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Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi

About Hemingways Nairobi

Opened in 2013, in the green suburb of Karen in southwest Nairobi, Hemingways Nairobi has the feel of a country ...

... house retreat, complete with a butler for each room, and has quickly established itself as one of the capital's best luxury hotels.

Although it is ornate and quite heavily styled, the sense of glitz at Hemingways is balanced by great attention to detail and thoughtful customer service. There's a strong sense here that the staff care about their guests. When you add in the very spacious, well-fitted rooms, nicely presented high-quality food and the assets of a good pool and a first-class treatment spa, the combination makes it one of Nairobi's best bases for a pampered, luxury stay.

Our view

Although it is ornate and quite heavily styled, the sense of glitz at Hemingways is balanced by great attention to detail and thoughtful customer service. There's a strong sense here that the staff care about their guests. When you add in the very spacious, well-fitted rooms, nicely presented high-quality food and the assets of a good pool and a first-class treatment spa, the combination makes it one of Nairobi's best bases for a pampered, luxury stay.

Lara Webster

Lara Webster

Kenya expert

Accommodation

45 rooms

Children

Best for 8+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Elephant encounter

Elephant encounter

Traveller reviews of Hemingways Nairobi

8 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


98%
8 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
7
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs PfromTeddington

Arrived 2 Feb 2023, 3 nights

"Hemingways Nairobi review"

"A first class hotel with excellent service, facilities and staff. …" Read Mr & Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

E&J fromEast Sussex

Arrived 16 Jan 2023, 2 nights

"Hemingways Nairobi review"

"This would always be our first choice if staying in or near Nairobi. …" Read E&J ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Pete & NancyfromStockton

Arrived 6 Feb 2022, 1 nights

"Hemingways Nairobi review"

"Beautiful place...room was spacious, comfortable..excellent restaurant. …" Read Pete & Nancy’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr BfromLondon

Arrived 13 Nov 2021, 1 nights

"A perfect start to our trip"

"We really enjoyed our short stay at Hemingways …" Read Mr B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms M.fromNew York

Arrived 9 Dec 2020, 1 nights

"Varying experiences, but would recommend"

"A good place to stop over in Nairobi...VERY happy with the food. …" Read Ms M.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs WfromWales

Arrived 20 Jul 2015, 1 nights

"Great hotel, fantastic room, good food"

"Only an overnight stay here en route to Tanzania but well worth the drive from …" Read Mr & Mrs W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs HfromSC. USA

Arrived 14 Sep 2014, 0 nights

"Hemingways Nairobi review"

"A proper ending for some dusty safari suvivors. Only had a day room but …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs SfromKansas

Arrived 13 Sep 2014, 0 nights

"Hemingways Nairobi review"

"Thid hotel was just as it was advertised; fabulous. We had lunch, a spa treatment, …" Read Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Hemingways Nairobi reviews

Hemingways Nairobi: Our full report

Opened in 2013, in the green suburb of Karen in southwest Nairobi, Hemingways Nairobi has the feel of a country ...

... house retreat, complete with a butler for each room, and has quickly established itself as one of the capital's best luxury hotels.

Hemingways Nairobi is part of the same small group that owns the long-established beach hotel Hemingways Watamu and the safari camp Hemingways Ol Seki Mara in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy.

You enter the hotel off the avenue of Mbagathi Ridge – one of Karen's most prestigious addresses – and drive onto the forecourt of a building that might at first glance have been lifted from a South Carolina plantation. The grand, double-storey entrance lobby is light and airy and you'll be quickly welcomed by passing staff. Through the back of the lobby there is a high-quality gift shop and lounge areas, dotted with potted palms; these are overhung by revolving fans and gentle swinging punkahs (ceiling paddles) to keep the air cool and the mood gentrified and rather retro. The basic colour scheme throughout is white and pistachio green. The main dining room is off to the left and all meals are served here, with guests either eating inside or on the verandah. Up a grand sweeping staircase is an area for “fine dining”, with a single dining table - the 'Chef's table' - which can accommodate up to eight diners. This leads onto a spacious bar with comfy leather armchairs and a balcony overlooking the lush gardens.

On the sunny, southwest-facing terrace behind the main central areas, a large fountain and water feature are surrounded by plenty of well shaded chairs and tables and no shortage of waiting staff to serve you drinks and snacks. The terrace has views down across landscaped lawns to a lake and woods at the bottom of the grounds. To the left, on the south side of the grounds, is the heated swimming pool, with access to the spa and gym area. Good-value day-room stays are possible at Hemingways, giving you access to all the same facilities.

To the right, the plot is flanked by the rooms – all of them large enough to be suites in most hotels – which descend in six staggered wings to the bottom of the grounds. Each wing has a theme – Kenya; rivers; explorers; leaders; safaris; and Hollywood – with rooms named and hung with pictures and ephemera accordingly: for example, William Holden and Meryl Streep in the Hollywood wing.

The 23 “executive rooms" on the first floor have vaulted ceilings, an area of 80m² each and a southwest-facing balcony. Those closer to the central areas of the hotel are higher up and therefore have the best views of the neighbouring polo stables and the Ngong Hills sunsets. The 20 slightly less expensive “deluxe rooms" on the ground floor are similar in nearly all respects, and also have an area of 80m², but don't have the same views or ceilings. In addition, there is a junior presidential and a presidential suite.

In every room, polished wood, pastel walls, large, mosquito-netted beds, plenty of pillows and cushions, and cut flowers all deliver a reassuring sense of comfort and style. Standout features of the rooms include: fans as well as air-conditioning; king-size beds (2.25m, 7ft 4in); large TV screens that rise from a chest when required; good-sized room safes containing 3-pin UK-style electric sockets for secure charging of laptops and phones; well lit walk-in wardrobes; and minibar fridges that include fresh milk for tea and coffee.

Beyond all the thoughtful touches is the discrete, permanent presence of a personal room butler whose role includes checking you in and out of the hotel; the option of unpacking and packing your luggage (and pressing anything that didn't survive the journey uncreased); waking you with tea or coffee; serving meals in your room if you'd like to take them there; and generally acting as an all-round personal assistant.

Geographics

Location
Nairobi, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
1 night-plus
Directions
You need to allow one hour for the transfer to/from Wilson Airport, and two hours to/from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). At night and at weekends you may be able to do these journeys in roughly half the time.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
The food at Hemingways is excellent. The first chef at the hotel, Barry Tonk, who has worked in Michelin-rated restaurants, installed a charcoal-fuelled Josper grill-oven, and the kitchen rapidly acquired a reputation for its superb beef, sourced from the Morendat farm at Naivasha, where the herd is 25 per cent Boran, 25 per cent Simmental and 50 per cent Angus.

We also really enjoyed the breakfast at Hemmingways. A spread of fruits, cereals, delicate pastries, cheese, ham and yoghurt precedes a full cooked breakfast and a range of hot dishes including roast potatoes and chicken wings.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor Dining
Drinks included
Drinks are extra, but not unreasonably priced.

Special interests

Luxury
Each of the southwest-facing rooms at Hemingways has its own balcony with striking views of Karen Blixen’s beloved Ngong Hills. Stylish cushions and cut flowers add a luxurious feel to the rooms and a private butler takes care of your individual needs, 24 hours a day.
See ideas for Luxury in Kenya

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome, but the atmoshere is predominantly adult. The hotel is open to the public for Sunday brunch and this occasion invites a family-friendly crowd.
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
High chairs and baby cots are available.
Generally recommended for children
Parents will feel more comfortable staying here if their children are well-behaved and getting towards their teens or older.

Communications

Power supply notes
There is 24 hour electricity and guests can charge all of their electrical equipment in their rooms.
Communications
Mobile phone signal is fine, and there's gppd wi-fi throughout the entire hotel.
TV & radio
There are large, flat-screen TVs in every room.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
Bottle water is provided.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
Good medical care is available within minutes of the hotel.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
Hemingways Nairobi is gated and fenced and has 24-hour security.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers dotted around the hotel and the staff are trained in how to use them.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Elephant encounter

    Elephant encounter

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Laundry is available at extra cost and an express service is available if necessary.
Money
There are electronic safes in all of the rooms.
Accepted payment on location
All major currencies and credit cards are accepted, including AMEX.

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Hemingways Nairobi's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Hemingways Nairobi.


Excursions from Hemingways Nairobi

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Hemingways Nairobi. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit

Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit

One hour, by pre-booking only

Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage for a close-up encounter with elephant orphans – and sometimes rhino orphans. You can visit during daily between 11:00 and 12:00, or make special arrangements for a private visit in the afternoon.

More about Elephant Orphans visit
96% (67 reviews)
Nairobi Giraffe Centre visit

Nairobi Giraffe Centre visit

One hour visit is generally recommended

Visit the AFEW Giraffe Centre for an eyeball-level encounter with gentle Rothschild giraffes. They visit this tree-level platform to be fed pellets.

More about Giraffe Centre visit
89% (46 reviews)
Safari in Nairobi National Park

Safari in Nairobi National Park

Half day - AM or PM, or full day

It is truly remarkable that the plains and woodland of Nairobi National Park, an area of around 70km² (some 17,000 acres) should exist in a near-natural state so close to the city that in any other conurbation they would just be suburbs.

More about Nairobi Nat. Park Safari
94% (20 reviews)

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Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages

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The Stanley

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No reviews yet
Tribe

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Acacia Camp

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When to go to Nairobi

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Hemingways Nairobi in Nairobi


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Kenya in January

Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling as water clarity is excellent and gets better as the dry season progresses. Most lodges and tented camps treat January after the New Year week is over, as mid-season, making it a good compromise in terms of value for money with reasonably reliable, dry weather and some greenery left in the landscape.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in January, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, January is the second driest month of the year
  • Elephants dig waterholes in the dry riverbed in the Samburu reserve.
  • Wildebeest and many antelope have their calving season, to February.
  • Migrant birds are seen in huge numbers, especially in the Rift Valley.
  • Sea water clarity around the coral reefs generally good.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

Kenya in February

With the short dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari. Good water clarity in the Indian Ocean's coastal waters makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in February, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, February is the driest month of the year.
  • It’s sometimes possible to swim with whale sharks at Diani Beach.
  • Migrant birds are still seen everywhere, especially near water.
  • This is usually peak calving season for wildebeest and many antelopes.
  • This month is often the hottest of the year, especially on the coast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Kenya in March

Hot, increasingly humid weather – with good diving and snorkelling conditions at the start of the month – gives way to rains and lower accommodation costs. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in March, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and predicting the seasons since the beginning of this century has been difficult.

March is the month when – traditionally – intensely hot conditions build up until a cloudburst finally happens at the end of the month or in early April, to relieve the humidity. As ever, regional variations across the country can greatly impact on visitors' experiences.

  • Sea-water clarity is best for diving before the long rains start.
  • Visitor numbers are low, though the Easter holidays can be busier.
  • Night skies can be scintillatingly clear in early March.
  • Cropped down savannah grasses can make it easier to see the wildlife.
  • Temperartures climb high, especially at lower elevations.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Kenya in April

April sees the full onset of the southeast monsoon wind or kusi, which heralds the long rains. Temperatures drop soon after the rains are established and you’ll often have facilities largely to yourself in this more affordable low season, sometimes known as the "green season". The bush quickly springs to life, with greenery sprouting almost before your eyes. While you're likely to get a fair number of heavy showers, the breaks in the rain can yield sparklingly clear conditions.

With the dust settled and bright sun piercing the clouds, conditions can be sublime for photography, especially first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon with another storm brewing. You may be lucky, or you may find conditions very wet and muddy.

  • A wet month, the coast often gets more than 300mm (12in) of rain.
  • Sunny spells can provide great light for photography.
  • Buffalo and zebra calving season often happens in this month.
  • Baby crocodiles hatch, for example on Central Island in Lake Turkana.
  • Palearctic migrant birds gather to fly north to breeding grounds.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Kenya in May

While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, between the cloudbursts the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in May, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and while it's reasonable to expect heavy rains in many parts during this month, especially on the coast, the rains don't always come evenly or in some areas come at all.

In an El Niño year, the so-called long rains that normally are established across much of the country by May can be meagre, to the despair of farmers. On the other hand in a La Niña year, the long rains can bring floods. On the coast, the monsoon winds make the climate much more predictable, with heavy rains common throughout this month.

  • Frogs breed in the ponds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu.
  • Wildebeest, impala and other grazers are in rut (the breeding season).
  • Kilimanjaro looks its best as heavy rain falls as snow on the summit.
  • There's a sharp peek of rainfall on the coast with many rainy days.
  • Accommodation prices are uniformly low, while some camps close.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Kenya in June

The rains give way to cloudy, cooler weather, often making for comfortable conditions by the end of the month, especially in the highlands. Starting from mid-June or the beginning of July and running until the end of October, this is the high season, and accordingly has higher accommodation rates and – at least until early September – higher numbers of visitors.

While the early part of June can often be rainy on the coast, it can be a great time to go on safari, with fresh greenery, many young animals and good photographic conditions with clear air.

  • The Taru Desert, inland from the coast, is carpeted with flowers.
  • The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani.
  • Madaraka Day (commemorating self rule) is 1 June.
  • The annual Lewa marathon runs a course through the wildlife.
  • The Diani Rules "sports" event rips up the rulebook at Diani Beach.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Kenya in July

Kenya’s “winter" season sets in (winter is a misnomer but locals feel the change), and the highlands can be rather grey. Skies are often cloudy and the days can be surprisingly cool, with an average daytime high in many highland safari areas of 15-20°C and night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in Nairobi and the highlands. Lower parts of the country and the coast are usually warm and dry, typically reaching highs of around 25°C with lows in the high teens.

As this is the start of the high season, coinciding with the usual arrival of the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July is a busy month. Ask your Expert Africa specialist to advise on how to avoid the crowds, which is not that difficult to do.

  • The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July.
  • Simbi Lake (Kisumu) and Crater Lake (Naivasha) can attract flamingoes.
  • Watersports start to pick up and some surfing is possible at Malindi.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are a common feature in the Maasai Mara.
  • The sea can be choppy along the coast, making diving difficult.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

Kenya in August

The Great Migration fills the plains of the Maasai Mara, and school’s out, so the park roads are full of tourists – ask your Expert Africa specialist for advice on crowd avoidance tactics. Choose a private conservancy rather than a public national park or national reserve for quieter conditions.

Like July, August is generally mild and relatively dry in the safari areas, but it can be very chilly in the highlands, even in the middle of the day, and hail occasionally falls above altitudes of around 2,400m (8,000ft). Nairobi can be disappointingly overcast, with low cloud.

  • Apart from Christmas holidays, this is the busiest month of the year.
  • Late August sees peak wildebeest drama at the Mara River crossings.
  • Coastal winds are good for kite- and wind-surfing.
  • Few mosquitoes are around at this generally dry time of year.
  • The annual Camel Derby takes place in the Samburu capital, Maralal.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

Kenya in September

The skies clearing of cloud signals the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain – and, after the first few days of the month, far fewer visitors – making the latter part of September a good time for a quieter safari. While early September is often good for dramatic migration crossings along the Mara River, you might consider deliberately postponing your trip until later in the month, when the migration can still be very impressive and visitor numbers fewer.

If tourist surges are somewhat predictable, however, the patterns of the wildebeest migration are more volatile, and like all of Expert Africa's climate and weather assessments, they are based on accumulated years of experience rather than guaranteed certainty.

  • This is still high season, with prices to match.
  • Many river crossings take place on the Mara river in both directions.
  • Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators.
  • The Rift Valley Music Festival takes place by Lake Naivasha.
  • With school holidays over by early September, late-month is quieter.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Kenya in October

Still hot, mostly dry and not too busy, this is many people’s preferred month for a safari, and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling. The wildebeest and zebra herds of the great migration are often still to be seen, though in dwindling numbers. The swamps of Amboseli attract thirsty wildlife including large herds of elephants.

While we wouldn't expect much rain across most of the country this month, the climate has become so unpredictable that you can never say never, and the possibiity of the short rains – usually associated with November to mid-December, starting early, can't be discounted.

  • This month sees the tail end of the great migration in the Mara.
  • Palearctic migrant birds start to arrive, staying until March.
  • Turtle nests hatch at Watamu, until November.
  • Amboseli elephants focus on the swamps for their daily water.
  • The Indian Ocean monsoon winds turn from southeast to northeast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Kenya in November

The northeast monsoon wind or kaskazi heralds the start of the “short rains", usually some time in the second half of the month. From November to mid-December, this is the low season, and accordingly has lower accommodation rates and lower visitor numbers. Across most of the country you can expect warm, somewhat cloudy weather, with occasional heavy showers and localised flooding.

Expert Africa bases its description of the climate in November, like the other months of the year, on the records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable: some years the short rains don't come at all, or don't reach every part of the country. In an El Niño year, the November short rains can be very heavy, but in a La Niña year, they can fail completely.

  • Swimming with dolphins in Lamu can be done from now until April.
  • Birders gather at Ngulia in Tsavo West to ring Palearctic migrants.
  • The Lamu Cultural Festival takes over the town and Lamu Creek.
  • Agricultural shows often take place regional market towns.
  • This is low season, so camps can be great value, with special offers.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Kenya in December

In a typical December, the rains usually finish by middle of the month, leaving the landscape looking its best, under clear blue skies, and heralding the start of the second peak tourist season from around 20 December to the first week of January. Our assessment of the likely weather in December, like the other months of the year, is based on climate records, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

Christmas can sometimes be wet, but most years the rains have finished a week or two earlier, with the festive season ushering in the perfect combination of clear skies and sunshine by day and starry nights.

  • Christmas and New Year are busy, with the lodges and camps full.
  • Rates are highest after 24 Dec, with supplements on public holidays.
  • Republic Day and Independence day are celebrated on 12 December.
  • Good kite- and wind-surfing restarts, with strong northeasterly winds.
  • Mango season begins, providing excitement for primates and elephants.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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