Betty's Guidebook to sweet spots near The Sweet Spot
Sightseeing
"Boma" is the Kiswahili word for homestead so at "Bomas" as we locals affectionately call it, you will find Kenya's 40+ tribes in miniature format, letting you see the wonderful diversity of cultures that make up this fascinating country. Admire cultural regalia and costumes, stroll around a "village" and don't miss the traditional dances and acrobatic shows from 2.30pm - 4.00pm on weekdays, and 3.30pm - 5.15pm on weekends and public holidays. It's just 5.5.km from you, or a short 14 minute drive.
94 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bomas de Kenia
"Boma" is the Kiswahili word for homestead so at "Bomas" as we locals affectionately call it, you will find Kenya's 40+ tribes in miniature format, letting you see the wonderful diversity of cultures that make up this fascinating country. Admire cultural regalia and costumes, stroll around a "village" and don't miss the traditional dances and acrobatic shows from 2.30pm - 4.00pm on weekdays, and 3.30pm - 5.15pm on weekends and public holidays. It's just 5.5.km from you, or a short 14 minute drive.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a world-famous conservancy started for elephants but now extending to other baby orphans. Started by the tenacious Dame Daphne Sheldrick and her family, with love for Kenya and it's natural heritage of wildlife, it is one of the world's most successful animal orphan-rescue programmes. Be prepared to fall in love with the adorable calves and don't be surprised if you end up adopting one (or more) on the spot. Enjoy the fact that there's no discrimination against other animals, so besides elephants, you may just get to frolic with a giraffe, rhino, or warthog. Since you will be able to get very up close, this is an experience not to miss, especially for children and animal-lovers. Open visiting time is just one hour daily from 11am-12noon, with private viewing from 5pm-6pm, but by prior booking only. Contact them early to book/enquire as space can be limited. It's conveniently located within the neighbourhood, about 10km away, or a 20-40 min drive from here. Simply leave in good time to beat traffic and the crowds, and see how all that planning will be well worth it.
76 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Orfanato de elefantes y rinocerontes Sheldrick
off Magadi RdThe David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a world-famous conservancy started for elephants but now extending to other baby orphans. Started by the tenacious Dame Daphne Sheldrick and her family, with love for Kenya and it's natural heritage of wildlife, it is one of the world's most successful animal orphan-rescue programmes. Be prepared to fall in love with the adorable calves and don't be surprised if you end up adopting one (or more) on the spot. Enjoy the fact that there's no discrimination against other animals, so besides elephants, you may just get to frolic with a giraffe, rhino, or warthog. Since you will be able to get very up close, this is an experience not to miss, especially for children and animal-lovers. Open visiting time is just one hour daily from 11am-12noon, with private viewing from 5pm-6pm, but by prior booking only. Contact them early to book/enquire as space can be limited. It's conveniently located within the neighbourhood, about 10km away, or a 20-40 min drive from here. Simply leave in good time to beat traffic and the crowds, and see how all that planning will be well worth it.
Historical
If you saw the film "Out of Africa," you cannot, cannot, cannot miss Karen Blixen's very own home, now preserved as a museum of the same name. Even if you didn't see the movie, this is worth a visit at least for the charm, historical legacy, beautiful grounds and magnificent views of Ngong' Hills, reminiscent of the scene in the movie where she would watch for her lover, Dennis Finch-Hatton's aeroplane soaring over the hills...might make you want to see the film. Don't miss the coffee shop with the English cream and feather-light muffins. High tea anyone?
It's just 4.1km from us, or a 10 - 15 min drive, and is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
150 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Karen Blixen
Karen RoadIf you saw the film "Out of Africa," you cannot, cannot, cannot miss Karen Blixen's very own home, now preserved as a museum of the same name. Even if you didn't see the movie, this is worth a visit at least for the charm, historical legacy, beautiful grounds and magnificent views of Ngong' Hills, reminiscent of the scene in the movie where she would watch for her lover, Dennis Finch-Hatton's aeroplane soaring over the hills...might make you want to see the film. Don't miss the coffee shop with the English cream and feather-light muffins. High tea anyone?
It's just 4.1km from us, or a 10 - 15 min drive, and is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Artisanal
"Kazuri" means small and beautiful in Kiswahili and this quaint little ceramics bazaar has delightful pieces of jewellery, crockery, and accessories (beaded scarves, purses etc), all locally-made right at their on-site ceramics shop. Started in 1975, this Kenyan enterprise provides employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of society and directly benefits the community and economy. I recommend this particular location because it is their factory shop, prices are attractive, and the variety of stock is much broader. Just 4.5km or a 10 minute drive away from us, this is a fantastic place to buy unique souvenirs, gifts, or collector's items, while supporting locals. Open Monday - Saturday, 8.30am - 6.00pm.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kazuri Beads
90 Langata Road"Kazuri" means small and beautiful in Kiswahili and this quaint little ceramics bazaar has delightful pieces of jewellery, crockery, and accessories (beaded scarves, purses etc), all locally-made right at their on-site ceramics shop. Started in 1975, this Kenyan enterprise provides employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of society and directly benefits the community and economy. I recommend this particular location because it is their factory shop, prices are attractive, and the variety of stock is much broader. Just 4.5km or a 10 minute drive away from us, this is a fantastic place to buy unique souvenirs, gifts, or collector's items, while supporting locals. Open Monday - Saturday, 8.30am - 6.00pm.
Wildlife
As I'm sure you've heard before, Nairobi is the only city in the world where you can see wildlife in their natural habitat, right within the city limits. This is just one of many game reserves in Kenya and is a short drive from your stay. Wide open grass plains are set against the backdrop of city scrapers and you can see endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife. For logistics and tours see: http://www.kws.go.ke/parks/nairobi-national-park, or my very helpful tour guide, Eric, is a man-with-a-van and will get you to all the best views.
Open daily from 6am - 6 pm.
420 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Nacional de Nairobi
Animal Orphanage RoadAs I'm sure you've heard before, Nairobi is the only city in the world where you can see wildlife in their natural habitat, right within the city limits. This is just one of many game reserves in Kenya and is a short drive from your stay. Wide open grass plains are set against the backdrop of city scrapers and you can see endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife. For logistics and tours see: http://www.kws.go.ke/parks/nairobi-national-park, or my very helpful tour guide, Eric, is a man-with-a-van and will get you to all the best views.
Open daily from 6am - 6 pm.
Though this comes up as zoo, don't be fooled; the occupants are in enclosures but that's as close as it gets to a zoo. As the name suggests the Animal Orphanage is where orphaned, injured or abandoned animals, mostly young, are cared for with the hopes of being released back into the wild. Depending on timings, you may have the fun of seeing a rhino being fed his evening snack and tucked into bed by his keeper - yes, as cute as it sounds. There is a wide variety of other animals too including the various "big cats," hoof-and-horn owners, and fine-feathered bird life. The Safari Walk (a type of sky bridge) offers an amazing, elevated viewing of everything. It is connected to the Nairobi National Park and it's possible to do the two together, especially if you start early.
Open from 9am - 5pm daily.
72 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Orfanato de animales de Nairobi
Langata RoadThough this comes up as zoo, don't be fooled; the occupants are in enclosures but that's as close as it gets to a zoo. As the name suggests the Animal Orphanage is where orphaned, injured or abandoned animals, mostly young, are cared for with the hopes of being released back into the wild. Depending on timings, you may have the fun of seeing a rhino being fed his evening snack and tucked into bed by his keeper - yes, as cute as it sounds. There is a wide variety of other animals too including the various "big cats," hoof-and-horn owners, and fine-feathered bird life. The Safari Walk (a type of sky bridge) offers an amazing, elevated viewing of everything. It is connected to the Nairobi National Park and it's possible to do the two together, especially if you start early.
Open from 9am - 5pm daily.