Nairobi: Melting pot of cultural heritage

There is never a dull moment in Enkare Nyirobi (place of cold waters in Maasai) as Nairobi was known more than a century ago. Here is a list of activities and places to look out for in the capital.

Nairobi National Park is the only Wildlife Part within the city offers a variety of wildlife, bird watching, and an excellent experience to see injured, orphaned and endangered animals being taken care of at the Nairobi orphanage. It also offers a nature walk on a raised boarded wooded board.

The nearby elephant orphanage offers lessons and presentations about the elephant as you watch the keepers feed, and take care of them.

The Giraffe Centre is another popular destination with schools and families. The centre offers visitors an up-close-and-personal interaction with the giraffes. Those who are bold get a chance to pat them and feed them. The giraffes are quite friendly.

Then there is Mamba Village. The centre stage of Karen has to-do activities, Nairobi's Mamba Village, is East Africa's largest crocodile farm. Apart from viewing the crocodiles being fed, and jumping in the air to grab large chunks of meat in a predetermined act, there are other activities such as boat riding, photoshoot sessions, or hosting events.

You can learn about Kenya's culture at Bomas of Kenya, Maasai bead making, and sustainable environment projects.

And the Oloolua Nature Trail and Ngong Picnic Site are perfect for a great experience with family or friends. Oloolua has a marked trail leading to a waterfall.

Not to forget the Karen Riding School, which offers lessons to those who love riding and train horses for horseracing at the Ngong Races or other racing events. You can watch races at Ngong Racecourse. For horse riding and tours of the outskirts of Nairobi and its environs through trails and picturesque views of the famous Ngong Hills, look for Mako Stable.

Then there is the Nairobi Archery Club, a unique facility and a popular weekend destination. If you are fun archery and want to watch or want to learn, this is the place to be.

If you're inclined towards more urban pastimes, you will be spoilt for choice with all the malls around. They offer activities such as kids tournaments, exhibitions, music/dancing lessons and events, art and Jazz and Zumba fitness.