Urban Africa

East Africa has wonderful representations of all of Africa's greatest urban traditions, including the glittering international capital of Nairobi, the traditional royal capitol of Kampala, the thousand-year-old ancient trade city of Mombasa, and the inland lake port of Kisumu. The urban traditions of Africa are ancient and legendary, and rich in architecture and story, resources and museums, traditions and trade items, stimulating foods and fashions and the latest music, design, and technology.

Nairobi is home to two international UN agencies, the United National Environmental Program and Habitat, the UN Housing Program. It is also the center of trade and manufacturing for all of East and Central Africa and a major transportation hub and regional headquarters. Known as the 'Green City in the Sun', Nairobi has numerous museums, shopping centers and markets, historic sites and cultural venues, and the astounding and stimulating contrasts of a rapidly developing urban center only a century old.

Giraffe Center, Karen Blixen Museum, National Museum, Art Galleries, Railway Museum, Nairobi National Park and Animal Orphanage, Bomas of Kenya National Dance Troupe, Architectural Tours, Parks and Arboretum, UN Center, Restaurants and markets, theatre and concerts, golf and recreation--

Kampala, the ancient royal capital of the Baganda and of the modern nation of Uganda is a beautiful city constructed on seven historic hills, each crowned by a major monument. The Royal Palace, the Ba'hai Temple for the African Continent, the Anglican Cathedral, the National Mosque, the Catholic Cathedral, the National Parliament, Makerere University, and the traditional parliament stand above the beauty of this vibrant city of active night life and rich history.

Kassubi tombs, National Museum, Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Uganda Martyrs Center, club and music scene, candlelight market, source of the Nile, Itanda and Bujugali Falls, National Theatre Craft Market, royal lake, gardens, and tortoises, Jain Temple--

Mombasa, with its ancient harbor and stone town has been a major port of trade since Biblical times. A major crossroads, Mombasa is home to Fort Jesus which dates from the Portuguese times, and the large Indian community and British colonial institutions all add to the predominantly Moslem heritage of this island, now linked to the mainland by causeway, bridge, and ferry. Surrounded by beautiful beach resorts north and south of the city, the cultures and cuisines of Mombasa are worth time and attention.

Bombolulu jewelry, Bamburi Gardens, Jumaa mosque, Tamarind restaurant, the slave bell, the cathedral, Diani Beach, the old harbor, Shimba Hills National Reserve, Gedi Ruins, snorkeling the coral reefs at Watamu or Malindi--

Kisumu is a commercial center on the shores of Lake Victoria, sitting at the base of the rift escarpment and home to several large and stimulating outdoor markets. The Lake ferry stops at Kisumu along with the rail line and airport, the lake fisheries, hippo point, and museums and craft centers. A variety of religious centers, research institutions, and commercial centers with an international population mix make Kisumu an interesting and stimulating city.

In addition to these major centers, the lively heritage of Lamu, the desert oasis of Isiolo, the mountain locale of Meru,, the tourist center of Arusha, the stone town of Zanzibar, the agricultural center of Nakuru, the colonial playground of Naivasha, all have their charms and attractions. When touring the wildlife and culture of East Africa, don't miss the stimulating cities and towns!