The jewel of Africa is a vast country famed for its stream of wildlife, contrasting scenery and distinct culture. The bustling metropolis and capital city, Nairobi, is home to restaurants with exceptional cuisine, friendly people and a rich cultural heritage. Whatever your reason for visiting Kenya, don’t miss out on this pulsating city – it’s certainly worth a stopover. We thought we’d share our top 5 hotels in Nairobi. The skyscrapers and eclectic vibes of Nairobi await!
Kenya is a sought after safari destination, and visitors marvel at the absolute variety in habitats and landscapes present within one country. The Indian Ocean coastline of Kenya is ideal for rustic tropical holidays and exploring unique mangrove swamps. The plateaus and mountains of East Africa straddle the centre of the country; while open savannahs, snow-capped peaks, and rivers snaking and cutting their way across typically African landscapes can be found throughout the rest of the country.
But the most famous destination in Kenya is the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a preserved area of wilderness home to the famous wildebeest migration and prides of lethal predators. A visit to the reserve is always included in a safari to Kenya! When you’re hopping from the coast to the national parks and visiting the tall mountainous peaks, you’re bound to overnight in Nairobi on at least one occasion. And if you don’t – slot it into your itinerary! This sprawling city is similar to other metropolises in Africa but boasts modern skyscrapers overlooking this diverse country.
Tribe Hotel in Nairobi
The Tribe Hotel is a trendy and contemporary building comprising 137 rooms scattered across three wings. The decor is a blend of modern art mixed with handpicked artefacts (900 pieces) from all over Africa. Located in Nairobi’s diplomatic district, Tribe Hotel certainly sets the bar high in terms of luxury urban hotels. The hotel even has a rather fun tropical-style heated pool with a waterfall!
The waterfall is one of the main features. Surrounding the cascading waters is a floating granite bar, islands and relaxation areas. The rooftop bar is the perfect place to take in the sweeping views of Africa’s chic and pulsating city. When you’re not exploring the themed areas, you can always hit the gym or indulge in a few Thai massage treatments.
Giraffe Manor is a boutique hotel that has made it onto many travellers’ bucket lists. And for good reason ! Where else in the world can you settle down for breakfast and a giraffe pokes its head through the window to nibble on your toast?! Giraffe Manor is located on the outskirts of the city and spills out across 12 acres of private land in the indigenous forest. There is a resident herd of the rare Rothschild giraffe adorning the lawns of the stately manor house, and they’ve been there for many years spanning generations of giraffe.
This is probably the only place in the world where you can feed and photograph giraffe from the comfort of your breakfast table. Located a mere 20 km from the city centre, this 12 roomed luxurious manor house is ideal for a city break. Built in the 1930s, Giraffe Manor still somehow manages to maintain its charm from this classic era. A definite do-not-miss.
The House of Waine is an opulent stately house situated in acres of lush green lawns in an exclusive and serene area. The Colonial House of Waine is known for its personalised and friendly service, and certainly encompasses the spirit of Africa. This 11 bedroomed luxury boutique hotel is located in the peaceful suburbs on a leafy lane and offers a sense of timeless elegance. A historical family home surrounded by exotic birdsong and reposeful surrounds. What more could you ask for?
Nairobi Tented Camps offer its visitors a slice of the safari life just outside the buzzing city. Located in the depths of a riverine forest, deep in the heart of Nairobi National Park, and just minutes away from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, this environmentally friendly authentic camp is worth exploring.
There are only 8 Meru style tents, each designed to offer an intimate wilderness experience. Tents are furnished in plush decor, and accommodation is ideal for avid birders and those passionate about nature. Nairobi Tented Camp actually offers its own game drives where guests can view lion, giraffe, buffalo and leopard in their natural habitat. This camp is your perfect choice for a wilderness hideaway!
The Boma Hotel is – simply put – a design masterpiece, and one that thrives on being a new age and tech-savvy hotel. The Boma Hotels have social responsibility and humanitarian values at their core, with all profits funding Kenya’s Red Cross society. This chain of hotels offers top-class bars, spacious rooms, meeting spaces and spa facilities together with an exceptional level of hospitality. Enjoy panoramic views of the skyline and marvel at the delights of artistic and phenomenal Nairobi.
