Welcome to the green city in the sun. The name Nairobi means ‘a place of cold waters’ in the Maasai language and is the capital city of Kenya (a country in East Africa). The city also prides itself on being the only one in the world with a national park! Other than that, Nairobi is the home capital of the world’s best athletes as well as one of the best places to have an African safari adventure experience. Weekly curio sales (Masai market) and vintage shopping (mitumba) are also a common sight where one can buy a great item at an unbeatable discount. Be sure to bring your persuasive tongue, as the better you negotiate, the better the deal. No doubt, Nairobi will excite all your senses.
When it comes to accommodation in the city, visitors will be spoiled for choice. Nairobi literally offers everything from 5 star accommodation to budget accommodation; as well as furnished apartments. Below are some of the factors you should consider when choosing accommodation in Nairobi:
Budget
By far the greatest guide to where to stay. As mentioned above, Nairobi offers everything from boutique hotels to budget bed and breakfast accommodation, as well as everything in between! The city has twelve 5* star hotels with prices ranging from USD 385 to USD 225 for a single room per night. Boutique hotels are high-end with prices ranging from $350-$750 per night for a single bed. 4-star hotels, on the other hand, range from $160 to $270 for single beds. Budget hotels and apartments cost much less depending on the expected length of stay.
It is important to choose wisely so that your experience is excellent. Be on the lookout for early bird discounts and special offers. Nairobi is generally abuzz with activity throughout the year and prices may vary depending on availability and season.
You can choose to book and pay for the hotels directly by contacting the hotel or alternatively, the best way would be to contact a travel agency as they have specialized reduced rates (usually cheaper than paying the hotels directly). They can also help you get the best lodging deals for your budget, saving you all the hassle of trying to identify a place to stay.
Proximity to the city center / airport
Choose a hotel/apartment that is easily accessible and allows for easier movement. One of the disappointments of Nairobi is the traffic, and as a guest one can be completely turned off by this. So it makes sense to be on the safe side and make sure that where you choose to stay is not prone to uncontrolled traffic and is easily accessible even on foot.
Traffic is heaviest between 7:30 and 9:00, between 12:00 and 14:00 and between 16:30 and 20:00; it is better to avoid traveling at that time. Alternatively, start your trip an hour early to avoid traffic. Currently, the expansion of all the main roads in the city will be a breath of fresh air for motorists, as it will reduce traffic.
Security
When choosing accommodation, make sure the area is safe. The area should also be well lit and always have a phone handy to call for help in an emergency. It is crucial to also interact with the locals, the hotel staff, among others. These people often offer great advice on how to make your Nairobi experience a great one.
Apart from that, Nairobi is quite cosmopolitan and the citizens are respectful towards people of different religions, races etc. All are welcome to our green city in the sun.
