Nairobi

Nairobi

Nairobi is always hot and sunny – locals refer to it as the ‘City in the Sun’ – but after dark is when it really sizzles. With bountiful nightclubs and bars, especially in the district of Westlands, every night feels like the weekend and making new friends incredibly easy.

While Nairobi’s urban sprawl can be intimidating (vast economic disparity means petty theft is a problem, and walking downtown requires a degree of caution), there are some green spaces to enjoy. A particular highlight is the Nairobi National Park, 43 square miles of plains, cliffs and forest surrounding the city. It offers prime game watching (including lion and cheetah), and all with a shimmering urban skyline as a backdrop. Just outside the city, the Karen Blixen Museum, the Out of Africa author’s former farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills, is fascinating and its gardens lovely to explore. At the weekend, head out to pretty Lake Navaisha – a popular hangout spot for locals.