Westlands. Teenager hangout, good cheap pool and bowling as well.
5. Iguanas Bar- Located Westlands. Cosy place to have a drink or two before heading off clubbing.
6. Kengeles – Chain of bars located all over Nairobi.
7. Tusks – Located Gigiri. Excellent bar to chill out with a bunch of friends. Unique pub layout.

KISWAHILI WORDS
Our selection of some words in Kiswahili, which might come in handy.

TRAVEL ADVICE

CAPITAL: Nairobi
CURRENCY: Kenyan Shillings, Cents
LOCAL LANGUAGE: Swahili, English
INTERNATIONAL BANKS: Barclays, Standard Chartered, Commercial Bank of Africa, I&M
ATM MACHINES: Withdrawal of cash via foreign Visa card is possible but with a charge, card payment in shops incurs no extra handling charge
CRIME: Common, be vigilant at all times
EMERGENCY NUMBER: 999
ANTI-MALARIAL prophylaxis is required especially if traveling outside Nairobi. Certain vaccinations are also required depending on your country of origin
Travel insurance highly advisable.
MEDICAL: Medicines don't cost as much as in the developed countries. Private doctors are available and in most cases no appointment is required for diagnosis.
HOSPITALS: Aga Khan Hospital (Private Hospital in Parklands, one of the best in Nairobi), MP Shah Hospital (Private), Nairobi Hospital, Kenyatta Hospital (Goverment), Getrudes  Hospital (Private children hospital in Gigiri).
FLIGHTS: There are flights daily between Nairobi and London with Kenya Airways. We recommend Kenya Airways for the true Kenyan experience. Domestic flights are available via Kenya airways to Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi, Eldoret, and Kisumu.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) , Moi International (Mombasa), Eldoret International.
MOBILE PHONES: Roaming from all UK and some US networks is available. Local networks include Kencell & Safaricom. Local SIM cards are readily available and cost as little as USD.5.00 for a pay as you go.