population: 4.4 million
extension: 696.5 square kilometers
If you're in Nairobi and interested in visiting museums, a great place to start would be the National Museum of Kenya. This museum is dedicated to showcasing the country's cultural and natural heritage, with exhibits on everything from prehistoric fossils to traditional crafts.
Other museums in Nairobi that you might enjoy include the Karen Blixen Museum, which is dedicated to the author of "Out of Africa," and the Nairobi Railway Museum, which offers an in-depth look at Kenya's railway history.
If you're looking for similar types of places to visit near Nairobi, you might try the Fort Jesus Museum in Mombasa, which focuses on the region's colonial history, or the Kisumu Museum, which explores the culture and traditions of the Luo people.
Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to eat in Nairobi, according to local people, include:
1. Nyama Choma: Grilled meat (usually beef or goat) that's been marinated in a special blend of spices and served with Ugali (a type of cornmeal porridge) and Kachumbari (a tomato and onion salad).
2. Pilau: A fragrant rice dish that's flavored with a variety of spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cumin. It's often served with chicken or beef stew.
3. Ugali: A stiff porridge made from maize flour, water, and salt, which is a staple food in Kenya. It's typically eaten with stews, vegetables, or grilled meat.
4. Sukuma Wiki: A vegetable dish made from collard greens or kale that's been sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and various spices. It's often served with Ugali.
5. Chapati: A flatbread that's similar to Indian roti or paratha. It's made from wheat flour and cooked on a griddle, and it's a common accompaniment to many Kenyan dishes.
6. Mandazi: A type of sweet fried bread that's often served as a snack or breakfast food. It's similar to doughnuts but less sweet and typically flavored with cardamom or coconut.
7. Samosas: Triangular pastries that are filled with spiced meat or vegetables and fried until crispy. They're a popular street food in Nairobi and throughout Kenya.
Sure, here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Nairobi:
1. Visit the Maasai Market - This open-air market offers a wide variety of handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and other souvenirs. It's a great way to support local artists and get a taste of Kenyan culture.
2. Explore Karura Forest - This urban forest is located just outside of Nairobi's city center and offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as picnic areas and waterfalls.
3. Go on a safari at Nairobi National Park - This park is located just a few miles from the city center and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, and more.
4. Enjoy the nightlife in Westlands - This neighborhood is known for its lively bars and clubs, as well as its restaurants and cafes.
5. Visit the Giraffe Centre - This sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of endangered Rothschild's giraffes and offers visitors the chance to feed and interact with these majestic animals.
6. Attend a concert or event at the Carnivore Restaurant - This iconic restaurant and entertainment venue hosts a variety of music and cultural events throughout the year.
7. Take a cooking class - There are several cooking schools in Nairobi that offer classes in traditional Kenyan cuisine, which is a great way to learn about local ingredients and cooking techniques.