Tag: Mwai Close

Nairobi accommodations

Nairobi accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Green City in the Sun”. Known for its big-game parks, savannas, nature preserves, gardens, viewpoints, calderas, alkaline lakes, shopping malls, golf clubs and universities, Nairobi is located in southern Kenya, not far from Tanzania. Flowing across Green City in the Sun, the Nairobi River originates at the town of Kikuyu’s Ondiri Wetland peatbog and meets eastward with the Athi River (Kenya’s second longest river). Once revered as a big-game hunting destination, Nairobi has come a long way since its early-20th century beginnings. Today, Nairobi is known as a starting point for Kenya & Tanzania safaris. Surrounding Nairobi, attractions include 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 and Naishola Gardens (wedding venue). Within Nairobi, points of interest include 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 and Lennix Gym Ruaka. About 300 miles west of Nairobi, Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake – boat rides, beaches, 200+ fish species) sources the Nile River. Toward Lake Victoria on the Nairobi-side are Maasai Mara National Reserve (savanna – migratory wildlife, game animals) and Serengeti National Park (Tanzania national park – annual wildebeest migration, lions, elephants, rhinos).  South-southeast of the Serengeti are 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) and Tsavo East National Park (game reserve – lions, elephants, birds, guided walks). Nairobi’s main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Before going on a safari trip, a day or two stay (at least) in Nairobi is recommended to shake-off jet lag / rest. Good to know is that Uber rideshare does operate in Nairobi, with service to include the airport. Nairobi’s / Kenya’s official languages are English and Swahili (Kiswahili), with English being widely spoken. When out at night in Nairobi be wary of your surroundings. Areas such as Westlands, Lavington and Karen generally are quite safe, though places to avoid are Eastleigh and Kibera. Outside of tourist areas, modest dress is recommended (ladies especially). Swimming in lakes, rivers and reservoirs and drinking tap water are not advisable due to potential Schistosomiasis (parasitic disease). Naturally, Kenya is home to impressive wildlife. A protected area, Nairobi National Park is a sanctuary for the critically endangered black rhino. Beyond Nairobi National Park, expansive safari opportunities await. The key to an exciting safari trip is knowing where / when wildebeest migrate, as predators will follow the herds (confusions). In August, wildebeest migrate through Kenya, while in February they head to Tanzania. Altogether, about 1.5 million wildebeest are involved in Kenya’s / Tanzania’s annual Great Wildebeest Migration. Nairobi safari agencies include 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 and Cruzeiro Safaris. In Nairobi, currency is the Kenyan shilling, cars travel on the left-hand side and the drinking age is 18 years old. 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 first occupied by the pastoralist Maasai. the long-distance trader Akamba and the agriculturalist Kikuyu peoples. The name “Nairobi” originates from a Maasai expression meaning ‘cool waters’. Chief engineer of the Uganda Railway, Sir George Whitehouse (1857-1938) 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 the town of Limuru. Prior to the colonial era, tribal peoples lived in villages, and the area had multiple leaders. Arthur Church was commissioned to design a town layout (Victoria & Station Streets, ten avenues, staff quarters, Indian commercial area) for a railway depot circa 1898. On May 30, 1899 the railway depot opened and Nairobi replaced Machakos as the Ukamba administration’s headquarters. Malaria became problematic for the early town. Even worse, an outbreak of the plague in the early 1900s caused the original town to be burned / razed, and Bazaar Street (Biashara Street) completely rebuilt. Administration and tourism helped the town’s population grow from 5,000 to 16,000 between 1902 and 1910. After the Uganda Railway’s promotion, big game hunting became a major draw in Nairobi, which became capital of the East Africa Protectorate in 1907, and was declared a municipality in 1919. Following World War II, the expanding city created tensions with the Maasai and Kikuyu. Embakasi Airport’s (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) opening on March 9, 1958 brought airplanes to the area. Indeed, modernization had commenced, and times were changing. The 1950s Mau Mau Uprising and the early-1960s Lancaster House Conferences, though, led to Kenya (The Commonwealth realm of Kenya) declaring independence from British colonial rule on December 12, 1963. Exactly a year later the Republic of Kenya was established. Power cuts and water shortages due to Nairobi’s rapid infrastructure growth became common issues in the city following Kenya’s independence. The 28-storey Kenyatta International Conference Centre KICC opened to the public on September 11, 1973. In 1983, the Giraffe Center opened. More recent installments have been the Thika Superhighway (2012), the Standard Gauge Railway (2017) and the Nairobi Expressway (2022).

Home to around 4.4 million “Nairobians”, Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and largest city. Nairobi’s area spans 270 square miles between the cities of Kampala and Mombasa. Adjacent and westward is the Rift Valley, an intra-continental ridge system that runs north-south. Minor earthquakes / tremors are possible due to Nairobi’s proximity to the Rift Valley. West of the city also are the Ngong Hills (ridge peaks). Mount Kenya, an extinct volcano north of Nairobi, rises 17,057 feet. Nairobi is one of Africa’s most modern cities and a financial center. The city’s subtropical highland climate accounts for 75 °F average high temperatures during the warm season (December-March).  Due to the city’s elevation (5,889 feet above sea level) evenings can be cool, especially in June and July. Nairobi’s proximity to the  equator, though, accounts for minimal weather variations between seasons. Additional points of interest are Nairobi Securities Exchange, Parliament of Kenya, Westlands (affluent neighborhood – shopping centers, restaurants, bars, clubs), Karen Blixen Museum and African Great Lakes (Great Rift Valley alkaline lake system – flamingoes). Local foods include nyama choma (roast meat), Kenyan stew (beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, curry powder), ugali (maize flour porridge), irio (mashed potatoes and peas), rice, beans, corn, collard greens and mandazi (dough ball – doughnut-like). Popular drinks are dawa (vodka drink), beer, wine, champagne and tea.  With some background knowledge on the area, we’re ready for Nairobi accommodations that will help make for a memorable experience.

 

 

 

Acacia Tree Lodge

Marula Lane

Cottolengo Centre

Acacia Tree Lodge features a garden, free WiFi, free private parking, a 24-hour front desk, hairdryers, buffet, continental or Full English/Irish breakfast and a restaurant. In the area you may find Karen Gym and Personal Training Center (gym), Maridadi Zawadi (gift shop), Under the Swahili Tree (family restaurant), Dimesse Sisters Karen (convent), Karen Country Club (golf course), Chakula Tayari (East African restaurant), Marula Manor ltd (event venue), 3 Stooges Grill (restaurant), Organic Farmers Market – Kenya (fresh food market), Go&Grub Pork & Fries (restaurant) and more.

Within 1 mile:

• • • Cottolengo Centre

Within 1.1 miles:

• • • Karen Blixen Museum

Within 1.3 miles:

• • • Youth for Conservation (YfC)

Within 1.6 miles:

• • • Oloolua Nature Trail

Within 3.1 miles:

• • • Langata Botanical Gardens

Within 6 miles:

• • • Burning Site and Picnic Area
    • Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park

Acacia Tree Lodge is  15 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $105

 

 

 

Edaala Comfort – Cottage Rooms

411 Ndovu Cresent

Nairobi Giraffe Centre

Edaala Comfort – Cottage Rooms offers a fitness center, free private parking, a garden, a shared lounge, a shared kitchen, a terrace, BBQ facilities, free WiFi, desks, patios, garden views, flat-screen TVs and continental or vegetarian breakfast. Karen – 417 (landmark), Boho Eatery (restaurant), Magical Fishing Safaris (fishing charter), Weddings & Events by Kui Ltd (event planner), Matbronze Art Gallery & Foundry (art gallery), The Tano Bora Grill (barbecue restaurant), Annadil Jamaly Sports Complex (sports complex), Kipevu Link (shopping mall) and more are nearby.

Within feet:

• • • Nairobi Giraffe Centre

Within 1 mile:

• • • Maro Gardens

Within 1.9 miles:

• • • Sasamoto Centre

Within 3.2 miles:

• • • Karen Blixen Museum

Within 7 miles:

• • • Railway Museum
    • Nairobi Milliary Stone

Edaala Comfort – Cottage Rooms is  13 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $63

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karen Gables

Mbagathi Ridge No 76D

Karen Blixen Museum

Built in Cape Dutch Style, Karen Gables has free private parking, hot tubs, a pool, pool, river and garden views, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs and car hire. Opportunity Factory (art handcraft), Harkness Cottage & Hotel (restaurant), Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages (restaurant), Karen Blixen Museum (museum), Karen Country Club (golf course) and more are in the vicinity.

Within feet:

• • • Karen Blixen Museum

Within 1.2 miles:

• • • Oloolua Nature Trail

Within 1.8 miles:

• • • Cottolengo Centre

Within 3.4 miles:

• • • Ngong Stadium
    • Langata Botanical Gardens

Within 3.5 miles:

• • • Nairobi Mamba Village
    • Sasamoto Centre

Within 9 miles:

• • • Eden Square Office Block
    • Museum Hill Centre

Karen Gables is  16 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $393

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ololo Safari Lodge

South of Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park

Featuring a tranquil garden setting, an outdoor pool, earthly tones, modern Colonial-style furnishings, mosquito nets, hair dryers, an on site bar, an open air restaurant near the pool and overlooking the national park, a guest lounge located in the old original thatched farmhouse with open fireplace, a wine cellar and a small library, Ololo Safari Lodge is near Kitengela Hot Glass Ltd. – Studio (glassblower), Savanna Park Tree Nursery and Africa Nazarene University – Ongata Rongai Campus.

Within 2 miles:

• • • Nairobi National Park

Within 3.8 miles:

• • • Ivory Burning Site and Picnic Area

Within 4.3 miles:

• • • Multimedia University Kenya

Within 4.8 miles:

• • • Banda School

Within 5.3 miles:

• • • T-Mall Nairobi

Within 5.7 miles:

• • • Crown Paints Distributor Jihan Freighters Ltd
    • Bomas of Kenya

Ololo Safari Lodge is  8 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $350

 

 

 

Kepro Farm

Gataka Road, Mwai Close

Langata Botanical Gardens

Free WiFi, free private parking, mountain or garden views, slippers and luggage storage are included at Kepro Farm.

Within feet:

• • • Nairobi Giraffe Centre

Within 1.7 miles:

• • • Langata Botanical Gardens

Within 2.4 miles:

• • • Jordan Gardens

Within 2.6 miles:

• • • David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Within 3.2 miles:

• • • Cottolengo Centre

Within 6 miles:

• • • Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park

Kepro Farm is  14 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $393 (Double Room with Balcony): $92

Cost per person (four people): $23

 

 

 

Safari Park Hotel & Casino

Kasarani off Thika Road, 00100

TRM – Thika Road Mall | Garden City Mall

Safari Park Hotel & Casino features a casino, a golf course, a nightclub, a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a sauna, a gym, free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, luggage storage, car rental service, airport transportation service for a charge, a business center, private parking, a tennis court, a billiards room and a playground. Nearby you may find Paradise Casino, Nyama Choma Ranch (restaurant), La Piazzetta Italian Restaurant, Chiyo (Japanese / Korean restaurant), Winners Pavillion (Chinese restaurant), Cafe Kigwa, Paradise Lobby Café,  Cats Club (nightclub), Safari Cats (live entertainment), Hemingway’s Lounge Bar, Piano Bar, Wasili Kanya Safaris and Kasarani Indoor Arena.

Within feet:

• • • TRM – Thika Road Mall
    • Garden City Mall

Within 1 mile:

• • • Eden Plaza
    • Thika Palm Arcade

Safari Park Hotel & Casino is 14.9 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. 

Approximate cost per night (Executive Suite): $266

 

 

 

Kindaruma Road Apartment

Kindaruma Road Heartland Garden – A504

KMTC Playground

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fitness center, a washing machine, free private parking, a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchen, a balcony, garden views and a playground come standard at Kindaruma Road Apartment.

Within feet:

• • • KMTC Playground
    • French School Playing Ground
    • MR. KHAN PROPOSED

Within 1.3  miles:

• • • Public Service Club

Within 1.5 miles:

• • • Aziz’s Gymnasium

Within 1.6 miles:

• • • Olympic Academy Ground

Within 1.9 miles:

• • • Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park

Within 3.4 miles:

• • • Ivory Burning Site and Picnic Area

Kindaruma Road Apartment is  10 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Two-Bedroom Apartment): $69

Cost per person (four people): $17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hob House

Kitusuru

Kihingo Village

Fitted with a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, a shared lounge, a children’s playground, slippers, garden views and free parking, Hob House is in proximity to Hob House (Lebanese restaurant), Kanyi Bakes (bakery), Tasha Cake Creation (cake shop), Fitness Wheel Gym And Aerobics (gym), Skinners Restaurant and more.

Within feet:

• • • Kihingo Village

Within 2.1 miles:

• • • Havilah Ranch

Within 2.7 miles:

• • • Kifaru Gardens
    • St. Mary’s School Nairobi Games Pitches

Within 4 miles:

• • • Eden Square Office Block

Within 6 miles:

• • • Nairobi Milliary Stone
    • August 7th Memorial Park
    • Railway Museum

Within 30 miles:

• • • Mount Longonot

Hob House is  13 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $135

 

 

 

 

Palacina The Residence & The Suites

Kitale Lane

Shifteye Gallery

Palacina The Residence & The Suites features free WiFi, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, a swimming pool set in a large, manicured lawn, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, full kitchenettes and garden views. Near here you’ll find Moonflower Restaurant, The Angelsmile Atelier (clothing store), Pete’s Cafe (restaurant), Oro Restaurant And Lounge, Kuona Artists Collective (art center), St Georges Assembly Ground (fairground), CrivonSpring Lounge (bar) and more.

Within feet:

• • • Shifteye Gallery
    • Kasuku Centre
    • Nairobi Arboretum
    • Yaya Centre

Within 1 mile:

• • • Netherlands Embassy

Within 1.2 miles:

• • • Prestige Plaza
    • The Nairobi Hospital

Within 1.4 miles:

• • • Nairobi Art Centre
    • Kipro Centre

Within 1.7 miles:

• • • Nairobi National Museum

Palacina The Residence & The Suites is  10 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (two-bedroom penthouse): $284

Cost per person (four people): $72

 

 

 

Fairview Hotel

Second Ngong Avenue

All Saints Cathedral Nairobi

With an outdoor pool, a sun terrace, a restaurant, a bar, classically decorated rooms, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, seating areas, tea and coffee facilities, bathrobes, slippers, free WiFi, a fitness center, a tour desk, a 24-hour front desk and meeting facilities, Fairview Hotel is found near Kings Prism Towers (business center), New Life SDA Cafe, Cake Galleria (bakery), The Plato (restaurant), Radlee’s Cafe, Argenti Restaurant & Lounge and more.

Within feet:

• • • All Saints Cathedral Nairobi
    • The Nairobi Hospital
    • Uhuru Park
    • Kenya Railway Golf Club
    • Nairobi Gallery
    • Nyayo House

Within 1 mile:

• • • Imax Kenya

Within 1.2 miles:

• • • Nairobi National Museum

Fairview Hotel is  9 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $127

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yaya Towers & Hotel

Argwings Kodhek Road

Yaya Centre Nairobi

With an outdoor pool, a tennis court, a basketball court, a game room, free WiFi, BBQ facilities, a children’s playground, seating areas, satellite TVs, DVD players, dining areas, kitchens, a fitness center, a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk and free parking, Yaya Towers & Hotel is in the vicinity of Yaya Centre (shopping mall), Sierra Brasserie (restaurant), Fresh Choice Green Grocers, Foxxies Lounge (bar), Kifaru Bar, Newscafe – Adlife (cafe), Bleau LOUNGE (club), RubiCut Gardens (restaurant), Mambos Barbeque, Shifteye Studios (photography studio) and more.

Within feet:

• • • Yaya Centre
    • Shifteye Gallery
    • Prestige Plaza
    • Adams Arcade Shopping Centre
    • Royal Nairobi Golf Club

Within 1.1 miles:

• • • iHub

Within 1.2 miles:

• • • Nairobi Art Centre
    • Kasuku Centre
    • Nairobi Arboretum

Within 1.6 miles:

• • • Lavington Green Shopping Centre

Within 2 miles:

• • • Central Park

Within 2.2 miles:

• • • Freedom Heights Mall

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!