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

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

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 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

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

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

Nairobi

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