Kenya People & Culture

The Masai Market moves locations in Nairobi. But no matter where it's set up on the day you visit - be informed before you go!!
Once you cross the threshold, you are immediately swarmed by people who want to escort you through the market. The idea is for one person to escort you, helping you find the things you are looking for. If you like something, he grabs it and puts it in your "maybe" pile. The maybe pile is carried by another man.
The sheer volume of merchandise is overwhelming. Let alone the entirely too fast paced guide dragging you from one end to the other trying to point out what it is you might be looking for.
You tend to wonder if they have special agreements with certain vendors to drag the tourists to one person or another. Nothing is really priced as you are browsing. It's all done at the end.
We were never given an opportunity to just "browse" or take our time. It was RUSH RUSH RUSH which left me with a sense of disappointment. There is an endless array of wonderful treasures and souveniers - don't get me wrong! Lots and lots of great things to look at and buy. Unique finds. If only I had time to appreciate that more....
Once you are done with your "maybe" pile - you are taken to the center of the market for bargaining. This was ridiculous. They start out with such a high dollar amount it's laughable. We spent about 15 minutes bartering back and forth to come to anything reasonable.
You can't blame them too much - it's how they make their living. I guess they have to try.....but in hind side, if we had it to do all over again...
I'd decline the escort, take my time, be more assertive and find what I want.
Bartering unfortunately, just comes with the territory.

dont trust the people who take your bags out, they pick pocketed me.

A must visit for folks who love the Kenya people is Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers. It is near the hospital.. a women's cooperative, it is run by a wonderful woman named Anna. wool, dyes, weaving, everything done on their own.. current economic situation is really hammering them.. Look for Spinners and Weavers on the web.

wow mombasa is a special city but interessting.
diani beach Leisure lodge a nice Hotel, it is like a 3-4 Star in Europe but realy nice with friendly people and the best Beach from all other Hotels

Nairobi is a lot of things. It is a big noisy, bustling city,but I got to like it somehow. There are many okay places to eat, as long as you are open to it, many small joints sells fries or african meals, and I never get sick from them. Getting around is not so hard, you "just" have to find out which matatu goes where. The locals are in general friendly, but beware, the best thing is to get into conversation naturally. People who contact you on the street should not be trusted too much... Nairobi is called Nairobbery, so just take care of your belongings. Dont put them where they can be seen or easily snatched.

Nairobi is one of my favorite places. Only been there once. I will love to go back with my kids . I am waiting for them to older because this is a place that you can go once in your lifetime. It very expensive but is worthly to go. If you like nature and beauty this is one of the best places to go. Safari and wild life is the main attraction. People a very humble. 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. kms 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 closed for 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 located 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.

Enjoy the vibes, the cool beachboys and don't forget to plunge in to the African culture do a trip to the wildlife and let your self inspire

This was meant to be the capital of Kenya...unfortunately, it was never to be. I studied here beneath the high cast Iveti hills. Its worth a visit when in Kenya. You will love the Kamba culture....

Nairobi is one of my favorite places. Only been there once. I will love to go back with my kids . I am waiting for them to older because this is a place that you can go once in your lifetime. It very expensive but is worthly to go. If you like nature and beauty this is one of the best places to go. Safari and wild life is the main attraction. People a very humble. 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. kms 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 closed for 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 located 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.

Beware of the ditches on either side of the main street, they're a killer. Good place to get a haircut and some not very fresh fish. When in Kisii I recommend the Kisii hotel however it is probably better to pitch a tent than stay in a room.

Catch a dowh to a secluded beach but watch for stone fish

Take a glass bottom boat trip and make sure you take the opportunity to get in the sea and snorkel. Snorkels usually provided, but don't forget your towel.

Favorite hotel in Watamu is Ocean Sports, although now under new management and pricey. Other must do stuff: Gedi ruins, ca. 6 km away. Also, Bio-Ken Snake Park, probably the finest and best run in East Africa. Mida Creek and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest for birding (although you need a guide for the latter.

To enjoy Mombasa, one needs to visit the crisp white sand beaches and enjoy it with a drink of the local Madafu;

There are alot of activities that one can really enjoy doing e.g. Deep sea fishing of vibrant beautiful fishes, visiting the Fort Jesus, Gedi Ruins etc.

If you stay in Nairobi and you like to eat meet, ask for the restaurant "Carnivore". Pay once and eat meat as much as you can.

Beware of the ditches on either side of the main street, they're a killer. Good place to get a haircut and some not very fresh fish. When in Kisii I recommend the Kisii hotel however it is probably better to pitch a tent than stay in a room.

that´s why we also call it Nairobberi

bring small candy with you everywhere you go. the children love it.

The Masai Market moves locations in Nairobi. But no matter where it's set up on the day you visit - be informed before you go!!
Once you cross the threshold, you are immediately swarmed by people who want to escort you through the market. The idea is for one person to escort you, helping you find the things you are looking for. If you like something, he grabs it and puts it in your "maybe" pile. The maybe pile is carried by another man.
The sheer volume of merchandise is overwhelming. Let alone the entirely too fast paced guide dragging you from one end to the other trying to point out what it is you might be looking for.
You tend to wonder if they have special agreements with certain vendors to drag the tourists to one person or another. Nothing is really priced as you are browsing. It's all done at the end.
We were never given an opportunity to just "browse" or take our time. It was RUSH RUSH RUSH which left me with a sense of disappointment. There is an endless array of wonderful treasures and souveniers - don't get me wrong! Lots and lots of great things to look at and buy. Unique finds. If only I had time to appreciate that more....
Once you are done with your "maybe" pile - you are taken to the center of the market for bargaining. This was ridiculous. They start out with such a high dollar amount it's laughable. We spent about 15 minutes bartering back and forth to come to anything reasonable.
You can't blame them too much - it's how they make their living. I guess they have to try.....but in hind side, if we had it to do all over again...
I'd decline the escort, take my time, be more assertive and find what I want.
Bartering unfortunately, just comes with the territory.

Amazing Safari, stayed at the Governers camp for 3 nights, saw all the animals possible in the massia mara and would suggest everyone does it at least once

Parklands is a wealthy suburb of Nairobi, Kenya. It is located in the western part of the city. The Nairobi Museum Snake Park is near this area. Plenty of restaurants, malls, nightclubs, private (and parastatal (government))businesses, shopping centres and residential neighborhoods adorn Parklands.