Expansive savannas teeming with majestic wildlife, snow-capped mountains straddling the equator, and vibrant traditional communities that add soul and color to the land — welcome to Kenya.
Fort Jesus is a 16th-century fort and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the most visited attraction in Mombasa. Its thick walls, painted interiors, old European graffiti, Arabic writings, and Swahili designs tell the rich story of Mombasa’s past. Visitors can walk along the fort’s high walls and explore the peaceful, tree-shaded grounds.
The Portuguese built the fort in 1593 to show their power and stay permanently in this part of the Indian Ocean. But ironically, the fort also marked the beginning of the end of their rule here. From 1631 to the 1870s, the fort changed hands at least nine times — between Portuguese, Omani Arabs, and local Swahili fighters. Later, the British took control and used it as a jail. In 1960, it was opened as a museum.
The fort was designed by Giovanni Battista Cairati, a famous architect of that time. His work can also be seen in Old Goa. Fort Jesus was built with smart military design — so well-planned that no enemy could approach without coming under heavy fire.
Inside the fort, you’ll find Mazrui Hall, where beautiful spiral designs and carved wooden beams from Omani times still remain. Another room has old graffiti made by Portuguese sailors, showing ships from Europe, Arabic dhows, and traditional Swahili boats called mtepe. The Omani House, in the northwest part of the fort, has a small fishing dhow outside and displays of Omani jewellery, weapons, and more.
On the eastern side, you’ll see the Omani audience hall and the “Passage of the Arches”, which leads through coral walls to a beautiful view of the sea and sky.
In the middle of the fort, there’s a small museum that displays items from 42 Portuguese warships sunk during the Omani siege in 1697. You’ll find old jars, Persian charms, and Chinese porcelain — though sadly, most of the items are not well-labelled.
If you visit early in the day, you might miss the big tour groups. However, many guides — both official and unofficial — will approach you offering tours. Some are helpful, while others may not be. Official guides charge KSh1200 for a tour of Fort Jesus or Old Town. Unofficial ones may ask for any amount. If you’re not interested in a guided tour, just say a polite but firm “no”, or they might start talking and expect a tip. You can also buy a Fort Jesus guidebook at the ticket counter and explore on your own.
Located inside Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a non-profit organisation started in 1977, soon after the death of David Sheldrick. He was the chief anti-poaching officer at Tsavo National Park. Along with his wife Daphne, he developed special methods to care for orphaned elephants and black rhinos, helping them return to the wild. The trust still works closely with Tsavo and is now one of Nairobi’s top tourist spots.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Visitors are allowed in at 11am, and guided to a small viewing area near a muddy waterhole. Soon, like a mini parade, the caretakers arrive with a group of baby elephants. First, you’ll see the caretakers feeding them milk with bottles — a very touching moment.
After feeding, the baby elephants play around joyfully. Some may come close to the visitors, even rubbing against you! They also enjoy their mud bath during this time, which is fun to watch and perfect for taking photos — just be careful, they might splash some mud your way using their trunks!
While the elephants are playing, the keepers share stories about each baby elephant, how they were rescued, and what the trust is doing to protect wildlife. You can also “adopt” one of the baby elephants, and if you do, you may visit again at 5pm when your adopted elephant comes back to the shelter. This needs to be booked in advance.
Other Animals at the Trust
The centre also takes care of orphaned rhinos. These rhinos, like the elephants, often go out into the national park during the day. One special rhino, Maxwell, is blind and lives safely in a large enclosure.
How to Get There
By public transport: Take bus or matatu number 125 or 126 from Moi Avenue. Ask to get down at the KWS central workshop on Magadi Road (around KSh80, 50 minutes). From there, it’s a 1 km walk to the Sheldrick Centre. Just follow the signs or ask the KWS staff.
By taxi: From Nairobi city centre, a taxi will cost around KSh1500 to KSh2000.
Please note: The walk from the gate to the centre is inside the national park — there may be wild animals, so stay on the paths and follow instructions.
Nairobi National Park is a special place where you can enjoy a safari experience without leaving the city. It is one of the smallest national parks in Africa, covering 117 square kilometres, but it has plenty of wildlife. What makes it different is that you can see wild animals with Nairobi’s tall buildings and airplanes in the background. It is one of the only national parks in the world that borders a capital city. The animals seem completely used to the city nearby.
Nairobi National Park is often called Kifaru Ark. In Kiswahili, ‘kifaru’ means rhino. The park is known for having the world’s highest number of black rhinos in one area. Even though the park has strong protection, there were a few poaching incidents in 2013 and 2014 due to the high demand for rhino horn in the black market.
You can also spot lions, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, gazelles, buffaloes, and ostriches. With some luck and patience, you may even see cheetahs and leopards. The rangers at the entrance usually have the latest information about where animals were last seen, so it is a good idea to ask them.
The park is also home to wetland areas, which attract around 400 bird species – more than the total number of bird species found in the UK.
To visit the park, you can take matatu number 125 or 126 from the Nairobi train station. It costs around KSh50 and takes 30 to 45 minutes. You can also go by private vehicle. Many Nairobi tour companies offer half-day safaris starting from around US$75 per person.
There are three main gates to the park: the main gate, which is 7 kilometres from the city centre, the Magadi Road gate, and the Athi River gate, which is useful if you are travelling to Mombasa, Amboseli, or Tanzania. Most of the roads inside the park are okay for normal cars, but using a 4WD vehicle is better, especially during the rainy season.
If you are looking for a low-cost option, you can take the Kenya Wildlife Service shuttle bus. It leaves from the main gate at 2 pm on Sundays for a two-and-a-half-hour tour. You need to book in person by 1:30 pm. It is a good idea to call ahead to confirm the timing, as it may change.
The Nairobi National Museum is one of Kenya’s best places to learn about its rich history, culture, wildlife, and people. Located just outside the city centre, the museum sits in a large, peaceful compound with beautiful green gardens.
One of the first things visitors notice is the huge fibreglass model of Ahmed, a famous elephant who became a national symbol during the 1980s poaching crisis. President Jomo Kenyatta even placed him under 24-hour protection. You can find his model in the inner courtyard, near the museum shop.
Inside the museum, the journey begins in the Hall of Kenya. Here, you’ll see unique cultural items, like a special cloak made by the Kalenjin community using Sykes monkey skins, and a colourful map of Kenya made using real butterflies from across the country.
A nearby room houses the Birds of East Africa exhibit, which features over 900 stuffed bird specimens. This is followed by the Great Hall of Mammals, showcasing many stuffed animals found in Kenya. Next to it is the Cradle of Humankind section, which is one of the museum’s main highlights. It includes the Hominid Skull Room – a remarkable collection of ancient human skulls and fossils. It is considered one of the most important early human fossil collections in the world.
On the first floor, the Historia Ya Kenya exhibit gives a clear and thoughtful look at Kenya’s history, from ancient times to recent events. It presents Kenya’s perspective, offering a fresh take compared to older colonial-style histories.
Another room, called Cycles of Life, displays artefacts used by Kenya’s various communities, showing their traditions and daily life. There may also be a special exhibit of paintings by Joy Adamson, known for her portraits of Kenyan tribal people – this may become a permanent display.
If you want to learn more deeply about the exhibits or even visit the nearby Snake Park, you can take a tour with a volunteer guide. These guides usually wait near the entrances. Tours are offered in English, French, and sometimes other languages. There is no fixed fee, but giving a tip is appreciated.
Kaya Kinondo is a special forest deeply respected by the Digo people. It’s the only one among the sacred forests in the area that is open to visitors. Walking through this forest is more than just a nature trail – it’s a peaceful cultural journey, full of local traditions, history, and healing knowledge.
Before entering the forest, there are a few customs to follow. You must remove any head covering, avoid kissing inside the grove, and wrap a black kaniki (a traditional sarong) around your waist. You also need to be accompanied by a guide, who will help you understand the meaning of different trees and plants found here.
Inside the forest, there are 187 types of plants, many of which are used in traditional medicine. Some trees have interesting names and uses – like the ‘pimple tree’ known to treat acne, a palm tree believed to be over 1000 years old, and even a ‘Viagra tree’. You’ll also find coral stones and ancient fig trees, with thick vines that you can swing on like a jungle adventure.
One unique experience here is hugging a sacred tree to release your fears and worries – a quiet, calming moment for many. Don’t forget to tip your guide, as they share stories and knowledge passed down for generations.
Kaya forests were once the homes of the Mijikenda people – a group made up of nine tribes including the Digo, Giriama, and Duruma. Each tribe speaks its own language, but they all share a deep respect for the kaya, which were at the centre of their communities.
As you walk through Kaya Kinondo, you’ll feel the age of the place – many trees are nearly 600 years old. These forests are believed to be connected to the Mijikenda’s original homeland in southern Somalia. Cutting trees or even taking a leaf from the forest is strictly not allowed.
Apart from their spiritual importance, kaya forests like this one also protect rare plants and animals. Kaya Kinondo covers just 30 hectares but contains five plant species found nowhere else, and over 140 rare tree species. It’s like stepping into a living museum of nature.
The sacred kaya villages were built in clearings at the centre of the forest and were surrounded by layers of ritual protection. According to tradition, anyone trying to enter without permission could face magical illusions that made them lose their way.
Although many of these forests were left behind in the 1940s, and some of their traditions have faded due to modern religious beliefs, efforts are being made to preserve them. Kaya Kinondo is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site – a quiet forest where ancient trees still whisper stories of the past.
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is a wonderful place where fun meets conservation. It’s a unique experience, especially for animal lovers and families. Here, you can hand-feed the gentle Rothschild’s giraffes from a raised wooden platform, and if you’re feeling adventurous, even share a kiss with one of them! Watching these beautiful creatures up close is something you won’t forget. You might also spot a few warthogs wandering around the area, adding to the charm.
This centre has an inspiring story. It all began in 1979 when Jock Leslie-Melville and his wife Betty started caring for a baby giraffe in their home. At that time, Rothschild’s giraffes were nearly extinct, with only about 120 left in the wild. These giraffes are easy to identify – they don’t have markings below their knees, unlike other giraffe types.
Thanks to the work of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), which they founded, the number of Rothschild’s giraffes has now grown to over 300. Many have been successfully released into national parks such as Lake Nakuru, Mwea, Ruma, and Nasalot, helping to secure the future of this endangered species.
Apart from meeting giraffes, visitors can also enjoy a peaceful self-guided walk through the nearby Gogo River Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of birdlife.
Getting to the Giraffe Centre is easy. From central Nairobi, you can take matatu 24 via Kenyatta Avenue to the Hardy shops and walk from there. Another option is matatu 26 to Magadi Road, followed by a walk through Mukoma Road. If you prefer comfort, a taxi from the city centre will cost around KSh1500.
This is a must-visit spot in Nairobi where you can learn, laugh, and get eye-to-eye with one of Africa’s most iconic animals.
Located in a beautiful Swahili-style warehouse by the waterfront, this museum is the best in town and one of the finest in all of Kenya. It offers a fascinating introduction to Swahili culture and the history of the surrounding islands.
Inside, you’ll find displays on traditional boat-building techniques, local home life, wedding customs, and the stunningly detailed door carvings found in the region. These doors reflect various influences, including Swahili, Omani, Kijumwa, Swabu and Bajun styles. Be sure to take a look at the unique ceremonial siwa – side-blow horns made of ivory and brass – used during special occasions.
The museum also features rare photographs of traditional women’s clothing. While the modern bui-bui (a black full-body covering) may seem restrictive to some, the historic shiraa is even more unusual – a tent-like garment once worn by women, supported by a wooden frame held above the head.
Other highlights include artefacts from Swahili ruins and exhibits about the coastal region’s maritime traditions. One interesting display is the mtepe, a traditional boat sewn together with coir (coconut fibre). It’s believed to be inspired by the Prophet Mohammed’s camel, which is why it’s sometimes called the “camel of the sea.”
The museum also introduces you to three distinct communities from northeastern Kenya – the Pokomo, who fish in the Tana River delta; the Boni, who live close to the Somali border and are skilled hunters; and the Orma, known for their animal herding and cultural similarities to the Maasai.
Guides are available at the museum and will happily show you around and share stories – just remember to leave a tip at the end.
The Galana River flows through the heart of the park, marking the northernmost point that most visitors are allowed to explore. It’s formed by the meeting of the Tsavo and Athi Rivers and creates a lush, green line through the dry plains. Even though the area is full of wildlife, surprisingly few people make it this far. If you do, you might spot crocodiles, hippos, lesser kudus, waterbucks, dik-diks, and sometimes even lions and leopards. Keep an eye out for the unique Somali ostrich as well.
Along the flat-topped cliffs beside the river, there are a few places where you can safely step out of your vehicle – but always be careful. Two of the most beautiful spots are Lugards Falls, known for its water-carved channels and layered rocks, and Crocodile Point, where you can often see many crocodiles and hippos resting by the river.
There’s also a track that runs from Lugards Falls back to Voi, which follows the river and is a good route for spotting animals. However, after rain, the track can become very difficult to use.
North of the Galana River lies the Yatta Escarpment – a massive ancient lava flow. Some say it’s the longest in the world, stretching around 300km. This area is not open to regular visitors and can only be accessed with a special permit.
