Nairobi

The world's only national park adjacent to a capital city, the Nairobi National Park is the place where you get to spot the beasts of the Big Five while a metropolis' skyline is spreading across the horizon. Of all national parks, it is renowned for its diverse bird fauna, remarkable black rhino population, and a historic ivory burning site.

David Sheldrick's conservation centre has been in the mission of wildlife protection since 1977, and is home to hundreds of elephant and rhino orphans, continuously growing in number. Here you'll not only get a unique insight into wildlife habitat of East Africa, but can also learn about the the moving story of each member of this big trunked family.

Originally founded in 1907 with the aim of planting exotic trees to meet the growing construction demand, the Nairobi Arboretum is now a pleasant hangout spot in the heart of the city, right next to the State House. Practice some yoga, or take a stroll and try to spot the vervet monkey or the three-horned chameleon!

Founded in 1977 to protect and breed the Rothschild giraffe indigenous to East Africa, AFEW's (Africa Fund for Endangered Wildlife) Giraffe Centre has become one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya, with a lot to offer to its visitors, from giraffe feeding to a nature trail with a whopping number of birds along the way—and an on-site lodge if you feel you can't get enough.

If you are looking for a short getaway from ever-bustling Nairobi, the freshwater lake 1884 metres high in the Great Rift Valley awaits you with a scenic lake view, but do expect crowds: hippos and flamingos too love to gather here! Once there, make sure you join a water safari.