Nairobi

Long called “Nai-robbery” by back packers, Nairobi has suffered from a bad reputation for its violence and the Kibera slums that encircle the city centre. As a destination, it tends to be viewed mainly as a staging point for trips to the Masai Mara and the game parks to the north, but in all reality it has plenty of delights for the adventurous.

The capital itself is located at around 1700 meters and was spawned from a once railway ending while the main track to Uganda was being built. Today the population has spiralled to approximately 2.7 million (with approximately 800,000 of those living in the slums of Kibera) and the city is now recognised as the hub for east African business.

For the visitor, there are attractions such as the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre and the Nairobi National Park where photos of giraffe walking with the backdrop of Nairobi’s high rises can be taken. All-in-all, a couple of days wandering around the shops and cafes of the city centre can be a good way to re-attach to the modern world, while restaurants such as the Tamarind and The Rusty Nail provide world-class offerings for the foodie.