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.
If you are up for some fun on a Thursday evening, Havana is where to see and be seen – the Cuban restaurant and bar comes alive with the most cosmopolitan crowd that Kenya has to offer, live music and an electrifying ambiance. Now foodies can choose from the Central American greats with Mexican cuisine at Alcapulco or Japanese restaurants like Furisato both in Westlands. Blancos is creating however the most exciting and adventurous afro-fusion cuisine. They deserve a page of their own for us to do them justice and we strong recommend a visit.
Gigiri in Nairobi is home to the United Nations Environment Programme headquarters. Nearby, the Village Market, Kenya’s first open plan mall plays host to the Maasai Market. This is a world renowed market selling beautifully crafted tableware, accessories, fashion, interior design, and traditional ornaments. Village market is also home to Tribe displaying afro-chic interior design at its best – this five star hotel is truly unique.
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?
MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) are to be applauded for recognising the emergence of Kenyan music onto the world stage and is hosting the awards in Nairobi. This celebrates the Kenyan renaissance that is train, in music, design, fashion, art, cuisine – you name it. Nameless, STL, Amani and Wahu ( who won best female artist last year) are all amongst Kenya’s musicians who have received nominations for this year. So get your party shoes on and get ready to party to Kenyan music as well as celebrate music and artists from across Africa.
A true sign that Kenyan fashion has matured is the Kiko Romeo store at the trendy Yaya Center mall. The 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.
Nyaruita Gateri, the Chief Adventurer at Journey Kenya has traveled across Kenya for the last two decades and has compiled the most exhaustive guide using the Kenya map to show you the best places to enjoy Kenya culture, animals in Kenya, Kenya food and never forgetting the Kenya safari.
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