The world’s only wildlife capital
With Nairobi being the start or ending to many of our safaris, a stopover to this city is almost inevitable. It serves as the hub to International visitors who fly into Jomo Kenyatta Airport but its Wilson Airport, some 90 minutes away, that offers regional and charter flights Kenya's safari destinations such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli and other destinations that have airstrips.
Nairobi a bustling city it is often referred to as the best city in Africa, the city has always been the financial hub of Kenya. (Nairobi is larger than Johannesburg and Cairo thrown in the bargain)- And is one in which you can experience the authentic 'everyday Africa'. Downtown Nairobi is best avoided however, especially as most of the city's main places of interest - the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre and the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage - are located in the city's leafy suburbs.
Did you know? Nairobi happens to be the world’s only wildlife capital, what does that even mean?! Nairobi National Park happens to be the backyard of the city and despite a starling backdrop of the city skyscrapers, is a haven for lion, rhino, zebras and giraffes and serves as a great introduction to Kenya’s wildlife.
Nairobi offers some of the must add on to your bucket list activities while travelling to Kenya. Its liveliness offers the best night life in East Africa and If you have the time and you're in the mood for a steak dinner, then be sure to visit the world-renowned Carnivore Restaurant where a bewildering array of meat dishes are prepared on hot coals, and if you have a day or two to spare then a Nairobi safari is just one of the many surprises this city has to offer. A short drive out of Nairobi’s central business district is the Nairobi National Park. Wide open grass plains and backdrop of the city scrapers, scattered acacia bush play host to a wide variety of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. Visitors can enjoy the park’s picnic sites, three campsites and the walking trails for hikers.
Nairobi has a variety of accommodations and attractions to make you feel at home in the meantime. The city's suburbs, where many of Nairobi's best hotels and lodges are located, offers a tranquil contrast to the chaotic city Centre and provide visitors with excellent safe accommodation and fine cuisine. They also make for a convenient base from which to access several local attractions which include the Karen Blixen Museum, the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. You can opt to spend your night at one of the most sought-after exclusive facility by travelers from world over The Giraffe Manor and have the luxury to feed the resident giraffes.
The Emakoko is a boutique lodge uniquely positioned on the edge of the Nairobi National Park. It is located a short 45-minute drive from either of Nairobi’s airports. The drive through the park itself, with its beautiful scenery and abundance of plains game is a superb way to start any East African safari. With only 10 rooms The Emakoko offers an exclusive and personal environment for guests to enjoy. Five rooms are situated at the main level and five built into the cliff face higher up. The climb to the upper rooms is worth it for the spectacular views, but if you do not fancy the climb, you can always jump onto the funicular lift. The Emakoko allows people to start and finish their safari in the wildlife environment they have traveled so far to enjoy.
EXPERIENCES AT EMAKOKO LODGE
Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel, often referred to as one of the most instagrammed properties in the world, Giraffe Manor is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. Giraffe Manor is one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings. The historic manor house has extraordinary appeal that harks back to the 1930s when visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, guests often remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its twelve rooms is named after the author Karen Blixen.
EXPERIENCES AT THE MANOR
This 45-suite boutique hotel elevates the standard of luxury for travelers in the region. Beautiful in its symmetry and flooded with natural light, this plantation-style property is airy and spacious. Each of its 80m² suites have a private balcony overlooking the iconic silhouette of the Ngong Hills, a magical view which can also be enjoyed over sundowners at the Bar. Just 40 minutes’ drive from Nairobi’s international airport and set between Nairobi National Park and the foot of the Ngong Hills, Hemingway’s Nairobi Hotel is located to the South West of the city in the peaceful suburb of Karen. It is generally believed that the suburb was named after Karen Blixen, the Danish author of Out of Africa; her farm was located just 2 minutes’ drive from the hotel.
WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT HEMINGWAYS
“Beautiful scenery and great service”
Jabari Safaris is a luxury safari company based in the United States with roots in Africa, offering a wide range of luxury holiday packages — from ready-made itineraries to fully customized experiences.
