About Nairobi

Climate

The rainy season runs across April and May and Nairobi is known for its temperate climate with May on average 19°C. Temperatures drop in the evenings and early mornings.

Language

English and Kiswahili and with approx. 72 indigenous languages.

Religion

Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, indigenous beliefs 10%, Muslim 10%, other 2%.

Main Attractions

A mile above sea level, Nairobi has grown from a base upon a swamp into one of Africa’s largest and most interesting cities. It is a place of enormous energy with diverse races, tribes and origins a part of its make-up. Many visitors use Nairobi as a brief starting point for safari trips however with names like 'Green City in the Sun', 'City of Flowers' and the Masai name 'Place of Cool Waters' Nairobi is definitely worth visiting.

Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is Kenya’s first national park. It is a well-kept and compact area of plains and wild bush containing a large number of Africa’s best-known animals. Large herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo and giraffe roam the plains with black rhino, ostrich, baboons, cheetah and lions. In the park is the Animal Orphanage where sick, wounded and abandoned animals are cared for and rehabilitated into the park, as well as an Educational Centre featuring a Safari Walk. Close by is the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where infant elephant and rhino (orphaned because of poaching activities) are cared for and eventually returned to the wild. The centre is open every morning and visitors can watch the calves bathing in the mud hole and being bottle fed by their human surrogate mothers.

Giraffe Centre

Take a short self-guided forest hike to a community of tame giraffes.

Bomas of Kenya

Each boma (homestead) in this cultural village was built using traditional specifications of myriad Kenyan tribes; through architecture, crafts, music and dance this village serves to preserve Kenyan culture.

Shopping

Local arts and crafts can be found at many of the city markets and along Kenyatta Avenue.

Major Events

The annual Safari Rally takes place for 2 days in June. Watch the world's greatest rally drivers leave the city to take on the dusty, hot Rift Valley in a trial that has become known as the 'car breaker' of the rally season. For more information contact the Kenya Tourist Board on (0)2 724 042/4 or info@kenyatourism.org

Eating Out

Kenya’s abundance of natural produce, combined with the rich variety of cultures and traditions, have created a great culinary nation. Inland, Kenyans are formidable meat eaters. One of the best known Kenyan specialities is Nyama Choma- meaning literally ‘roasted meat’. Vegetarians will find more variety from Kenya's large Asian population in the Indian, Pakistani and sub-continental restaurants throughout the country.

* Tipping is not standard and is at the diner’s discretion.

After Dark

Offering a wide variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, Nairobi can keep you entertained until the small hours. Venues range from the city centre to the suburbs so check out a local newspaper of tourist guide for the best places to go.

Travel around the City

Taxi

In Nairobi, taxis are widely available, and convenient. Nairobi Taxis are usually marked with a yellow line along each side. There is also a large fleet of large London Taxis operating within the city. Taxis are not metered, and a price should be agreed with the driver before departure.

Bus

Buses are an inexpensive way to travel, however there are safety considerations as buses in Kenya are known for overcrowding and speeding.

Matatu

The most popular form of public transport in Kenya is the Matatu (minibus). They operate on set routes, and collect as many passengers as possible so are overcrowded to bursting point with people often hanging on to the outsides.

Hire Car

Visitors to Kenya can drive using an international driver’s license. Driving is on the left hand side and distances are measured and signposted in kilometres and petrol / diesel sold by the litre.

Sources and more Information

* The GSM>3G World Series or Informa Telecoms and Media is not responsible for the content of these sites.

Conference Agenda

Training

Sponsors & Exhibitors

Event Partners

Press

Venue & Accommodation