Heading to East Africa? Here’s where to stay in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital!
Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and largest city, with over three million inhabitants. This megalopolis was built in less than a century: originally, it was situated between two rivers, the Nairobi and the Ngong, and was merely a depot for the materials needed to build a railroad line linking neighbouring Uganda to Mombasa, a city on the coast.
Located in the south of the country, Nairobi is an economic powerhouse for the whole of East Africa: a leading commercial hub, it is also home to two world-renowned universities, making it a young and ultra-dynamic city. But tourism is not to be outdone: although the city boasts few monuments worthy of note, it is nevertheless twinned with a nature reserve, the Nairobi National Park, one of the most beautiful in the world.
Ready to visit this metropolis perched at an altitude of 1800 meters? We’ve put together a list of the best tips for finding the accommodation of your dreams in Nairobi.
Westlands
Photo credit: Instagram – robertgichira
In Nairobi, the historic city center is of little interest and can be a veritable cut-throat after dark. We’d like to introduce you to one of the city’s liveliest districts: Westlands, located north of the city center, offers all the amenities you need for a dream stay in the Kenyan capital: in addition to shopping malls, restaurants and nightclubs, it’s home to the Nairobi National Museum and numerous typical Western hotels.
It’s the ideal place to stay when you’re looking for a place to stay in Nairobi! Rental accommodation is also available on rental platforms, notably in the embassy district, where one of the UN headquarters is located. Even the presidential residence is in the area! For gambling addicts ready to spend like crazy, there are several casinos in the northern part of the district. You can also visit a charming little Maasai market, open every day, or organize a trip to Sigiria Park and Karura Forest, which border the district: ideal for getting off the beaten track, alone or with the family!
Find a hotel in Westlands
Find an Airbnb in Westlands
Lavington
Photo credit: Instagram – stevekiarie
Just to the west of Westlands, Lavington is Kenya’s little Monaco: here, the wealthiest build colossal, safe-looking villas, protected by permanently guarded walls. Apart from its proximity to Westlands, this affluent district has little intrinsic interest other than to show visitors the staggering disparity in living standards typical of African megacities.
A few palaces are scattered around the area, and for those on a comfortable budget, it’s possible to sleep in Nairobi by renting a mansion by the week.
Find a hotel in Lavington area
Find an Airbnb in Lavington
Langata
Our favorite, and you’ll soon understand why: when it comes to accommodation in Nairobi, you can choose between the traditional hotels in the urban sector, of course, but you can also try to sleep directly in… Nairobi National Park, which is an integral part of the municipality.
Langata is a peaceful peri-urban area where you can rent an « estate », small house-domains located close to the sumptuous Nairobi National Park, which of course is home to the animals of the savannah, but also to small tribal villages still occupied by the indigenous Maasai. A real feast for the eyes!
You can also get some fresh air and visit the 38-hectare giraffe breeding center, where you can even feed the giraffes, before strolling along theOloolua Nature Trail, a hiking trail running through the surrounding area, which will give the most motivated a chance to exercise – the gradient is quite steep! There’s even a go-kart track on the edge of the park!
Last but not least, you’ll find that campsites and lodges in Nairobi offer the perfect place to sleep, as close to nature as possible, so that you can find authentic accommodation without any problems.
Find a hotel in Langata
Find an Airbnb in Langata
Map of hotels and accommodation – Kenya