Nairobi

As the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi isn’t so much a tourist destination, but more the starting or finishing destination for your safari. The international airport – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – is one of the largest international hubs in Africa and, with direct flights from London and New York, it makes Nairobi and a Kenya safari very desirable.

That said, if you are spending a night or two in Nairobi, there are some really beautiful hotels and properties to stay in. If you’re looking for a comfortable overnight stay in a hotel close to the airport, then somewhere like Ole Sereni or the Four Points Hotel are good options. With a rooftop bar overlooking Nairobi National Park, it’s certainly a nice place to enjoy your first cold local beer in Kenya! If you’re looking for something more luxurious and private, then head to the area of Karen. This is further from the airport and city center, but offers a quaint and quiet feel, with beautifully-manicured gardens. This is where one of our personal favorite hotels is found – Hemingways.

Of course, if you’re looking for a ‘wow’ experience, then you will have properly seen or heard about Giraffe Manor. Featured in many ‘top hotels across the world’ documentaries or articles, this hotel really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The manor house itself, built in 1932, has only six rooms, and you get the opportunity to be up-close-and-personal with the Rothschild giraffes. This is a pretty special hotel and with that comes popularity, so please bear in mind you need to book at least 12-18 months in advance (maybe longer for peak seasons).

If you have a day in Nairobi, there is plenty of interesting things to do and visit. The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage being one of them. This is a charity whose sole purpose is to rescue orphaned and injured elephants from across Kenya, and use the sanctuary as a rehabilitation center. You can pre-book entry here, but fees must be paid on arrival. It is also possible to sponsor and ‘adopt’ an elephant, and your donation will be used to maintain the safety and wellbeing of the elephants.

Other things to do include visiting the Karen Blixen Museum, and the giraffe center (if you are not already staying at Giraffe Manor). There are also lots of nice places to eat in Nairobi, so we can organize a private day, or half-day trip sightseeing the capital city, as well as recommend local spots to eat and drink. We will also arrange all of your private transfers to and from the airport, so whether you are arriving late at night or first thing in the morning, you’ll be greeted with a friendly smile and your name on a board.