Luxury Travel to Nairobi made for you

Set between the Ngong Hills and Jamhuri Park, the Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel far removed from the bustle of the capital. Expect excellent service and delicious food in this all-inclusive establishment. Choose from one of 45 lofty rooms furnished in a classic style; vaulted ceilings and balconies are complemented by exposed timber, cotton drapes and neutral tones. The two, 240 square metre themed-suites improve upon this with well-appointed living rooms, study and dining areas, opening to large terraces. All rooms have views either of the rolling hotel lawns or the Ngong hills in the distance. Dining at The Brasserie, you can enjoy a contemporary European menu boasting some of the best steak in Kenya and a relaxed ambiance. Head to The Dining Room for a more formal atmosphere and modern cuisine of local providence.

The Emakoko occupies an enviable position on the edge of Nairobi National Park on the Kitengela plains, being a 30-minute drive from both of Nairobi’s airports yet in a wild environment. There are 10 open plan cottages all with elevated views over the national park, and all with their own private outside deck, fireplace and ensuite bathrooms. A communal lounge, bar and dining area is where guests come together to eat, relax and talk about the days game drives or excursions into the city. Along with the lodge’s good service and high standard, the added allure is the lodge’s convenience to both airports which you get to and from by driving through the national park, and is a game drive in itself.

Overlooking Nairobi National Park, Ololo Lodge is a welcoming hideaway in the African bush on the banks of the Mbagathi River, where guests are made to feel instantly at home. A beautifully restored colonial farmhouse lies at the centre of the lodge, where guests are invited to unwind with a glass of wine as they drink in the views. The 13 suites are spacious and luxuriously furnished, from the airy Terrace Room with its marble bathroom and private terrace, to the safari-style tented cottages. Or you could climb the spiral staircase to The Tower Room which boasts breath-taking views out over the park towards the Ngong Hills. Run by an Australian family, Ololo Lodge is all about relaxing and enjoying the comforts of home away from home. At The Kitchen at Ololo, home-style meals are simple and fresh, using seasonal produce from the lodge’s own gardens. The menu changes daily and guests can dine out on the vine-covered terrace or in the garden under the acacias. Keep a look out for lion, giraffe, leopard, rhino, hippo, zebra and buck on a personalised or group game drive in Nairobi National Park, or add a little extra magic with a visit to the nearby Elephant Orphanage or the Giraffe Centre.

Situated in an upmarket, peaceful and quiet residential area of Nairobi named after Karen Blixen, this property is ideal for travellers who need to spend a night in Nairobi pre- or post-safari. With only eleven uniquely designed en-suite rooms, based in 2.5 acres of green gardens, this city hotel offers a comfortable base from which to explore the city. You can venture out on your own to visit the Giraffe Centre, Daphine Sheldrick Orphanage or any one of the city’s many markets and museums including the famous Karen Blixen museum. The journey from the airport can be quite an adventure, with a real experience of the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city. Interestingly, the name of the house bears all the initials of the family who own and run this boutique hotel, in age order. The private home was originally built in the 1970s and was carefully refurbished over the course of nearly three years to make the property well suited for guests passing through the capital.

A nine-bedroom former family home, Eden is set on a four-acre property in the quiet suburb of Langata on the outskirts of Nairobi. The hotel borders the Giraffe Sanctuary forest, and the building has been transformed into a living museum and gallery space. Wander through the rooms and public spaces and you’ll find the original designers and builders Tonio and Anna Trzebinski’s own artworks and creations, as well as artefacts that they have collected from all over the continent over the years. Eden lends itself to longer stays, and there is even an artists residence that can be booked for seven nights. Time spent at Eden is all about enjoying a fully immersive cultural experience and it gives guests the opportunity to experience the modern side of Nairobi in a memorable way. Children under 12 are only allowed when making exclusive use of the main house or Tonio’s Studio Annex. The interiors in the eight rooms and cottage have all be carefully styled by renowned fashion designer Anna. The entire property is a journey of Kenyan art, style, culture and fashion. Exposed wood is complimented by bold, expressive colours and textiles. Dappled sunlight spills through windows onto inviting furniture, perfect for curling up with a boom from the owners’ collection. Enjoy lunch and dinner in the hotel’s stunning restaurant and bar area which overlooks the garden and pond. And spend time exploring the four acres of gardens which lead into a 100-acre forest which is perfect for guided nature walks. Eden is just a short drive from Giraffe Sanctuary and Giraffe Manor.

Karen Gables is a homely Cape Dutch style guesthouse in the green suburb of Karen (named after Karen Blixen whose old farm, now a museum, can be found close by). The home has seven rooms and suites, one of which is a twin, as well as communal lounges, bar and dining area. Outside, find a pleasant pool and lush gardens.