A day out in downtown nairobi
We are always on the look out for unique activities and places, something fun and ‘out of the box’. When it comes the road less travelled in Nairobi, we’ve found something very special – Nai Nami.
A fantastical guided walk through the streets of ‘down town’ Nairobi. Guided by ex-gangsters and street boys, it’s a completely different take on a normal city tour. Away from the typical tourist attractions within the city, walk through the hustle and bustle of Bus Station or B.S, to the entrepreneurial River Road and everything in-between. Learn along the way how the city really works, hear stories of friendship and survival. By no means is this a slum tour, it’s led by genuine, honest people who want to share their stories with you.
Starting off outside the Hilton hotel, meet your crew and begin! First through busy streets full of busy people, you come across the US Embassy Bombing Memorial (the only typically ‘touristy’ site along the way), through to Bus Stop - showcasing the complete organised chaos Nairobi is famous for – the colours of the stalls, goods flowing against the gush of graffitied buses as they pass by, exotic fruits and vegetables sold to weary travelers on the curb side, porters transporting their large and unusual cargos across a maze of people and kiosks. The cigarette man, a popular spot, selling single cigarettes to passers-by who need a break from the throngs of people and the heat. Smoking is illegal in some areas of the city, so many take a quick break under his wind-swept umbrella.
Leaving the mayhem off the bus stage behind, we moved down to Forest Lane, equally as busy, people are moving with a purpose, they have places to be! With a car spare-part shop almost the entire length of the street, it’s the perfect spot if you are on the lookout for any spare car part imaginable.
Across the Nairobi River next, which unfortunately to say it still looks ready to dissolve anything it come into contact with (except of course plastic bags). Led up to a Karikor market, a sprawling hub of goods and crafts, here you have the chance to grab a few bits/bobs, a far cheaper option than the popular Maasai Markets or Curio Shops. Along the way, pass vendors selling everything from old phone batteries, phone chargers, cases, memory cards, batteries, baby strollers, blenders, irons, washing machines…you can get your hands on everything and anything! All repurposed and ready to use!
Continuing through the dust and head, passing everyday Nairobians going along their day, we stop off for sodas and a snack at a kibanda (local café) on the edge of Globe Roundabout.
Sitting here, we get the chance to chat ‘names…of guides’… and get to know more about them a little better. XXX used to be in the Soko Rescue Team! We hear about the politics of the city and the country…a favorite topic wherever you come from, we also took the chance to brush up on our Nairobi slang, known as sheng! Even with the limited time you sat here, you get a sense of community of the city, people passing by, wave and acknowledge one another, an unusual habit in most capital cities.
The Kibanda was decorated with hilarious religious artwork and repurposed computers as flower pot, it gives a glimpse of the ingenuity of the city and it’s people.
Circling back up to the CBD, the walk took about three hours, paired off with one of the guides, you walk as you hear their stories and learn about their lives – it’s eye opening and humbling experience but also encouraging too hear how these young Nairobians are helping and trying to change Nairobi for the better and welcome you into their world – even if only for three hours.
On our travels… check out our Instagram to see more of what we get up to
