As the capital of Kenya, Nairobi serves as the economic, administrative and cultural focal point of the country. This growing city is the third biggest in Africa behind only Cairo and Johannesburg. Kenya itself is known by some anthropologists as the 'cradle of humanity' and you can see some of that long history in Nairobi's museums.
The National Museum is one of the finest on the continent and is known for its display of early humans. It also features a variety of fossils, tribal artifacts and over 900 stuffed, mounted birds in their bird gallery. The National Archives are awash in Kenyan handicrafts as well as a collection of varied paintings and pictures of important figures from Kenya in their travels around the world.
Aside from being a cultural center, Nairobi also serves as the main hub for educational institutions in the country. The University of Nairobi is an excellent institution committed to teaching that is inspired and guided by African values. Other prestigious institutions in Nairobi are the United State International University and the Kenya Conservatoire of Music.
Another reason many students choose Nairobi is for the ability to explore the surrounding glories of Kenyan natural attractions. Kenya is famous for making 'safari' a well-known term. Within a twenty-minute drive of Nairobi are some of the country's largest game reserves and parks, mostly without fences. The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Giraffe Center allows visitors to feed the protected and rare Rothschilds giraffes. TheNairobi National Park was Kenya's first and is extremely close to the city.
Another interesting fact is that Nairobi actually has more species of birds living in it than any other capital city in the world. Kenya boasts five biosphere reserves as part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Program.
Perhaps one of the best arguments for visiting Nairobi, however, is the ability to see modern Africa in action. Nairobi moves. It demands your attention. That it has incredible historical, natural and cultural significance only adds to its charm.
