Nairobi accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Green City in the Sun”.
Nairobi known for: big-game parks, safaris, shopping malls, gardens, savannas, nature preserves, vistas, calderas, alkaline lakes, golf courses, universities
Located in southern Kenya, Nairobi is near Tanzania (country). Once a big-game hunting mecca, the Nairobi area has become a renowned safari tour destination. Flowing through Green City in the Sun, the Nairobi River rises in the town of Kikuyu’s “Ondiri Wetland” (peatbog) and converges eastward with the Athi River (Kenya’s second-longest river). A protected area, Nairobi National Park is a sanctuary for the critically endangered black rhino. Altogether approximately 1.5 million wildebeest partake in Kenya / Tanzania’s annual “Great Wildebeest Migration”.
Nairobi points of interest: TRM – Thika Road Mall (shopping mall), Two Rivers Mall (shopping mall), Sarit (shopping mall), The Junction Mall (shopping mall), The Hub Karen (shopping mall), Yaya Centre (shopping mall), Carnivore (restaurant), National Museum of Kenya, Capital Centre (outlet mall), Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Safaricom Stadium Kasarani, Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary, Kenyatta International Convention Centre, CJ’S – Kilimani (family restaurant), Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Nairobi Safari Walk, Diamond Plaza 2 (shopping mall), Carrefour Mega (hypermarket), Bomas Of Kenya (open-air museum / traditional tribal villages), Bao Box (family restaurant), Jamia Mosque Nairobi, Fogo Gaucho Kilimani (Brazilian restaurant), Zen Garden (restaurant), Ngong Race Course and Golf Park, Talisman Restaurant, Muthaiga Country Club, Brew Bistro and Lounge (brewpub), Greenspan Shopping Mall, Nairobi Street Kitchen (restaurant), Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Muthaiga Golf Club, Geco Café, University of Nairobi, Funscapes Two Rivers Theme Park (amusement park), Freedom Heights Mall (shopping mall), Business Bay Square (shopping mall), Broadwalk Mall (shopping mall), Oyster Bay (restaurant), Karura Forest (nature preserve), Strathmore University, Matteo’s Italian Restaurant, Deliverance Church Umoja (Pentecostal church), United States International University Africa, Mode Cafe, The Wine Shop Kenya (wine bar), Tamarind Brasserie (family restaurant), Nairobi Lighthouse Church, Museum of Illusions Nairobi, Riara University, Pan Africa Christian University (private university), DNM EVENTS PARK (event venue), One Off Contemporary Art Gallery, Lennix Gym Ruaka
Surrounding Nairobi attractions: Nairobi National Park (big-game animals), Village Market (shopping mall), Lake Nakuru National Park (large soda lake, wildlife, camping), Lake Naivasha (boat safaris – hippos / flamingoes), Hells Gate National Park (photography spot, birdwatching, hiking, horse-riding, cycling, camping), Ngong Hills Forest Reserve (nature preserve / hiking area), The Forest Adventure Centre and Restaurant (adventure sports center), Mount Longonot National Park (dormant volcano, forest-filled crater, hiking along volcanic rim), The Great Rift Valley View Point (view point / restaurant), Giraffe Centre, Kiambethu Tea Farm, South- Western Mau National Reserve, Naishola Gardens (wedding venue)
Westward (300 miles): Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake / source of Nile River – boating, beaches, 200+ fish species)
Lake Victoria-direction (Nairobi side): Maasai Mara National Reserve (savanna – migratory wildlife, game animals), Serengeti National Park (Tanzania national park – annual wildebeest migration, lions, elephants, rhinos)
South-southeast of Serengeti: Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania / Kenya border – volcanic caldera, gorge), Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania national park – bird species, information center, gift shop), Mount Kilimanjaro National Park (Tanzania iconic mountain – hiking areas, wildlife), Tsavo West National Park (rugged wilderness park – wild elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions), Tsavo East National Park (game reserve – lions, elephants, birds, guided walks)
Nairobi main airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Cars travel on the left-hand side.
Rideshare service: Uber
Nairobi safari agencies: Destinations Kenya Safari, Savannah Adventures, Masikio Safaris, Kenya Tour Budget Safari, Bienvenido Kenya, Shanjoy Tours & Safaris, Go Kenya Safari, Silver Spark Africa Safaris, Inspired Feet Safaris, Wildlife Safari Kenya, Kenya Safari Bookings, African Sermon Safaris, Back of Africa Adventure, Nature’s Wonderland Safaris Kenya, Cruzeiro Safaris
More fun things: Nairobi National Park Tour, City Walking Tour
Nairobi currency: Kenyan Shilling
Legal drinking age: 18 years old
When visiting Nairobi there are some things to keep in mind. Due to Nairobi’s proximity to the “Rift Valley” minor earthquakes / tremors are possible. Both widely spoken, English and Swahili (Kiswahili) are Nairobi’s (Kenya’s) official languages. One should avoid swimming in lakes, rivers and reservoirs and drinking tap water (potential schistosomiasis – parasitic disease) while in East Africa. Jet lag is common for Nairobi visitors, so it’s usually best to spend at least a day or two in the city before heading out on a safari adventure. Knowing when / where the wildebeest herds (confusions) move (Kenya in August / Tanzania in February, generally) can help make for a successful safari (tour guide recommended). Nairobi tourist areas include Westlands, Lavington and Karen, while places to avoid are Eastleigh and Kibera. Outside of tourist areas modest attire is recommended (ladies especially). Nairobi accommodations are some of East Africa’s best. Before we get to Nairobi accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Originally swampland the Nairobi area was occupied first by the “Maasai” (pastoralist), “Akamba” (long-distance trader) and “Kikuyu” (agriculturalist) tribes. “Nairobi” derives from a Maasai expression meaning “cool waters”. Prior to the colonial era tribes lived in villages and the area had multiple leaders. In 1888 the “Imperial British East Africa Company” was chartered and on July 1, 1895 the British took direct control of the “East Africa Protectorate”. Sir George Whitehouse (1857-1938 – English chief engineer of Uganda Railway) chose the Nairobi area for an Indian laborer store depot and shunting / camping grounds due to the area’s adequate water supply, temperate climate and high elevation (near town of “Limuru”). In 1898 Arthur Church (engineer) was commissioned to design a town layout for the area’s railway depot. The layout would include Victoria & Station Streets, ten additional avenues, staff quarters and an Indian commercial area. The railway depot opened on May 30, 1899 and Nairobi replaced Machakos as the “Ukamba” administration headquarters. Early-1900s malaria and plague outbreaks caused the original town to be razed and “Bazaar Street” (Biashara) was completely rebuilt. Despite early adversity Nairobi became East Africa Protectorate’s capital in 1907 and was declared a municipality in 1919. Around that time the Uganda Railway was promoted heavily and big-game hunting became a major draw. Tensions arose between the Maasai and Kikuyu following World War II. On March 9, 1958 “Embakasi Airport” (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) operated its first flight. Kenya (“Commonwealth Realm of Kenya”) declared independence from Britain on December 12, 1963 following the 1950s Mau Mau Uprising (“Kenya Emergency”) and early-1960s Lancaster House Conferences. Exactly a year later the “Republic of Kenya” was established. After Kenya’s independence power cuts and water shortages became common. On September 11, 1973 the 28-floor Kenyatta International Conference Centre KICC opened followed by the Giraffe Center in 1983. Notable recent installments include the Thika Superhighway (2012), Standard Gauge Railway (2017) and Nairobi Expressway (2022).
Home to around 4.4 million “Nairobians”, Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and largest city. Spanning 270-square miles (between cities of Kampala & Mombasa) Nairobi is adjacent to the Rift Valley (westward intra-continental ridge system – runs north-south). Also westward are the “Ngong Hills” (ridge peaks). An extinct volcano north of Nairobi, Mount Kenya elevates 17,057 feet. Characterized by a subtropical-highland climate, Nairobi sees minimal weather variations between seasons (warm-season average high 75 °F). Evenings can be cooler on account of the city’s elevation (5,889 feet above sea level).
Additional points of interest: Nairobi Securities Exchange, Parliament of Kenya, Westlands (affluent neighborhood – shopping centers, restaurants, bars, clubs), Karen Blixen Museum, African Great Lakes (Great Rift Valley alkaline lake system – flamingoes)
Nairobi local foods: nyama choma (roast meat), Kenyan stew (beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, curry powder), ugali (maize-flour porridge), irio (mashed potatoes & peas), rice, beans, corn, collard greens, mandazi (doughnut-like dough ball)
Popular drinks: dawa (vodka drink), beer, wine, champagne, tea
With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Nairobi accommodations that will help make for a memorable experience.
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport
First Freight Lane, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Hotel amenities: restaurant, 2 bars, poolside bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), outdoor pool, rooftop terrace, outdoor furniture, garden, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference space, free parking, airport transfer
Nearby: Kitchen 9 (restaurant)
Within 10 minutes:
Within 2.8 miles:
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- Gateway Mall
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Within 3.3 miles:
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- Southfield Mall
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Approximate cost per night (Suite): $389
Glee Nairobi
Northern Bypass Rd
Runda Mall
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants & bars, swim-up bar, English breakfast (surcharge), outdoor pool, outdoor furniture, garden, spa, sauna, multiple hot tubs, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi , 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference center, free parking
Nearby: Glee Hotel Restaurants & Bars
Within feet:
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- Runda Mall (shopping mall)
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Within 2.1 miles:
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- Karura Forest
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Within 4.6 miles:
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- Muthaiga Golf Club
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Glee Nairobi, a Preferred LVX Hotel is 48 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Executive Suite): $450
Hemingways Nairobi
Mbagathi Ridge
Karen Country Club | The Hub Karen | The Waterfront Karen
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, terrace, garden, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference center, free parking, airport transfer
Nearby: Hemingways Nairobi Restaurant, Spring Valley Coffee (coffee shop)
Within feet:
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- Karen Country Club
- The Hub Karen (shopping mall)
- The Waterfront Karen (shopping mall)
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Within 1.1 miles:
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- Oloolua Nature Trail
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Within 1.7 miles:
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- Karen Country Club
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Hemingways Nairobi is 40 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $858
Ololo Safari Lodge
South of Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park
Lodge amenities: open-air restaurant near the pool overlooking the national park, bar, guest lounge located in the old original thatched farmhouse with open fireplace, wine cellar, small library, outdoor pool, modern Colonial-style furnishings, mosquito nets, hair dryers
Nearby: Kitengela Hot Glass Ltd. – Studio (glassblower), Savanna Park Tree Nursery, Africa Nazarene University – Ongata Rongai Campus
Within 2 miles:
Within 3.8 miles:
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- Ivory Burning Site and Picnic Area
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Within 4.3 miles:
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- Multimedia University Kenya
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Within 4.8 miles:
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- Banda School
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Within 5.3 miles:
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- T-Mall Nairobi
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Within 5.7 miles:
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- Crown Paints Distributor Jihan Freighters Ltd
- Bomas of Kenya
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Ololo Safari Lodge is 8 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $350
Roma Courts Serviced Apartments
Timau Road
Yaya Centre
Apartment amenities: garden, free Wi-Fi, kitchens, 24-hour front desk, parking
Nearby: Papparoti Kilimani (restaurant), Amalayi African Cuisine (African restaurant), Choux Bakery
Within feet:
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- Yaya Centre (shopping mall)
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Within 3 minutes:
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- Royal Nairobi Golf Club
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Roma Courts Serviced Apartments is 21 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Family Apartment): $104
Cost per person (four people): $26
Karen Gables
Mbagathi Ridge No 76D
Karen Blixen Museum
Guesthouse amenities: swimming pool, hot tubs, pool, river & garden views, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, car rentals, free private parking
Nearby restaurants: Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages (restaurant), Harkness Cottage & Hotel (restaurant)
Nearby misc.: Karen Country Club (golf course), Opportunity Factory (art handcraft)
Within feet:
Within 1.2 miles:
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- Oloolua Nature Trail
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Within 1.8 miles:
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- Cottolengo Centre
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Within 3.4 miles:
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- Ngong Stadium
- Langata Botanical Gardens
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Within 3.5 miles:
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- Nairobi Mamba Village
- Sasamoto Centre
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Within 9 miles:
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- Eden Square Office Block
- Museum Hill Centre
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Karen Gables is 16 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $393
Broadwalk Residency
Ojijo Rd
Nairobi National Museum | University of Nairobi | Broadwalk Mall
Apartment amenities: poolside bar, outdoor pool, rooftop terrace, fitness center
Nearby: Hashmi Barbeque (restaurant), Fruity Fruits (greengrocer)
Within feet:
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- Nairobi National Museum
- University of Nairobi
- Broadwalk Mall (shopping mall)
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Broadwalk Residency is 21 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Penthouse): $291
Cost per person (four people): $72
Edaala Comfort – Cottage Rooms
411 Ndovu Cresent
Nairobi Giraffe Centre
Guesthouse amenities: garden views, terrace, patios, garden, BBQ facilities, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, desks, continental / vegetarian breakfast, shared kitchen, free private parking
Nearby restaurants: The Tano Bora Grill (barbecue restaurant), Boho Eatery
Nearby misc.: Magical Fishing Safaris (fishing charter), Matbronze Art Gallery & Foundry (art gallery), Annadil Jamaly Sports Complex (sports complex), Kipevu Link (shopping mall), Weddings & Events by Kui Ltd (event planner), Karen – 417 (landmark)
Within feet:
Within 1 mile:
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- Maro Gardens
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Within 1.9 miles:
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- Sasamoto Centre
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Within 3.2 miles:
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- Karen Blixen Museum
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Within 7 miles:
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- Railway Museum
- Nairobi Milliary Stone
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Edaala Comfort – Cottage Rooms is 13 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $63
Yaya Towers & Hotel
Argwings Kodhek Road
Shifteye Studios
Hotel amenities: outdoor pool, tennis court, basketball court, BBQ facilities, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, satellite TVs, DVD players, kitchens, 24-hour front desk, game room, children’s playground, free parking
Nearby restaurants / bars: Sierra Brasserie (restaurant), RubiCut Gardens (restaurant), Mambos Barbeque, Kifaru Bar, Foxxies Lounge (bar)
Nearby misc.: Bleau LOUNGE (club), Newscafe – Adlife (café), Fresh Choice Green Grocers, Yaya Centre (shopping mall), Shifteye Studios (photography studio)
Within feet:
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- Shifteye Studios (creative venue)
- Prestige Plaza
- Adams Arcade Shopping Centre
- Royal Nairobi Golf Club
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Within 1.1 miles:
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- iHub
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Within 1.2 miles:
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- Nairobi Art Centre
- Kasuku Centre
- Nairobi Arboretum
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Within 1.6 miles:
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- Lavington Green Shopping Centre
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Within 2 miles:
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- Central Park
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Within 2.2 miles:
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- Freedom Heights Mall
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Yaya Towers & Hotel is 10 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (three-bedroom suite): $468
Cost per person (five people): $94
Hob House
Kitusuru
Kihingo Village
Guesthouse amenities: restaurant, garden views, free Wi-Fi, slippers, 24-hour front desk, children’s playground, free parking
Nearby: Hob House Restaurant (Lebanese restaurant), Skinners Restaurant, Kanyi Bakes (bakery), Tasha Cake Creation (cake shop), Fitness Wheel Gym And Aerobics (gym)
Within feet:
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- Kihingo Village
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Within 2.1 miles:
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- Havilah Ranch
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Within 2.7 miles:
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- Kifaru Gardens
- St. Mary’s School Nairobi Games Pitches
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Within 4 miles:
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- Eden Square Office Block
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Within 6 miles:
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- Nairobi Milliary Stone
- August 7th Memorial Park
- Railway Museum
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Within 30 miles:
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- Mount Longonot
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Hob House is 13 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $135
So there they are, Nairobi accommodations that will help make for an exciting experience. We hope you have found this information valuable and most of all, that you enjoy your time in Kenya!