Nairobi

Kenya's capital might be the largest city between Jo'burg and Cairo, but in itself would make an unlikely tourist destination if it weren't for three age-old assets: location, location, location.

Once a watering hole for the Maasai people, it became a pit stop during the building of the Mombasa to Uganda railway in the late 1800s. Today, though, travellers flock to this dusty commercial centre in the southwestern interior of the country primarily for access to the awesome natural wonders of east Africa.

Whatever your time restraints, incredible adventures start here. A host of game parks and reserves are within easy reach, including the famous Maasai Mara and those around the Great Rift Valley lakes. Across the border in Tanzania, Serengeti National Park and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater - a vast, horizon-wide volcano shell filled with wildlife - could well prove two of the highlights of your decade.

There's the opportunity to join an ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's loftiest (although towering at nearly 6000m, don't bank on reaching its peak). Plus, as Nairobi is situated roughly 400km from Kenya's coastline, it's also entirely feasible to combine a safari-fest with a beach holiday.

With all these attractions on hand it might seem tempting to hotfoot it out of town as soon as you touch down, but it is worth leaving some time in the capital for a look-see. Delve into Kenyan culture at the National Museum and the National Archives, or put yourself in the hands of madcap bus and minibus (matatu) drivers to reach markets laden with locally-produced handicrafts.

Nairobi also has a flourishing and diverse restaurant scene - passionate carnivores, in particular, will be in seventh heaven.