Get a bird's eye view of Nairobi from the Kenyatta International Convention Centre

Nairobi, a hilltop capital where life is good. Its altitude means that it enjoys a pleasant climate all year round. The average height of the city is 1,660 metres. Its highest point is 1,850 metres. One of the city's highest points is the tower of the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

This building stands 105 metres high. Pointing skywards, it is the 3rd tallest building in the city. Also known as the "KICC", it was inaugurated in 1974 under the influence of Kenya's first president, Jomo Kenyatta. He wanted to make Nairobi a major international centre for trade and commerce. Work began in 1966 and the centre was completed in 1973 and inaugurated in 1974.

Nairobi's first skyscraper, imagined and designed by architect Karl Henrik Nøstvik, its tower is easily recognisable. Conceived as a sculpture with a thousand brown petals, its adjacent amphitheatre is sheltered by a large hut designed to recall the traditional African hut.

In 1989, under rather enigmatic circumstances, the building became the property of KANU, the country's only authorised political party at the time. It was not until 2003 and a legal battle in the Nairobi High Court between the government and KANU that the centre was finally returned to state ownership. The party was eventually expelled. Once in government hands, the building was given a facelift and the amphitheatre became the venue for Senate meetings.

Located in the heart of the city and the business centre, staying close to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre seems like a good option if you want to take full advantage of the city and its activities. Close to Uhuru Park and the Jamia Mosque, the KICC is strategically located to help you make the most of the Kenyan capital.

To your delight, the centre opens its doors to the public and welcomes tourists every day who flock to visit this iconic Nairobi landmark. The building is split in two, the laminated tower and the hut-like amphitheatre. The two are linked by a covered gallery that houses a number of facilities, including a souvenir shop, a travel agency and even a police station.

A true symbol of the futuristic architecture of the 70s, the 32-storey central tower opens its doors to visitors in search of height. The heliport at the very top of the tower is accessible to all. It's the only one in the city, and over the years it has become one of Nairobi's landmarks. From here, you can enjoy a 360° view of Nairobi.

On a clear day, you can see Kenya's majestic mountains. Some are even lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Kilimanjaro, weather permitting! Once you've had your fill of the view, head up to the 26th floor, to the KICC restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and an exceptional view right in the heart of the city.

As you enter the atrium, you'll be amazed by the picture before you: an abundance of vegetation, just like the country itself, cascading into large pools of clear water where the light floods in and dazzles. The centre is mainly used for events and conventions. While it is home to the Senate, it also has a number of halls where the city's most important and popular events are held. Shows, conventions, meetings, exhibitions - the KICC offers a wide range of organisational possibilities.

The rooms can accommodate small committees of 10 people or large conferences of over 6,000. The venue recently hosted the World Travel Awards for Africa and the Indian Ocean. In addition, Nairobi's wealthiest families sometimes hire a room to hold sumptuous, ultra-chic weddings. Some even go so far as to privatise the heliport for the duration of their event. The Kenyatta International Convention Centre even has an ultra-private lounge that is often reserved for visits by heads of state.