Explore Kenya with a Local Expert — Wildlife, Conservation & Unforgettable Safaris

CONTACT US

Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part II

Image | courtesy

As we departed for our next destination—the Karen Blixen Museum—I recounted the city’s humble beginnings, forged in the crucible of the ‘Lunatic Express’ railway line. Nairobi’s story is one of dramatic transformation, evolving from a mere watering hole on Maasai land in the late 1800s into a vital railway hub.

Buffalo and lions once roamed the periphery of these swampy lands, which were largely uninhabited except for the occasional meetings of the Kikuyu and Maasai peoples, who brought their cattle to graze. Wet, infertile, and at a high altitude, this place was called Nairobi, meaning a small stream that bisected a swamp, known by the Maasai as Enkare Nyrobe—‘the land of cool waters’.

This area was never intended to be a settlement, but with the arrival of the Lunatic Express (1895, reaching Kisumu in 1901, and completed in 1903), Nairobi’s destiny changed. Known as Mile 327 by the railway construction workers who reached the city in 1899, they set up a basic camp and a supply depot on a brackish African swamp, now the site of the Globe Roundabout.

Image | courtesy

When the railway engineers chose the site, it was only to serve as a depot as they prepared for one of the most challenging engineering feats in railway building: the climb to the highlands and the perilous descent into the Rift Valley. They also chose Nairobi for its proximity to rivers to supply their camps. They set up a signboard labeled Nyrobe, which was later changed to Nairobi, on the plains. There was no plan beyond that; Nairobi was merely one link in a chain of such supply depots.

By 1900, the town consisted of a single street, driven by commerce as South Asian railway builders, also known as “coolies,” settled in tin shacks on the plain. Nairobi had by then become somewhat of a ‘wild west’ of the African interior. Its altitude of 1,661 meters meant lower temperatures, which made the camp a rustic village and then a shanty town.

Image | ncourtesy

By 1905, Nairobi was already a humming commercial center and replaced Mombasa as the capital of the British East African Protectorate (1895-1902). In 1906, Nairobi had about 14,000 residents.

Soon, in 1907, Mile 327 evolved into a small village, attracting hunters, adventurers, and fortune-seekers drawn by the cool climate and plentiful water. Eccentric characters from all corners began to flock to the blossoming new town.

With electricity reaching Nairobi in 1908, this spark ignited a firestorm of growth, and within a decade, Nairobi had become a city, the beating heart of British East Africa. A voluntary fire brigade was set up in Nairobi in 1909, and it received its city status by Royal Charter in 1950.

PART I

PART III

Book your Safari Sense experience …..

[caldera_form id=”CF5efae8fe3eed9″]

Our passion for nature and travel is reflected in our understanding of the need to experience the natural environment in a sustainable and unique way.

Our commitment to you is “The Perfect Balance between Nature & Discovery, Adventure & Luxury”…


Find out

















J2592x1944-49725

Off The Beaten Track: Embark on an Unforgettable Journey to Central Island National Park

Bird_watching, Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Wildlife Safari

Off The Beaten Track: Embark on an Unforgettable Journey to Central Island National Park

Discover the captivating allure of Central Island National Park, an oasis nestled in the heart of Lake Turkana. Venture into the south-eastern corner and encounter the El-Molo tribe, a resilient community that once numbered a mere 80 individuals, earning the title of Africa’s smallest tribe.


DSC_0051

Why Voluntary Waterfowl Bird Counts Play a Key Role in Climate Change Mitigation and Eco-tourism Promotion

Bird_watching, Conservation, Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Naivasha, Wildlife Safari

Why Voluntary Waterfowl Bird Counts Play a Key Role in Climate Change Mitigation and Eco-tourism Promotion

Annual waterfowl bird counts in Kenya are an important tool for understanding the health of bird populations and the wetlands they inhabit. These counts provide researchers and conservationists with crucial information on population trends, which can help identify potential threats or declines.




Safari_Sense_Kenya_001

Experience: Lumo Wildlife Conservancy

Conservation, Excursion, Game drive, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari

Experience: Lumo Wildlife Conservancy

Hear the roar of lions in the distance and get up close and personal with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, a safari in Lumo Conservancy is an unforgettable experience.
With plenty of luxurious accommodations, one can experience the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.































Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *