Dubbed the 'Safari Capital of the World,' cosmopolitan Nairobi is the natural departure point for most safari itineraries, indeed nearly all the famous safaris of colonial history set off from Nairobi.

However, before you set off on your safari you might like to spend a few days relaxing and discovering some of the many treasures of this surprising city.

Grand City Tour
Our experienced guides will take you on the grand tour of the many landmarks with which this historic African city abounds. They include the fascinating Railway Museum, the newly opened Safari Walk in Nairobi's extensive and often overlooked Game Park, numerous charming old colonial buildings and the more recent 'sights' such as the Houses of Parliament and the mausoleum of Kenya's founding father, Jomo Kenyatta.

Karen Blixen Museum
At the foot of the blue-tinged Ngong Hills is the house where Karen Blixen once lived and about which she wrote her famous book, 'Out of Africa.' The grey stone house, redolent of colonial times, stands in rambling gardens with a glorious view up to the hills where Karen's lover, Denis Finch Hat ton, lies buried. And, if you listen hard enough, you can still catch the strains of Mozart from the wind-up phonograph out on the veranda.

Giraffe Center
At The Giraffe Centre, established in Nairopi's Langata suburb by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, you can stand on a wooden deck and stroke the velvet nose of a baby giraffe whilst learning about the endangered Rothschild giraffes.

Arts & Crafts Markets
The selection of arts, crafts, jewellery, accessories and fashion available in Nairobi is second to none whilst the ancient art of bargaining has attained almost cult status. Choose from the Maasai market offering fabulous beadwork and basketry to a broad selection of retail outlets ranging from the tiniest boutique to the massive City Market.

Carnivore Restaurant
No trip to Nairobi is complete without a visit to the world-famous Carnivore Restaurant where, in entirely unique surroundings, you can get your safari off to a really intrepid start with a famous' dawa' cocktail followed by such hunter's delights as: ostrich, eland and crocodile steaks seared over red-hot coals and served on sizzling skewers. While for the more faint hearted, there are some fine vegetarian choices too.

The Moonflower Restaurant
Only a few minutes from the city centre this charmingly appointed restaurant offers the unique combination of al fresco dining, blazing log fires, New York cocktails and a poolside barbecue. It also boasts a world-class menu featuring such delights as seafood fresh from the Indian Ocean, tailor-made sauces for the local game meat, a gourmet vegetarian line-up and some desserts of repute.

Nairobi National Park
Often passed over, but actually one of the most charming parks in the country, Nairobi National Park literally teems with game such as rhino, lion and giraffe. And so close is the park to the city centre that you can even take in a trip before breakfast. There's also the newly opened Safari Walk Animal Sanctuary and a complex of restaurants and shops to be enjoyed after you're through.

Golf, Polo, Racing…
If golf is your passion, look no further than the numerous golf courses with uniquely panoramic views whose manicured greens and rolling scenery you will find hard to beat. Nairobi also has one of the most glorious race-tracks in the world and offers a cornucopia of other sports that range from polo to go kart racing with just about everything else in between.