Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi

Advantages: Lots to do
Disadvantages: Can be exensive

...OF INTEREST** There is the Karen Blixen museum – based around the woman that the film ‘Out Of Africa’ was based on but don’t visit unless you really are a fan as there is not much to see here at all. The national museum is fair and free so may be worth a visit. There is also the Snake Park where you can see snakes and randy tortoises! It must have been the season for them – they were all at it! But be aware you pay separately for the snake park and the museum so if you don’t want to be stung with an extra cost visit only one! There is also a huge Maasai Market which only takes place on a Tuesday – this is well worth a visit especially if you want souvenirs and enjoy bargaining. Don’t be afraid to haggle a lot, the price quoted to you is so outrageous you can usually get a good deal. For example, I want to buy a Maasai Mask but was quoted... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Great People, Great Nightlife, Great Experience!
Disadvantages: Too many things to see, short time..!!

...Tuesday on the Globe cinema round-about where you can buy wood carvings, antiques e.t.c I’d advice anyone to please leave their valuables in the hotel, but you can opt for the Saturday market which is much smaller and easily accessible (safer too) at the law courts car park (opposite the International hse, next to Hilton) Please remember to always negotiate the price. All items are usually overpriced even for the locals! I’d advice anyone to learn a few Swahili words for instance ‘Hapana’ which means No. The locals rarely use the word ‘Jambo’ as it’s always the word nearly all the tourists know. When greeting someone I’d recommend the word ‘Habari’ which you respond by saying ‘Mzuri’ Your stay in Nairobi will not be complete without visiting the Karen Blixen Museum or the Elephant Sanctuary (rescues the orphaned baby elephants... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Few
Disadvantages: Fear of crime

...Nairobi sprawls around a fairly compact centre. Sadly, it has become a rather dangerous and decrepit place. Even near the centre of town, roads have lost their surface. The posh hotels contrast starkly with the orphans wandering round outside them sniffing petrol, and it is inadvisable to wander in town after dark - locals advise white visitors to avoid some areas, such as River Road, completely. The "Rough Guide to Kenya" is a worthwhile investment - its advice matched that received from friends in Nairobi itself. Still, Nairobi has its attractions. Some interesting architecture, and the museums, although small, are worth a visit. Perhaps the best place to visit is the safari park - I can't comment on the Snake Park near the museum as the sound of it was enough to dissuade me from going. Another place to visit is the shell of the co... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful