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Nairobi off The Beaten Track Experience

Nairobi otherwise known as the “Green City in the sun”, is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. Is a bustling metropolis offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and economic significance.

Known as the Safari Capital of Africa, been the only Capital City with a National Park, Nairobi has a lot more to offer as listed below:

GALLERIES

  1. THE KAREN VILLAGE-
  2. Located in the leafy suburbs of Karen. This is a vibrant cultural & heritage center focusing on promoting local African talent.
  3. The village is home to numerous local Artisans & entrepreneurs. They include, painters, Sculptors, glass artists and fashion designers.
  4. The village also has workshops and exhibitions.
  • KITENGELA GLASS.
  • Located near the vibrant town of Ongata Rongai, Kitengela glass offers unique and artistic creations made from recycled glass.
  • They specialize in handmade blown glass, cast glass creating a variety of items.
  • You may get a range of exciting experiences including glassblowing demos and an opportunity of putting your artistic skills to test by creating your own glass piece!
  • ONE OFF CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY.
  • This is a renowned Art space located in the \Rosslyn Lone Tree Estate just beyond Village Market.
  • The gallery is a significant platform for contemporary African art since its inception.
  • It offers Art Exhibitions with a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures and mixed media pieces by both established and emerging artists
  • In addition to the indoor gallery, there’s a beautiful sculpture garden that ads to the artistic ambience.
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  • THE TRIBAL GALLERY.
  • This is a unique home interiors and Art company located in the lush greenery of Loresho Ridge.
  • From creating bespoke, hand-crafted furniture made of upcycled dhow wood and other sustainable materials to showcasing Art and décor of contemporary African art, ceramics, glassware and textiles.
  • The space offers a magical and wonderful space to explore and appreciate Art and design.

LOCAL COMMUNITY BASED TOURS

  1. NAI NAMI TOURS
  2. In this 3-hour story telling tour of the city of Nairobi, get to experience the “Real Nairobi”. You get to know Nairobi beyond its history. Get to know the Nairobi culture; this is a different way to discover the city under the sun.
  • ONE HORIZON AFRICA
  • With offices located on The Green House, Ngong Road. They offer cultural tours which provide travelers with deep insights into the lives of everyday Kenyans.
  • They also offer numerous programs aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable communities.
  • Their approach to tourism ensures that it has a positive social, economic an environmental impact.
  • EXPLORE KIBERA TOUR
  • A Kibera tour offers a unique and eye-opening reality of life in one of Africa’s largest urban informal settlements.
  • The tour is typically guide by a local who has grown up in Kibera offering an authentic perspective of the community.
  • The tour often includes interaction with residents giving you a chance to hear their stories and learn about their daily lives.
  • You can choose to visit the local open-air markets, local bead makers and community projects such as schools and orphanages.
  • This experience provides an opportunity to appreciate a resilient and creative people of Kibera.

MUSEUMS

  1. THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KENYA
  2. Located just outside the city centre, Kenya’s National Museum is housed in a building amid lush and leafy grounds. Aside from the various cultural and natural history exhibits, there is a life-size of pachyderm celebrity “Ahmed” an elephant that became a symbol of poaching crisis in the 1980’s.
  3. There is also an exhibit of the Birds of East Africa, great hall of mammals, cradle of humanity exhibition with Hominid Skull Room been the highlight.
  4. If you are in for an adrenaline rush, consider visiting the Snake Park within the museum too!
  • THE AFRICAN HERITAGE HOUSE
  •  This architectural master piece contains invaluable private collection of African paintings, sculpture and precious artefacts.
  • One can also breakfast, lunch and dinners on the rooftop or by the refreshing pool as you enjoy the excellent views of Nairobi National Park. Entry fee:

BEER BREWING AND GIN DISTILLERY TOURS.

  1. SHAGALABAGALA
  2. A hidden gem located in the leafy suburb of Karen. It combines a classic Cape Dutch farmhouse with a fully-functioning gin distillery offering a unique, exciting and memorable experience.
  3. You will enjoy a tour of gin distillery where you can learn about the process of gin making and participate in the tasting.
  4. Enjoy a relaxed time in the attractive gardens of the farmhouse. This spot offers a mix of relaxation, learning and exploration!
  • 254 BREWING CO./ THE TAP ROOM
  • This is a popular craft brewery based in Levilla Gardens Kikuyu. They offer a variety of naturally clarified, small- batch craft beers made with over 20 specially selected malts.
  • You will have a tour of the brewing process after which you will have an opportunity of a tasting flight, tasting up to 5 malts of fresh beers straight from the tap.
  • It is good to note that they also have a gluten free beer specially for gluten intolerant individuals.

TEA AND COFFEE ROASTERS.

  1. KIAMBETHU TEA FARM
  2. This is a place of tranquillity not far from the city. On the lush gardens and over a cup of freshly made tea one is provided with a serene intuition into life on tea farm.
  3. The tea making process is explained on a layman’s language followed by an opportunity to see the tea plantation and may be try your hand in tea picking. It’s good to note that Kenyan tea is renowned around the world!
  • FAIRVIEW COFFEE FARM
  • For any coffee lovers, this will be a great day out at a coffee farm. With breath-taking landscapes, this nearly 100 acres’ farm gives you a unique opportunity to understand how coffee is grown, learning about the production process and the highlight is getting an opportunity of tasting a couple of Fairview’s renowned brands.

NAIROBI FOOD JOINTS

Nairobi is also accredited for its delicious cuisines both local and international platters.

Try out finger licking dishes at;

  1. Ankole Grill – Enjoy the real African experience with savoury meals, great portions and excellent ambience
  2. Ashaki Place – A remarkable dining experience. Get to taste the authentic Kenya grill “nyama”
  3. Pallet Café –A garden Café located in Lavington, serving delicious, healthy and fresh meals whilst training and supporting people with hearing impairments.

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