Nairobi

Nairobi (which means cool water in the Maasai language) was founded in 1899 as a railway camp. Today it is quite westernized, one of Africa's major cities (and the U.N.'s fourth World Centre) and is the capital of Kenya. Rapid development has created a buzzing commercial atmosphere which necessitates holding your wits about you to avoid purse snatchers and the like. The National Museum offers some interesting education, but most travellers pass through Nairobi as a gateway to the National Parks and wildlife encounter/safari experience which are just outside the city.