Until the late 19th century, Nairobi was a swampy waterhole frequented by Maasai cattle and opportunistic lions. It is now a thriving capital and base from which to access Kenya's safari parks.

NAIROBI - The Safari Capital of Kenya

Until the late 19th century, Nairobi was a swampy waterhole frequented by Maasai cattle and opportunistic lions. It only matured into a city because it was half way along the 'Lunatic Line' - a railway from Kenya's coast to Uganda, started by the British in the race to colonize Africa. From a tented encampment, it developed into a substantial town and by 1905 the bank listed its clients as, "A mixed lot of merchants, railway employees, settlers, army officers and a windmill expert!"It is now a thriving capital and base from which to access Kenya's safari parks. The closest is Nairobi National Park and while driving through this charming park, you can see black rhinos and herds of zebra grazing in front of a city skyline.