Travellers who linger in Nairobi for a few days before heading off on safari, will be amply rewarded, not only by the delights of Nairobi National Park (which is located just 17km from the airport) but by the many attractions of the city. Guests have their pick of anything from modern hotels that would be at home in New York or Dubai to the leafy tranquillity of golf resorts and luxurious lodges in the peaceful outer suburbs.

The traditional warmth of Kenyans is evident in the welcoming treatment of children in most restaurants and you can enjoy a smorgasbord of Indian, Italian, Japanese and Korean food in the city’s eateries. More adventurous visitors can get local with a visit to a nyama choma (roast meat) joint for tasty barbecued goat or beef.

The Ngong Hills, made famous by the opening lines of Out of Africa, are visible from Nairobi National Park, and visitors can enjoy visits to the suburbs of Langata and Karen or the Karen Blixen Museum, housed in Karen’s old farmhouse.