Nairobi Tourist Traps

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According to the certain internet sites, Nairobi is very dangerous place for the tourists, both during the day and night. As a metter of fact, there is official city site in which I found it is called Nairobbery. I've spend three days in Nairobi, strolling all over the city center and some of its outskirts, and didn't have any kind of encounter which might be considered inconvinient. Most of the people was friendly and polite, minding their own business.

Unique Suggestions: Most of the places change their faces during the night becoming less friendly, or perhaps it is just our imagination or predjudice. I was in couple of night-clubs, in the outskirt of Nairobi, but felt very safe there. What is in our nature that makes us feel scared when dark comes over the town? Is it something we barried in our minds when being kids, most likely.
In my country we use to say, "those who are looking for trouble will always find it", no metter if in Nairobi or somwhere else.

Fun Alternatives: Iwas suggested in my hotel not to take out my camera during the night because it might be robbed. That is the main reason why I didn't make any night-time picture of Nairobi. In my next visit, hopfully very soon, I'll surely do it.

When going on a packaged tour, your guide will stop you at several curio or souvenir shops along the way. Curio shops do sell some nice things to bring home as souvenirs from Kenya but beware the asking price.

Unique Suggestions: If you find the price is too high, bargain, bargain, bargain!! The people are so nice and friendly so you may feel a bit guilty to reduce the price too much. Otherwise, just smile and walk away

If you are near a hotel(especially anywhere near Kimathi or Mama Ngina st) you will often encounter well dressed men who have pamphlets. They usually start by asking how you like Kenya and where your from before they whip out the pamphlet and talk the talk. The pamphlets tell you that you'll see X and Y and that you can pay below luxury prices through the agent.

This is a CLASSIC scam, as you pay at the hotel. They pocket the money and you are left in substandard accomodations or with extra charges on your card.

This info comes to me by way of a former security guard and is accurate as of 2005-06.

Unique Suggestions: If confronted be polite but firm. Do not make eye contact and keep walking.. the tout will get the picture and leave you alone. I often tell them I just came from said pamphlet area and enjoyed it so I have no need of another Safari, this works for the more agressive touts.

Fun Alternatives: Their are many reputable tour companies that run out of the Hilton or nearby. Use these instead and your Safari will be a much better experience.

You have to be careful here. At the end of the day it is a place of business and there is a high potential for pick pocketing and purse theft. So be careful where you keep your belongings and don't be afraid to be aggressive...but not overly aggressive!

Unique Suggestions: Keep your eyes and ears open and make sure you keep your belongings close to you. Don't wear anything fancy, such as watches or jewelry becasue those are targets of tourists!

Fun Alternatives: the mall...

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You will be invitated to jump with the Masaii's, but you have to pay them money.

Really not worth it. Too much hassle & a bit overated. The smaller City Market in market St downtown is a calmer better affair.

Unique Suggestions: Go with a local

Fun Alternatives: City Market and the street around