Guide to Nairobi

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Most international visitors to Kenya spend very little time in Nairobi, using it as an overnight stop en route to the Masai Mara or one of many other national parks. However over the last few years, significant investment in infrastructure and development has led to a growing energy and dynamism here.

Today, Nairobi is one of the most  fascinating and liveable cities in Africa; full of entrepreneurs, tech start ups, creatives, hipsters, locals, and expats. If you have the time, it's worth spending a few days here to experience life as a local.

The best way to get around is via UBER or BOLT, both of which are safe, efficient, and affordable. There is a motorbike taxi option (called a “boda boda”), which is a great way to cut through traffic and get a feeling for daily life in Nairobi, however this is not for the fainthearted. There are no helmets or protective gear, so if you decide to use motorbike taxis, do so at your own risk.

• Le Grenier - the BEST pain au chocolat outside of France! All day dining with a French inspired menu. The Riverside drive location is a great place to work from during the day and attracts a diverse professional clientele.
• Shamba Cafe & Shop - “farm to table’’ restaurant, farm shop, and garden centre. The food is average, but the overall atmosphere and environment is wonderful. Great local hangout.
• Tin Roof Cafe (Karen) - cute little cafe nestled in a lovely garden, co-located with House of Treasures, an emporium selling homewares, clothing, jewellery, toys, and other gifts from a selection of local designers. A nice place to work from during the day.
• Tin Roof Cafe (Langata) - same as above, but located in Langata. This cafe is set in the courtyard of a charming old house, complete with a English country style garden. The house itself is home to many local designers, a great place to pick up gifts and souvenirs from local artisans.
• Cultiva - This farm-to-table eatery is THE place to go for lunch or dinner. Bookings are essential. Contact them via Whatsapp on +254 701 579 902 to book.

• Nairobi Street Kitchen - eclectic collection of restaurants and bars with a lively, local vibe.
• Cultiva - so good it's included it twice! Excellent cocktails with a Mexican fusion inspired menu.
• Boho Eatery - delicious, bohemian style eatery with a focus on conscious and sustainable living.
• Hob House - boutique guesthouse serving Lebanese food in a charming garden setting
• Beit el Salaam - stylish bar and dining area serving pan African cuisine and cocktails
• Hero - innovative sushi and cocktails served with a city view, part of the Trademark Hotel.
• Inti - Nikkei fine dining, combining Japanese & Peruvian cuisine, on the 20th floor of the imposing One Africa Place.

NOTE:  Many restaurants in Nairobi are closed on Mondays. Check opening hours in advance.

• Geco Cafe - great live jazz music venue in an outdoor setting. Grab a seat at one of the converted tuk-tuks or Vespa scooters and settle in with a glass of wine. Kenyans are meat lovers, so the menu here is mostly "meat plates" and burgers.
• Social House - stylish rooftop bar often with live music, serving Peruvian inspired food and cocktails
• Alchemist - this open air bar and nightclub is an institution. Everyone from 18 to 80 goes here, including locals and foreigners. Don't go before 10pm; it doesn't get going until 11pm or later. 
• Muze - cocktail bar, music venue, members club, work space, and media studio in the heart of Westlands. Go late and dance the night away!

• Sheldrick elephant orphanage - if you are NOT planning to visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in northern Kenya, then the Sheldrick elephant orphanage in Nairobi is the next best thing
• Giraffe centre - spend the morning feeding giraffes in Langata
• Karen Blixen museum - if you've read the book or watched the film "Out of Africa", don't miss a visit to the home of Karen Von Blixen
• Karura Forest - luscious forest in the northern suburbs of Nairobi. This is a great place to go walking in nature and experience life as a local. The Waterfall circuit is my preferred trail.
• Nairobi National Park - if you can't get enough of game drives, this park provides great opportunities for big game viewing. In particular, lion sightings here are plentiful!

• Nairobi is a great city to visit, but it can be hard to find the hidden gems that make it such a wonderful place to live.  
• If you want to go deeper into the various subcultures of Nairobi, we create half day and full day trips tailored to your area of interest, e.g. start ups, the green economy, social impact, art & design, fashion & textiles etc.
• Contact info@horizonaut.life for more information.