Part 1: Big Cities
It is often hard to pick favourites, but when it comes to countries, Kenya is the undisputed winner for me. I've visited this African nation twice, and it's instilled a fascination with the continent as a whole in me. I'll be breaking this country down into several sections. First, let's focus on the two major cities of Kenya - Nairobi and Mombasa.
If you're travelling to Kenya, it's pretty likely that you'll at least pass through the capital Nairobi. It's a sprawling metropolis of over 4 million people, and may challenge your preconceptions about urban Africa. It's true, Kenya is a developing country, and there are slums; Kibera (pictured below) is actually the largest urban slum in Africa.
However, the capital has so much more to offer. Its downtown district is home to bustling, palm-lined boulevards and shimmering glass skyscrapers (some of the tallest buildings on the African continent). Central Nairobi has many nice hotels to stay in, and though it retains a beautiful African charm, it seems a very modern city.
In the suburbs, you can find arguably one of the best and most memorable restaurants in the world; the famous Carnivore, also known as the "Beast of a Feast". This all-you-can-eat meat buffet not only serves beef, pork and chicken but also the likes of crocodile, ostrich and... ox testicles, if they're to your liking. Surprisingly enough, there are vegetarian options.
Here's a video I took of the fiery red charcoal pit in the centre of the restaurant.
Nairobi is also unique in that it's the only city in the world which has a national park inside its urban area. In Nairobi National Park, you can see the Big Five Game - lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos and leopards less than an hour's drive away from the airport!
I haven't been inside the park personally (though I've driven past it quite a few times), but if you're just quickly passing through then Nairobi NP is the perfect way to get a taste of Kenya's animal riches. Here's a map of the attractions I've mentioned:
I'll also briefly touch on Mombasa, the second-most populous city in the country. Situated on the Indian Ocean, Mombasa is an ancient precolonial city whose strategic location has made it the third-largest port in sub-Saharan Africa. It has a charming old town painted blue and yellow and a crumbling Renaissance fortress, but unfortunately I am yet to explore these parts.
In the few days I spent in Mombasa several years ago, I only really got a taste of the seaside hotels of the city; nevertheless, the beaches I saw were some of the most beautiful I've ever visited. I recommend Diani Beach, a sprawling white strip of sugary sand which is often called the best beach in Africa.
So, there's what I have to say on the cities of Kenya, my favourite country. My next post will be a big one, looking at many of the jaw-dropping wildlife havens in this African gem, followed by a post on general travel trips for Kenya to round up the trilogy.
I hope you've enjoyed reading this, and that this has given you a newfound appreciation for Kenya.
Comments
Post a Comment