Luxury Travel to Nairobi made for you

Lone giraffe against backdrop of the Nairobi city skyline – Nairobi national park, Kenya

david-sheldrick-elephants-wildlife-trust-kenya

Our relaxing sanctuaries in the bustling capital

The capital city of Kenya is a busy one, and can be slightly overwhelming after a long flight but is often a necessary stopover for you to visit the special places this beautiful country has to offer as a safari destination.

Although the city doesn’t have the greatest of reputations, that doesn’t mean it has lost its charm and we use the best properties in the area that will give you that ‘Out of Africa’ experience, allowing you safe access to the attractions that this bustling city has to explore.

Your experience of Nairobi will start with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which has a huge number of international flights daily with some excellent airlines. The smaller Wilson Airport is inevitably in any itinerary which means you may have to endure a slightly chaotic journey through town to reach it. With a population of nearly 3 million in the centre, it can be quite a challenge to get from ‘A’ to ‘B’ but we will look after you!

The beautiful and sometimes famous properties we use here are ideal to use as a stopgap at the beginning or end of your trip, and only add to the experience of being in Kenya. If you aren’t content with simply enjoying the grounds of the lodges, you have the chance to venture further afield into a handful of the intriguing attractions around. The Karen Blixen Museum exhibits a lovely collection of furniture and photography and explains the story behind the ‘Out of Africa’ star. The David Sheldrick Rhino and Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre are also a special way to see these creatures up close and experience the work that is going on for conservation behind the scenes. Ask us for more information and we will be more than happy to help you really enjoy your stay here.

Highlights

Experience the magic of Kenyan coffee with a visit to Karunguru Coffee Estate. A tour of the farm will take you on a journey through the entire process, right from young seedling to bean and all the way to that steaming cup of black gold.

Roll up your sleeves and pick your own tea before learning how to roast, hand-roll, dry and pack your own signature tea to take home with you.

Head out on an informative walking tour through Nairobi, accompanied by guides who spent some of their childhoods living on the city streets. On this tour they will share about how they used to live their lives, their individual journeys to where they are today and how they are now helping future generations to thrive.

Stretch your legs and breathe the fresh forest air in the beautiful Karura Forest Reserve, follow gentle hiking trails with your experienced guide, walk to a waterfall or even take a moment to plant a tree.

Luxury accommodation in Nairobi

There are many incredible places to stay in Nairobi. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Nairobi

Hemingways Nairobi

Set between the Ngong Hills and Jamhuri Park, the Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel far removed from the bustle of the capital. Expect excellent service and delicious food in this all-inclusive establishment. Choose from one of 45 lofty rooms furnished in a classic style; vaulted ceilings and balconies are complemented by exposed timber, cotton drapes and neutral tones. The two, 240 square metre themed-suites improve upon this with well-appointed living rooms, study and dining areas, opening to large terraces. All rooms have views either of the rolling hotel lawns or the Ngong hills in the distance. Dining at The Brasserie, you can enjoy a contemporary European menu boasting some of the best steak in Kenya and a relaxed ambiance. Head to The Dining Room for a more formal atmosphere and modern cuisine of local providence.

Nairobi

The Emakoko

The Emakoko occupies an enviable position on the edge of Nairobi National Park on the Kitengela plains, being a 30-minute drive from both of Nairobi’s airports yet in a wild environment. There are 10 open plan cottages all with elevated views over the national park, and all with their own private outside deck, fireplace and ensuite bathrooms. A communal lounge, bar and dining area is where guests come together to eat, relax and talk about the days game drives or excursions into the city. Along with the lodge’s good service and high standard, the added allure is the lodge’s convenience to both airports which you get to and from by driving through the national park, and is a game drive in itself.

Nairobi

Ololo Lodge

Overlooking Nairobi National Park, Ololo Lodge is a welcoming hideaway in the African bush on the banks of the Mbagathi River, where guests are made to feel instantly at home. A beautifully restored colonial farmhouse lies at the centre of the lodge, where guests are invited to unwind with a glass of wine as they drink in the views. The 13 suites are spacious and luxuriously furnished, from the airy Terrace Room with its marble bathroom and private terrace, to the safari-style tented cottages. Or you could climb the spiral staircase to The Tower Room which boasts breath-taking views out over the park towards the Ngong Hills. Run by an Australian family, Ololo Lodge is all about relaxing and enjoying the comforts of home away from home. At The Kitchen at Ololo, home-style meals are simple and fresh, using seasonal produce from the lodge’s own gardens. The menu changes daily and guests can dine out on the vine-covered terrace or in the garden under the acacias. Keep a look out for lion, giraffe, leopard, rhino, hippo, zebra and buck on a personalised or group game drive in Nairobi National Park, or add a little extra magic with a visit to the nearby Elephant Orphanage or the Giraffe Centre.

Nairobi

House of Waine

Situated in an upmarket, peaceful and quiet residential area of Nairobi named after Karen Blixen, this property is ideal for travellers who need to spend a night in Nairobi pre- or post-safari. With only eleven uniquely designed en-suite rooms, based in 2.5 acres of green gardens, this city hotel offers a comfortable base from which to explore the city. You can venture out on your own to visit the Giraffe Centre, Daphine Sheldrick Orphanage or any one of the city’s many markets and museums including the famous Karen Blixen museum. The journey from the airport can be quite an adventure, with a real experience of the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city. Interestingly, the name of the house bears all the initials of the family who own and run this boutique hotel, in age order. The private home was originally built in the 1970s and was carefully refurbished over the course of nearly three years to make the property well suited for guests passing through the capital.

Nairobi

Eden Hotel

A nine-bedroom former family home, Eden is set on a four-acre property in the quiet suburb of Langata on the outskirts of Nairobi. The hotel borders the Giraffe Sanctuary forest, and the building has been transformed into a living museum and gallery space. Wander through the rooms and public spaces and you’ll find the original designers and builders Tonio and Anna Trzebinski’s own artworks and creations, as well as artefacts that they have collected from all over the continent over the years. Eden lends itself to longer stays, and there is even an artists residence that can be booked for seven nights. Time spent at Eden is all about enjoying a fully immersive cultural experience and it gives guests the opportunity to experience the modern side of Nairobi in a memorable way. Children under 12 are only allowed when making exclusive use of the main house or Tonio’s Studio Annex. The interiors in the eight rooms and cottage have all be carefully styled by renowned fashion designer Anna. The entire property is a journey of Kenyan art, style, culture and fashion. Exposed wood is complimented by bold, expressive colours and textiles. Dappled sunlight spills through windows onto inviting furniture, perfect for curling up with a boom from the owners’ collection. Enjoy lunch and dinner in the hotel’s stunning restaurant and bar area which overlooks the garden and pond. And spend time exploring the four acres of gardens which lead into a 100-acre forest which is perfect for guided nature walks. Eden is just a short drive from Giraffe Sanctuary and Giraffe Manor.

Nairobi

Karen Gables

Karen Gables is a homely Cape Dutch style guesthouse in the green suburb of Karen (named after Karen Blixen whose old farm, now a museum, can be found close by). The home has seven rooms and suites, one of which is a twin, as well as communal lounges, bar and dining area. Outside, find a pleasant pool and lush gardens.

Why book with Jacada?

Safari expertise

Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.

Unforgettable guides

We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.

Positive impact

By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.

Trip Inspiration

Get inspired with our Nairobi example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

8 Day trip

The Great Migration: A Luxury Safari

Experience one of Africa's most beguiling sights in true, luxurious style

From

$0 pp

9 Day trip

Family Safari to Kenya's Pridelands

A thrilling wildlife and cultural adventure for the whole family

From

$0 pp

10 Day trip

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and a Maasai Mara Safari

An unforgettable East African wildlife adventure

From

$0 pp

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Nairobi adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Start planning

Meet your Africa team

Concierge

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

Plan your trip to Nairobi

Whatever you want from your adventure in Nairobi, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Start planning

Plan with peace of mind

When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

Find out more