Fodor's Expert Review Emperor Valley Zoo & Botanical Gardens

The cultivated expanse of parkland north of the Savannah is the site of the president's and prime minister's official residences and also the Emperor Valley Zoo & Botanical Gardens. A meticulous lattice of walkways and local flora, the parkland was first laid out in 1820 for Governor Ralph Woodford. In the midst of the serene wonderland is the 8-acre zoo, which exhibits mostly birds and animals of the region—including the brilliantly plumed scarlet ibis as well as slithering anacondas and pythons; you can also see (and hear) the wild parrots that breed in the surrounding foliage. Two African giraffes and several big cats were added to the collection in 2013 and have proven to be hugely attractive with locals. The zoo, which is undergoing a major renovation to make it more of a naturalistic setting, draws a quarter of a million visitors a year. Tours are free.