In the Central Business District of the city, Uhuru Park lets locals and visitors enjoy an array of sites and outdoor activities. In addition to an artificial lake, the park also includes some national monuments. Take a paddle boat on the lake to see the city from different angles. © Industryandtravel | Dreamstime.com

Often called the “World’s Only Wildlife Capital,” Nairobi National Park is only 4 miles from Nairobi and home to a wide range of animals and plants. Fenced on three sides, the fourth open side of the park allows for migrating wildlife to move freely between the park and Kitengela plains. Animals include lions, leopards, rhinoceros, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, zebras, cheetahs, gazelles and even the Nile crocodile. © Simon Fletcher | Dreamstime.com

Learn about the history, culture, art and natural environment of Nairobi and its surrounding area at Nairobi National Museum. Located 20 minutes from the Central Business District, the museum features temporary and permanent exhibitions. Permanent galleries are The Cradle of Human gallery, The Story of Mammals, The History of Kenya, Cycles of Life, Numismatic exhibition, and Asian African Heritage exhibition. © Voyageviewmedia | Dreamstime.com

Nairobi is often nicknamed Green City in the Sun thanks to its location along the edge of the Rift Valley and Ngong Hills. The city boasts many parks and open spaces, as well as recreational green areas like Nairobi National Park, Central Park, Nairobi Arboretum and Uhuru Greens. Nairobi is also home to a vast number of coffee houses, so be sure to stop into one while there. © Joshua Wanyama | Dreamstime.com

See replica traditional homes or bomas of some of Kenya’s ethnic groups at Bomas of Kenya. This village and cultural center is located 6 miles from the city and shows how different societies lived. The center also features a restaurant serving traditional Kenyan fare, as well as daily performances. © Golasza | Dreamstime.com

For a multiday trip from Nairobi, head to Tsavo East National Park. Spanning flat and dry plains, the park is also home to plateaus, waterfalls, rivers and savanna. The park sees many animals across its more than 13,670 square miles, including African bush elephant, cheetahs, buffalo, baboons, wildcats, jackals and more. © Joe Sohm | Dreamstime.com