Cities in Kenya

A Tale Of Three Cities

From the coastal town of Mombasa to the metropolis of Nairobi, the cities in Kenya reflect its multi-faceted culture and legacies handed down from tribesmen to colonialists.

Nairobi

138 kilometres South of the Equator, and one mile above sea level, Nairobi has become one of the largest cities in Kenya with a population well over 2 million and growing. The cosmopolitan racial mix of Nairobi includes Indians and Arabs as well as native Africans and peoples of European descent.

Nairobi was built by British colonials about one hundred years ago. Today it is a modern metropolis teeming with life and commercial activity. For visitors to Nairobi, there are lots of things to do here that we have come to expect in large cities; fine restaurants, abundant nightlife, markets and museums. The Kenya Railway Museum is located here, as well as the Arboretum which contains a magnificent collection of East African plants.

Because Nairobi is a central location in Kenya, it is often the start and end point of Safari’s that take off in many different directions across the country. But you don’t have to go far to reach the Nairobi National Park and start your wildlife viewing experience.

Mombasa

Mombasa is a historic town on Kenya’s Eastern coast. It offers many attractions for tourists, including beaches with soft sand, deep sea fishing and multiple water sports. Tourists can enjoy Mombasa’s many hotels or camp in the area. No matter where you choose to stay, make sure you enjoy everything Mombasa has to offer, from tasty seafood delicacies, fresh from the Indian Ocean, to casinos and night clubs to entertain you and the romance of the sunset over the Kenyan coast.

Mombasa is one of the largest cities in Kenya. In addition to the beaches, you will enjoy a variety of other interesting sights, such as the Gedi Ruins, a town built entirely from stone, where Swahili people fell under the rule of an Arab Sultan.

Fort Jesus, located near Old Town, was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. Inside you will see the torture rooms and prison cells used to hold captives on their way to slavery in the West.

Kisumu

Close to Lake Victoria, another of the large cities in Kenya, Kisumu, has a very different feel from Nairobi. Kisumu is in Western Kenya. Kisumu’s Hippo Point looks out over Lake Victoria offering splendid views, particularly at sun down. Here you will have a chance to catch up on email in one of the Internet cafés, and enjoy the freshly prepared Tilapia caught in Lake Victoria.

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