Millions go to Kenya for a safari, but you barely need to leave the capital to take one. Nairobi National Park, tel: (254-20) 602 121, is perhaps the only wildlife park in the world that you can visit by taxi or bus. Inside are lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, giraffes, gazelles and more. Don't miss the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust inside the park, where between 11 a.m. and noon you can watch keepers take orphaned baby rhinos and elephants for their daily mud baths. On the western edge of town is the Langata Giraffe Center and adjoining Giraffe Manor hotel, tel: (254-20) 251 3166, where giraffes poke their heads through the windows.

• 1. Nairobi National Park
  Langata Rd, Nairobi, Kenya; (254-20) 602 121 -1.3666736.85 More info
• 2. Giraffe Manor hotel
  Langata South Rd, Nairobi, Kenya; (254-20) 251 3166 -1.3474236.74902 giraffemanor.com