Nairobi is the hub of Africa! It is the center of a vibrant economy, a melting pot of cosmopolitan activity. Never a dull moment. Unfortunately this gem is a best kept secret to the wordly and adventurous residents. We aim to remedy part of this in this article, reflecting on Nairobi's enticing restaurants, lodges, hideouts, hotels, lounges, nyama choma joints, bars and shopping malls. Nairobi is truly a city that never sleeps with 24 hour grocery shopping available.
Talk about a thriving metropole. Every month a new swanky Kenyan bar, restaurant, lounge or bar opens up offering an exquisite focus on cuisine or the most sinfully enjoyable cocktails. Foodies will wonder why they did not go to Kenya sooner, the freshest vegetables, meat and fish await you.
Easily mistaken for not aspiring to greater heights, the residents of Nairobi's Kibera, Mathare and other informal dwellings are part of Nairobi's story - a tale of residents who though are enterprising to do not have an opportunity to occupy affordable housing. Kenya's enterprising nature can be seen on the roadside with masterfully crafted interior and exterior design items. If you are decking out your new apartment, the sunshine boutique residents refer to it is the best place to pick up wrought iron, beautifully finished wood items and the most inviting parasols to enjoy that gin and tonic in your garden on a sunny day.
You read it first here 'savannah-fed' beef, goat or lamb, bred in Kenya will be rivaling the Argentinian pamapas-fed beef. The meat is so good that the Carnivore that serves both game and Kenya's savannah-fed beef, is world renowned. Whereas Argentina and Brazil have the churascaria, Kenya has nyama choma - a favourite passtime with succulent cuts eaten with Ugali, the equivalent of sadza or pap! You will be spoilt with a selection of boutique and luxury hotels to choose from. Many in close proximity to the shopping and party district in Nairobi.
From the Nairobi Serena, which has the lush Central Park surrounding it, making you forget you are in the city center. The Nairobi Safari Club is an all suite hotel - luxurious and tremendous value. If you want enjoy the westlands action, the Holiday Inn is just what you are looking for. Nestled in the shopping and party central of Nairobi, only 3 kilometers from the City Center.
Foodies will be spoit for choice. The fresh ingredients in Nairobi makes it a vegetarian's heaven!! and oh my, the cocktails at Blanco's are to die for! Alcapulco will serve up sumptuous Mexican cuisine and Havana, Nairobi's own Cuban restaurant, whose humidor serves up cohibas. The mojitos are not shabby either. As for those that love their meat. The Carnivore is second to none. Serving up delicious game meat and a wide array of salads as well. The nightclub at the Carnivore is not to be missed as well.
Tribe, offers a new definition of what African interior design with a modern twist is about. Just a stone throw from the global head quarters of the United Nations Environment Programme, the Village Market plays host to Tribe as well as the Maasai Market. Looking for amazing ethnic and beautifully crafted tableware, accessories, fashion, interior design, and traditional ornaments that your friends will go green with envy when they lay their eyes on them? Then Maasai Market is where you need to go.
The art and theater scene is alive and well. From Gallery Watatu where you can enjoy exceptional paintings to Phoenix players that stage some of the most refine artistry in town. In 2009, Kenya played host to the Haymarket festival. Nobel Laureates Wangari Mathai and Wole Soyinka joined renowned local and international narrators and poets hosted by StoryMoja. Incidentally, the StoryMoja crew staged their play ' Cut off my tounge' in London. Who said Kenya's do not engage in the literary arts?
All roads lead to Nairobi in October 2009 for the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA). A Kenyan renaissance in music, design and fashion is in the making. Local music dominate the airwaves. At every wedding, you see women beautifully adorned in Kenyan attire and swinging to the latest local tunes. This year, for the MAMA awards, Nameless, STL, Amani and Wahu ( who won best female artist last year) have all been nominated.
A true sign that Kenyan fashion has matured is the Kiko Romeo store at the trendy Yaya Center mall. The Festival for African Fashion and Arts (FAFA) awards hosted annually in Nairobi highlight that African fashion is envouge and the designers are at the top of their game. We salute the fabulous trend - celebrating Kenyan culture, creativity, enterprise and talent. Kenyan's both young and old are showing that wearing our own unique get up is what being hip is about.
So the next time you are travelling through Kenya on transit at JKIA or planning a safari or beach holiday, be sure to stop and enjoy Nairobi. A treat that will leave you wanting more! See you in Nairobi.
Talk about a thriving metropole. Every month a new swanky Kenyan bar, restaurant, lounge or bar opens up offering an exquisite focus on cuisine or the most sinfully enjoyable cocktails. Foodies will wonder why they did not go to Kenya sooner, the freshest vegetables, meat and fish await you.
Easily mistaken for not aspiring to greater heights, the residents of Nairobi's Kibera, Mathare and other informal dwellings are part of Nairobi's story - a tale of residents who though are enterprising to do not have an opportunity to occupy affordable housing. Kenya's enterprising nature can be seen on the roadside with masterfully crafted interior and exterior design items. If you are decking out your new apartment, the sunshine boutique residents refer to it is the best place to pick up wrought iron, beautifully finished wood items and the most inviting parasols to enjoy that gin and tonic in your garden on a sunny day.
You read it first here 'savannah-fed' beef, goat or lamb, bred in Kenya will be rivaling the Argentinian pamapas-fed beef. The meat is so good that the Carnivore that serves both game and Kenya's savannah-fed beef, is world renowned. Whereas Argentina and Brazil have the churascaria, Kenya has nyama choma - a favourite passtime with succulent cuts eaten with Ugali, the equivalent of sadza or pap! You will be spoilt with a selection of boutique and luxury hotels to choose from. Many in close proximity to the shopping and party district in Nairobi.
From the Nairobi Serena, which has the lush Central Park surrounding it, making you forget you are in the city center. The Nairobi Safari Club is an all suite hotel - luxurious and tremendous value. If you want enjoy the westlands action, the Holiday Inn is just what you are looking for. Nestled in the shopping and party central of Nairobi, only 3 kilometers from the City Center.
Foodies will be spoit for choice. The fresh ingredients in Nairobi makes it a vegetarian's heaven!! and oh my, the cocktails at Blanco's are to die for! Alcapulco will serve up sumptuous Mexican cuisine and Havana, Nairobi's own Cuban restaurant, whose humidor serves up cohibas. The mojitos are not shabby either. As for those that love their meat. The Carnivore is second to none. Serving up delicious game meat and a wide array of salads as well. The nightclub at the Carnivore is not to be missed as well.
Tribe, offers a new definition of what African interior design with a modern twist is about. Just a stone throw from the global head quarters of the United Nations Environment Programme, the Village Market plays host to Tribe as well as the Maasai Market. Looking for amazing ethnic and beautifully crafted tableware, accessories, fashion, interior design, and traditional ornaments that your friends will go green with envy when they lay their eyes on them? Then Maasai Market is where you need to go.
The art and theater scene is alive and well. From Gallery Watatu where you can enjoy exceptional paintings to Phoenix players that stage some of the most refine artistry in town. In 2009, Kenya played host to the Haymarket festival. Nobel Laureates Wangari Mathai and Wole Soyinka joined renowned local and international narrators and poets hosted by StoryMoja. Incidentally, the StoryMoja crew staged their play ' Cut off my tounge' in London. Who said Kenya's do not engage in the literary arts?
All roads lead to Nairobi in October 2009 for the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA). A Kenyan renaissance in music, design and fashion is in the making. Local music dominate the airwaves. At every wedding, you see women beautifully adorned in Kenyan attire and swinging to the latest local tunes. This year, for the MAMA awards, Nameless, STL, Amani and Wahu ( who won best female artist last year) have all been nominated.
A true sign that Kenyan fashion has matured is the Kiko Romeo store at the trendy Yaya Center mall. The Festival for African Fashion and Arts (FAFA) awards hosted annually in Nairobi highlight that African fashion is envouge and the designers are at the top of their game. We salute the fabulous trend - celebrating Kenyan culture, creativity, enterprise and talent. Kenyan's both young and old are showing that wearing our own unique get up is what being hip is about.
So the next time you are travelling through Kenya on transit at JKIA or planning a safari or beach holiday, be sure to stop and enjoy Nairobi. A treat that will leave you wanting more! See you in Nairobi.
About the Author:
Nyaruita Gateri, the Chief Adventurer at Journey Kenya has traveled the length and breadth Kenya for the last two decades and has compiled the most comprehensive guide using the Kenya map to show you the best places to enjoy Kenya culture, animals in Kenya, Kenya food and a must do,the Kenya safari.
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