IFLA
WORLD
CONGRESS
28-30 september
2023
We call it:
Emergent Interaction
About the city // Nairobi
ABOUT NAIROBI CITY
Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The city and its surrounding area also form the Nairobi County. The name “Nairobi” comes from the Maasai phrase ‘Enkare Nyrobi’, which translates to “cool water”.
In addition to its urban core, the city has Nairobi National Park, a large game reserve known for breeding endangered black rhinos and home to giraffes, zebras and lions. Next to it is a well-regarded elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Nairobi is also often used as a jumping-off point for safari trips elsewhere in Kenya.
TOURISM
Nairobi is home to many tour operators and travel agents. Excursions can be arranged to all parts of the city and beyond.
A Tour of Nairobi will normally include visits to the Nairobi National Park. This is home to large herds of Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffes, Lions, Cheetahs, Hippos, Rhinos and over 400 species of birds. Within it is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, an Educational Center where visitors learn about wildlife and habitat conservation.
The US Embassy Memorial Site, in the City Centre is a monument to the victims of the tragic Nairobi Embassy Bombings in 1998. Today, the serene park with galleries and inscriptions of the victims’ names is a place where visitors come to learn about Kenya, its history and culture.
At The National Railway Museum, visitors can learn about the history of Kenya’s railroads which are at the heart of Nairobi’s History and the Kenya/Uganda railway. It houses, engines and rolling stock from the country’s colonial period.
Karen Blixen Museum, is based on the Karen Blixen’s book “Out of Africa”. The author’s house is now home to the museum.
The Uhuru Gardens were built in remembrance of the struggle for independence, which Kenya was granted in 1963. The monument is a 24-m (79 ft.) 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.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Nairobi offers some beautiful getaways from the busy city life.
The Uhuru Park (“Nairobi’s Central Park”) is a vibrant park that echoes the city’s old slogan ‘The Green City in the Sun’. Nairobi residents, tourists, students and business people from all walks of life visit the park everyday for picnics, study, rest and a host of other activities. The serene park is a great place to take a breath, read a book or catch up with family and friends.
Other parks in the city include the Jeevanjee gardens, the Uhuru Gardens and City Park (Parklands).
City Park’s major attractions include:
- Bird Watching
- Nature trails
- Picnic Site
- Indigenous forest
- Historical sites
- Friendly troops of Sykes Monkeys
- Over 988 species of flora and fauna
- Tree and plant nursery
Uhuru Garden’s major attractions include:
- Historical Monuments
- Picnic Site
- Recreational Park
- Secure jogging spot
- Diversity of native flora and fauna
When you are in Nairobi and need some peace and quiet or a bit of adventure, our parks provide this relaxing atmosphere. This is our city’s new vision and improved slogan.
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