Nairobi
Giraffe Manor
Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city. In addition to its urban core, the city has Nairobi National Park, a large game reserve known for breeding endangered black rhinos and home to giraffes, zebras, and lions. Next to it is a well-regarded elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Nairobi is also often used as a jumping-off point for safari trips elsewhere in Kenya, but there is plenty to do in the "Green City in the Sun." Here is the VHS City Guide to Nairobi.
STAY
GIRAFFE MANOR Surrounded by 12 acres of private land, within 140 acres of indigenous forest, the iconic Giraffe Manor is famous for its resident herd of Rothschild giraffe that casually wander around the spectacular grounds. Stay in the original manor house offering six rooms. Each room enjoys views over the sanctuary. Breakfast is the highlight of staying at the hotel as the giraffes peak their head in through the windows. Gogo Falls Road, Nairobi; thesafaricollection.com/properties/giraffe-manor
HEMINGWAYS NAIROBI Nestled between the vast Nairobi National Park and the Ngong Hills, Hemingways Nairobi, a Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offers an all-suite boutique experience away from the city’s hustle. Each of the spacious suites boasts a terrace with breathtaking views. The hotel’s brasserie and bar provide exquisite dining options, while the proximity to the national park offers wildlife encounters. 54 Mbagathi Ridge, Nairobi; hemingways-collection.com/nairobi
HEMINGWAYS EDEN RESIDENCE Tucked away in Nairobi’s leafy Langata suburb and bordering the Giraffe Sanctuary Forest, Hemingways Eden Residence is a soulful retreat where creativity and calm meet. Originally built in 1992 by artist and filmmaker Tonio Trzebinski and fashion designer Anna Trzebinski as their family home, the residence has evolved into a boutique hotel and private gallery, now part of the Hemingways Collection. 94 Tumbili Rd, Nairobi; hemingways-collection.com/eden-residence
VILLA ROSA KEMPINSKI A destination for both business and leisure with over 200 elegat rooms and suites; an exceptional spa, and restaurants. Chiromo Rd, Nairobi; kempinski.com/en/hotel-villa-rosa
OLOLO SAFARI LODGE & FARM A luxury lodge in Nairobi National Park with game drives. Southern Border of the Nairobi National Park, Nairobi; olololodge.com
NAIROBI SERENA HOTEL The Nairobi Serena Hotel is a premier 5-star hotel located on Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi, Kenya, offering a mix of Pan-African design and international luxury. It is part of the "Leading Hotels of the World" group and is known for its central yet serene location, surrounded by lush gardens near Uhuru Park. Kenyatta Ave, Nairobi, Kenya; serenahotels.com/nairobi
KWETU NAIROBI Part of Curio Collection by Hilton, this charming boutique hotel offers a peaceful stay near Karura Forest off Peponi Road with horse riding, birdwatching, jogging, and cycling. Peponi Rd, Nairobi; hilton.com/en/hotels/nboknqq-kwetu-nairobi
TRIBE HOTEL A Member of Design Hotels™ located in the heart of the sophisticated Gigiri district, adjacent to The Village Market. Limuru Rd, Nairobi; tribe-hotel.com
KAREN BLIXEN COFFEE GARDEN & COTTAGES A luxury boutique hotel, its reception is located in historic Swedo House, a former hunting lodge. Karen Rd, Nairobi; karenblixencoffeegardens.com
JW MARRIOTT Located in an iconic tower, this corporate hotel is home to restaurants, meeting spaces, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. PRH5+VMC, Chiromo Ln, Nairobi; marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nbojw-jw-marriott-hotel-nairobi
EMAKOKO A small boutique lodge with only ten rooms and one private house, The Emakoko is uniquely positioned on the southern boundary of the Nairobi National Park. Nairobi National Park, Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, Kenya; emakoko.com
SAROVA STANLEY HOTEL The Sarova Stanley is a historic 5-star hotel in Nairobi's CBD, famous as the city's first luxury hotel and home to the Thorn Tree Café. Located on Kenyatta Avenue, it offers Victorian-style, air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, a gym, and multiple dining options. Riadha House, Bunyala Rd, Nairobi, Kenya; sarovahotels.com/stanley-nairobi/
DINE | DRINK
CULTIVA FARM Nairobi's best farm-to-table eatery, serving sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine. Pofu Rd, Nairobi; cultivakenya.com
THE CARNIVORE RESTAURANT Carnivore is an open-air restaurant in the Langata suburb, specializing in meat, and featuring an all-you-can-eat meat buffet. Langata Link Rd, Nairobi; tamarind.co.ke
ABOUT THYME Located in a beautiful secret garden with fairy lit trees and charcoal braziers. Eldama Ravine Rd, Nairobi; about-thyme.com
TALISMAN Featuring carved wooden pillars from Pakistan, elegant Afghan rugs, charming fireplaces, sprawling terraces and idyllic gardens, Ngong Rd, Nairobi; thetalismanrestaurant.com
HERO BAR & RESTAURANT Located in the Trademark Hotel, Nairobi, offers a creative, superhero-themed menu blending Japanese-inspired cuisine with international flavors, specialized in innovative sushi and craft cocktails. Village Market, 9th Floor, Trademark Hotel Village Market, Limuru Road, Limuru Rd, Nairobi; hero-kenya.com
HEMINGWAY’S BRASSERIE Don’t miss the famous Sunday brunch, complete with live music and carving stations. MP44+W9J, Mbagathi Ridge, Nairobi; hemingways-collection.com/nairobi/dining/
TIN ROOF CAFE A day-time cafe perfect for light, healthy lunches with smoothies, juices and excellent coffee hand-roasted coffee. The perfect respite after shopping at House of Treasures next door. 70, Nairobi; tinroof.cafe
ZUCCHINI GREEN GROCERS Located in the village mall - try the baby coconut water with key lime! 39584-00623, ABC PLACE, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya; zucchini.co.ke
LA SALUMERIA A charming and enjoyable Italian experience within Nairobi. Order the eggplant parmesan, wood-fired pizza, and a glass of red wine. Korosho Rd, Dhajay Apartments, Behind Valley Arcade, 69671 - 00400, Nairobi, Kenya
THE RIVER CAFE The River Café is located inside Karura Forest, one of Nairobi's urban forests off Limuru road, across the road from the Belgium Embassy. Karura Forest, Nairobi, Kenya; therivercafekenya.com
JIKO Located in The Tribe Hotel - order the ginger salmon and coconut rice in a banana leaf. Karura Gigiri Rise Tribe Hotel, The Village Market, Kenya; jikoafrica.com
WASP & SPROUT Wasp and Sprout is a family-run cafe and furniture store. Old Loresho Shopping Centre, Loresho Ridge, Nairobi, Kenya; waspandsprout.com
BAMBOO AT ZEN GARDEN Pan Asian Restaurant serving Chinese, Japanese & Thai Cuisine. Zen Garden, Lower Kabete Rd, Spring Valley, 69671 - 00400, Lower Kabete Rd, Nairobi, Kenya; zengarden.co.ke
ROASTED TRUTH A specialty coffee shop housed within the members only coworking space, Ikigai. Ikigai Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; ikigai.co.ke/roasted-truth/
MAMA ASHANTI Experience authentic Nigerian & Ghanaian dishes like Jollof Rice, Suya, and Goat Pepper Soup. Muthangari Gardens, Nairobi, Kenya; mamaashanti.co.ke
ARBOR PLACE A popular, serene restaurant and lifestyle venue known for its lush, garden-like setting. It features a diverse menu blending Southeast Asian flavors with comfort classics, suitable for brunches, lunches, and intimate dinners. Try the wontons! The compound also includes The Aromatics Spa. 904 James Gichuru Road; Kenya
HARU Try the fresh crab sushi! Karen Rd, Nairobi, Kenya; haru.co.ke/
BEIT ET SALAM Equal parts comfortable and cosmopolitan, a warm, positive energy exudes from the friendly staff at Beit e Selam, which means “house of peace” in Amharic. Located in the prosperous Westlands neighbourhood, a baroque metal gate serves as an entryway into this beloved community bar and restaurant, where guests are welcome to either gather in the oasis-like garden courtyard or pull up a chair in the roomy indoor space (complete with fireplace for chilly evenings). Inside, an eclectic mix of modern and vintage pan-African decor matches the vibrancy of some of the best food in Kenya. Featuring flavours that draw on various different culinary traditions from around the continent, both the food and the drinks – the menu offers contemporary cocktails and a smart wine and beer collection – represents the epitome of African hospitality. 4 Maua Cl, Nairobi, Kenya; boo.ke/beit-e-selam-g
ART | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
KAREN BLIXEN MUSEUM The Karen Blixen Museum, located "at the foot of the Ngong Hills," is the former African home of Danish author Karen Blixen, famous for her 1937 book Out of Africa, which chronicles her life at the estate. Karen Rd, Nairobi; museums.or.ke/karen-blixen
GIRAFFE CENTER A visit to the Giraffe Centre directly supports the conservation of the endangered Rothschild Giraffe, and is a great way to meet Africa's tallest mammal up close. Duma Rd, Nairobi; giraffecentre.org
SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST An orphaned elephant rescue and wildlife rehabilitation program in Nairobi, Kenya. It was founded in 1977 by Dame Daphne Sheldrick to honor her late husband, David. Since 2001, it has been run by their daughter, Angela. Daily public visits are available by appointment only from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Located inside Nairobi National Park, accessible via the KWS Mbagathi Gate (or Workshop Gate) on Magadi Road, Nairobi, Kenya. sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK Nairobi National Park was established in 1946. It is fenced on three sides, whereas the open southern boundary allows migrating wildlife to move between the park and the adjacent Kitengela plains. Rhinos, Giraffes, Lions, Hippos, Buffalo, and more may be seen from organized safari cars. kws.go.ke/nairobi-national-park
CIRCLE ART GALLERY Circle Art Gallery exhibits and promotes visual artists from Eastern Africa. Victoria Square, Riara Road Nairobi, Kenya; circleartagency.com
ONE OFF CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY One Off showcases art from some of the most established artists in the region and are located in a serene, green sculpture garden which is open to visitors. Rosslyn Lone Tree Estate, off Limuru Road, Nairobi City, Kenya; oneoffcontemporaryartgallery.com
SHOP
ANNA TRZEBINSKI A renowned Kenyan fashion designer and hotelier. Mwitu Estate; annatrzebinski.com
BUSH PRINCESS Founded by Charlotte LeFebvre, Bush Princess bags are all handmade in Kenya. 70 Dagoretti Road, Opposite The Hub Mall, Nairobi; bushprincess.com
HOUSE OF TREASURES House of Treasures Emporium is a one-stop shopping gallery in Karen offering its clientele a stunning range of furniture, home decor & fashion. NO 70 Dagoretti Rd, Nairobi; houseoftreasures.online
SALLY DUDMESH Bespoke, unique, handmade jewelry made in Kenya. House Of Treasures, 70 Dagoretti Rd, Nairobi; sallydudmesh.com
LINDA CAMM Maasai bead and leather work designed by Linda Camm, including beaded belts, dog collars, and more. No 70 Dagoretti Road, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya; houseoftreasureskenya.com/online-shop
LANA TRZEBINSKI CERAMICS Kenyan artist studio. Mwitu Estate, 20; lanatrzebinskiceramics.com
DEEPA DOSAJA Deepa Dosaja is a pioneer of conscious fashion for over three decades. They offer a timeless ready to wear collection as well as a bespoke couture line in Kenya. deepadosaja.com
KATUNGULU MWENDWA Katungulu Mwendwa is a Nairobi-based designer and Founder of KATUSH. For over a decade, she has built a brand rooted in place. katushnairobi.com
AMBICA SHAH JEWELLERY Jewellery & textiles explored through ancestral journeys | Materials ethically sourced Handmade in Kenya & Indonesia. kapoetabyambica.com
KIKOROMEO Transcending cultures and fashion trends, KikoRomeo puts sustainability at its core, striving to create longevity in each garment by using handmade textiles. Pallet Café, Lavington, Nairobi, Kenya P.O.Box 76138 00508; kikoromeo.com
MAASAI MARKET Your one-stop shop for all authentic Kenyan crafts with rotating schedules and locations.
TRIBAL GALLERY Tribal Gallery is a unique home interiors company based in Nairobi, Kenya – creating and curating a collection of beautiful furniture, fabrics and art. Loresho Ridge, green gate next to house 161, Loresho Ridge, Nairobi, Kenya; Tribal-gallery.com
NAIROBI FLEA MARKET A must-visit every Sunday for brunch, live music, and to shop emerging local artisans and fashion brands.
DESIGNING AFRICA COLLECTIVE The multi-brand concept store by Diana Opoti, which features emerging, premium African and Independent Designers, is located on the first floor of The Village Market Mall. Village Market Mall, Market Street Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
KEPHA MAINA The eponymous label of Kepha Maina is a Nairobi-based label that is inspired by architecture and the human form.
ANYANGO MPINGA Inspired by the ceremonial masks of the Sukuma people of Tanzania, the Faces of the Earth collection merges contemporary design with handwoven techniques. Fourways Junction, Kiambu Road, Nairobi, Kenya; anyangompinga.com
AMI DOSHI SHAH Ami Doshi Shah “expands expectations of what jewelry is,” one museum curator said, reimagining jewelry as talismanic art.
SPA | WELLNESS
SERENITY SPA A tranquil retreat in the heart of Nairobi's Karen suburb. Signature massages include the Serenity Massage, which incorporates amethyst and rose quartz crystals to balance energy and promote relaxation, and the Deep Tissue Bamboo Fusion, designed to alleviate chronic muscle tension. Facial treatments range from hydrating facials to advanced enzyme peels and microneedling, catering to various skin types and concerns. The spa also offers body scrubs, steam therapy, and slimming treatments. serenityspa.co.ke
HEMINGWAYS Restore well-being at Hemingways Nairobi— spa treatments, relaxation lounges, sauna, steamroom, pool, wellness rituals, and peaceful design for mind and body renewal. 54 Mbagathi Ridge, Nairobi; hemingways-collection.com/nairobi
SAFARI
ENASOIT COLLECTION A quick 45-minute plane ride from Nairobi lands you at Enasoit Collection. Set within a 4,500 acre private wildlife conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya, Enasoit Collection is an intimate luxury safari retreat known for its refined tented suites and exclusive use experiences surrounded by roaming elephants, giraffes, zebra, and abundant plains game. Its Wildlife & Yoga Retreats thoughtfully weave daily yoga and meditation into the safari rhythm, offering Vinyasa and restorative practices against a cinematic backdrop of open savannah and watering holes. The result is a deeply grounding wellness experience where movement, mindfulness, and untamed landscape exist in elegant harmony. enasoitcollection.com
MARA BUSHTOPS A luxury safari camp located in a private conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Known for high-end amenities like private, hot tubs, a renowned spa, and gourmet dining, it is frequently ranked as a top-tier, all-inclusive safari experience. Land Parcel No. 4 Siana, Kenya; bushtopscamps.com/destination/mara/
HIPPO POINT The home of Dodo Cunningham Reid, best known for interior design and her magical boutique hotel in Naivasha. Hippo Point is an exclusive private wildlife conservancy sitting on an isthmus between Lake Naivasha and Lake Oloidien. 57VR+W2Q, Kongoni, Kenya; hippopointkenya.com/
SEGERA Segera Retreat is a luxury safari lodge on 50,000 acres of private wild land in Laikipia, Kenya. segera.com
LOISOBA Loisaba is a 58,000-acre wildlife conservancy in northern Laikipia, Kenya, dedicated to conservation, sustainable tourism, and community development. loisaba.com