Nairobi:  Not just an overnight stop

Hello everyone, I have just returned from a quick trip to Kenya! I spent three nights in Nairobi. I know many times we only recommend an overnight stay before continuing onto the Mara or Laikipia, but I think you should reconsider that short stay. Nairobi has a lot to offer and does lend itself to a few nights. Yes, it is completely safe. No, I never felt unsafe or had issues with protests.

Here are a few things to consider.

Nairobi National Park is amazing.  Yes, this is a park within the city of Nairobi.  However, the game viewing here is excellent.  Black and White Rhino are in the same park, and lions, ostriches, and giraffes are viewable within a drive or two.  Most flights into Nairobi land at night, so stay at Emakoko just outside of the park, stay two nights, skip the morning game drive your first full day, and do a game drive in the evening and the next morning.  After that, you can continue onto other activities in the city.  This lets you settle into your trip without feeling rushed and get excellent game sightings.

Museum and Animal Sanctuaries.  The Karen Blixen Museum is a nice stop about an hour.  You are given a private guide to get the history of Karen’s time in Kenya and her impact on the city and the people.  In Karen, you also have the Giraffe Center, where you can feed the Rothchild Giraffes.  And you have the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.  I highly recommend splurging for the private session here, where you can pat these orphan elephants, watch them interact with their keepers, and learn about their lives.  All of these activities can be worked into one day.

Restaurants and Shopping.  Nairobi is quickly becoming a food capital, with many of its restaurants and bars being world-renowned.  I stayed at the Tribe Hotel, which is across the street from a large mall with many high-end fashion and home goods shops where you can browse new Kenyan designer products.  Hero, named one of the world’s best bars, has a beautiful rooftop and fantastic food.  Sandstorm, a local co-op, works with the local community to produce handmade bags and items.  There are also countless other opportunities to shop for local goods.  I even bought a painting directly from the artist.

Procera Gin.  We had an opportunity to do a 2-hour tour and gin tasting with Procera.  This is a uniquely Kenyan award-winning gin producer in Nairobi.  Everything is handmade in this production, including the bottle, the cap, the leather wrap, and the “salt” for your gin and tonic.  They make the gin with local juniper berries, distilling them from fresh berries and not dried (like the English productions).

So, I have to say, I am a convert! Being a city girl….I know there are other city people out there. Give Nairobi a second look; I don’t think you will be disappointed. Give me a call or email me at sbradley@africaendeavours.com; I will be happy to tell you more.