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Attractions in Nairobi County

7. Nairobi Tented Camp

Singular at the Nairobi Tented Camp, established in 2010, is that it is the only tented safari destination set within the Nairobi National Park. Bedizened for comfort and luxury, within the riverine habitat of Kisembe River, its 9-tented camps, dining and lounge tents are all crafted to complement the authenticity of the safari experience. The day in Nairobi Tented Camp starts with a freshly brewed hot drink brought to your tent before setting off for that famous safari tradition – an early morning game drive.  Be lucky enough to catch the first rays of early morning sun as they burn off the night dust of dew stirring the plains game gently to life. Visitors also enjoy game drives in the park, sun-downers, trips to David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center. It is accessed via Mbagathi Gate (near Multimedia University) on Langata Road and Magadi Roads and about 18 kms from Nairobi City or 11.5 kms from KWS Headquarter.

It is the first accommodation of any sort to be allowed in this unique safari destination [Nairobi National Park]. There isn’t anywhere else in the world like it; a wilderness escape where you can savour the thrill of camping in the heart of thick bushland right on the doorstep of Nairobi.

8. Emakoko Lodge

The boutique 10-rooms Emakoko Lodge is situated on a pleasing promontory in the southeast area of Nairobi National Park overlooking Mbagathi River and the wildlife rich plains. This modish lodge is built on two levels, with five rooms in the upper level built into the cliff face – “the climb to the upper rooms is worth it for the spectacular views”. Just a short walk from the lodge sits the Leopard Cliff Observation Point which serves as a useful vantage to eyeshot wildlife and appreciate the beauty of these plains. To the north, the county is open acacia savanna grassland strewn with combretum bush. The concept for the Emakoko Lodge was the brainchild of Anthony and Emma Childs – the hosts – to offers an exclusive and personal environment where guests can enjoy the beauty of this area; with the city’s amenities only a stone’s throw away. The Emakoko Lodge is found 33 kms from Nairobi along C58 Langata-Kiserian-Magadi Road.

9. Carnivore Nairobi

If a visit to the Nairobi National Park tickles your fancy for some game meat, few restaurants are a cut above the fine experience set up at Carnivore Nairobi, near Nairobi National Park. Spectacularly dubbed the “Beast of a Feast”, this offers a variety of meats including ostrich, crocodile and camel, all roasted over charcoal and carved at your tableside; complemented by an assortment of side dishes and sauces. The feeding frenzy does not stop until the defeat is declared by the guests who signal that enough is enough by lowering the white paper flag perched atop the central tray. This feast is followed by dessert and coffee. “The Carnivore Nairobi opened its doors in September 1980 to instant success. The food, service and atmosphere were strikingly different from anything in Kenya and has since played hosts to over two million customers from the across the globe”. It is found near Wilson Airport along Langata and Langata Links Roads.

10. Langata GP Karting

Langata GP Karting is a sure bet if you want to spin some laps in Nairobi. No racing licence is required to enjoy the 450 ms track with a mixture of long, fast and looping corners. You simply arrive and drive. Karting is open to ages five and above, and the ten-minutes sessions, which can be staggered into two-five minutes sessions, remedy the need-for-speed both for the young and old. The facility boasts over 30 electric karts which can reach 50 kph along the straights. The Saturday Nights Racing Series treats the more severe competitor cases in a first-rate tournament setting. A computerized split-second timing system keeps track of all the race times. In between races, guests can enjoy food and drinks at the Sports Bar and Restaurant, or have a go at the paintball war area to fight it out in colour. Langata GP Karting is located along Langata Links Road close to Nairobi Carnivore. For more information get in-touch at info@gpkarting.co.ke

11. Langata Rifles

Opposite the turnoff to Langata Links Road that takes to Carnivore Nairobi and Langata GP Karting is Nairobi Dam Road, which terminates near Nairobi Dam and Langata Rifles. Officially known as the Kenya Regiment Rifle Club, it was founded in 1952 to fashion shooting as a sport in Kenya. “Shooting sports which is fast gaining popularity among the elite civilian gun holders, hunters, police, military and military reservists is both a competitive and recreational activity meant to impact licensed gun holders with skills and expertise on gun usage in various instances” – Standard Media. The range is also open to walk-in guests looking for a high-adrenaline thrill of firing a hand-gun. It is one of few places in Kenya to admit civilians to fire weapons. Langata Rifles features two ranges – an indoor range used for short arms and an outdoor shooting range. The club also blooms competitive shooting or weapons defense training.  Safety is key at Langata Rifles and every visitor is assigned an instructor to lead them through their shooting drills. It is found 500 ms from Langata Road, near Nairobi Dam.

12. Uhuru Gardens

Just a short distance from Langata Links Road turnoff, on the piece of land separating Carnivore Nairobi with Langata Road, sits Uhuru Gardens – one of the most important historical and heritage sites in Nairobi. It was at the Uhuru Gardens at midnight on December 12, 1963, where Kenya’s first flag flew and its anthem first heard, to a 40,000 strong jubilant and cheerful crowd that filled it to overflowing to mark the nation’s wend to sovereignty, as the instruments of power (constitution and a sword) changed hands. Uhuru Gardens has a notable collection of distinguished monuments to include the two monuments paying homage to Kenya’s self-rule, and a symbolic Mugumo (fig) tree planted on the spot where the Union Jack was lowered and replaced by the Kenyan flag. Uhuru is Swahili equivalent of freedom. Uhuru Gardens also doubles as a recreational outdoor park, open daily at 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, under the aegis of the National Museums of Kenya. It was gazetted as a National Monument in 1966 owing to its incomparable history. Future tributes include a Mashujaa or Heroes Corner.