There are always question marks over the security of Nairobi, and whilst it is true that walking around the city at night should be avoided, the daytime is not so restrictive, with security patrols making it easier to explore, sightsee and shop in the city, whilst exercising usual caution. The area of Karen is more upmarket and generally very safe, with larger houses and tree-lined, wide streets with country house hotels.
The Karen Blixen Museum is often a point of interest and a well-run homage to the author of ‘Out of Africa’ and Karen herself lived here between 1914 and 1931. The museum contains artefacts like the original gramophone Blixen used to play Mozart and the estate grounds, which replicate an early 20th Century coffee plantation.
The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife’s Giraffe Centre offers yet more wildlife appeal, and was established to protect the Rothschild Giraffes and to educate people on the conservation of these popular animals.
Nairobi National Park is Kenya’s first national park, and whilst most people will be venturing to some of Kenya’s world-renowned parks, this is still home to herds of zebra, giraffe and Big Five animals and is largely overlooked.