Founded in 1899 as a crossroads, Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and the most populous city in East Africa. Cheap flights to Nairobi will land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The terminal has three units: two for international flights and one for domestic. Which unit you use depends on which airline you took for your flight to Nairobi. There are several restaurants in the airport, including the Simba. Available rental car agencies include Avis and Budget, and there are at least three different taxi services that can take you wherever you need to go after arriving from your Nairobi flight.
Most places in Nairobi are accessible by foot, but you can also rent a car or take a taxi. If you choose to drive, be sure to note that the traffic can be somewhat daunting, so you should be cautious and familiarize yourself with traffic laws before you begin. Taxis are an easier option, but they can be expensive. There are many bus lines and travellers are advised to check with hotel staff to make sure they get the right one. Tourists who want a more exciting mode of transportation can take a matatu, which is a mini-bus or a truck with a cover. They are inexpensive and taking one is an adventure in itself.
Having hopped on a cheap flight to Nairobi, you'll find that there are many interesting things to do, including visiting the National Museum. It contains exhibits of national and historical significance, one of which is a series of paintings by Joy Adamson, author of Born Free. Make your airfares to Nairobi worthwhile and visit the only wilderness area located in a capital city, the Nairobi National Park. The park was recently designated a rhinoceros preserve. The Riuki Cultural center provides visitors with insights into local culture, including samples of native food and drink.
Like any other major city, you can find all kinds of shops, but a few notable ones are the Masai Market where you can buy native arts and crafts. You might also enjoy Spinner's Web, where native crafts are also sold, but they are displayed in Western-style rooms so that you can see how you might integrate them into your own decor. For dining, try the Carnivore, one of the best-known nyama choma restaurants in town. Or if you prefer more diverse fare, The Phoenician offers Mediterranean food with a large variety of appetizers. After your meal, visit Bomas of Kenya for live performances of native and traditional dance. For modern music, the Simba Saloon or Bar Code offer live music late into the night.