Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya. It is located at an altitude of 1660m (5450ft) and is wide enough to transport you back to a time when Africa was untouched and rush you to the modern World. It was originally a swampland where Maasai Pastolists grazed naming it  Ewaso Nai' beri - the place of cold waters. During the colonial rule Nairobi became the a major centre for Hunters, Travellers and the colonies. By 1907 it was the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate. Nairobi became the capital of the Republic of Kenya in 1963 when Kenya gained independence.  Walking around Nairobi you will notice many buildings dating from the colonial times some of which have been officially gazetted for protection as monuments and others are now home to businesses such as Banks and Hotels in the Central Business District.